Manchin Smears Trump Like Never Before
Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made it clear on Sunday that he would not throw his support behind former President Donald Trump, despite expressing concerns about leadership within his own party.
During a candid discussion on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” Manchin stressed the significance of constructive criticism. He asserted, “Allow me to be crystal clear: my love for my country is too profound to cast my vote for Donald Trump. I cherish my country too much, and I believe it would be highly detrimental.” This statement was in response to questions about Manchin’s critique of President Biden.
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential race, Manchin suggested that his position might evolve by the time Super Tuesday arrives. He expressed curiosity about whether there might be an opening for a third-party candidate to enter the race. “We’ll find out; you’ll just have to see what’s happening,” Manchin commented. “If there’s a movement for a third party, which I believe you’re asking about, can that movement make a difference?”
While maintaining that he would not play the role of a spoiler, Manchin acknowledged the public’s desire for alternatives and change. He suggested that the political landscape might undergo a transformation, stating, “I won’t be a spoiler; I never have been and never will be. But people desire options or change. We have to wait and see what unfolds, and by then, I believe things will hopefully resolve themselves.”
When questioned about the possibility of his own presidential bid, Manchin did not definitively rule it out. He expressed a commitment to doing everything in his power to contribute to the well-being of his country. “I’ll do everything I can to save my country, and I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll assist and support anyone I believe can best help this country,” Manchin affirmed. He advocated for a return to a common-sense, sensible middle ground, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the political spectrum. According to Manchin, effective governance cannot be achieved from the extremes but rather requires cooperation between center-left and center-right perspectives.