Sen. Manchin calls for competitive Democratic nomination process: 'I want the middle to have a voice'
Sen. Manchin also called for a 'mini-primary' during an interview on CBS News
Sen. Joe Manchin, an Independent from West Virginia, advocated for a competitive Democratic nomination process on Monday, expressing his desire for centrist voters to have a voice in the upcoming election. In an interview with CNN's Kasie Hunt, Manchin stated, "I want the middle to have a voice... I don't live my life in extremes, why do I have to choose between two parties that have taken extreme positions?" He suggested that a nomination process would allow voters to feel included and ensure that the chosen candidate represents the center of the country. Manchin's comments come as President Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement.
Manchin argued that many potential running mates for Harris have not undergone a thorough "process" and that their positions are unclear to the country. He emphasized the growing number of Independent voters, currently at 51%, compared to 23% registered Democrats and 25% registered Republicans. Manchin, himself an Independent, questioned how parties can win back voters like him and capture the middle ground. He proposed a "mini-primary" as a solution, telling "CBS Mornings" that he was not interested in running himself but wanted to represent the middle of the country.
When asked if he would consider being Harris' vice president, Manchin promptly declined. He emphasized the need for debates and discussions, highlighting that there is ample time for a thorough nomination process. President Biden, in a public letter posted on Sunday, announced his decision to step down and focus on his presidential duties, acknowledging that it was in the best interests of his party and the country. Biden expressed his pride in his accomplishments and promised to share more thoughts on his decision later in the week.
Manchin argued that many potential running mates for Harris have not undergone a thorough "process" and that their positions are unclear to the country. He emphasized the growing number of Independent voters, currently at 51%, compared to 23% registered Democrats and 25% registered Republicans. Manchin, himself an Independent, questioned how parties can win back voters like him and capture the middle ground. He proposed a "mini-primary" as a solution, telling "CBS Mornings" that he was not interested in running himself but wanted to represent the middle of the country.
When asked if he would consider being Harris' vice president, Manchin promptly declined. He emphasized the need for debates and discussions, highlighting that there is ample time for a thorough nomination process. President Biden, in a public letter posted on Sunday, announced his decision to step down and focus on his presidential duties, acknowledging that it was in the best interests of his party and the country. Biden expressed his pride in his accomplishments and promised to share more thoughts on his decision later in the week.