Joe Manchin: Biden Not the Centrist We Elected

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is expressing concerns about President Joe Biden’s shift to the extreme left since his election in 2020. Speaking recently with CNN’s “The Source,” he asserted that the president is “not the person we thought” he was when he was elected, emphasizing that he had been pushed too far to the left from his initial centrist and moderate positioning.

Criticizing former President Donald Trump and highlighting the need for a Democrat candidate to beat him to the race, he said of Biden, “He’s been pushed so far to the left. So, if we have this movement in the middle, maybe we can pull people back to a commonsense middle to where they can go.”

Manchin went on to express his concerns about the consequences of extreme ideologies, stating that running a country or a successful business from the extremes is not feasible. He pointed to challenges such as the illegal immigration issue and rising crime rates that the nation currently faces.

Additionally, he acknowledged the international challenges of supporting allies like Israel and Ukraine without getting drawn into conflicts.

He further commended Biden’s international efforts, particularly with NATO allies, but stressed the need to address domestic issues urgently, including securing the borders and ensuring that those who come to the country have work visas to contribute to the economy rather than relying on and exploiting the system.

This interview comes amid speculations regarding Manchin’s interest in a presidential bid.

Don't be fooled. Joe Manchin is leaving the Senate so that he can run for President with No Labels as a third-party spoiler to President Biden.pic.twitter.com/aTTzVOaNvW https://t.co/LtJCmpbXwC

— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) November 10, 2023

In a separate interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Wednesday, he said he would “absolutely” consider a run, owing it up to a willingness to “do anything” to help the country.

In his words, “I will do anything I can to help my country, and you’re saying, ‘Does that mean you would consider it?’ Absolutely.”

“Every American should consider it if they’re in a position to help save the country,” added the senator who has argued that Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris are not the most suitable candidates for the Democratic Party to put up against Trump.

While he hasn’t set a specific deadline for making this decision, he hinted at considering it around Super Tuesday, scheduled for March 5, to assess whether he has a significant following.