Biden insiders dismiss Manchin’s potential presidential bid
Top Democrats Unfazed by Potential Presidential Run from Sen. Joe Manchin
Speculation about a potential presidential run from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has dominated the media landscape, but top Democrats and allies of President Joe Biden are not expressing concern. Despite warnings from some Democratic lawmakers, a number of senior Democratic officials and operatives familiar with Biden’s reelection campaign strategy believe that Manchin running would not harm Biden’s chances of defeating former President Donald Trump in the 2024 general election.
Manchin, who recently announced he would not seek reelection to the Senate, has been a consistent legislative foil to the president. He is associated with No Labels, a group advocating for a bipartisan presidential ticket. Some have suggested that a unity ticket featuring Manchin and Republicans like former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan or Sen. Mitt Romney could appeal to Republicans disenchanted with Trump.
However, Democratic campaign veterans argue that a Manchin unity ticket would resonate more with Republicans than with Democratic voters. They point to Manchin’s positions on fossil fuels and abortion access, which align him more closely with extreme MAGA Republicans than with national Democrats. Democrats have consistently highlighted abortion as a key motivator for their base, and there is evidence from recent elections to support this claim.
While Manchin initially expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights, he opposed subsequent congressional attempts to codify Roe v. Wade into law. He co-sponsored a resolution to block the Biden administration’s abortion policy at the Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining existing protections against federal funding for abortions.
Democratic strategists also suggest that Manchin may ultimately decide against running due to concerns about opposition research on his financial and business ties. They believe that his vulnerabilities would be exposed, particularly given his background in a small state.
Despite his disagreements with Biden and his interest in running, there is a belief among Democrats that Manchin would not launch a campaign if it could potentially benefit Trump at Biden’s expense. Manchin and Biden have a longstanding relationship, and Manchin has previously stated that a Trump victory in 2024 would “end democracy as we know it.”
Biden is already facing pressure from other independent candidates, as well as a Democratic challenge from Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN).
What concerns do some Democrats have about Joe Manchin’s moderate positions and their impact on the party’s base and chances of defeating Donald Trump in a general election
Ator in the Democratic Party, often taking more moderate positions than some of his progressive colleagues. His stance on issues such as gun control and the filibuster has drawn criticism from the left, but has also earned him support from more centrist voters.
Despite this, Manchin’s potential presidential run has not been met with trepidation from top Democrats. Many believe that his candidacy could actually be beneficial for the party and Biden’s reelection campaign. They argue that Manchin’s moderate positions and ability to appeal to centrist voters could help bridge the gap between the progressive and moderate factions within the party.
Furthermore, Manchin’s reputation as a bipartisan legislator could be an asset in a general election against a polarizing figure like Donald Trump. His ability to work across the aisle and find common ground could attract independent voters and those disillusioned with the current political climate.
In addition, Manchin’s popularity in his home state of West Virginia could present an opportunity for Democrats to make inroads in a traditionally Republican stronghold. While winning West Virginia in a presidential election may still be a long shot for the party, Manchin’s presence on the ticket could energize Democratic voters and potentially narrow the margin of victory for the Republican candidate.
However, not everyone within the Democratic Party is convinced of Manchin’s viability as a presidential candidate. Some lawmakers worry that his moderate positions may alienate the progressive base and dampen enthusiasm among Democratic voters. They argue that the party needs a candidate who can champion bold, progressive policies and energize the base in order to defeat Trump in the general election.
Nevertheless, top Democrats and allies of President Biden remain unfazed by these concerns. They believe that Manchin’s potential run could bring much-needed unity to a party that has been divided in recent years. By bridging the gap between progressives and moderates, Manchin could help build a broad coalition of voters that can secure a victory for the Democratic Party in 2024.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to run for president will rest with Joe Manchin himself. As he weighs his options and assesses the political landscape, it remains to be seen whether his potential candidacy will materialize. However, one thing is clear: top Democrats and allies of President Biden are not expressing concern about Manchin’s potential presidential run. They see his candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen the Democratic Party and increase their chances of defeating Donald Trump in 2024.
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