Manchin Refuses to Identify as a Democrat in Television Interview

Fox News Sen. Joe Manchin (D. W.Va.), stated that he identified as an American.

Joe Manchin, a West Virginia senator refused to state whether he was still a Democrat on Sunday. This is a sign that the moderate self-described liberal is positioning himself for a reelection campaign in 2024.

“I identify as an American,” Manchin Telled Fox News was asked about his party affiliation. “I’m an American through and through.”

He dodged questions about possible reelection bids, and stated that he was worried about how “we bring this country together.”

“How do we make it work? How do we make Democrats, Republicans become Americans again, and not just party affiliates,” Manchin stated.

Manchin’s reluctance as a Democrat to identify himself comes as the senator faces a potentially difficult reelection fight in 2024. In 2020, West Virginia voted in favor of Donald Trump by 39 points. Former Democrat, Governor Jim Justice, has teased a possible run for the Senate seat. His announcement was made last week. “real soon” And has Telled Reporters say he is optimistic about his chances.

Justice’s approval rating in West Virginia, 64 percent, stands at 24 points higher Manchin’s.

Manchin’s comments also come just months after Sen. Kyrsten Silena (Ariz.). Left The Democratic Party, Register as an Independent

Although Manchin presented himself as a moderate senator, he was criticised for voting to pass the Inflation Reduction Act of the Biden administration, which primarily funds left-wing environmental projects.

Democrats are facing a challenging 2024 Senate map and will need to defend 23 of the 11 seats they hold. Democrats Jon Tester & Sherrod brown Face Uphill battles in Montana, Ohio, and other states that are likely to go red in the presidential election.

Democrats must also defend Seats States that elected President Joe Biden with small margins were Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin.