![shutterstock_2361937955](https://republicandaily.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/shutterstock_2361937955-696x464.jpg)
(RepublicanDaily.org) – Senator Joe Manchin, who not too long ago renounced his membership in the Democratic Party and declared himself an Independent, was reportedly considering rejoining the ranks of liberals in government in an apparent bid to put himself forward as a prospective presidential nominee. However, the long-time senator has since quelled those rumors, stating that he will likely not be challenging Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Manchin originally considering getting back in the race came on the heels of President Joe Biden’s bombshell announcement that he would be stepping down from his re-election campaign and ostensibly concentrate on finishing the remainder of his term well. Biden – along with his allies in the left – had earlier repeatedly insisted that he was capable of working for another four years in the White House, despite repeated gaffes, as well as his disastrous performance during his last debate with the now Republican presidential nominee and former president, Donald Trump.
Manchin, who despite his shift to become an Independent, would still generally caucus with the Democrats, but has been one of the more prominent voices that called for Biden to relinquish his standard-bearer role before the president decided to finally step aside.
“The time has come for him [Biden] to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin said.
Sought for further comment, however, Manchin said that he will not be running for president, but instead called for Democrats to hold a “mini primary” of sorts, while also voicing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the best candidate to take over the role of the Democrats’ front runner, but nothing is set in stone until the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled to be held in Chicago on August 19. At the earliest, Harris secures enough support from delegates, she could be nominated as soon as August 1, which is when the Democrats are set to hold their virtual roll call. The vice president has been endorsed by several prominent Democrats, but as of press time has yet to secure the required number of commitments for a nomination.
Copyright 2024, RepublicanDaily.org