In a speech, Manchin stated, "I will not be seeking a third-party run. I will not be involved in a presidential run." He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the country elects a president who possesses the necessary knowledge, passion, and ability to unite the nation.
While Manchin acknowledged that a third-party candidacy could be viable in the future, he deemed it "very challenging" for this year's election. He expressed his reluctance to be a "deal-breaker" or a "spoiler" and emphasized the critical state of democracy at present. "We're on a real teetering situation here that could go either way. Democracy is at stake right now," Manchin warned.
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The 76-year-old senator had previously announced in November that he would not seek re-election to his Senate seat this year, fueling speculation that he might pursue a White House bid as an independent or third-party candidate. Democrats were concerned that Manchin's candidacy would siphon votes away from President Joe Biden and potentially bolster former President Donald Trump, who is currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination.
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Manchin's decision not to run for President comes as a relief to many Democrats who feared that his entry into the race could have significant implications for the outcome of the election. With Manchin out of the picture, the focus now shifts to other potential candidates who will vie for the presidency in 2024.
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