In a recent interview with CNN, Manchin confirmed that he and Schumer have discussed this potential scenario. However, he characterized it as "a long, long, long-shot scenario" that he does not foresee materializing. "Chuck and I have conversations about everything," Manchin said, emphasizing the broad scope of their discussions.
Despite his skepticism, Manchin did not entirely dismiss the idea, stating, "I don’t know if anything in Washington, D.C., is 100 percent." This comment suggests a degree of uncertainty about the political landscape in the nation's capital.
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According to CNN, the most plausible scenario that could prompt an independent run from Manchin would be if Don Blankenship were to secure the Democratic primary. Blankenship, a businessman, was convicted in 2015 for conspiring to violate federal safety standards at a coal mine where a 2010 explosion resulted in the death of 29 people. He served a year in federal prison. Blankenship's current bid for the Democratic nomination has ruffled feathers within the state party leadership, particularly given his unsuccessful campaign against Manchin in 2018 as a Republican.
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Manchin acknowledged the potential implications of a race between Blankenship and GOP frontrunner Gov. Jim Justice. "I understand the scenario," he told CNN. "I want my state to be represented properly for someone who has a passion for our state. So we just have to see what unfolds. Really—after the primary … it’ll tell you a lot more."
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March 16, 2024
Manchin has until August 1 to finalize his decision.
In November, Manchin announced that he would not seek reelection to the Senate this fall, sparking rumors of a potential third-party presidential run with the centrist group No Labels. However, he dispelled these rumors last month, stating that he will not pursue the presidency but will instead focus on a group called Americans Together, which advocates for moderate politics.
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