Joe Manchin, the outgoing Senator from West Virginia, is preparing to leave Congress after nearly 15 years, having recently distanced himself from the Democratic Party by registering as an independent. In a recent interview, Manchin referred to the Democratic Party as “toxic,” attributing his departure to the party’s shift toward progressive ideologies. He criticized the Democratic brand for becoming overly prescriptive, with progressives imposing rules on how people should live their lives, which he believes has alienated many Americans. He also expressed that the current Democratic Party no longer aligns with the values he once supported.
Manchin specifically pointed to progressives within the party as having too much influence, arguing that their focus on social issues, such as transgender rights, overshadowed more practical concerns like economic stability. He lamented that the party had moved away from the kitchen-table issues that originally attracted him to the Democratic Party, such as good jobs and fair wages. Manchin also blamed both the Democrats and Republicans for not taking responsibility for the country’s growing national debt, criticizing both parties for their extreme positions on issues like gun control.
While he criticized the Democrats for being too restrictive, Manchin also found fault with Republicans, claiming they were too permissive on issues such as gun ownership. He advocated for a balanced approach, where responsibility is emphasized, but freedoms are not unduly restricted. His frustration with both parties has led him to explore the possibility of a third party, which he believes could represent the centrist voters who he feels are often overlooked by both major political parties.
Joe Manchin Criticizes Both Parties as He Prepares to Leave Congress
Manchin also weighed in on the 2024 election and the current political divide, reflecting on the failure of Vice President Kamala Harris to appeal to moderate voters. He suggested that Harris’ inability to position herself as a centrist candidate contributed to the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in the election. He expressed frustration with the lack of a moderate voice in the political system, stressing that centrist voters ultimately decide the outcome of elections but are often left without a voice in governance.
Although Manchin briefly considered running for president earlier this year, he ultimately decided against it, citing the difficulty of securing a place on the ballot in all 50 states. Despite this, he remained optimistic about the potential for a centrist movement, suggesting that a third party, which he proposed to call the “American Party,” could provide a platform for moderate Democrats and Republicans. However, Manchin made it clear that he would not seek to lead such a party, preferring instead to support it from the sidelines.
As he reflects on his time in office, Manchin has no regrets about his political career. He expressed that it has been an honor to serve the people of West Virginia and the country, despite his criticism of the current state of Congress. He also noted his lack of enthusiasm for returning to the Senate, stating that he found it to be a frustrating environment. However, he was more sympathetic toward the House of Representatives, which he described as even more dysfunctional than the Senate.
