Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) stated on Monday that he has no interest in serving as Vice President Harris’s running mate, emphasizing the need for a “new generation” following President Biden’s exit from the 2024 race.
When questioned on “CNN This Morning” about potentially running as VP with Harris, whom Biden endorsed to replace him, Manchin replied, “No, I’m not.” “It’s a new generation, you don’t want a 76-year-old vice president right now,” he explained.
CNN anchor Kasie Hunt then inquired whether the country desires a 76-year-old president, referencing reports of Manchin’s contemplation of rejoining the Democratic Party to challenge Harris for the nomination.
Harris on Sunday declared her intention to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination
“Well, if he feels like he’s 50 maybe,” Manchin joked. “I haven’t worked with Kamala at all,” he later mentioned. Manchin, a long-time Democrat, transitioned to an independent in May and considered a primary run against Biden but eventually decided against it. He is not seeking reelection in the Senate this November.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race concludes a 50-year political career and follows a challenging few weeks after a poor debate performance against former President Trump last month.
The president has faced mounting pressure from various Democrats to step down over concerns about his capacity to defeat Trump and effectively serve a second term after the debate.
At 81, Biden is the oldest sitting U.S. president and has been frequently criticized for his age and fitness for office. Up until Sunday, Biden and his campaign had asserted his intention to remain in the race despite increasing calls to step aside. The president announced he will address the nation later this week regarding his decision to withdraw.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while I have intended to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media.
Hours before the letter’s release, Manchin became the fifth senator to urge Biden to exit the presidential race. “I decided with a heavy heart that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
“I want him [Biden] to be the president in the last five months … of his term, to do what he can do is unite our country, to calm down the rhetoric and be able to focus attention to peace in the world,” the senator added.
Harris on Sunday declared her intention to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination following Biden’s announcement and endorsement. “We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win,” Harris said in a statement.
