While many view Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, there is speculation about a potential challenge from West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. Sources close to Manchin indicate that he is considering entering the race, despite previously choosing not to run against President Joe Biden or seek another term in the Senate, which he is set to leave in 2025.
Earlier on Sunday, Manchin publicly urged President Biden to step aside, reflecting a belief that it is time for a new generation of leadership. Manchin emphasized that Biden should focus on uniting the country and fostering peace during the final months of his presidency while acknowledging Biden’s significant contributions and patriotic legacy.
Kamala Harris
Following mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party and key donors, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday afternoon. This decision came amid calls for a fresh face to lead the party into the next election cycle, with many prominent Democrats, including Biden himself, endorsing Kamala Harris as the preferred successor.
Manchin, who has been a reliable ally to Biden, voted in alignment with Biden’s positions nearly 88% of the time as of early 2023. However, he has recently shifted his political stance by registering as an Independent and is contemplating re-registering as a Democrat. He has also highlighted potential candidates such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as possible contenders.
Despite the current endorsement of Harris by many in the party, not all Democratic leaders are on board. Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett and New York Mayor Eric Adams have expressed support for an open process in selecting the nominee. They argue that the decision should be made with input from voters and not rushed, allowing for a broader discussion about the best candidate to represent the party.
