Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has benefited from waiting to reveal where he stands as the swing vote in a chamber closely divided between Democrats and Republicans.

He’s taken the same approach when it comes to the next phase of his political career: The moderate Democrat has teased possible retirement, a run for reelection to the Senate or even a presidential campaign in 2024 — possibly as an independent candidate.

During a multi-day trip to West Virginia’s capital this week, the 76-year-old expressed growing frustration with the polarized U.S. two-party system.

  • Semi-Hemi-Demigod@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    I’m looking forward to all these independent runs splitting the conservative vote and giving Biden an easy re-election.

    • Everythingispenguins@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      That only works if they run to the right Manchin would run as center right. This could really be an upset. Remember that the election will be decided by just 10/20 thousand people in a few States. Where you will see a one or two percent difference in the Republican and Democrat votes. Peeling off a few thousand votes from either candidate could be a real upset. Don’t lie to yourself this will be just as close as the last probably closer.

      • Semi-Hemi-Demigod@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        the election will be decided by just 10/20 thousand people in a few States

        I love how we both know this and yet still consider the US government to be legitimate.