Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., announced that he has left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent. He has until August 1 to declare his candidacy for a statewide office, such as governor, if he chooses to run.
Straight Arrow News recently spoke with Manchin regarding a local news report stating that Republicans in West Virginia are recruiting him to run for governor. He expressed his entire support for Democratic nominee Steve Williams, but added, “Well, anything can happen.”
Ray Bogan, a political correspondent, questioned Manchin if changing his registration meant “anything” today.
The following interview was minimally altered for clarity.
Joe Manchin: No, no, no, I am backing Steve Williams. I think he’s a fine man; he’s demonstrated that he can do the job, he works hard, and he’s made significant changes in Huntington. I think West Virginia voters would look at the quality of the person he is. With that said, you never let any type of, if you think maybe, anything could happen, we don’t know, in a toxic political world that we live in, anything can happen.
So I’ve wanted to do this for a very long time. I believe people are aware that I have always been independent. Now, officially changing to no party affiliation is finally happening as I transition into my private life in January. It demonstrates that I didn’t wait until I got out of here before making a change. I want to make a difference right now and continue working to bring people together throughout the next six months. That’s what it’s about.
Raymond Bogan: What is the most essential thing you can do as an independent that you also do as a Democrat?
Joe Manchin: As an independent, you can be an honest broker for both parties. The brand is so poisonous in Washington and across America that you can only be a D or an R. If you are a D, you are expected to despise Rs. If you are an R, you are expected to despise Ds. I don’t hate anyone. I cooperate with both sides. However, if you still identify with one brand or another, such as a R or a D, people will look at you through rose-colored glasses. Oh, you’re talking a fine game, but do you truly believe it?
They understand that I am serious about independence, which is doing what is best for the country and putting the country before of party. That is what we need to get back to. Younger generations must now take the initiative to defend our identity. The rule of law is under attack. The qualifications and genuineness of each agency โ if you don’t like it because it’s not in your political wheelhouse, they pursue and attack you. We witnessed something like this with Dr. Fauci yesterday. It has come to an end. People have to declare, “Enough.”
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