Should Joe Manchin Leave the Democratic Party and Run as an Independent in 2024?

It's a question that has been echoing through political circles: should Joe Manchin leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent in the 2024 presidential election?

The Argument For an Independent Bid

The idea of Joe Manchin potentially running as an independent has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that his departure from the Democratic Party would be beneficial for both him and the country. It’s a hypothesis often echoed in discussions, particularly given his divergent views within the party. For instance, one commentator suggests, “Mr Manchin should go home and take his Insider Trading Millions with him while sitting the Hell down and shutting the Hell up…”

The Need for Unity and Strong Leadership

Opponents of this stance argue that staying in the Democratic Party and running as a Democrat would be more advantageous. They contend that the country needs at least another term of a strong Biden administration to restore stability and progress. For example, another viewpoint posits, “Yes. Manchin should run. He will suck more voters from the republican candidate than from Biden. Perfect. The country needs at least another term of an even stronger Biden administration to get the country firmly back on its feet.”

Cross-Party Qualities and Compromise

In a third perspective, some believe that running as an independent would be ideal because Joe Manchin combines qualities from both parties. It is argued that he would be a decent compromise candidate, as he holds many Republican qualities and could potentially bring new perspectives to the Democratic Party. One such opinion is, “I would like to see him run. He is officially a Democrat but has many Republicans qualities and would be a decent compromise. He would have to run as an independent but I think that kills his chances of being elected.”

The Optimal Choice Considering Age and Public Perception

However, citing Joe Manchin's age and public perception about political leadership, another view suggests he should stay in the Democratic Party. At 75 years old, Manchin's age alone is a significant consideration. It's noted, “Joe Manchin is 75 yrs old. If Biden is considered too old and Trump is considered too old by many among other things then Manchin will surely run into the same wall.”

The Partisan Divide and Trojan Horse Allegations

The internal political dynamics of the Democratic Party further complicate this decision. Critics often point to Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema as “the two drama queens of the Democratic Party.” It is suggested that their staying in the party could be problematic. As one commentator puts it, “I sincerely hope the 2024 Election Cycle gets rid of them both. Joe Manchin and Sinema who is supposedly Independent now are what is wrong with the Democratic Party. Trojan horses who infiltrate the party on behalf of big money interests and being a pain in the arse.”

The Likely Motivations Behind an Independent Move

Breaking down the potential reasons for an independent run, it’s speculated that Joe Manchin’s intended goal might be different. It’s suggested that he does not genuinely intend to run as an independent, but rather uses the idea as leverage. This speculation is based on the assumption that he is aware of the impracticality of winning such a campaign. As one commentator observes, “I doubt Manchin ever intended to run as an independent. He’s smart enough to know he couldn’t win. More likely he would get that idea out there and “threaten” Republican voters and grassroots activists to gather support.”

Ultimately, the decision for Joe Manchin to run as an independent or remain within the Democratic Party hinges on a myriad of factors, including his personal ambitions, public perception, and the current dynamics of American politics.