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Senator Joe Manchin shook up Washington this weekend with a hint about a potential third-party run for the presidency. During the Gridiron Club’s winter dinner on Saturday, Manchin playfully suggested that the nation might benefit from a leader who is a little younger than the current contenders.
“With all due respect, the president is 81 years old. Donald Trump is 77,” said Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who announced last month he would not run for reelection in 2024. “I truly believe the American people are ready to pass the torch to a new generation, somebody younger. I’d say maybe someone close to 76 that doesn’t look a day over 70.”
It’s worth noting that the retiring lawmaker is 76 himself.
Manchin had previously expressed interest in a potential White House run, stating in a November NBC “Meet the Press” interview that he would “absolutely” consider a presidential run. This has led to concerns from some Democrats that a centrist, independent run by Manchin could split Biden’s support and open the door for Trump to win a second term.
The annual dinner in Washington of the Gridiron Club and Foundation, which traces its history to 1885, features songs and speeches from Democrats, Republicans and journalists that are expected to “singe” but “not burn” the capital’s political elite.
In his remarks, Manchin also poked fun at the notion he could be a spoiler if he decides to run.
“I’ve heard it all. You all heard it all,” Manchin said. “Most of you probably told me. They say that my running would throw the election to Trump. Others say my running might help Biden. Hell, I’m trying to find out how it would help me.”
Manchin also used humor to offer a defense of the political organization No Labels, a group with which Manchin has long ties and is weighing running a third-party slate for the White House. Supporters of Manchin and another retiring senator, Republican Mitt Romney of Utah, have launched an effort to encourage the pair to seek the No Labels’ nomination.
“You’d think that No Labels is the cause of every problem that we have in Washington,” Manchin said. “How did you end up with so many classified documents in Mar-a-Lago? It was No Labels.”
Check out the latest news from The Washington Times, LLC for the Republican response at the dinner given by Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Click here to read more!