The Democratic senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, has been dropping hints for months that he may run for president as a third party candidate after the 2024 primaries. The possible run might be facilitated by the efforts of No Labels, a non-partisan group that the West Virginia senator co-founded, which has been pushing to be included on the ballots in every state. After the major parties’ nominees have been announced, Manchin argues that Americans will likely want other choices; No Labels could appeal to people on both sides of the aisle who desire a change in the White House.
Manchin claims that the outcome of Super Tuesday will reveal the most. He has hinted at a potential run in the event that the polls once again narrow to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Although his seat in West Virginia is up for election this year, the centrist senator has decided not to run for reelection.
An alternative moderate to a rematch between Trump and Biden, the “unity ticket” is being advocated for by No Labels in the hopes that it will unite the country and put an end to partisan bickering. Claiming to be more of a nonprofit social welfare organization than a political party, it works to unite conservatives and liberals. Despite claims in the group’s FAQ that it has not yet decided on a 2024 ticket, the Associated Press notes that Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) has been encouraged to run with Manchin.
Because No Labels would give centrists an option, Manchin argues, they would be more likely to vote than not, and his candidacy would actually boost the final tally. Approximately 75% of independents, 55% of Republicans, and 65% of Democrats desire better options than what is now available, according to the research.
The addition of a third-party candidate, especially a moderate one, may provide Trump’s campaign with the extra boost it needs to secure a victory in 2024. There is a widespread belief among Democrats that Manchin could easily assist Trump in his reelection campaign, similar to how Green Party nominee Jill Stein assisted the MAGA leader in his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton.
