'Empty move:' Internet unimpressed as West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin quits Democratic party and files as an Independent

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, 76, a conservative Democrat, officially filed as an Independent on Friday, May 31, a day after Donald Trump's guilty verdict was announced, leaving the lifelong party affilation. 

Manchin accused Republicans and Democrats of "partisan extremism" which he said was jeopardizing the democracy and that neither was compromising in finding "common ground."

Senator Joe Manchin says he has no party affiliation now

Manchin stated his commitment to bring country together led him to file as an Independent without any party affiliation. 

“My commitment to do everything I can to bring out country together has led me to register as an Independent with no party affiliation,” Manchin wrote on X.

However, according to an aide, Manchin will remain a member of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Manchin, who served as a West Virginia governor from 2005 to 2010, announced in November that he won't run for a reelection after running in Senate since 2010, according to The Hill. 

"From my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing what's best for my state and my country, without regard to party or politics," Manchin said in a statement. 

"Throughout my days in elected office, I have always been proud of my commitment to common sense, bipartisanship and my desire to bring people together. It's who I am. It's who I will always be. I have never seen America through a partisan lens," he added.

Senator Joe Manchin says he is focused on doing what's 'best for my state and my country'

Manchin filing as an Independent in a heavily Republican state could leave doors open for a gubernatorial bid, noted CBS News. 

The publication, citing West Virginia law, states that an Independent candidate must register as an Independent 60 days before the August 1 filing deadline or by June 2. 

Manchin said that since he became a United senator in year 2010, he has seen "both the Democrat and Republican parties leave West Virginia and our country behind for partisan extremism while jeopardizing our democracy."

"Today, our national politics are broken and neither party is willing to compromise to find common ground," he lamented.

"To stay true to myself and remain committed to put country before party, I have decided to register as an independent with no party affiliation and continue to fight for America's sensible majority," Manchin concluded.

Internet reacts to Joe Manchin leaving Democrat party 

Internet apparently didn't seem impressed with his decision. Even as some suggested, it was a good begining while a few suggested he will either vote for Trump or Biden. 

"Walking away from the Democrat party is one thing... But if you still caucus with them, it's an empty move," criticized one on X.

"Walking away from Democrats is the best thing you can ever do for yourself," wrote another. 

"I'll care as soon as you break a tie in favor of republicans," wrote another. "Literally no one fucking cares, Joe," one X user posted. 

One accused him of rearranging deck chairs to keep Titanic from sinking in apparent reference to Democratic party. 

"My commitment to do everything I can to keep the Titanic from sinking has led me to rearrange these deck chairs," wrote one. 

One joked, "Bye Felicia…and I suppose you will be voting for the felon." Another wrote, "But you still vote for the odious Charles Schumer to run the Senate?"

"Prove your claim.. back Trump fully… expose the left you were part of.. action Joe… let’s see it, otherwise you’re just grifting to save yourself," suggested one. 

"You voted to impeach Donald Trump over a perfect phone call, you have contributed greatly to the division in this country," one lashed out. 

"You were no good in the senate. Changing your spots won’t change anything," wrote another. One more said, It's a good beginning, Senator Manchin."

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