Joe Manchin confirms he won't run for President, calls Kamala Harris' nomination a 'mistake'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Joe Manchin has firmly stated he has no intention of running for president, challenging Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential nomination.

Amid growing speculation on Sunday, July 21 that Manchin was eyeing a presidential bid, the senator clarified his position on Monday, July 22 that he will not be a part of the 2024 race following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the November election candidacy.

Sen Joe Manchin says he speaks for the 'middle of this country'

Addressing the speculation, Joe Manchin said, "I am not going to be a candidate for president. I'm a candidate for, basically, speaking for the middle of this country."

"Neither side can win without the sensible, moderate middle," he told CBS Mornings.

He further noted on Monday morning that he is "not running for office."

"I'm not looking for – I don't need that as far as in my life the attention that people think when you speak up you're just looking for attention," he added.

Sen Joe Manchin says Kamala Harris' nomination is 'a mistake'

In May, Joe Manchin changed his Democrat registration to independent.

The West Virginia Senator criticized the Democratic Party's decision to back Harris without a primary process before the Democratic Convention in August.

The third-party No Labels considered Manchin for a split party ticket earlier in the 2024 primary cycle, aimed at promoting bipartisanship.

However, they were unable to secure commitments from two candidates to make a viable bid, according to the Daily Mail.

Manchin, who clarified that he is not seeking Senate reelection, stated that he is planning to remain in politics.

Speaking about Harris being chosen as Biden's replacement in the 2024 race against Donald Trump, Manchin said, "I could not believe there was not going to be a primary process or a mini process. Other countries do it."

"That's already been predetermined so we'll see what happens. I think it's a mistake," he added.

Internet trolls Sen Joe Manchin as he confirms he's not running for President

As Joe Manchin confirmed he is not running for President against Kamala Harris' nomination in the wake of Joe Biden's drop out from the presidential race, netizens mocked the senator for his decision and challenged Harris' candidacy.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Joe Manchin has always been a cosplay congressman," and another individual penned, "That self serving clown was never in! He had no chance."

"Great!!! He was a nonissue #Harris2024," a user tweeted while a netizen commented, "He was not getting any of support at all."

"Manchin is a complete mess and an embarrassment to West Virginia," a user wrote and another user tweeted, "Thank goodness and good riddance! He’s such an opportunist."

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