Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate to launch a third-party presidential bid on the No Labels ticket.
The No Labels party has emphasized they’re trying to find the ideal candidates for a bipartisan ticket.
Although Manchin hasn’t decided on his presidential aspirations, he mentioned a potential running mate, fellow Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).
“Hypothetically, if I was picking my running mate, really who I would ask right now is Mitt Romney,” Manchin said.
🚨Just in: Joe Manchin says he would ask Mitt Romney to be VP should he run as a third party candidate in 2024 saying, “Hypothetically, if I was picking my running mate, really who I would ask right now is Mitt Romney,” He mentioned former Senator Rob Portman as a VP choose too. pic.twitter.com/XWFnMP8rXz
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) February 15, 2024
“Maybe Rob Portman (former Republican senator from Ohio),” he added.
“Rob Portman would be right there too.”
WATCH:
“Really, who I would ask right now is Mitt Romney. Maybe Rob Portman.”
— Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), when asked who he would “hypothetically” choose as a running mate if he ran in the 2024 presidential election on an independent ticket pic.twitter.com/wiXHZe2M5N
— The Recount (@therecount) February 15, 2024
NBC News reports:
Manchin offered several pointed criticisms of President Joe Biden in the appearance at a City Club of Cleveland breakfast — part of his nationwide “listening tour” that followed his decision to not seek another Senate term. The tour, which included a stop last month in New Hampshire ahead of that state’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary, has fueled speculation that Manchin might mount an independent or third-party campaign for president. He’s been linked to the No Labels organization’s effort to field a bipartisan ticket.
City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop, who moderated the forum, repeatedly pressed Manchin on his 2024 intentions — and Manchin repeatedly dodged, offering meandering responses and asides. During the audience question-and-answer session, an attendee tried again, asking who Manchin believed his Democratic opponent would be if he were to run for president.
“Guys, listen, I’m not running for anything,” Manchin replied. “I’m basically running to try to get people involved.”
Afterward, Manchin acknowledged to reporters that he hasn’t ruled out a White House campaign.
“Third party run, everything is on the table,” Manchin said in response to a question from NBC News. “Nothing’s off the table. I’m still evaluating all that. Super Tuesday [March 5] pretty much would be a deadline that tells you where you are.”
NEW: Manchin in Cleveland today floated Romney as his VP — also says he'd consider former Sen. Rob Portman. https://t.co/1i0EfxYDPs
— Henry J. Gomez (@HenryJGomez) February 15, 2024
No Labels, a political party searching for a centrist, third-party presidential candidate, previously announced it has gained ballot access in 13 states.
“No Labels is NOW on the ballot in 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Utah,” No Labels announced.
“We are currently active – meaning we have already filed for ballot access or are actively gathering signatures – in 14 others,” it continued.
“This milestone validates what has been clear for a long time, which is that the No Labels message and movement resonates with people across this great state,” said Justin Schair, No Labels Maine State Co-Chair.
“The majority of us in the middle are hungry for a better choice in this next election and for unifying leadership in the White House that can heal our country’s divisions. Getting No Labels on the ballot in Maine brings us a big step closer to making this happen,” he added.
