Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.VA) stated on Monday that he will not pursue the Democratic Party’s presidential candidacy after Joe Biden withdrew from the race over the weekend. This in spite of rumors that had been swirling to the contrary.
Manchin appeared on CBS Mornings on Monday, clearing up any doubt regarding his intentions.
He stated that he does not intend to run for office, but he did advocate for a competitive process to select a new nominee.
“Let me make it very clear to you, Tony, I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate basically speaking for the middle of this country. There are 51% of the people who are registered to participate in an election in America that basically are in the same party I am: independent.” Manchin said during his appearance.
Gayle King probed Manchin further, stating that some believe he is being cautious about running for president to gain “attention.”
“I am not running for office. could not believe that there was not going to be a primary process or a mini-process. Other countries do it. I’m not looking for — I don’t need that as far as in my life.” Manchin said in response.
Manchin’s declaration comes after CNN reported that sources close to the senator said he was considering returning to the Democratic Party to oppose Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.
[READ MORE: Joe Biden Drops Out, Endorses Kamala]
