Sen. Joe Manchin considers independent 2024 run, warns party system could be nation’s ‘downfall’

By LEAH WILLINGHAM
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has benefited from waiting to reveal where he stood as the swing vote in a chamber closely divided between Democrats and Republicans. He’s taken the same approach when it comes to the next phase of his political career. The moderate Democrat has teased possible retirement, a run for reelection to the Senate or even a presidential campaign in 2024 — possibly as an independent candidate. During a multi-day trip to West Virginia’s state capital this week, the 76-year-old expressed growing frustration with the polarized U.S. two-party system. He said unless it changes, the system “will be the downfall of our country.”