Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia Weighs Leaving the Democratic Party

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has once again expressed his thoughts on leaving the Democratic Party. In an interview with a West Virginia radio station on Thursday, Manchin said he has “absolutely” considered becoming an independent.

Manchin has been critical of the Biden administration’s implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, which he helped write, and of President Joe Biden for “playing” to the Democratic base. He told MetroNews’ Hoppy Kercheval that Democrats and Republicans alike have a terrible brand and that neither party is acceptable to him.

Manchin has not yet made a decision on his political direction, but he said he wants to be able to speak honestly about the “extremes of the Democrat and Republican Party that is harming our nation.” He also said he has been thinking about leaving the Democratic Party for some time.

The three-term senator has kept his political plans close to the vest, dodging questions from reporters and pledging to announce a decision on his future in the Democratic Party at a later date.

Manchin’s comments come as the Democratic Party is increasingly divided over the Biden administration’s policies and the direction of the party. Manchin’s potential departure could have a significant impact on the party’s ability to pass legislation in the Senate.