Manchin's decision, after years of bucking party leadership, could allow him to run for governor or try for another Senate term this fall after ruling out doing so as a Democrat.
    • CluelessLemmyng@lemmy.sdf.org
      171·
      6 months ago

      I think that’s why he switched. If he runs again, he loses the D next to his name on the ballot, thereby convincing his constituents he’s not a Democrat in the vilified label that the Conservatives throw around, especially in a state as red as West Virginia.

      It may actually get him to be re elected, allowing him to caucus with the Democrats without being seen as one.

      • MJKee9@lemmy.world
        142·
        6 months ago

        I only see it as a big fuck you to the eventual democratic candidate. He splits the “progressive” side of the vote and gets the Republican elected.

          • nondescripthandle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
            2·
            6 months ago

            Okay and if that ‘Democrat’ opposes the whole party agenda and literally prevents movement toward the Democrats party goals, then it doesn’t really matter if he says hes a democrat or not? May as well run someone who will work with your party because Manchin was functionally a Republican.

  • snownyte@kbin.social
    81·
    6 months ago

    He isn’t even going to be a good independent. Guy doesn’t know what in the middle even is. Just a soft conservative in denial.

  • bradorsomething@ttrpg.network
    6·
    6 months ago

    Interesting, because while he has always been a thorn in the democratic caucus’ side, running as an independent could keep the seat from the favored republican and he could still caucus with the democrats. There is some nuance here… although I would love if it all came down to Jim Justice insulting him at a party or something.

  • AnAnonymous@lemm.ee
    219·
    6 months ago

    Who cares, democrats are the same shit as independents and republicans anyway…