Democrat Senator Joe Manchin (W.Va) announced on Friday that he has changed his party affiliation and will unenroll from the Democratic Party to become an independent.
“Let’s work together to fix America. Don’t hate the other side. There’s only one side – the American side – and we have to work together to save our country. That’s why I changed my party registration to no party affiliation,” said Sen. Manchin on X.
Manchin’s announcement came just one day after the highly controversial guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial was announced.
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In his official statement, Manchin criticized both parties pushing towards partisan extremism. He said that his decision is a move towards bipartisanship and unity, and is a decision in support of what he believes is America’s “sensible majority.”
“Today, our national politics are broken and neither party is willing to compromise to find common ground. To stay true to myself and remain committed to put country before party, I have decided to register as an independent with no party affiliation and continue to fight for America’s sensible majority,” said Manchin.
While criticizing political partisanship, Manchin did not mention the controversial Trump verdict, which is widely believed to be politically motivated.
The Maine Wire reached out to Manchin, asking whether the Trump verdict factored into his decision, but the senator did not immediately respond.
It is unclear whether, like Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), Manchin will continue to caucus with Democrats, or whether the change in party will represent any substantial change in his positions on any issues. Although he has said he will not pursue another term in the U.S. Senate, local media have speculated that he may be prepping a run for governor.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="28320 https://www.themainewire.com/?p=28320">4 Comments
Manchin doesn’t possess the courage that Tulsi Gabbard has. He was also either too dumb and naive when he was constantly being conned into voting for policies his base didn’t support or he was playing dumb knowing he would always cave into the liberal dems.
Has not made King any better!
He is still a democrat
Typical Manchin. Talk a good game but when the rubber hits the road he’s gone like a ghost.