Joe Manchin Rules Out Presidential Bid Against Kamala Harris

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced he will not run for president against likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Manchin emphasizes the need for a centrist voice and criticizes partisan extremism. Though he won't run as Harris' vice president, he suggests a mini-primary process to select Biden's replacement.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on Monday ruled out running for president against potential Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who has been endorsed by President Joe Biden.

"Let me make it very clear to you: I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate for basically speaking for the middle of this country," Manchin told CBS television, following an earlier interview where he didn't immediately rule out a presidential run. He suggested a "mini-primary" process to select a candidate to replace Biden. When asked if he thought Harris was too liberal, Manchin responded, "Absolutely."

Earlier, when asked by CNN about running against Harris, Manchin said, "I don't know," but confirmed he wouldn't run as her vice president. He mentioned receiving calls urging him to consider a 2024 candidacy, citing a need for a centrist leader. "I want the center of this country to be able to say, we have a voice. We're not extreme left, we're not extreme right," said Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in May over "partisan extremism."