Is Joe Manchin a competitor for Harris?
After Biden's withdrawal from the Presidency campaign, Harris is the likely successor. However, another is considering throwing his hat in the ring: Joe Manchin, who has caused unrest in the party numerous times.
Joe Manchin is a maverick in the eyes of many in the Democratic Party. The Senator from the US state of West Virginia has frequently hindered and blocked plans of the Biden Administration that relied on his vote. He could now cause additional turmoil in the party after Biden's withdrawal.
According to various US media reports, the 76-year-old is considering challenging Harris for the Democratic Presidency nomination. As early as Sunday before Biden announced his withdrawal, Manchin called on the President to run for the nomination and demanded an "open convention" (open party convention).
This event would transform into a mini-primary, where several candidates would likely compete. However, this system has not been used by the Democrats since 1968.
"Democracy is now on the line"
However, Manchin would first have to rejoin the Democrats. The Senator from the Republican-dominated West Virginia had left the party only two months ago and has been acting as an Independent in the US Senate since then. "My engagement, everything in my power to bring our country together, has led me to register as an Independent without party affiliation," Manchin stated then.
Manchin used his regular opportunity as a swing vote in the Senate to influence legislative changes. Specifically, regarding the Inflation Reduction Act, a legislative package that includes billions of investments in climate protection and the social sector, Manchin had long been a thorn in the side.
He is no longer running as a candidate for the Senate in November. However, he had flirted with the idea of running as an independent candidate in the Presidential election - only to ultimately rule it out. "I simply don't think it's the right time," Manchin said then. "Democracy is now on the line".
Kamala Harris, as Biden's potential successor in the United States Presidential Election 2024, might face a challenge from within her party. Joe Manchin, who has often caused dissent in the Democrats with his actions in the Senate, is rumored to be contemplating a challenge for the Democratic Presidency nomination.
Despite his previous statements about not running for President or the Senate, Manchin, a Senate swing voter and a Former Democratic Senator from West Virginia, has expressed interest in joining the Democratic Party again and potentially running for President, stating that "Democracy is now on the line."
