West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat, has asserted that he will win if he enters the 2024 presidential race as a third-party candidate.
Manchin made the claim during a No Labels event at St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire on Monday, where he sat alongside Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican.
No Labels is a centrist political organization considering running a third-party “unity ticket” in the 2024 presidential election.
The organization has said that they plan to announce whether or not they will run a ticket by Super Tuesday next year, but has also said that they do not intend to run spoilers — something which Democrats have been consistently worried about with the organization.
Speaking to the supporters in Manchester, Manchin asserted that he will not be a spoiler, but that he will win.
“I’ve never spoiled a race,” Manchin said. “If I get into the race, I’m going to win.”
At a No Labels event in New Hampshire, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) says he “hasn’t made decision” on a 2024 independent run but rejects the idea he’d be a spoiler.
“I’ve never been in any race I’ve ever spoiled, I’ve been in races to win. And if I get in a race, I’m gonna win.” pic.twitter.com/SYGJ9JXC6Y
— The Recount (@therecount) July 17, 2023
“I’m not here running for president tonight. I’m not,” Manchin said. “I’m here trying to basically save the nation. I’m more concerned now than I’ve ever been concerned in my lifetime.”
“We’re here,” Manchin said, “to make sure the American people have an option.”
The Washington Free Beacon reports, “As of June, No Labels has gained ballot access in just four states. The Arizona Democratic Party filed a lawsuit in March to remove No Labels from the 2024 ballot. That litigation is still ongoing.”
“Still, the prospect of No Labels offering voters a viable third option in 2024 has caused severe anxiety among many Democrats, who are convinced such a scenario would hand the 2024 election to former president Donald Trump,” the report added. “A group of veteran Democratic operatives and former White House staffers, including former chief of staff Ron Klain, met with No Labels last month to implore the group to ditch their plans.”
