Former Democratic Senator turned independent Joe Manchin has issued strong warnings to his former party as he promotes a centrist political movement in the United States.
Joe Manchin Rips Democrats
Recently joining ranks to become an independent following his stint at the Senate for the last 15 years, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin unleashed his sharp criticism against the Democratic party’s direction. Addressing CNN, Manchin accused the party of being turned into a toxic one by prioritizing most of the social agenda concerns over core economic problems in the country.
“The party once was about jobs and good pay, and now it’s concerned with telling people how to live their lives,” Manchin told me. He blamed this course correction on progressive forces inside the party.
Concerns About Polarization
Manchin had a lot of criticism for Republicans when it came to compromise – particularly on gun control bills – calling both parties too extreme. He lamented partisan divides, especially over issues of budget and safety priorities.
The US leader has dismissed claims that another election won with more left-wing policies would have secured the democratic presidency in the 2024 general election. He branded these arguments as “completely insane,” while pointing to the losses of Kamala Harris as part of evidence that any progressive/ liberal candidate attempting to straddle progressive and moderate stances is bound to suffer serious challenges.
Call for a Third Party
Manchin said that the country needs a centrist political alternative and suggested the formation of an “American Party” that could bring together moderate Democrats and Republicans. He said such a party could force both major parties to govern more effectively.
“The centrist-moderate vote decides elections but is ignored once candidates take office,” Manchin said.
While he spoke about his willingness to be an advocate for President-elect Trump’s success for the good of the nation, Manchin continued to denounce Congress’s recent performance as the “worst-performing Congress in U.S. history.”
With his exit from the Senate, Manchin continues to be an advocate of bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic governance.
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