Manchin Contemplates Departure from Democratic Party

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is considering leaving the Democratic Party and declaring himself an independent before the 2024 election. He believes that both the Democratic and Republican brands have become unfavorable, and he wants to have an independent voice. Manchin has not made a final decision yet but will decide at the end of the year whether to run for a fourth Senate term or launch a third-party bid for president. He faces a tough reelection race in a state that heavily favored former President Trump.