Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, revealed on Thursday that he is giving serious consideration to the prospect of becoming an independent, expressing his disillusionment with the tarnished image of the Democratic Party in Washington.

Manchin shared his sentiments during an interview with Hoppy Kercheval, the host of West Virginia Metro News’ “Talkline.”

He voiced his need for personal contentment, highlighting the deteriorating reputation of both the ‘D’ and ‘R’ brands in the nation’s capital, Fox News reported.

Drawing a distinction between the Democratic brand on a national level and the Democrats within his home state, Manchin emphasized that it is the former that has suffered in reputation.

He reflected on the negative perception the party carries in West Virginia, noting that it has become associated with the actions of Democrats in Washington.

Having faced inquiries about a potential switch of political affiliation in the past, particularly in the aftermath of his role in halting significant aspects of President Biden’s progressive agenda like the Build Back Better plan, Manchin had refrained from definitive responses.

However, in his latest interview on Thursday, he candidly admitted, “I would very seriously think about” embracing the status of an independent.

Written by staff