New Hampshire Listening Tour Begins
Senator Joe Manchin’s visit to New Hampshire next month has sparked speculation about a potential presidential run. The visit, organized by Saint Anselm College and the New England Council, coincides with the launch of Manchin’s new organization aimed at empowering moderate voices across the country. The listening tour, starting in January, aims to engage with voters in New Hampshire and gather insights on the political landscape.
Potential Impact on Republican Race
The timing of Manchin’s visit is significant, as it falls just three days before the Iowa caucuses, marking the beginning of the Republican presidential nominating calendar. With the New Hampshire primary following closely after, it is expected that Manchin’s visit will receive significant media coverage and could potentially influence the Republican race.
Concerns from Fellow Democrats
Manchin’s moderate stance has caused concern among fellow Democrats who fear that his potential third-party run could unintentionally benefit former President Trump. However, Manchin has dismissed these claims, asserting that he would never be a spoiler in the election. He believes that the current polarized state of national politics leaves millions of voters without representation.
Manchin’s Vision for the Future
Manchin has expressed worries about the ability of 81-year-old Joe Biden to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. He has repeatedly warned that another Trump presidency would have detrimental effects on democracy. With his decision not to seek re-election for the Senate, Manchin has focused on exploring alternative avenues to make a difference in national politics.
Speculation on No Labels Support
The speculation surrounding Manchin’s potential presidential run centers around the influential centrist group, No Labels. If Biden and Trump secure the major party nominations, No Labels may consider supporting a bipartisan, third-party presidential ticket. Manchin’s alignment with the group’s values has contributed to the speculation about his political future.
Return to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics
This visit will mark Manchin’s second appearance at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics in less than a year. In July, he gained national attention as the honorary co-host of No Labels’ “Common Sense” town hall, where the group unveiled its policy proposals. Manchin’s continued engagement with New Hampshire suggests his commitment to addressing the concerns of moderate voters and his desire to shape the future of American politics.