Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   Manchin out to "spend more time with his family" Date:   11/10/2023 10:48:03 AM (updated 11/10/2023 11:30:05 AM)

Or whatever his stated reason was although we all know the real reason.  Why this is seen as a win for the GOP is beffudling me.  He was going to lose to Jim Justice anyway.  While Manchin has some isolated bright spots he was at the end of the day a liberal and voted along party lines.  He was so far out of step with WVa voters that his ability to last as long as he did is a statement about the power of incumbancy. 

Now the real question is whether he jumps in with the No Labels party and launches a 3rd party (i.e., loser) run for the Presidency.  At this point it seems we may have Cornel West, RFK, Jr. and possibly Manchin and others running.  Manchin teaming up with RFK would be interesting to watch and between the two of them might get 5% and possibly more.  The big question mark in my mind is whether they would take more votes from the GOP or Democrats.  EDIT:  Just saw an article that Manchin may team up with Mitt Romney.  Now that I would love to see.  Mittens losing again and taking Manchin with him.