Manchin postelection: 'There is a need for a third party'

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) said the 2024 election shows there is a “need for a third party.”

Manchin joined NewsNation’s Chris Stirewalt on Sunday for “The Hill Sunday,” where he argued that the Democratic Party and the Republican Party have a duopoly, and both of their business models right now are “spewing hatred and division.”

“They attack the other and make you more concerned or more frightened of the other. You better join my side and vice versa. That does not fix our problems, it does not keep our country the United States of America,” Manchin continued. “I know there’s a need for a third party.”

Manchin, a lifelong conservative Democrat, announced in May he had become an independent. He’d long toyed with the idea of a possible third-party bid for the White House but ruled it out. He is leaving Congress at the end of his term and did not say what he plans to do next.

On Sunday, he said he’s interested in participating in or helping a third party. Manchin said he believes a ticket with a former Democrat and former Republican would be strong.

“I thought that would be very attractive in [these] most divisive times that we have,” he said.

As Democrats point fingers about their brutal loss in the election and try to understand where they went so wrong, many are left thinking reform is needed within both parties, Manchin included.

“I don’t know what has to be one here but … the only way you’re going to change the Democrat and Republican Party is to challenge them,” he said.

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