A rising star in the Democratic Party implored Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) on Sunday not to challenge President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who has become a top surrogate for Biden’s re-election effort, sent the warning shot after Manchin announced last week that he would not seek re-election to the Senate in 2024 and kept open the possibility to a White House run amid speculation that he could be enlisted by No Labels, a group that is considering a “unity” presidential ticket to attract moderate voters.
“My message to Joe Manchin is, I thank him for his service. I think he’s had a year — a career of distinguished service, both as a governor,” Moore said during an interview on ABC’s “This Week.”
"I would urge him not to mar his legacy by getting involved in something so foolish."
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore urges West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin not to run for president as a third-party candidate, claiming such a bid has no chance of succeeding. https://t.co/kmyMWrDVYz pic.twitter.com/t6QdLPVW2l
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 12, 2023
After co-anchor Jonathan Karl noted Manchin had 42 years of public service under his belt, Moore continued, “That’s right, both as a governor, senator. I would urge him not to mar his legacy by getting involved in something so foolish.”
When Karl pressed Moore to explain his stance, Moore added, “Because, if you look at what No Labels is, No Labels literally has no plan, has no path, has no policy platform. They don’t even have a candidate.”
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Other candidates, beyond the GOP primary, are campaigning for a shot at the presidency. Among them are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and left-wing activist Cornel West, who are running as independents, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
Karl asked Moore whether third-party candidates might siphon enough support to guarantee victory for former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner.
“No. Because I think what President Biden is going to continue to show is that results do matter. You know, it’s one thing to say we’re going to rail against the system, and it’s another thing to actually work to make systems better. And that’s what I think President Biden has continued to show,” Moore said.
He added later, “I think all the other things will just sound like noise, while President Biden’s results will sound like actually what they are, real, productive momentum for the people of this country.”