Centrist political party No Labels is broadening its search for a possible candidate for a presidential ticket after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) withdrew his name for consideration for the White House.
Manchin tossed aside the idea of a third-party candidacy in a speech last week in Morgantown, West Virginia. He had been among the leading figures considered for the ticket.
The moderate Democrat told the crowd at West Virginia University, “I will not be seeking a third-party run, I will not be involved in a presidential run.”
This announcement came as the retiring senator carried out his “listening tour” that started in January. It was spearheaded by his daughter’s “Americans Together” campaign that claims it rejects “extremism in politics” and targets the “moderate majority.”
No Labels national co-chair Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. on Sunday told MSNBC’s “This Weekend” that the party’s search continues. He said organizers are conversing with “several exceptional leaders” to devise a unity ticket.
BREAKING: Sen. Joe Manchin Will Not Launch A Third Party Presidential Campaign Ending Months Of Speculation. pic.twitter.com/3QThT1gOKx
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) February 16, 2024
Chavis confirmed such a ticket would involve a Republican and a Democrat. He said talks are also being held with independents.
Super Tuesday looms on March 5, and No Labels indicated it would like to have its plans finalized by that date. It also pledged to not play the role of a spoiler to assist either Democratic President Joe Biden or former President and likely Republican challenger Donald Trump.
The party is qualified for the ballot in 16 states and is working toward representation in all 50. Chavis called it a “long, tedious process” but expressed satisfaction with progress thus far.
He said the only thing in the U.S. that is certain at the moment is uncertainty. “So I don’t think we should speculate on what’s going to happen because nobody really knows. What we do know is that the majority of the American people don’t want to see a repeat of 2020.”
Manchin was considered by many to be the favorite for the No Labels ticket, but his Friday announcement only reinvigorated speculation on who would represent the party.
Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was also considered a possible choice. The anti-Trumper however decided earlier this month to set his sights on an open U.S. Senate seat in his state.
