As Senator Joe Manchin prepares to leave Congress after nearly 15 years of service, his parting words have stirred political circles nationwide. In a candid interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Manchin openly criticized the Democratic Party, calling its brand “toxic” and accusing progressive factions of steering the party away from the concerns of average Americans.
Why Manchin Calls the Democratic Party ‘Toxic’
Manchin, who left the Democratic Party earlier this year to register as an independent, expressed deep frustration with what he perceives as the party’s overreach into people’s personal lives. “They have basically expanded upon thinking, ‘Well, we want to protect you there, but we’re going to tell you how you should live your life from that far on,'” Manchin said. In his view, the Democratic Party has become synonymous with heavy-handed policies and social agendas that alienate moderate and conservative-leaning voters.
For Manchin, the Democratic Party’s historical focus on “kitchen-table issues”—such as jobs, fair wages, and economic stability—has been overshadowed by heated debates over social and cultural issues, including transgender rights. He criticized Democrats for neglecting fiscal responsibility, noting their failure to address the growing national debt.
Who is to Blame?
The West Virginia senator pointed fingers at the party’s progressive wing, arguing that a small yet influential group of lawmakers has dictated the party’s direction. He claimed that this faction is out of touch with mainstream America, which, in his words, “is not going left.”
Manchin also didn’t spare Republicans from criticism. He argued that while Democrats may go too far in attempting to regulate issues like gun ownership, Republicans often adopt an “anything goes” approach. “The Democrats go too far, want to ban. The Republican says, ‘Oh, let the good times roll. Let anybody have anything they want.’ Just some commonsense things there,” he said.
Election Reflection and Progressive Criticism
When asked about comments from progressive figures, including incoming House Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar, who suggested Democrats would have performed better electorally if they leaned further left, Manchin didn’t mince words. “For someone to say that, they’ve got to be completely insane,” he retorted.
Manchin also weighed in on Vice President Kamala Harris’s failed presidential bid, attributing her loss to her inability to project a moderate stance after championing progressive causes during her earlier campaigns. “If you try to be somebody you’re not, it’s hard,” he said.
The Third-Party Alternative
Looking ahead, Manchin expressed his belief in the need for a viable third party—a centrist alternative he dubbed the “American Party.” He envisioned it as a space for moderate Democrats and Republicans who feel alienated by their respective parties’ extremes.
“The centrist-moderate vote decides who’s going to be the president of the United States,” Manchin said, lamenting that once elected, presidents rarely govern from the center. Though he ruled out leading such a party himself, he promised to be its “best cheerleader.”
A Candid Farewell
As he prepares to step away from the Senate, Manchin reflected on his time in Congress with a mix of pride and disillusionment. He described the Senate as a dysfunctional institution and had even harsher words for the House of Representatives, saying, “They can’t move. They are in dead heat.”
In his final thoughts, Manchin emphasized his desire to see national leadership succeed, regardless of party lines. He recounted a recent conversation with President-elect Donald Trump during which he said, “I want you to succeed. Every red-blooded American should want your president to succeed, whether you vote for him or not.”
NP Editor: Manchin was a Democrat elected in a largely conservative state. He did well for his state, defending coal, making sure his conservative constituencies were taken care of, while still supporting legislation from the Democrats as long as they were not too out of whack. But he also was not afraid to buck the Democratic leadership when it mattered most.
It takes someone who is a bit of an outsider to see that his own party is out of whack. After this election cycle, perhaps his words will sink in a bit and put the Democratic Party on a new path.
