Independent Senator Joe Manchin has called on President Joe Biden to โpass the torch,โ aligning with a growing sentiment within Bidenโs own party for him to step aside in the 2024 presidential race.
Manchin expressed his desire for the transition of power to be conducted โin the most respectful way.โ
โI hope for that, as it would cement his legacy as one of the greatest leaders weโve had,โ Manchin told CNNโs Jake Tapper on โState of the Unionโ Sunday. โWith a heavy heart, Iโve concluded that itโs time to pass the torch to a new generation.โ
The independent senator highlighted the intense mental and physical demands of campaigning and suggested that Biden should focus his energy on his remaining five months in office. Manchin emphasized that Biden could use this time to โunite our country, calm the rhetoric, and concentrate on global peace.โ
Regarding potential replacements, Manchin advocated for an โopen processโ to select a new nominee if Biden steps down. He expressed a preference for governors as potential candidates, citing their need to be less partisan due to their state leadership roles.
Manchin mentioned Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as possible options, both of whom are among the many names discussed within Democratic circles.
On Bidenโs mental capacity, when Tapper asked if he had noticed any changes in the presidentโs cognitive abilities, Manchin replied, โI have not.โ He denied observing any differences in Bidenโs behavior in recent months, saying, โIโve not had that problem whatsoever.โ
Some context: Manchin and Bidenโs relationship has been strained during Bidenโs presidency. The centrist Manchin has often been a significant obstacle to some of Bidenโs legislative goals and has changed his party affiliation from Democrat to independent.