Manchin says he wouldn't serve as Harris VP
Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) on Monday said he would not consider serving as Vice President Harris's running mate, arguing it is time for a "new generation" following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race.
When asked on "CNN This Morning" if he would consider running as VP with Harris -- who was endorsed by Biden to replace him on the ticket -- Manchin said, "No, I'm not."
"It's a new generation, you don't want a 76-year-old vice president right now," he continued.
CNN anchor Kasie Hunt then asked if the nation wants a 76-year-old president, following reports that Manchin is considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Harris for the nomination.
"Well, if he feels like he's 50 maybe," Manchin quipped.
“I haven’t worked with Kamala at all,” he later added.
Manchin, a longtime Democrat, switched to the independent party in May and floated a primary bid against Biden, but ultimately decided against it.
He is not seeking reelection in the Senate this November.
Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 election caps off a 50-year-long political career and a tumultuous few weeks in politics in the aftermath of his poor debate showing against former President Trump last month.
The president has faced increasing pressure from various Democrats to step aside from the race over concerns about the president's ability to defeat Trump and carry out a second term after the debate performance.
At 81, Biden is the oldest sitting U.S. president and has faced repeated criticism over his age and fitness for office.
Up until Sunday, Biden and his campaign team had maintained he intended on staying in the race in the face of growing calls to step aside.
The president said he will address the nation later this week to discuss his decision to ultimately drop out.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media.
Hours before the letter was released, Manchin became the fifth senator to call on Biden to leave the presidential race.
“I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
“I want him [Biden] to be the president in the last five months ... of his term, to do what he can do is unite our country, to calm down the rhetoric and be able to focus attention to peace in the world," the senator added.
Harris on Sunday said she intends to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination following Biden's announcement and subsequent endorsement.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win,” Harris said in a statement.