Former Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) made clear on Sunday that he would not back a socialist candidate for office, pushing back against the idea that he might support one with appealing proposals. His comments come as democratic socialists gain ground in Democratic primaries across the country, from New York to California.
Appearing on CBS News's Face the Nation, Manchin was asked by host Margaret Brennan whether he could envision supporting a socialist candidate. His response was unequivocal: "No way, my God, no."
When Brennan pressed, asking if he might support one "even if they have some good ideas," Manchin pushed back. "I'll support the good ideas, but how could you support some of the crazy stuff they're for? Have you seen their platform?" He went on to describe the platform as calling for the dismantling of fundamental institutions, including the structure of government, Congress, and the Senate. "And then they start talking about all the crazy things: no police, no this, no this, no that," he said. "Are you crazy?"
Manchin's remarks come at a time when democratic socialists are notching primary victories and gaining national attention. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has become a rising star in the party, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Recent polls indicate a growing share of Democrats now identify with the democratic socialist label, a trend that has sparked internal party debates.
Manchin, who left the Democratic Party to become an independent and has floated a presidential run, has long positioned himself as a centrist voice. He has also launched an independent candidate recruitment drive for Congress, aiming to counter what he sees as extreme partisanship. His latest comments are likely to fuel GOP efforts to tie Democratic candidates to socialist policies in the 2026 midterms, a strategy that has already begun.
Democratic leaders, however, have pushed back against the narrative of a socialist takeover, arguing that the party's broad coalition includes a range of views. Still, the constitutional oath dilemma faced by some democratic socialists has added another layer of controversy, as some have questioned whether their platform aligns with the U.S. Constitution.
Manchin's blunt dismissal underscores the ideological divide within the Democratic coalition and the challenges ahead as the party navigates its future direction.
