Manchin has been particularly critical of the party's progressive wing, which he blames for turning the Democratic Party "toxic". He has expressed his belief that the country is "not going left" and that the Democratic Party has become too extreme, mainstreaming what he considers to be extreme policies. This criticism has been consistent across various interviews and public statements in his final months as a senator.
Preview
Manchin's decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent was influenced by his dissatisfaction with the party's direction. He has mentioned that running as an independent would help bring a divided nation together and that he has been considering this move seriously for some time.As he winds down his political career, Manchin's criticisms have not been limited to his party affiliation. He has also discussed the outcomes of the recent presidential election and Senate races, emphasizing the disconnect between the Democratic Party and voters. This has further fueled his belief that the party needs to change its approach if it hopes to regain broader support.