Manchin Won't Back Socialist Candidates: 'No Way. My God, No.'

WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) declared he would never support a self-described socialist candidate, saying, "No way. My God, no."

Manchin made the comments Sunday on CBS News's "Face the Nation," where host Margaret Brennan asked him directly whether he could ever back such a candidate.

"I support the good ideas, but how could you support some of the crazy stuff they're for? Have you seen their platform?" Manchin said.

Manchin left the Democratic Party in May 2024 to register as an independent after building his Senate career as a centrist who repeatedly clashed with the party's progressive wing on energy, spending and social policy. His past legislative fights — blocking key elements of President Biden's domestic agenda and defending West Virginia's fossil fuel industry — put him at odds with democratic socialists in Congress more than once.

His remarks came as democratic socialists have gained visibility on the national political stage, a trend that has sharpened debates over the Democratic Party's identity and direction.

Manchin's interview was recorded Aug. 2, 2026.

WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) declared he would never support a self-described socialist candidate, saying, "No way. My God, no."

Manchin made the comments Sunday on CBS News's "Face the Nation," where host Margaret Brennan asked him directly whether he could ever back such a candidate.

"I support the good ideas, but how could you support some of the crazy stuff they're for? Have you seen their platform?" Manchin said.

His remarks came as democratic socialists have gained visibility on the national political stage, a trend that has sharpened debates over the Democratic Party's identity and direction.

Manchin's interview was recorded Aug. 2, 2026.