Joe Manchin Denounces Support for Socialist Candidates Ahead of Midterms

The recent broadcast of CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’ featured former West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin openly refusing to back any socialist candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. When queried by host Margaret Brennan about supporting socialists, Manchin firmly replied, ‘No way, My God, no.’

Brennan pressed further by asking whether Manchin would consider backing candidates with some positive ideas. Manchin responded that he supports good ideas but questions the more extreme proposals often associated with socialist candidates.

‘I support the good ideas,’ he stated, ‘But how could you support some of the crazy stuff they’re for?’

Throughout the interview, Manchin maintained a strong stance against the platforms of socialist candidates, suggesting that their policies threaten to abolish key institutions. He expressed disbelief at proposals that aim to dismantle established government structures such as Congress and the Senate. Furthermore, he criticized calls for the abolishment of police services, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to maintain safety.

‘We want a crime-free area,’ Manchin continued, asserting, ‘We have to have police for that. Yeah. We want a strong defense, we want a strong border.’

Manchin warned if Democrats align with socialist demands, it could lead to severe consequences for energy production, a resource on which the global community heavily relies. He pointed out the potential threat to current energy output from these extreme political shifts.

His daughter, Heather Manchin, echoed similar sentiments during her appearance on the show. She voiced concern about the Democratic Party leadership’s refusal to reject far-left and socialist ideologies, asserting that control seems to have overshadowed character within the party.

‘Control has now completely outweighed character,’ she said. ‘If you’re more interested in control, and that’s all that matters, your vote count, versus the character of the person and the platform they’re running on, I think we’re living with the consequences of that.’

Despite attempts to gather comments from the Democratic Socialists of America, Fox News Digital did not immediately receive a response.

The discussion arrives amid growing political dynamics where candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have gained traction in recent primary elections. High-profile DSA-backed politicians, such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, are gaining prominence within the Democratic Party.

Data from a Fox News poll conducted in July highlighted the ideological shift, revealing that more Democrats hold a favorable opinion of socialism as opposed to capitalism. The poll showed 52% of Democrats favor socialism, with 41% expressing support for capitalism. Among registered voters, positive views of socialism increased to 30%, up from 27% the previous year.

For further insights on this story, Lindsay Kornick, associate editor for Fox News Digital, invites tips at [email protected] and via Twitter at @lmkornick.