Former West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Sunday he would never support a self-described socialist candidate, warning that far-left positions are «crazy» and could push Democrats away from the mainstream on crime, defense, and energy. During an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation, Manchin was asked directly whether he could ever back a socialist, including one with some attractive ideas.
«No way. My God, no,» Manchin replied. Host Margaret Brennan followed up by asking whether good ideas could change his mind. «I support the good ideas,» Manchin said. «But how could you support some of the crazy stuff they're for?» His refusal came on a Sunday news program ahead of the midterm elections, as Democratic primaries have drawn increased attention to the party's left wing.
Manchin challenged viewers and party members to examine socialist platforms. «Have you seen their platform? They're for dismantling everything that we know, whether it be the structure of government, Congress itself, or the Senate they want to get rid of,» he said. He also listed positions he described as unreasonable: «no police, no this, no this, no that. Are you crazy?»
The former senator said police are essential to achieving crime-free communities, and he voiced support for a strong defense and a strong border. He went on to argue that Democrats who embrace socialist demands could pay a political price on energy. «But if Democrats can't say that, and they start lining up with the socialist demands of what you are to be a socialist, energy will be gone,» Manchin said. «There'll be no energy, OK? We have right now a tremendous amount of energy we're producing, and the world depends more on us than ever before.»
Manchin's daughter, Heather Manchin, appeared with him and criticized party leaders for failing to push back against far-left candidates. «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.»
The comments came as several openly socialist candidates have won Democratic primary races around the country, and politicians backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have gained visibility. Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Avila Chevalier are among those whose profiles have risen within the party.
A July Fox News poll underscored the shifting attitudes Manchin warned about. Fifty-two percent of Democrats viewed socialism favorably, compared with 41 percent who viewed capitalism favorably. Among registered voters overall, 30 percent had a favorable view of socialism, up from 27 percent a year earlier.
The DSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Manchin's remarks. The exchange on Face the Nation reflected the continuing debate within the Democratic Party over the influence of socialist-aligned candidates and their platforms.
