Today

West Virginia’s Democratic senator, Jo Manchin, was on CBS Face the Nation earlier today. Among other questions, he was asked about his own personal aspirations and whether he would endorse Biden:

Asked if he would endorse President Biden for reelection, @Sen_JoeManchin says, "Let's see who all the players are."

And on his OWN political future, Manchin demurs: "I will make my political decision in December, whatever it may be." pic.twitter.com/h6VORasqCw

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) March 5, 2023

Earlier this week

On Social Security

The senator said that he was open to cutting Social Security for younger workers:

Manchin on Fox Business indicates he's open to cutting Social Security for younger people pic.twitter.com/Wcdjl7HyZk

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 2, 2023

In a USA Today report, Manchin’s spokesperson, Sam Runyon, reiterated the senator's point:

”Manchin made it clear he's not willing to cut benefits for the millions of Americans who now depend on the entitlement programs. But he questioned whether there was a smarter, more affordable way to ensure retirement funds for younger Americans.”

So younger Americans would contribute but they might not get the same benefits?

On the train derailment

Manchin blamed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg:

Joe Manchin says Pete Buttigieg is 'responsible' for the train wreck in Ohio https://t.co/aG22GGh9zK

— Raw Story (@RawStory) February 28, 2023

On whether he consider himself a Democrat

Last Sunday, Manchin refused to identify as such:

Senator Joe Manchin, an alleged Democrat, declined to identify as a member of the Democratic Party on Fox News.https://t.co/fSpyV3ZMya

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) February 27, 2023

Lots of possibilities

Is Manchin going to:

• run for senate?
• run for governor?
• switch parities?
• retire?

I have no idea. What I do know is that for some Democrats such as myself, Manchin will certainly test the old “vote for the lesser evil” justification if he runs for Senate.