West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, D, took a trip to New Hampshire for an appearance at Politics and Eggs, a political forum that’s a must for presidential candidates. Manchin is retiring from the Senate but talks about doing more to help his country, leading many to believe he’s considering a run for the White House. 

He was, in a way, asked about running during the forum. 

“How would you feel if a bunch of Democrats in New Hampshire wrote in Joe, not Biden, but wrote in Joe Manchin?” an attendee asked.  

“I cannot prevent whatever you want to do,” Manchin responded.

The attendee continued, “Would that inspire you possibly to consider trying that in other states?”

I have a burning desire to save the country, whatever it takes. I’d lay on the track. I’d do whatever you want me to do.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

“I’m not here campaigning. I’m here basically concerned about my country, the same as you are,” Manchin said. “I’ve said this: I have a burning desire to save the country, whatever it takes. I’d lay on the track. I’d do whatever you want me to do.” 

The senator was also asked if he’d ever consider becoming an independent.

“So if I thought that my identification as a party affiliate would change who I am and how I would act, then that’s not being genuine where I come from,” Manchin said. “So I thought about that. If it makes people feel better, I’m the most independent Democrat you’ve ever met in your life.”

Manchin was also asked about No Labels, an organization considering putting forward a unity ticket of a Democrat and Republican in the 2024 presidential race. 

No Labels is working to get on the ballot in all 50 states and is currently on the ballot in 13: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Utah.

No Labels hit the signature threshold in Maryland but it isn’t on the ballot yet. The organization is actively gathering signatures in 14 other states. 

Reports indicate that No Labels reached out to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s team, even before he dropped out of the GOP primary.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, resigned from his position at No Labels, leading to speculation that he too is preparing for a run.

Manchin was asked about both possibilities, and had nothing but good things to say about his fellow former governors. 

Regardless of who No Labels may choose as a candidate, the group still hasn’t made it official that its entering a ticket.

Manchin was asked, “Isn’t time ticking away that they gotta make a decision?”

“I think basically you have to see the outcome of the primary and what we end up with in the two categories,” Manchin answered. “If you’re handicapping it right now, you would say that it’ll be Donald Trump and Joe Biden. But that might change, there’s some time for it to change. So I think by Super Tuesday, you would know.”