Manchin says there’s “plenty of time” for a third-party presidential candidate to run

Sen. Joe Manchin says there’s “plenty of time” for him or someone else to pursue a third-party bid for president. And if he does decide to run, the West Virginia Democrat says he doesn’t believe that an independent candidate would just help reelect former President Donald Trump. 

In Manchin’s first interview since announcing he won’t run for reelection to the U.S. Senate, “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell asked Manchin for his timeline for a decision on whether he’ll run for president. 

“Only in America does the next election start the day after the last election, most countries don’t have election a year ahead of time,” Manchin responded. “And we think…, ‘Oh my goodness. It’s — it’s now or never.’ I think there’s plenty of time, plenty of time. And…