Manchin’s Increasing Donations from Fox Executives Spark Speculation Over Alignment and Presidential Ambitions

In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, which saw Democrats secure a narrow Senate majority, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has emerged as a key figure in the rather convoluted political landscape.

By appearing to be bipartisan to the public, engaging in discussions with Republican colleagues, and positioning himself as a steadfast opponent of progressive policies, Manchin’s influence within the Democratic Party has been undeniable.

Recent revelations show a surge in campaign contributions from Fox executives and lawyers, underscoring the growing resonance of his message.

As the crucial 51st vote for Democrats, Manchin has not shied away from the conservative airwaves of Fox News, where he has voiced concerns about the federal deficit and appealed to a conservative audience.

The significance of his appearances has become apparent with the disclosure of tens of thousands of dollars in donations from Fox executives and legal experts during the April to June period, according to campaign filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

This notable influx of donations from Fox News is a departure from prior years. It was 2018 when James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Chair of Fox Corporation, last made a contribution to Manchin.

The recent contributions align with donations from fossil fuel giants and the ‘centrist’ political organization No Labels, elevating Manchin’s status as a ‘conservative force’ within the Democratic Party.

Political experts have pointed out that these donations are a testament to Manchin’s established presence in Washington, D.C.

“The world of extremely rich and influential people in the United States is kind of small,” observes Stan Oklobdzija, a political science professor at Tulane University.

“Manchin has been around on the Hill for a long time, he’s a known commodity.

These donors probably come across Manchin, they like him, they see him as reliable, and want to keep him in office.”

Requests for comments from Manchin’s office and campaign went unanswered, while Fox News spokesperson Irena Briganti maintained, “FOXPAC supports candidates on both sides of the aisle,” referencing the company’s political activities policy.

While Manchin has yet to announce his intentions for the 2024 reelection, speculation has swirled around his potential third-party run for the presidency.

At a recent No Labels event in Manchester, New Hampshire, Manchin shared the stage with Jon Huntsman Jr., former Republican governor of Utah, outlining the group’s vision for 2024.

The senator emphasized that a third-party candidacy would only materialize if President Joe Biden does not substantially moderate his political positions to align with their conservative principles.

“I’ve never been in any race I’ve ever spoiled,” asserted Manchin at the event. “I’ve been in races to win. And if I get in a race, I’m going to win.”

However, this prospective strategy has encountered resistance from liberal activist groups, who cite polling indicating that a “third-party bid could potentially bolster former President Donald Trump’s chances for reelection”.

Manchin’s appearances on Fox News have not only solidified his image as a conservative voice within the Democratic Party but have also offered him a platform to criticize President Biden’s policies.

In June, Manchin took aim at Biden’s green energy initiatives, asserting, “You cannot eliminate your way to a cleaner environment… Innovation is the only way to go.”

The recent surge in campaign contributions from Fox executives is noteworthy.

Among the notable contributors are Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy, Fox TV executive Stephen Brown, and Fox Sports President of Insights and Analytics Michael Mulvihill, along with several attorneys representing Fox Corporation.

With polling data revealing Manchin trailing his potential Republican Senate challenger, Governor Jim Justice, by a considerable margin, and being consistently ranked as the second most unpopular senator on a national level, Manchin’s political future remains uncertain.

Responding to such critiques, a spokesperson for Manchin retorted, “Senator Manchin’s focus is on doing the best job for West Virginia and the American people. The only poll that matters is the one on Election Day.”

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Senator Joe Manchin’s evolving influence within the Democratic Party and his potential aspirations for higher office are poised to shape the narrative leading up to the 2024 elections.

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The Intercept