Shortly after Manchin revealed he would not seek reelection, one group had already begun making moves to coax the West Virginia Democrat into joining a bipartisan presidential ticket with Romney, who announced his own retirement in September.
Manchin announced on Thursday he would not seek reelection to the Senate, sparking speculation about what he may pursue next amid rumors of a third-party presidential bid.
Vice President Kamala Harris is traveling to Columbia, South Carolina, on Friday to join Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) in filing paperwork for President Joe Biden to appear on the state's Democratic presidential primary ballot.
Independents are expected to hold an outsize role in the 2024 cycle as voters prepare for a likely rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump with outside polling showing room for a third-party candidate to gain steam.