Former Senator Joe Manchin told CBS' Face the Nation he would never support a self-described socialist, calling many of their positions 'crazy' and warning they could undermine policing, national defense, border security and energy production. He said he would consider constructive ideas but rejected what he described as efforts to dismantle governmental institutions. His daughter, Heather Manchin, criticized party leaders for prioritizing control over candidate character. The remarks come as DSA-backed candidates gain ground and polls show rising favorable views of socialism among Democrats.
Manchin: 'No Way' He'd Back Socialist Candidates, Warns of 'Crazy' Agendas That Threaten Policing, Defense and Energy
Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told "Face the Nation" that he refuses to support the "crazy" demands of socialist candidates.
Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin told CBS' Face the Nation he would not support any candidate who identifies as a socialist, bluntly declaring, 'No way. My God, no.' The exchange came as several Democratic primaries saw gains by candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
When host Margaret Brennan asked whether he would still embrace 'some good ideas' from socialist-leaning candidates, Manchin replied that he could support constructive proposals but rejected what he called the more extreme elements of their platforms.
Candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have surged in recent primary elections.
“I support the good ideas. But how could you support some of the crazy stuff they're for?” Manchin said. “Have you seen their platform? They're for dismantling everything that we know, whether it be the structure of government, Congress itself, or the Senate — they want to get rid of it, and then they start talking about all the crazy things, no police, no this, no this, no that. Are you crazy?”
Manchin argued that public safety, a strong national defense and secure borders are non-negotiable priorities. He warned that embracing the full suite of socialist demands could have practical consequences, including threats to energy production: "If Democrats can't say that, and they start lining up with the socialist demands... energy will be gone. There'll be no energy, OK? We have right now a tremendous amount of energy we're producing, and the world depends more on us than ever before."
Party Debate and Family Concerns
Manchin appeared on the program with his daughter, Heather Manchin, who said Democratic leaders have been reluctant to push back against far-left contenders. "Control has now completely outweighed character," she said, arguing that party strategy focused on vote counts can overshadow concerns about candidates' platforms and qualifications.
A recent Fox News poll found Democrats held a more favorable opinion of socialism compared to capitalism.
The segment highlights growing tension within the Democratic Party over how to respond to DSA-backed candidates who have won several primaries across the country. Some DSA figures gaining attention include New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier.
A July Fox News poll cited in the coverage found that 52% of Democrats had a favorable view of socialism compared with 41% favoring capitalism; among all registered voters, 30% viewed socialism favorably, up from 27% the previous year.
Fox News Digital said it reached out to the Democratic Socialists of America for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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