Former Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., surprised Fox News viewers Friday by saying President Donald Trump is the only figure who can “bring this country together” following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk’s killing at age 31 has deepened partisan divides, with Republicans accusing Democrats of fueling violence through rhetoric labeling Trump and his allies as fascists and Nazis. Democrats, in turn, have argued that Trump’s own words have stoked right-wing extremism.
Manchin dismissed that claim as “nonsense.” “President Trump is the person who can basically bring us together,” he told Fox News’ Martha MacCallum.
Manchin, a former West Virginia governor, retired from the Senate this year after 14 years in office, during which he saw his coal-dependent state shift steadily toward Republicans. His departure left Democrats vulnerable, and the GOP easily captured his seat in last year’s elections.
Since leaving office, Manchin has leaned into his reputation as a centrist, promoting bipartisanship and moderation. On Friday, he argued that Trump is the only political figure today capable of bridging what he described as the deepest divide the nation has ever faced.
“I’m really hoping. I believe in him. I believe he can do that, and with that being said, he’s able to calm down all this rhetoric right now. And for those who want to still spew it? That’s fine, it’s gonna show you being on the extreme,” asserted Manchin.
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