Departing Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., focused on unity in an emotional farewell address to his colleagues in the Senate, marking the final floor speech of his 14-year term after not seeking re-election this cycle.
“My friends and colleagues, today I rise with a full heart and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s been the honor of my life to represent my great state of West Virginia in this great country of ours,” Manchin opened his final remarks on Tuesday. “Now, as my time here comes to an end. I want you to know that my belief in the potential of this institution, and each and every one of you that represent it, remains as strong as ever.”
In his speech, Manchin urged his colleagues to put their differences aside and work together in an effort to bridge political differences.
The senator revealed that it “wasn’t exactly my plan to join the Senate” at first, but that he “saw an opportunity to serve more people and tackle bigger challenges.”
SENATE DEMOCRATS NAME TOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AFTER LOSING CHAMBER MAJORITY
US Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) speaks to the Detroit Economic Club at their meeting held at The Masonic in Detroit, Michigan, on February 26, 2024. (Jeff Kowalsky)
Manchin, focusing on the theme of unity, recalled being asked to help recruit Democratic candidates to run against Republicans when he first entered the Senate, but vowing not to work against his colleagues.
“It didn’t take long for me to see that the divisions here run pretty deep,” he said. “I’m not going to raise money to attack my friends and colleagues just because they have an ‘R’ by their name. How do we expect to work together if I’m working against them when they’re in cycle?”
In his final speech, Manchin took the opportunity to highlight accomplishments in his state of West Virginia such as on energy, infrastructure, and job growth.
While Manchin is widely known for his memorable work in the senate, his career in West Virginia politics dates back decades.
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 5: Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) walks with staffers on the east front of the U.S. Capitol on June 5, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura)
Manchin served as a state delegate in the early 1980s, before being elected as a state senator until the late 90s. Manchin served as Secretary of State for four years, and then was elected as governor of West Virginia in 2005.
Manchin was…
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