West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is considering switching back to being a member of the Democratic Party and running for president. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
"He will go down with a legacy unlike many people as one of the finest and surely a patriot, an American," Manchin said of Biden during an appearance on ABC News' "This Week." "And so with that, I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation."
Manchin changed his party registration from Democrat to independent this year, though he still caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate.
In the three weeks since Biden's disastrous debate performance against former President Trump, Manchin said he "thought the president needed time to evaluate and make a decision if he was going to at that time." The senator also acknowledged Democratic colleagues facing competitive races in Congress or at the state level in November who fear Biden's re-election campaign could ruin their chances.
JOE MANCHIN FACES PRESSURE FOR 11TH-HOUR RUN TO SECURE CRITICAL SEAT FOR DEMOCRATS
Vice President Kamala Harris could become the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party after Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the race. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye)
The West Virginia MetroNews reported sources "close" to the senator who said at least 20 Republicans "with financial resources" have encouraged Manchin to run for governor.
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Since that report was published, Manchin was reportedly bombarded by people urging him to run at an event at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, according to WVMetroNews. The Greenbrier is notably owned by the state’s current governor, Democrat-turned-Republican Jim Justice, who is term-limited and now is the GOP’s Senate nominee to replace Manchin.
Fox News' Aishah Hasnie and Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/manchin-considers-re-registering-democrat-run-president