Joe Manchin says Dems should hold ‘mini-primary’ to replace Biden on ticket

In an interview with CBS News, Manchin said that he would not be running for president but supported setting up a "mini primary" for selecting a Democratic nominee.

"I am not going to be a candidate for president," Manchin told the outlet. "I am a candidate for basically speaking to the middle of this country." Manchin also called for a "mini primary" to "find out if you have the strongest candidate," adding that many people have called for a similar process.

Manchin also suggested that Harris is too far to the left, saying, "Let's see if she comes back." During the interview, Manchin also praised Biden for his service in office as the sitting president. The West Virginia Senator added, that when he served with Biden they would "disagree respectfully" adding, "We call each other and we were having good conversations and always counted on Joe making the right decision."

Manchin does not plan on running again in the Senate, and has registered as an independent after service in the Senate as a Democrat. Many speculated earlier in the race if he would throw his hat in the ring for the presidency ahead of the primaries. Harris appears to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination ahead of the DNC, with endorsements coming from Biden as well as the Clintons. Barack Obama, however, has not yet endorsed Harris.