In a surprising development earlier this year, Sen. Joe Manchin announced his departure from the Democratic Party, and he criticized its "extreme" and "toxic" ideology during a recent interview.

Manchin's decision marked a significant shift and raised questions about the evolving identity of the Democratic Party, as the Daily Wire reports with the lawmaker weighing in on where he thinks things now stand.

The harsh assessment came during a Sunday appearance on CNN in which Manchin expressed growing discomfort with the party's trajectory.

Though historically aligned with the Democrats, Manchin's departure underscored simmering tensions within the party ranks.

Manchin Expresses Concerns Over Party Direction

In the interview, Manchin articulated his views candidly, remarking, "I am not a Democrat in the form of what the Democratic Party has turned itself into."

He continued emphasizing that the national symbol associated with the party has strayed from its traditional roots.

The senator from West Virginia addressed his belief in upholding constitutional rights. He voiced concerns over what he perceived as an effort by Washington Democrats to integrate fringe ideas into the mainstream.

He highlighted, "I will protect you. Just don’t try to mainstream it."

Longstanding Party Views Challenged by Manchin

Manchin's remarks highlighted a growing divide between his personal political ideology and that of the current Democratic Party leadership.

He accused the party, which he once represented, of attempting to normalize views he sees as extreme. "And the Democratic Party, the Washington Democrats, have tried to mainstream the extreme," he criticized during the discourse.

The lawmaker's thoughts underline his perception of a shift in the progressive left's influence, describing it as a historically minority perspective.

His concerns centered around the notion that these emerging directions infringe on people's rights to make personal decisions independent of extreme influences.

Emphasis on Protecting Individual Rights

Central to Manchin’s argument was the preservation of individual rights.

He expressed a staunch stance against the mainstreaming of certain fringe views, out of concern for erosion into personal freedoms.

While avowing support for individual rights, Manchin’s focus remained on protecting the sanctity of personal decision-making.

He remained resolute in distinguishing his responsibility to advocate for basic rights, alluding to a difference between safeguarding civil liberties and endorsing an agenda he perceived as radical.

Manchin’s Voice Reflects Broader Concerns

Manchin's disavowal of the Democrats resonates amid broader debates about the party's political aims.

By departing, he places himself among moderate political figures grappling with the leftward shift in Democratic ideology. His criticisms signa