In a pivotal announcement, Senator Joe Manchin criticized the Democratic Party as "toxic" and discussed his retirement from Congress.

During a revealing interview, Manchin expressed dissatisfaction with both major U.S. parties, marking the end of his extensive political career, as Fox News reports.

Manchin, formerly a Democrat and now an Independent from West Virginia, elaborated on his plans to retire at the conclusion of his current term. This decision follows his earlier shift in party affiliation, signaling a significant turn in his decades-long political journey.

In his discussion on CNN’s Inside Politics with Manu Raju, Manchin criticized the Democratic Party's pivot away from economic issues to focus more on social concerns, including transgender rights.

He attributed this shift to the influence of progressive Democrats, whom he accused of disconnecting from mainstream American values.

Manchin Challenges Both Parties on Social Issues

Manchin’s critique was not limited to the Democrats. He also targeted Republican lawmakers for their stance on gun control, which he described as excessively lax.

Advocating for a more measured approach, he emphasized the need for responsibility in gun ownership.

"The D-brand has been so maligned from the standpoint of, it’s just, it’s toxic," Manchin remarked during the interview, highlighting his estrangement from the Democratic Party. This statement underscores his broader discontent with the current political landscape.

"I’m not going to ban you from buying it, but you’re going to have to show some responsibility," he said, referring to his moderate position on gun control, which seeks a balance between outright bans and unregulated access.

From State Delegate to U.S. Senate

Manchin’s political career began in the early 1980s when he served as a state delegate. His career path led him to various significant roles, including state senator, Secretary of State, and governor of West Virginia, before his election to the U.S. Senate.

Throughout his tenure, Manchin has been known for his efforts to work across party lines, often positioning himself as a moderate amidst increasingly polarized party dynamics. His approach in the Senate has often involved seeking bipartisan solutions to complex issues.

Reflecting on his career, Manchin voiced concerns over both parties' current trajectories. "So the Democrats go too far, want to ban.

The Republican says, ‘Oh, let the good times roll. Let anybody have anything they want.’ Just some commonsense things there," he explained, summarizing his perspective on the political divide.

Manchin's Legacy and Bipartisan Efforts

As Manchin prepares to conclude his congressional career, his legacy is marked by his attempts to bridge the gap between conflicting political ideologies.

His retirement announcement has sparked discussions about the implications for the Senate’s future composition and the broader political climate.

Manchin’s departure poses questions about the sustainability of moderate political figures within major parties, which are increasingly dominated by their more extreme elements.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Manchin’s criticisms offer a poignant reflection on the challenges of governance in a deeply divided America.

His calls for a return to common sense and responsibility in political discourse highlight the ongoing struggle to find balance in a polarized environment.