Former independent Sen. Joe Manchin (W.V.) said the Democratic Party's 'void in leadership' stemmed from internal splits over the rise of democratic socialist candidates in a radio interview Sunday morning.
Manchin made the remarks in a conversation with radio host John Catsimatidis on his show 'Cats Roundtable,' and he cited democratic socialist candidates' recent wins.
The growing wave of primary victories by democratic socialists is poised to pose a major challenge for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) if Democrats retake the House in the midterms.
He will likely need to contend with an increasingly restive and energized left flank as he mounts a bid for the Speakership.