West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin made headlines earlier this month by announcing that he will not run for reelection next year.

This week saw the Democratic lawmaker raise more eyebrows when he revealed that a presidential run could be in the works. 

Full interview to air on Sunday

According to Breitbart, Manchin made the announcement during an interview with NBC News anchor Kristen Welker that is set to air in full this coming Sunday.

I sat down with @Sen_JoeManchin and asked him a lot of questions including: what comes next?
Here’s part of our conversation on @TODAYshow https://t.co/hTRdZa3xLZ

— Kristen Welker (@kwelkernbc) November 16, 2023

"Let’s talk about your future, because obviously you are facing a big decision. Can you take us inside your thinking right now? Are you seriously contemplating a run for the White House?" Breitbart quoted Welker as asking Manchin.

"Here’s is what I'm seriously contemplating. I’ve said this clearly, people say, are you going to run?" Manchin said as he began his reply.

Manchin "scared to death that Donald Trump will become president"

"I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure, and immobilize the common sense middle that could be a center left, center right," the senator continued.

"It could be a person involved in the Grand Old Party forever, but they’ve basically said my Democrat friends over here, the old Blue Dog Democrats, that the middle is gone. There’s not many centrists left," Manchin lamented.

If I can reinvigorate that, I will do everything that I possibly can. I’m scared to death that Donald Trump will become president again. I think we will lose democracy as we know it," the lawmaker warned.

Welker went on to press Manchin further, stating, "I just want to stick with what your thinking is right now. Just to clarify, I know you haven’t made any decisions, but are you considering running for president?"

Political scientists say Manchin could threaten Biden

When Manchin responded that he "will do anything I can to help my country," Welker asked if this would include making a White House run.

"Your saying does that mean you would consider it? Absolutely, every American should consider if they’re in a position to help save the country. I think we’re on the wrong course. I will do everything possible," he answered.

Wayne Lesperance is a political scientist, and he told Fox News that a move by Manchin could pose a threat to President Joe Biden.

"Even if he decided to just travel to battleground states and urge voters to support moderate or centrist campaigns, the impact will be felt by Team Biden," Lesperance said.