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By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters). – U.S. The centrist Senator Joe Manchin was a major stumblingblock to Democratic President Joe Biden’s bold social agenda. He acknowledged that on Thursday he discussed the possibility of leaving the party.

Manchin said to reporters that he discussed becoming independent if he felt it was an “embarrassment” for his Democratic colleagues and my caucus.

“I told you, I am a moderate centrist Democrat. If that makes it a problem for you, let me know. Then, I would switch to being an independent. Manchin added that she would continue to be in contact with Democrats. That was the only topic that ever came up. That was not accepted by anyone. He did not name his colleagues.

Manchin spoke during Democratic negotiations on the Biden social agenda. The Biden social agenda was likely to fall from $3.5 billion to under $2 trillion as Democrats battled to agree.

The Senate splits 50-50 between Democrats, Republicans. Kamala Harris, a Democrat casts the tie-breaking vote. Manchin, Sinema have a significant influence on the direction of legislation.

Manchin is from West Virginia and is conservative in West Virginia. He has supported Republican politicians for many years. Manchin was at odds with many fellow Democrats over key issues of Biden’s agenda.

In 2018, he narrowly won his re-election bid. Next, he will be facing voters in 2024.

Mother Jones reported Wednesday night that Manchin would first step down from the Senate Democratic Leadership post and register as an Independent if Democrats don’t reduce the spending bill.

There are two senators who can caucus along with Democrats, Senators Bernie Sanders or Angus King.