Sen. Manchin Calls Warren Too 'Extreme' for 2020

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is one of the more moderate Democrats in Congress, and that can explain why he is not onboard the Warren 2020 train. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced her plans to run for president last week. In her launch video, Warren pledged to be a champion for middle class families. Her plans to achieve that, though, is on the radical side of the Democratic Party, such as Medicare for All and tuition-free college. The Atlantic called the former an "indulgent fantasy," while former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe called the latter "unrealistic."

Her corresponding Instagram Live, in which she cracked open a beer while answering questions about her campaign, didn't exactly resonate with voters. Most mocked her for trying to pander to young people.

She's too "extreme" for West Virginia, Sen. Manchin explained on CNN Tuesday morning.

"You have to have someone who is a realist and centrist," says Dem. @Sen_JoeManchin on 2020.

"West Virginia is not going to accept the extremes," adding "Elizabeth [Warren] will have a hard time in West Virginia, she really would." https://t.co/RwM8dDBKqR pic.twitter.com/oNkGysoRr1

— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) January 8, 2019

Warren supporters shamed Manchin for dismissing Warren, noting he's never had such strong language for President Trump.

Elizabeth Warren is not “extreme.” But I do understand that a corporatist, corrupt ‘centrist’ shill like Joe Manchin is threatened by her plans to tackle Washington corruption. #Warren2020 https://t.co/hwjRc8pRoj

— Warren For POTUS (@WarrenForPOTUS) January 8, 2019

"Democrat" Joe Manchin won't say Trump lies about immigration, suggests someone is "misinforming" him.

Then says Elizabeth Warren will have a hard time because (paraphrasing) she's not in touch with hardworking "real people."

With Dems like this, who needs Republicans?

— Peter Daou (@peterdaou) January 8, 2019

Yet, Manchin may be on to something with his 2020 prediction/warning. Warren is far from the top of Democrats' list, according to recent polling. Consistently at the top of the field is former Vice President Joe Biden, who reportedly plans to make an announcement soon.