United States Senator Joe Manchin on Monday clarified that he will not be joining the presidential race this fall.

"I don't need that in my life," Manchin told CBS News. The 76-year-old politician voiced concerns about the Democratic Party's candidate selection process, calling for a "vigorous, possibly three-week process." "I think a lot of people would like to see a mini-primary," he added, noting that the process would allow the party to decide whether Kamala Harris would be the strongest candidate or someone else.

Earlier today, Manchin remarked that he would decline any offer to run for vice president if Kamala Harris extended one, underscoring that "it is time for a new generation." The senator mentioned he was "pursuing the process" of launching his own White House bid but admitted that it would be "almost impossible" due to his departure from the Democratic Party earlier this year.