Republicans release campaign ad attacking ‘Maserati Manchin’ as he mulls reelection
Cami Mondeaux
Video Embed
Republicans are getting a head start on the 2024 campaign season, releasing an attack ad against vulnerable Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) before he has even decided whether he’ll run for reelection.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a new attack ad called “Maserati Manchin,” attacking the senator for his seemingly extravagant lifestyle. The ad specifically highlights Manchin’s luxury vehicle, his $700,000 houseboat, and recent reporting from the Daily Mail that revealed Manchin spent more than $1 million in campaign funds on fine dining.
DEMOCRATS ON DEFENSE AS 2024 SENATE MAP BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE
“Life’s very good for Democrat Joe Manchin,” the ad says. “While West Virginians get stuck with higher prices, smaller paychecks, open borders.”
The ad references Manchin’s Maserati Levante, a luxury SUV that costs roughly $80,000, as well as a houseboat the senator has docked in Washington, D.C., that costs about $220,000.
“Joe Manchin [and] Joe Biden, living it up,” the ad continues, featuring a shot of two champagne glasses clinking together.
The ad comes before Manchin has announced whether he intends to seek a third Senate term, putting Democrats on edge as they seek to maintain their majority in the upper chamber.
Considered to be one of the most vulnerable Democrats heading into the 2024 election cycle, Manchin has all eyes on him as he mulls his future plans. If he does seek reelection, Manchin would be running in a state that Trump won by 38.9 percentage points in 2020 — making him a top target for the Republican Party.
West Virginia is also considered to be one of three toss-up states heading into the 2024 cycle, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. That means if Manchin doesn’t run for reelection, an open seat would give Republicans a chance to flip a crucial Senate seat.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
However, Manchin seems to be in no rush to announce his plans.
“I haven’t made a decision what I’m going to do in 2024,” he told NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, also refusing to confirm whether he’d remain in the Democratic Party. “I’ve got two years ahead of me now to do the best I can for the state and for my country.”