He’s gonna try and win as an independent isn’t he? Wouldn’t be surprised if he “endorses Trump” or something to try and do so. No one ever said Manchin wasn’t a good politician, so I’ll give him that.
I kinda feel Manchin hoped that Blankenship would win so he could get back in, and set up the infrastructure to do so. Then Blankenship lost because Manchin didn't realize how hated he was, but the latter didn't want his time and money going to waste, so he went independent and will jump back in soon in a vain attempt to keep his job.
Or maybe he just wanted to be independent in his last few months.
Remember when Amash became a libertarian in 2020 before he retired?