Biden Thread

**Hooahguy** · 10-20-2021, 19:11

In recent days, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has told associates that he is considering leaving the Democratic Party if President Joe Biden and Democrats on Capitol Hill do not agree to his demand to cut the size of the social infrastructure bill from $3.5 trillion to $1.75 trillion, according to people who have heard Manchin discuss this. Manchin has said that if this were to happen, he would declare himself an “American Independent.” And he has devised a detailed exit strategy for his departure.

What a whiny little baby. I hope he doesnt for obvious reasons but I really hate how the Senate is 50/50. Even if it was 51/49 it would be better so we wouldnt have to kowtow to Manchin. An obligatory

Maine for voting for Biden but also reelecting Collins.

Edit: apparently its a bs story but honestly who knows lol

**ReluctantSamurai** · 10-20-2021, 21:14

As far as these upcoming bills are concerned, it doesn't matter all that much which side of the isle he's on. The net result either way will be a gutting of all the climate-change policy, high drug prices will remain in effect, and who knows what else will get removed from BBB...

Question...if he switches parties, does he have to return all the PAC money he got from the Democratic Party?

And Uncle Mitch sez he "admires" Joe:

On a visit to Pikeville, in his home state of Kentucky, the minority leader told ABC affiliate WCHS: "I really greatly admire Senator Manchin. "Senator Manchin almost single-handedly is preserving the Senate as we have always known it, which is a body that requires a supermajority to do most things."

If that isn't a tacit acknowledgement from Dr. No that Manchin isn't already doing what the Republicans want, then I don't know what is...

**Crandar** · 10-20-2021, 21:57

Wouldn't Manchin leaving the Democratic party be a positive development? Right now, he's sabotaging the most essential proposals, by occupying a seat as a Democratic candidate. I doubt he would prevail in the West Virginia elections as a Republican or independent, because that would require a lot of popularity and clientèle connections. If he quits, then it can be assumed that another Democratic candidate will take his place. Or am I missing something obvious?

**Montmorency** · 10-20-2021, 22:18

West Virginia is the first or second most Republican state in the country; Manchin is one of the only Senators remaining in the country who is part of a split-party state delegation.

It was always understood that Manchin would be replaced by a Republican in the next election there. If Manchin refuses to caucus with Democrats, we instantly lose the Senate and no more legislation will be enacted.

**Hooahguy** · 10-20-2021, 22:38

Exactly. I loathe Manchin but without him control of the Senate goes back to Mitch who wont pass a single bill. If we had 51 Dems in the Senate that would be a different story but sadly we do not.

**Montmorency** · 10-20-2021, 22:46

Originally Posted by Hooahguy

Exactly. I loathe Manchin but without him control of the Senate goes back to Mitch who wont pass a single bill. If we had 51 Dems in the Senate that would be a different story but sadly we do not.

Reminding you that Manchin is far from the only obstacle, Sinema has reportedly reaffirmed her commitment against any tax increases (i.e. she effectively approves of the Trump-era tax cut that she voted against).

Real bastard people.

I told y'all since October 2020 or so, the only real chance for passing the agenda was 52+ senators.