His stance basically means that the Democrat agenda is done. While he could be simply saying this so he can later say, "The GOP refuses to cooperate, so I have to reverse, but I tried," I doubt that as you usually don't publicly reverse course after writing an op-ed directly on the issue - especially when you are from a conservative state and are a D.
One thing that frustrates me with all this are the headlines that Manchin is breaking our democracy. I've seen a number that argue, basically, one man is preventing the majority in the House, Senate, and the P from enacting the agenda. While kinda true, the fact is what's preventing this isn't really Manchin, but a unified GOP that McConnell has overtly stated will vote in bloc against D bills. THAT'S where things have broken down, a party that is not only unwilling to vote for anything the Ds propose, but unwilling to even negotiate or allow the bills to come to a vote. Where Manchin is at fault in my opinion is not recognizing that the rules for the Senate are outdated and no longer applicable given the current state of the GOP. Where the ultimate fault lies is with a party that says, "We refuse to compromise."
Regardless, it's sad to see that, basically, what has been passed (and will be passed by the next and last reconciliation bill) is all we'll get for at least 2 years.
One thing that frustrates me with all this are the headlines that Manchin is breaking our democracy. I've seen a number that argue, basically, one man is preventing the majority in the House, Senate, and the P from enacting the agenda. While kinda true, the fact is what's preventing this isn't really Manchin, but a unified GOP that McConnell has overtly stated will vote in bloc against D bills. THAT'S where things have broken down, a party that is not only unwilling to vote for anything the Ds propose, but unwilling to even negotiate or allow the bills to come to a vote. Where Manchin is at fault in my opinion is not recognizing that the rules for the Senate are outdated and no longer applicable given the current state of the GOP. Where the ultimate fault lies is with a party that says, "We refuse to compromise."
Regardless, it's sad to see that, basically, what has been passed (and will be passed by the next and last reconciliation bill) is all we'll get for at least 2 years.
