The Democrat Party is very nervous about the midterms. One poll after the next has shown Republicans leading Democrats; although the latter party is hoping June’s overturn of Roe v. Wade will change things.
Thus far, that remains to be seen. However, Democrats have a lot working against them. For one thing, the economy is in a significant downturn, despite the White House now modifying the traditional benchmarks of a recession.
Crime has also been on the rise in communities across the country. It’s gotten so bad that Starbucks locations are closing in over one dozen cities.
Over the weekend, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin was questioned about the outcome he hopes for his party to meet in November. Yet, Manchin threw just about everyone for a loop with his response, as documented by Washington Examiner.
Manchin on His Party in the Midterms
Despite the West Virginia congressman being a Democrat himself, he didn’t state he wants his party to keep its majorities in the House and Senate.
When asked by Meet The Press host Chuck Todd about if he’d want the Democrat Party to hold power in Congress, Manchin stated it’s ultimately the American people’s decision.
WATCH: @chucktodd: "Do you want the Democrats to keep control" of Congress in November?"@Sen_JoeManchin: "Whatever the voters choose … I've always taken the approach, whomever you send me, that's your representative and I respect them. … I don't play the politics that way." pic.twitter.com/ts6KvK4Cef
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) July 31, 2022
Manchin then continued, saying he’s going to work with whatever the dynamic turns out to be following November. The West Virginia Democrat later said he’s got great relationships with Republicans and Democrats, thereby allowing him to work well with both parties.
Afterward, Manchin stated he wasn’t interested in playing politics in the same way that other politicians in office do.
A Wild Card Lawmaker
Manchin has repeatedly thrown both sides of the political aisle for a loop. His refusal to express support for his party winning the midterms also comes after Manchin declined to endorse the president’s plans to run for reelection in 2024.
Recently, Manchin earned some criticism from the GOP for working with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on the Inflation Reduction Act. Republican lawmakers believe the legislation will ultimately increase costs for the everyday American.
The Inflation Reduction Act is not a Democratic or Republican bill. It's a bill for America. We have an opportunity to lower drug costs for seniors, lower ACA health care premiums, increase our energy security & invest in energy technologies – all while reducing our national debt
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) July 29, 2022
The GOP previously courted Manchin with offers to join the Republican Party. Manchin hasn’t gone for this just yet. Although if he did, this would tip the Senate back into a Republican majority.
Some of the most progressive Democrats, on the other hand, believe the West Virginia senator is essentially Republican-lite, due to him not voting in lockstep with the party.
As the midterms approach, progressives are calling for Democrats to secure more Senate seats so Manchin no longer holds power as the make-or-break voter for Democratic legislation.
What do you make of Joe Manchin refusing to endorse his own party keeping control of Congress in the November midterms? Please be sure to let us know your views about this in the comments area.
This article appeared in The Conservative Brief and has been published here with permission.
