More Manchin stuff
Manchin interviewed on WV Metro News
Senator Manchin was the first guest on today’s Metro News’ Talkline. Hoppy Kercheval began the program by allowing Manchin time to explain his decision to vote against the Better Back bill. Here is the Twitter feed of that segment:
The U.S. Senate will vote on the proposed Build Back Better plan in January, @Sen_Joemanchin joins @HoppyKercheval to give his thoughts on why he is opposed to the act. WATCH: https://t.co/4YFIkFXZE3 pic.twitter.com/41XZ2KMg11
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) December 20, 2021
(The entire interview lasted 16 minutes and that was the first six minutes. The rest can be accessed here.)
Later in the interview, Kercheval pressed Manchin on the obvious: the original bill had been significantly watered-down to accommodate him; when and how had Manchin compromised? (Kercheval to Manchin: “You’re in the same place.”) Manchin then tries to duck the question, but Kercheval continues to press. Despite the push, Manchin does not answer the question.
My take of the interview: through most of the it, Manchin was arrogant and righteous with his hypocrisy on the compromise issue clearly standing out. (If you watch/listen to the entire interview, comment below -- I’d be interested in your opinion.)
The senator tells us his opinion of some of his constituents
On the children's tax credit:
Privately, Joe Manchin has told colleagues that he thought parents would waste child tax credit payments on drugs.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) December 20, 2021
Manchin's comments shocked several senators, who saw it as an unfair assault on his own constituents and those raising children in poverty.https://t.co/LkEbmq7W5K
That got this reaction from one of his former advisors:
A tweet by Joe Manchin’s former senior policy advisor and speechwriter.⬇️ https://t.co/4RufIqiGnc
— Olivia of Troye (@OliviaTroye) December 20, 2021
An unintended consequence of Manchin’s decision
From Goldman Sachs:
Joe Manchin's opposition to the Build Back Better Act has prompted Goldman Sachs to swiftly dim its U.S. economic outlook.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) December 20, 2021
"A failure to pass BBB has negative growth implications." https://t.co/sc0VXK9QgE
And:
Dow drops 433 points as COVID-19 cases climb and Manchin sinks social spending bill https://t.co/axFxgEEj5p
— Markets Insider (@MktsInsider) December 20, 2021
Finally, some perspective from Washington Post columnist, Eugene Robinson
Be mad at Manchin, who didn't bargain "in good faith" as he claimed. Acknowledge that progressives were right about what would happen if infrastructure passed first. But save hottest ire for 50 GOP senators who'd rather deny Biden a win than help families and save the planet.
— Eugene Robinson (@Eugene_Robinson) December 20, 2021
