Is the alleged fact that we are going to increase the number of Democratic senators

[Baitball Blogger]

after the election a good reason why Manchin and Sinema to suddenly start working with the Democratics to pass legislation before November?

They must know that if we get 52 Senators they will fade into irrelevance and lose any kind of negotiating powers. In fact, they might even get snubbed for the difficult time they gave us all around. Especially Manchin over the Kavanaugh vote. Lord knows he has it coming to him. Both of them.

So, wouldn't an intelligent politician start showing signs of teamwork at this juncture for his own political interests?

[Amishman]

1. I don't think so, most experts put our chances at keeping the senate at all as a tossup

52+ for us is roughly a 20% chance per 538, and other pundits (and the betting markets) seem to be in alignment on that. I don't see any credible sources putting major gains for us as a likely outcome.

I think it is more that what we are negotiating is way scaled back from the scope of Build Back Better, so they are willing to continue talking. Plus I think Manchin would have talks forever on anything, and just move the goalposts continually.

[Hugin]

2. It is not that I completely agree. I would like to point out that since '14...

All of the alleged tossups seem to go to the GOP with the notable exceptions in GA for ‘20.

Senatorial speaking.

[FBaggins]

3. Just the opposite I'm afraid

Schumer appears to be taking whatever Manchin/Sinema will give him. Settling for something over nothing.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

4. Yea

And this is important to watch. How leadership and members of Congress act will hint towards what they feel the most likely outcome will be in November. If Schumer is trying to get anything he can passed right now, then it means one of two things. One, something needs to be done now while it still can because either the House, Senate, or both are gone next year. Or two, internal polling is god awful and he wants to chalk up a win so we have something to run on in November.

[FBaggins]

5. Both things are likely true

He probably knows that we're likely to lose one or both chambers, but "by how much" is still up in the air.

[Raven123]

6. I would imagine they don't want to be in the minority.

If that happens, they will lose all the attention. Their opinions will be meaningless.

[msfiddlestix]

7. I totally expect both to "defect". Why we'll need more than just two to the sum total, imo.

[Baitball Blogger]

8. Hmmm...that would be an interesting, but tragic twist.

[msfiddlestix]

9. I hope I'm wrongfully reading both of them. Just based on their behavior, decisions.

Been tinking this for a long time actually surprised they haven't done it before now, but happy it hasn't happened.

I'm also speculating Schumer has been jumping through hoops keeping them happy behind the scenes.

all speculation... nothing based on anything I've seen reported directly.