General Discussion

Socal31

(2,491 posts)

12. Using energy to go after Manchin is playing checkers.

Sun Oct 7, 2018, 10:16 AM

Oct 2018

Working our tail off to have a larger Senate margin than 51-49, but still being in control of the committees even if that fails, is playing chess. He votes against the party 27.5% of the time per https://projects.propublica.org/represent/members/M001183-joe-manchin-iii in the reddest of red states.

He didn't announce his decision yesterday until he knew it wouldn't change the outcome. To me that says that although he was willing to take heat for a yes vote in order to keep his seat, his calculation would change if he was actually the deciding factor. Chess, not checkers.

The optics of it suck. Yesterday was beyond suck. But voting incorrectly < 28% of the time as a (D) Senator from West Virginia is actually an asset that is not easily replaced.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

39 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I'm usually the one saying "Save the blue dogs", but Manchin is of no use to us [View all] Recursion Oct 2018 OP

Think you are wrong. He would not switch parties. Funtatlaguy Oct 2018 #1

A Republicrat? n/t mitch96 Oct 2018 #18

And if we take the podium from McConnell with him as a Democrat it will be all worthwhile. dem4decades Oct 2018 #2

I sincreley believe that if we take the gavel Recursion Oct 2018 #7

If that were true why would he even run? dem4decades Oct 2018 #10

WRONG!!!!!!!!! Time to move on. We need a big tent and candidates who represent THEIR districts! LBM20 Oct 2018 #3

He has *literally said* he is open to switching parties Recursion Oct 2018 #5

The only alternative is to allow the Republican to win now. yardwork Oct 2018 #11

He is from a RED state. He votes with the Dems 75% of the time. Enough of this SHIT! LBM20 Oct 2018 #16

No. He's the Democratic candidate and we need the numbers. yardwork Oct 2018 #4

I do not believe he will stay a Democrat Recursion Oct 2018 #6

Yep, he will switch parties. Va Lefty Oct 2018 #8

So you're advocating to vote for the Republican now?! yardwork Oct 2018 #9

I'll roll the dice. Drahthaardogs Oct 2018 #20

Then dump him when he actually switches parties. Kaleva Oct 2018 #21

"I do not believe he will stay a Democrat" - I'm sure his opponent will remain a Republican. n/t PoliticAverse Oct 2018 #28

Using energy to go after Manchin is playing checkers. Socal31 Oct 2018 #12

I fully expect a Joe Lieberman-type move on his part. Buns_of_Fire Oct 2018 #13

Shit. Manchin might even go full Trumpanzee and crawl up his ass like Lindsey dalton99a Oct 2018 #14

He isn't saying a damn thing. While detestable that he would consider Trump in the pool of still_one Oct 2018 #15

I have long expected a Nighthorse /Lieberman move from him. Autumn Oct 2018 #17

Well I've suspected the same but remember Lieberman was in a blue state. JHan Oct 2018 #19

He could be waiting for the right time till he's needed. He's open to Autumn Oct 2018 #31

Thing is I don't sense a rift between him and Dems. JHan Oct 2018 #33

Maybe you don't sense it but his statement about Democrats leaves the Autumn Oct 2018 #38

Well his vote on Kav was inconsequential - terrible yes but didn't change anything. JHan Oct 2018 #39

Lieberman didn't switch parties either. He lost the Democratic Primary and then ran and won as an I OhioBlue Oct 2018 #32

thx for that reminder ++ JHan Oct 2018 #34

Why does he stay in our party? phylny Oct 2018 #22

He was their Governor as a Democrat. He's been a lifelong Democrat. It's his party as much as ours. pnwmom Oct 2018 #24

He's saying that one month before his own election and two years out from Trump's. pnwmom Oct 2018 #23

Let's see. A Dem fighting in a very red state who says he *might* switch, or kcr Oct 2018 #25

wrong handmade34 Oct 2018 #26

Agreed Snackshack Oct 2018 #27

Disagree aeromanKC Oct 2018 #29

I have NEVER been one to say "save the blue dogs". denbot Oct 2018 #30

Maybe he'll run as an Independent... SidDithers Oct 2018 #35

his GOP opponent is far worse. pansypoo53219 Oct 2018 #36

This is one of the dumbest arguments I've read yet peggysue2 Oct 2018 #37