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Jun 18, 2021Liked by John Aravosis

I'm a little with Jinny on this but cautiously optimistic that Manchin has always been concerned with appearing to give Republicans the chance he knows they'll refuse before acting. He has to choose between protecting his job and protecting the right to vote. Here's hoping he chooses right so history can judge him well

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I'm not convinced Manchin is going to come through. But I am convinced that what he's doing would be a perfect strategy to set McConnell up as the fall guy when explaining to folks back home why he had to curtail the filibuster to pass the voting rights bill.

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Jun 19, 2021Liked by John Aravosis

Agreed! It's the only play he can make. Do everything to be reasonable (which the compromise offer truly is) and when McConnell says again and again he won't make any deal on anything ever, Manchin can only hope his constituents see at least he kept his word to reach across the aisle. besides, the book deals and CNN slot will keep him busy if it doesn't

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Cliff is convinced that Manchin can’t win reelection. So it doesn’t really make sense why he’s pandering to Republican voters who arent gonna vote for him.

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Sure but he might as well give it his best shot (name recognition counts for so much) and make them invest in the seat. The far right could always nominate a complete loony bin and give Manchin a shot, though Cliff doubtless knows the names in play.

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I'm afraid to hope that Manchin is playing the long game but it would be great if he is!

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I'd give a 50% chance. He may just be an ass. But he also may recognize what's going on, that he's going to lose the next election anyway, and this is his chance to do the right thing AND justify it in a way that permits him to keep his bipartisan image.

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