I mean, this is just false. He’s essentially the last remnant of the old Southern Democrats that have since been nearly entirely replaced by Republicans, but they absolutely did exist. Hell, god damn Missouri had a Democrat Senator and Governor not that long ago. Louisiana still has a Democrat Governor. The party used to have a pretty substantial conservative wing that was actually competitive in the South. They clashed with the rest of the party constantly, but they also played a key part in allowing major Democratic victories like the ACA to pass.
Manchin isn’t that. He’s a neoliberal. Southern Democrats were the precursors to neoliberals but manchin isn’t one.
Southern Democrats were Democrats who voted against the civil rights act. Manchin isn’t that old. He’s been in office since the mid 80s. He is a classic neoliberal. Liberal on social policies, conservative fiscal policies wrapped in a feel good liberal gild.
He’s not the Senate swing vote any more, so this is how he gets attention.
He was never a Democrat. Just someone willing to vote either way for enough grease.
He also at least votes for a Dem Majority Leader and, coming from West Virginia, the alternative would be a full-fledged Republican.
I don’t like the guy, I disagree with him majorly, but he’s better than the only likely alternative.
A barely necessary evil given how tight everything is. I wouldn’t feel bad if he stepped on a lego, though.
Oh yes he was. Manchin is a residual from the neoliberal movement. He’s a great reminder that Democrats have been “radical centrists” for decades.
Democrats aren’t your friends. They’re just the better option between two conservative parties.
Exactly.
I mean, this is just false. He’s essentially the last remnant of the old Southern Democrats that have since been nearly entirely replaced by Republicans, but they absolutely did exist. Hell, god damn Missouri had a Democrat Senator and Governor not that long ago. Louisiana still has a Democrat Governor. The party used to have a pretty substantial conservative wing that was actually competitive in the South. They clashed with the rest of the party constantly, but they also played a key part in allowing major Democratic victories like the ACA to pass.
Manchin isn’t that. He’s a neoliberal. Southern Democrats were the precursors to neoliberals but manchin isn’t one.
Southern Democrats were Democrats who voted against the civil rights act. Manchin isn’t that old. He’s been in office since the mid 80s. He is a classic neoliberal. Liberal on social policies, conservative fiscal policies wrapped in a feel good liberal gild.
Don’t forget the hard-on for fossil fuels, planet be damned. That yacht ain’t gonna sail itself.