If Manchin was smart he would

[liberalmediaaddict]

If Manchin was smart he'd stop announcing he's opposed to ever eliminating the filibuster to raise the debt ceiling. All it does is embolden McConnell to keep blackmailing the President.

Manchin could say he's open to using a carvout in the filibuster rule if McConnell doesn't stop blocking Democrats from passing a debt limit increase on their own with 50 votes.

But Manchin wants everyone in the Senate to like him. And thinks if Democrats say "pretty please" Republicans will agree to work with us to do "what's best for America." LOL.

[raging moderate]

1. That is what Manchin is trying to do.

Manchin is being paid off by McConnell and the Koch Brothers and their pals.

[2naSalit]

2. +1

[crud]

3. Seems like a bad tactic in negotiations

to give away all the leverage before you start...unless he is using it as leverage against the Dems.

[keithbvadu2]

4. Some people worry that Manchin will become a Republican.

Some people worry that Manchin will become a Republican. In the current balance of parties, that will not happen. He would switch parties only if the Democrats have a large majority or the Republicans have a large majority. He is in a maximum position of power right now and he knows it. The Democrats have to kiss his ass to keep him. If he switches parties he will become just-another-Republican.

At present, he is a 'loyal' Democrat.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. I don't understand why so many Democrats think it's possible

to make nice with Republicans. That stopped happening during the Obama administration.