Manchin and Heitkamp

[DemocratSinceBirth]

I have been very critical of them. When should righteous anger give way to prudence ? How much leeway do we give senators in deep red states to cooperate with Trump and could more liberal senators hold those seats ?

I don't know.

[elleng]

1. Prudence should control.

Dems can't afford to lose members to 'righteous anger,' but must always be aware of the real situation on the ground in deep red states.

Let's NOT shoot ourselves in the foot. 'More liberal senators' could NOT hold those seats. After Rockefeller left WV, that was all they wrote for Dems there (in foreseeable future.)

[Demsrule86]

7. Right, they need to be able to do what is necessary to hold their seats.

Democrats need to accept that conservadems can help provide a Democratic majority with all the benefits being in the majority provides. However, they can not and will not support every piece of legislation. They must get re-elected. They vote for us most of the time which is way better than a GOP who would never vote for our bills.

[metroins]

2. Support your ideals nt

[kentuck]

3. It might make sense if Trump was a popular President??

But even Repubs might be moving away from a President with 30% approval rating?

[Me.]

4. I Understand The Prudence Angle

But can't help wondering how long we're going to go along to get along. When do we actually take a stand. I also wonder if either has ever made a case for something progressive or do they always just assume anything progressive is a non-starter without ever trying. It's a conundrum.

[cry baby]

5. Personally, I think the election of more liberal senators in those states

is highly unlikely...to the point of being virtually impossible in today's political climate.

I think we should give them leeway, to the extent possible, to vote in the way that will result in a Democrat continuing to hold the seat.

I'm in Texas. I would love to have a Democrat representing me, even a moderate (or centrist) one.

[DarthDem]

6. Right

Great take.