White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday refused to accept the notion that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) poses roadblocks to President Biden’s legislative agenda, even after the centrist senator declared his opposition to the sweeping voting rights bill that the President himself vowed to “fight like heck” to get passed in the Senate.
Isn’t Manchin a Goober?
He sure acts like one
Goober = member of the republican party.
And for discobot’s information “centrist” is a term for a movable goalpost. At this point in time “centrist” is somewhere well to the right of a Nixon republican.
After declining to read out any conversations between the President and Manchin, Psaki was pressed on whether the two are on the page.
On the page?!?
Isn’t that kind of thing usually the domain of Republican politicians?
Helpful reminder here that, as much as we on the Left might detest Manchin at this point, his continued at least notional support for the Democrats is the difference between getting anything, whether nominees to the executive or judicial branch or anything else, vs. MoscowMitch taking the lead and us getting absolutely scorched-earth.
Hopefully we can jettison Manchin and Sinema after the next election, but until then, we’re better off having them in the fold than cast aside.
Biden knows this, that’s why he’s not taking overt action against them, I’m sure things are a bit different behind the scenes.
“Jen, will you give us a comment that will alienate and enrage the guy your boss is negotiating with right now?”
The White House Press Corpse. They’re not sending their best.
Psaki replied that the White House is “not ready to accept” that analysis.
That headline doesn’t really match. Not accepting it is different.
They can’t push Manchin too far or he will switch parties to the GOP, that is where he really belongs. As it is he is only useful for one thing and it’s very important, not letting Mitch McConnell be the Majority Leader.
Sad thought - maybe this really is the best they can do… 
Once again an upcoming election carries with it the continued existance of America as we have known it. I would be happy indeed if a shit load of voters came to their senses and voted for logic, a reality based government, well funded science and protection of our individual rights as spelled out in the Constitution. Meaning if you are 18 or older, and a citizen you should be able to vote. No estimating jelly beans in a jar or poll taxes or limited hours or other bullshit designed to restrict certain people from voting.
The krakens have been unleashed and will do the “dirty” work of raking Manchin over the coals while Biden feigns all is well.
Too many years of being able to phone it in with competing headlines, writing he said/she said articles about flat-earth vs. round.
It’s really getting their goat that Psaki and Biden refuse to offer them any red meat for their “reporting”.
I look at this as a couple of pros.
Next question
I imagine Biden is going to tread lightly on this. There can be no reason for Manchin’s behavior other than grandstanding and ego satisfaction. That’s the problem Biden has to solve. Getting past that fucking ego of Manchin’s is what Biden has to do and ragging on him is no way to do that. Let it play out. My guess is Manchin gives a bit but not much. He will not be reelected though.
Has anyone ever managed a band?
I have.
You are correct. Currently the Overton Window looks out on Wall Street.
I agree, but I also fear he’ll get beat by a Republican.
And he’s certainly making the most of that. I just can’t for the life of me figure out what he’s getting from it.
Glad to see that the Biden WH is not giving Manchin the attention he’s craving. He’s looking for a deal and he’s not gonna get one.
As someone said yesterday, Manchin might be angling for a position in the administration in the second Biden term. I maintain that Manchin will get nothing - anyone who has gone all out to block the agenda doesn’t deserve even the equivalent of dog catcher in a Democratic administration.
He might be awarded a plum position in the next GQP administration, but Manchin will be dead to Biden and Harris if this all goes south.
Top-level phone calls are something, aren’t they?
You can count on it. Like my Grandmother used to say “no job worth doing is not worth doing right” and if Manchin’s gig is to fuck over the Democratic Party and Biden how better could he do it?