Moderate Democrat of West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin – arguably one of the most influential lawmakers in Senate – reaffirmed his stance on the Democrats’ For The People Act which would rip election laws from state control, federalizing the entire voting process.
https://twitter.com/Grahmptr/status/1401668747677548555
Upon his decision, Manchin inspired online uproar only liberals on Twitter could muster, referring to the moderate Democrat as a “Republican” and featuring the hashtag #MunchinsGottaGo.
The West Virginia Democrat relayed his feelings on the bill in a op-ed piece in the Charleston-Gazette-Mail. His reasoning for opposing the bill is sound, and any blowback he continues to receive seems to be from those who wish to destroy American democracy as we know it.
He began his writing not only reiterating his intention to vote against the election bill, but declaring firmly his stance on the filibuster rule which Democrats so badly wish to destroy.
“I believe that partisan voting legislation will destroy the already weakening binds of our democracy, and for that reason, I will vote against the For the People Act. Furthermore, I will not vote to weaken or eliminate the filibuster,” he wrote.
He urged that any action from Congress on changes to the American voting system must be an equal collaboration between Republicans and Democrats, not just the influence of one party to overhaul American democracy.
“As such, congressional action on federal voting rights legislation must be the result of both Democrats and Republicans coming together to find a pathway forward or we risk further dividing and destroying the republic we swore to protect and defend as elected officials,” he continued.
Manchin’s thoughts on the filibuster also enraged many Democrats who’ve been threatening to remove the Senate rule since Joe Biden took office.
“Democrats have again proposed eliminating the Senate filibuster rule in order to pass the For the People Act with only our Party’s support,” he said. “They’ve conveniently forgotten how it was been crucial in protecting the rights of Democrats in the past. Their demonization of the rule is inconsistent with their previous actions.”
The moderate Democrat said he will stand strong, ensuring the Senate rule stays in place to protect ideological balance with the Senate Chamber. He believes it to be wildly tyrannical, as do most Americans, to remove such a rule to expedite one party’s radical political agenda.
Joe Biden’s legislative agenda has taken a severe blow thanks to Manchin decision to vote “no” on For The People Act. This decision suggests to the Biden team that they must rely on negotiations with Republican lawmakers if they plan on ever achieving a legislative win. As mid-term elections approach, the time is running out for the Biden administration to maneuver this troubling political landscape.
Author: Sebastian Hayworth
