Manchin stays on the fence during Kavanaugh battle

[DonViejo]

'Joe represents West Virginia. Joe doesn’t represent the Democratic Party,' said Sen. Jon Tester.

By JOHN BRESNAHAN 10/04/2018 05:08 AM EDT

With the fate of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh down to a literal handful of senators, Democrat Joe Manchin is playing coy.

Manchin is one of two red state Democrats — Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota being the other — who have yet to take a public position on Kavanaugh. Both senators are awaiting an FBI report on sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh to be completed before they decide how they’ll vote. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in high school and college, allegations he has strongly denied.

In the midst of a media frenzy, Heitkamp has run away from reporters who want to query her about the controversy surrounding Supreme Court nominee, and her office is tight-lipped about anything related to the nomination.

Manchin, for his part, sounds like he’s leaning “Yes,” and it certainly is gettable for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and the GOP leadership. It’s clear Manchin doesn’t want to be the 50th vote for Kavanaugh, but it seems like he’d be OK with being the 51st or 52nd, barring any new developments.

President Donald Trump has also personally discussed Kavanaugh’s confirmation with Manchin, according to Manchin’s aides, one of the president’s few forays into a Senate battle he’s mainly lobbed verbal grenades at from afar.

more
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/10/04/manchin-kavanaugh-battle-867885

[PJMcK]

1. Fuck Manchin

He's not a Democrat if he votes for Kavanuagh.

Sadly, I don't expect much from West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama or any other red state. Their voters are self-destructive idiots.

[Amishman]

2. He's cautious and good at self preservation

I am convinced he won't allow himself to be vote 50, but will vote Yes if they are already over 50. He is answerable to a state full of Trumpists who want Kavanaugh. I consider us lucky to have him, because that state could easily elect a rightwing extremist like AR's Cotton