Manchin’s Filibuster Promise Means Never Saying Sorry

Senator Joe Manchin’s refusal to go along with his Dem colleagues’ myopic quest to end the filibuster just to grease their progressive agenda is a Profile in Courage. IF he sticks to his guns.

You’ll recall how then-Senator John Kennedy took a leave of absence in 1954 to recover from back surgery, & poured himself into studying “political courage.” The result, of course, was “Profiles in Courage, which relates how 8 Senators had shown uncommon courage in resisting enormous pressure from their parties & constituents…to do what they felt was the right thing to do. In his preface, Kennedy describes 3 types of pressure Senators often face, i.e., wanting to be liked, re-elected, or pleasing to interest groups. In short, the desire to be LOVED. Ernest Hemingway, JFK noted, had defined it as “Grace under pressure.”

Does today’s Senator from West Virginia have that “Grace” Kennedy & Ernie admired so much? Earlier this year, Manchin told the Washington Post, “I will not vote to bust the filibuster under any condition.” When asked by Fox News’ Jason Donner if he meant what he said, the grace-filled Manchin ungracefully said, “Jesus Christ, what don’t you understand about never?” So, Joe, does that mean you won’t ever vote to end the filibuster so Chuck Schumer can ram President Biden’s progressive wish list through the 50-50 Senate? Even if he promises free season tix to the Nationals games? Even if somewhat ditzy Arizona Dem. Senator Kyrsten Sinema who made the same promise, changes her mind anyway? Remember, Joe, love does mean never having to say you’re sorry.

Davd Soul