Fox News host Chris Wallace on Sunday challenged Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) who refuses to support filibuster reform, pass a proxy bill and other progressive initiatives.
“You said you were against scrapping the filibuster,” remarked Wallace. “The question I have is whether or not – and you say you hope this brings the parties together – the question I have is whether or not you are getting it exactly wrong?”
“Listen to me,” the Fox News host continued. “If you were to stick to the idea that maybe you would vote to kill the filibuster, that wouldn’t be an incentive for Republicans to actually negotiate because old Joe Manchin is out there and who knows what he’s going to do ? Didn’t you empower Republicans to be obstructionists by taking it off the table? “
“I don’t think so,” said Manchin cautiously. “Because we have seven brave Republicans who keep voting for what they think is right and the facts as they see them and not worrying about the political ramifications.”
The West Virginia senator insisted that many of his “Republican friends” agree.
“I’m just very hopeful and see good signs,” said Manchin. “Give us some time.”
Wallace cut him off to point out that the Republicans had recently used the filibuster to kill a commission investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“The Republicans blocked that,” Wallace reminded the Senator. “Sen. McConnell, the Republican chairman in the Senate, says he is 100% focused on blocking the Biden agenda. Question: Aren’t you naive about this ongoing talk of bipartisan collaboration? “
“I’m not naive,” objected Manchin. “I think he’s 100% wrong in trying to block all the good things we are doing for America. It would be much better if we had participation and we got participation. “
“I will continue to work with my non-partisan friends,” he added. “In 2017 there were 33 Democrats who signed a letter to save the filibuster and save our democracy. That’s what I’m trying to do. “
Check out the video below.
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