Independent Senator Joe Manchin has rescinded his potential endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris following her comments on eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass abortion legislation.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Manchin expressed strong disapproval of Harris's position, calling it "the most horrible thing" and stating that it could "destroy our country."
The West Virginia lawmaker, who caucuses with Democrats, had been one of the few holdouts in endorsing Harris's presidential bid. His decision comes with just over 40 days remaining before the election, potentially impacting Harris's campaign momentum.
In a recent interview with Wisconsin Public Radio, Vice President Harris reiterated her support for eliminating the Senate filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade into law. She emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive freedom and women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
Harris's position aligns with the Democratic Party's efforts to restore national abortion protections since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. However, the current Senate makeup, with only a 51-seat majority for Democrats, makes it challenging to overcome the 60-vote threshold required by the filibuster.
The vice president's comments mark the first time she has reaffirmed this position as a presidential nominee, signaling a potential shift in campaign strategy as the election approaches.
Senator Manchin, known for his moderate stance within the Democratic Party, responded forcefully to Harris's comments. He stated:
Shame on her. She knows the filibuster is the Holy Grail of democracy. It's the only thing that keeps us talking and working together. If she gets rid of that, then this would be the House on steroids.
Manchin's withdrawal of support highlights the ongoing divide within the Democratic Party over Senate rules and legislative priorities. As an outgoing senator not seeking re-election, his stance carries weight as a reflection of moderate Democratic views.
The senator's reaction also underscores the delicate balance Harris must maintain between appealing to the party's progressive base and retaining support from more centrist Democrats. This development could potentially influence other moderate Democrats' positions as the election nears.
The clash between Harris and Manchin over the filibuster issue reflects larger debates within American politics about institutional norms and the balance of power in Congress. It also highlights the ongoing struggle to find common ground on contentious issues like abortion rights.
Former Democrat-turned-Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona echoed Manchin's concerns, warning that eliminating the filibuster could lead to a future Congress banning all abortions nationwide with a simple majority vote.
These disagreements within the Democratic coalition may present challenges for Harris's campaign as she seeks to unite the party and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters in the upcoming election.
In conclusion, Senator Manchin's withdrawal of support for Vice President Harris over her filibuster stance has created a significant rift within the Democratic Party. Harris's position on eliminating the filibuster to protect abortion rights has drawn criticism from moderate Democrats, potentially impacting her campaign strategy. This development highlights the ongoing debate over Senate rules and the challenges of balancing progressive and moderate views within the party as the election approaches.
