We’ve always been highly skeptical of the chatter about Joe Manchin switching parties, but now we are not so sure. Especially after watching the abuse is fellow Democrats are dumping on him – including the White House which practically called the West Virginian a liar.

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/20/manchin-build-back-better-redo-525747

Of the shabby treatment he has received from his Democrat colleagues, Manchin says it never was going to work. “They thought, surely, we can badger and beat one person up. Well, guess what? I’m from West Virginia. I’m not from where they’re from, where they can just beat the living crap out of people and think they’ll be submissive.”

Manchin wanted a $1.25 trillion bill, and Chuck Schumer insisted on closer to $6 trillion.

“We’ve been way far apart philosophically,” Manchin said. “The same bill I have in front of me right now that they kept putting in front of me, was the same $6 trillion bill from the beginning.”

Here is what he is saying about remaining a Democrat:

“I would like to hope there are still Democrats who think like I do. I’m fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. Now, if there are no Democrats like that, then they’ll have to push me where they want me.”

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough says the White House’s attacks on Manchin were highly counterproductive because they “seem to invite Joe Manchin to become a Republican” and turn control of the Senate to the GOP.

Our best guess is that if Joe Manchin left the Democratic party, he would become an independent. Some people are even talking about a Trump-Manchin ticket in 2024.