With Joe Manchin telling everyone who will listen just how much his life sucks right now, CNN took a look at why things are currently, and will continue to be, so difficult for the embattled Democrat as he seeks reelection in a state President Trump won by 42 points. Here are some highlights:
“The latest reason Manchin says Washington sucks is that Republicans, in the form of Vice President Mike Pence — and President Donald Trump is sure to follow — are targeting him, in particular for his opposition to their tax reform law.”
“How red has West Virginia become? Gallup released a survey of Trump’s job approval by state in 2017. He got the highest approval rating in … West Virginia, where they gave him a 61% approval rating.”
“West Virginia has realigned its party preference around Joe Manchin, by the way. He was governor before he was senator, and back then — not that long ago! — the state had two Democratic senators. It was a swing state until about the George W. Bush administration. But as national Democrats have focused on climate change as an issue, they have become less friendly in the coal-dependent state. Trump has put himself forth as a champion of coal. It’s harder and harder for someone like Manchin to represent the state’s interest as a Democrat.”
Of course, Manchin certainly isn’t doing himself any favors with his temper tantrums against Vice President Mike Pence. If Manchin think things suck right now, he’s really going to be miserable this fall!