Is Joe Manchin next? Strategists say the West Virginian isn’t about to leave the Democratic Party

[Free Vulcan]

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's decision to leave the Democratic Party raised immediate questions about whether West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin might follow her out the door, since the two senators have often played a role in gumming up the congressional pipeline for President Biden’s more progressive policies in a 50-50 Senate.

But political strategists familiar with West Virginia politics say there's little to no chance Manchin leaves the party he's been with for decades.

"Joe Manchin will switch parties the day after the sun rises in the west," said one Republican strategist who works in West Virginia politics, adding Manchin’s connection to the party reflects a "deep sense of identity" for the senator.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/joe-manchin-next-strategists-west-virginian-isnt-leave-democratic-party

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But will he go Independent?

[Fishrrman]

Joe was too dumb to decide to do this on his own.

Sinema may have "shown him the way"...

[EdinVA]

So if both Manchin and Sinema go independent, does that mean schumer looses the majority?

[catfish1957]

So if both Manchin and Sinema go independent, does that mean schumer looses the majority?

In 2023,and after Warnock wins runoff.... it was expected....

49 (D) 49 (R) 2 (I) Bernie and King who caucus with (D)  <This gives majority to D's 51-49>

After Sinema's move yesterday:

48 (D) 49 (R) 3 (I) Bernie and King  caucus with (D). Sinema has pledged to caucus with neither.   <If Sinema abstains on Majority Leader vote , there will be still a D majority 50-49>

Now say Manchin follows suit, and abstains on Majority Leader Vote.  We now have a 49-49 Senate.  VPOTUS casts deciding vote.

Basically Chucky prevails in any scenario.

[mountaineer]

I honestly don't believe he'll leave the Dems. It's too ingrained in him. The Manchin name goes way back in WV politics.

[catfish1957]

In 2023,and after Warnock wins runoff.... it was expected....

49 (D) 49 (R) 2 (I) Bernie and King who caucus with (D)  <This gives majority to D's 51-49>

After Sinema's move yesterday:

48 (D) 49 (R) 3 (I) Bernie and King  caucus with (D). Sinema has pledged to caucus with neither.   <If Sinema abstains on Majority Leader vote , there will be still a D majority 50-49>

Now say Manchin follows suit, and abstains on Majority Leader Vote.  We now have a 49-49 Senate.  VPOTUS casts deciding vote.

Basically Chucky prevails in any scenario.

Just saw another report where Sinema "WILL" caucus with the dims.  So who knows what the hell she will do.

[EdinVA]

I honestly don't believe he'll leave the Dems. It's too ingrained in him. The Manchin name goes way back in WV politics.

Schumer really hung Manchin out to dry.. It would not surprise me if he left the dems..