Staff Reports
Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is being hailed as the most bipartisan senator in Congress, according to a congressional scorecard. Despite facing a tough Senate challenger in the upcoming 2024 election, Manchin remains at the top of the Common Ground Scorecard, securing the No. 15 spot overall in Congress. This news comes as no surprise, as Manchin has consistently been recognized for his ability to work across party lines and find bipartisan solutions.
Manchin’s reputation for bipartisanship is well-deserved. He has consistently topped lists of bipartisan members of Congress and has sponsored numerous pieces of bipartisan legislation throughout his career. In fact, earlier this year, he led a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine and Poland, further demonstrating his commitment to reaching across the aisle.
.@Sen_JoeManchin is considered the most bipartisan senator, according to a congressional scorecard, even as he faces an uncertain political future with a tough Senate challenger in 2024.https://t.co/dCKsl9cgIS
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 18, 2023
However, Manchin’s future political plans remain uncertain. While he has not publicly stated whether he will seek reelection in 2024, he has been teasing a potential departure from the Democratic Party. Rather than switching to the Republican Party, he has indicated that he may choose to become an independent. This move would allow him to distance himself from the increasingly unpopular “D brand” and establish himself as a truly independent voice.
As the senator grapples with the decision of whether to run for reelection or explore other political opportunities, he continues to clash with President Joe Biden and his administration. Manchin has been vocal in his criticisms of the Inflation Reduction Act, a law he helped create, particularly highlighting the more progressive aspects of the legislation. Additionally, he has consistently opposed efforts to eliminate the filibuster and has blocked several White House appointees.
Manchin’s potential political pivot comes at a time when West Virginia has become more conservative. Republican strategists view the state as a solid pickup opportunity, especially considering former President Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory in the state in 2016. Whether Manchin chooses to run for another term in the Senate or pursues a different political path, his future remains uncertain. However, his reputation as a bipartisan senator is firmly established.
