The NPR Politics Podcast Sen. Manchin Closes The Door On Biden's Build Back Better Plan
Dec 20, 2021
Senator Joe Manchin's surprising announcement against the Build Back Better plan has sent shockwaves through the Democratic party. The podcast dives into the tense standoff between Manchin and party leaders, highlighting the internal conflicts hindering compromise. With Democrats determined to revive a modified version of the plan, the hosts analyze the implications of this setback. Additionally, they explore the political trust issues within the party and the contentious negotiations surrounding the child tax credit, revealing the complexities of current legislation.
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Abrupt Announcement
- Manchin's staff informed the White House only 30 minutes before his Fox News appearance.
- This upset Democrats who felt blindsided after months of negotiations and personal outreach.
Manchin's Defiance
- Manchin expressed frustration with White House pressure tactics in a radio interview.
- He felt they assumed he would be submissive to their demands, but he stood his ground.
Loss of Leverage
- Biden pressured progressives to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
- This sacrificed leverage over Manchin, possibly influenced by Democratic losses in Virginia and New Jersey.