So what’s the state of negotiations between the White House and Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema?

The talks have been shrouded in mystery, but we have some fresh details we can share this morning.

More is known about Manchin than Sinema, and for a good reason: While Manchin has been willing to discuss his priorities in detail with his colleagues in the Senate, Sinema only negotiates with the White House.

Part of solving the Manchinema puzzle is that the 74-year-old former governor from a coal state and the 45-year-old former Green Party activist from Arizona are at odds on some major policies.

Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Oct. 13, 2021: Scoop — Manchin-Sinema split vexes the White House