The Bulwark Podcast Joe Manchin: The Man in the Middle
28 snips
Sep 16, 2025 
Joe Manchin, the former U.S. Senator from West Virginia and author of "Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense," joins the conversation to discuss his candid views on political leaders like Schumer and Obama. He critiques the left's influence on Biden and reflects on the state of West Virginia, addressing the lingering impacts of Trump's presidency. Manchin also shares insights on the filibuster's significance, the challenges of political polarization, and the complexity of addressing gun reform in America, all while contemplating his state's shifting identity.
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Regulate High‑Capacity Firearms, Not Total Bans
- Try regulating access to high-capacity weapons by adding competency, age, and background requirements rather than outright bans.
- Require demonstrated stability and training for ownership of weapons designed for mass destruction.
Policy Without Transition Fuels Realignment
- Manchin argues West Virginians felt abandoned by Democratic policies aimed at environmental benchmarks without sufficient transition help.
- That perceived 'war on coal' fueled long-term political realignment in the state.
Perception Of Favoring Assistance Hurt Democrats
- Manchin reports voters resent a party that prioritizes nonworking recipients over everyday workers.
- That cultural and economic perception helped Democrats lose union and factory voters.
