Senator Joe Manchin (D–WV) is proving to be a thorn in President Biden’s side. Manchin’s recent threats to sue the Biden Treasury Department if they don’t implement the revised electric vehicle tax credit as he believes they agreed to do is just the latest example of Manchin’s defiance of the Democratic party. Manchin, the chief author of the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions to reduce the dependency on China for critical minerals, was angered by the Treasury’s delay in releasing guidance on what manufacturers must do to comply with the law’s requirements.
Manchin’s objections may be more far–reaching than just the electric vehicle tax credit. It appears that he may be trying to position himself for a 2024 presidential run. He hasn’t answered questions about his presidential ambitions yet, but his recent actions suggest he may be looking to distance himself from the Biden administration. This is evidenced by his blocking of Biden nominees, including Gigi Sohn’s nomination for the Federal Communications Commission and Interior Department nominee Laura Daniel–Davis.
Manchin’s actions are indicative of a larger problem within the Democratic party. Biden and his progressive allies have been pushing the party to the left and Manchin’s opposition is a sign that they may not be able to take the party that far. Manchin’s willingness to go against his party and his displeasure with the administration’s policies could make him a viable presidential candidate in 2024. He is already popular in his home state of West Virginia and his centrist views could appeal to disenchanted Democrats who are looking for a candidate who isn’t too far to the left.
If he does decide to run for president in 2024, he could be a formidable opponent. He has already proven his willingness to go against his party and his opposition to the administration’s policies could make him a strong candidate.
Manchin Is Now Threatening to Sue the Biden Administration
https://t.co/NkJzolxzo4— RedState (@RedState) March 30, 2023