FiveThirtyEight says Democrats have a 69 out of 100 chance of holding onto the Senate, but there are still multiple paths for Republicans to snatch control. With inflation soaring and the economy in freefall, voters are not at all happy.
Should the GOP take back the chamber, Manchin will have missed his moment to join the party and win serious clout. As comedian Bill Maher said of Manchin: “for a Democrat, he is the most powerful Republican in the Senate.”
But it may be even worse if Democrats pick up a few Senate seats — still a distinct possibility. Manchin would no longer be the key swing vote, and his once-powerful bully pulpit would be greatly diminished.
If history is any guide, the senator could see his power stripped by those who angered on the way up. So Manchin’s stint in the spotlight could well come to an end after the November elections.
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