… Given that the U.S. Senate and the Electoral College give disproportionate weight to states with smaller populations, Democrats will need to learn how to deal with the kind of people who do not live in cities or closer-in suburbs—and maybe wonder why the species of centrist Democrat that Sen. Joe Manchin belongs to is on the verge of extinction.
Sources close to the negotiations around the reconciliation bill say that the West Virginian would like to see something closer to $2.7 trillion in total new spending ($1.2 trillion for the hard infrastructure bill plus $1.5 trillion for the reconciliation measure). Including infrastructure, progressives are looking for more like $4.7 trillion total, assuming a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. The sweet spot in between might look something like $3 trillion to $3.5 trillion. This is where progressives and the leadership must have, as we used to say in the South, a “come to Jesus moment,” a time to look down into their own souls and consider what is really important. CONTINUED
Charlie Cook
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