Manchin Says He Had Epic Disagreement with Biden Over Pandemic Relief Package

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin opened up about a heated exchange he had with President Joe Biden over the American Rescue Plan, a significant COVID-19 relief proposal.

The disagreement, which only recently came to light, revolved around the financial heft and components of the bill, with Manchin initially expressing strong resistance but eventually relenting under pressure from the president, as The Hill reports.

In a recent interview with Semafor, Manchin voiced his reservations about the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which aimed to provide significant economic relief during the pandemic. He advocated for reducing elements of the legislation, believing that a leaner package could hasten job recovery across the United States.

The bill, crucial for Biden's administration, faced a daunting path, as it ultimately required the reconciliation process for approval. This procedural strategy allowed Democrats to push the relief package through Congress without any Republican support. Manchin, then a pivotal Democratic Party voice, initially posed a hurdle for the administration, which had to expend considerable effort to secure his cooperation.

Manchin and Biden's Tense Exchanges Come to Light

In a bid to convey his stance, Manchin advised the president and congressional Democrats to reconsider the scope of the relief package. His perspective was that a scaled-back version might better address the immediate economic issues facing Americans. During this period, Manchin expressed strong language indicating his plan, stating, "I was going to kill the whole bill."

However, as discussions progressed, adjustments to extended unemployment benefits facilitated a change in Manchin's position. Such modifications to the package eventually swayed him, allowing him to move from opposition to reluctant support for the bill. He agreed to back the legislation, though he later expressed regrets over the decision's consequences.

The pressure on Manchin to comply was immense. President Biden personally intervened, calling the senator in March 2021 to advocate for his support of the relief plan. This call was a pivotal moment in convincing Manchin to change his stance, marking a significant instance of presidential influence on internal negotiations.

Biden's Push for Manchin's Support

Franklin Foer, an Atlantic staff writer, chronicled this intense political maneuvering in his book, "The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future." A particularly revealing moment he described was Biden's urgent plea to Manchin: “Joe if you don’t come along, you’re really f‑‑‑ing me. I need you on this. Find your way to yes.”

Despite the initial resistance from Manchin, the American Rescue Plan succeeded in passing through Congress, granting extensive relief without the backing of Republican lawmakers. This legislative victory was crucial for the Biden administration as they sought to navigate the challenging terrain of early-term policymaking amid a global pandemic.

Manchin, though part of the success, was left contemplating whether his support was the right move. Expressing afterthought, he admitted that while he sided with the administration out of respect for the President, he felt the size of the package might not have been the most prudent decision.

Legislation Progresses Despite Disputes

This episode highlights the complexities involved in negotiating significant legislation within a divided political environment. While bipartisan support often strengthens legislative efforts, instances like this underscore internal challenges faced even within the same party.

Manchin's reflections point to the intricate balance of power and influence in Washington. Then a moderate Democrat, his role often involved weighing party loyalty against his principles and the interests of his constituents. This situation illustrates these challenges, as he navigated between party pressures and personal convictions.

Overall, the passage of the American Rescue Plan marked a significant chapter in the current administration's tenure. It exemplifies the hurdles leaders encounter when advancing critical policies in a landscape filled with both ideological and procedural obstacles.

Concluding Thoughts on Political Dynamics

This behind-the-scenes interaction between Manchin and Biden sheds light on the intense negotiations required to achieve consensus, even within a single political faction.

It remains a testament to the continual push and pull of American legislative processes.