Manchin's Moment

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin added more uncertainty to the mix this afternoon when he called a press conference to "clarify" his position on the $1.75 trillion reconciliation bill. It wasn't what many liberals wanted to hear. 

Manchin told the House Progressive Caucus to stop "playing political games" with the infrastructure bill, saying, "Holding this bill hostage is not going to work in getting my support for the reconciliation bill." 

As for the larger reconciliation bill that progressives are so desperate to pass, Manchin said that he would not "support a multi-trillion dollar bill without greater clarity about why Congress chooses to ignore the serious effects of inflation and debt on our economy." 

He also attacked the "shell games" and "budget gimmicks" that are being used to disguise the real costs of the reconciliation bill.

That said, he vowed to continue "negotiating in good faith" with Democrat leaders, adding, "I'm open to supporting a final bill that helps move our country forward. But I'm equally open to voting against a bill that hurts our country."