he just wants the government open, regardless of the wall. That’s understandable.

We either deal with marginal Democrats in Red states or get stuck with terrible Republicans.

There really is no other option. Anyone who wants a progressive Dem to run there is not paying attention to the electorate and is doomed to failure.

His voice didn't matter.

Almost everyone calls themselves Democrats but they are all really Republicans. For the most part.

The fact that he’s holding on to that Senate as a Democrat is pretty astounding

control of what legislation comes up for a vote.

Notice how none of the corruption of this administration was actually honestly investigated between 2016 and 2018? That's because we had no committees. Notice how no legislation we wanted came up for votes, and all the legislation that is abhorrent to us did come up for votes between 2016 and 2018? That's because we didn't have the committees.

Manchin is a Democrat in a state that has staunch republican 'values.' He will seldom vote with us. But as long as there is a D next to his name, he helps us get control of the committees.

I wish there were Manchins in KY instead of Paul or the Turtle.

but, most important, his presence as a Democrat puts us that much closer to the majority -- and to Senate leadership, with control over all the committees.

And all that despite the fact that he comes from the state that gave Trump a greater percentage lead than any other state in the country.

He's from one of the Trumpiest states in the country.

No, I don't particularly like him but the *D by his name could mean a ton in 2020. He's not going anywhere for 6 more years -- better he remain a Dem, even if he's the most conservative Dem in the Senate, than switch over to the darkside and make it that much harder for Dems to become the majority and stop the judicial gerrymandering that's going on now.

With the purity police bullsht.

Just wanted to hear some opinions to share with my friends.

That helps gives dems the majority . With the majority dems get to run the committees . Having the majority dems get to decide which bills get to the floor for voting or more importantly which bills do not . Manchin helps us with that and the people of w.v. are better off with him there.

I recognize the frustration of watching some of his votes but it is better for us and w.v. that he is there and not a con.

I wish we had ones like him from Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

But not about having Majority Leader Schumer!

I’m from a place like W. Virginia. We are lucky to have him for another 6 years. Protects the flanks in 2020.

... and actively working to destroy the man as some sort of "punishment" for not being a New England style Democrat.

As we have all witnessed the power dynamics or the house and senate I do see less scorched earth post on DU. There are still there, but in my mind at least it is better. I think the Doug Jones raced helped a lot. Now these is a seat we may not keep in 2020.

... that we can hope to have the residents of West Virginia vote for. I'll take him! I love him!

Over sixty percent in his state want the wall. They went +40 for Trump. Man chin voted yes on both bills.

He voted yes on the ACA.

The only Democratic Senator I recall sticking up for Franken.

He brings us one step closer to gaining control.

one who votes with him 100% of the time. It's West Virginia, after all.

but it was just a symbolic vote that went no where.

great points well stated.
We need a big tent to gather all of those that will help get control of the Senate and hopefully the White House - then we truly can begin the healing - and lord knows we're gonna' need it!

There is immense value in that regardless how Manchin votes.

So yes, I'll take Manchin a million times over the best "R" who could replace him in W. VA