Senator Joe Manchin: The 76-Year-Old Kingmaker
The West Virginia Democrat has emerged as a key player in the Biden administration's agenda.
By Ken Thomas and Carl Hulse
Senator Joe Manchin III, the conservative West Virginia Democrat, has become a pivotal figure in President Biden's efforts to pass his legislative agenda. The 76-year-old senator, who was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, and grew up in nearby Farmington, is a former coal executive and state governor.
Manchin has been a thorn in the side of the Democratic Party on several occasions. In 2010, he voted against the Affordable Care Act, and in 2017, he voted to confirm Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. However, he has also worked with Democrats on a number of issues, including gun control and infrastructure.
Manchin's power stems from his position as the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This gives him significant influence over legislation related to energy and the environment. Manchin has used this power to block or delay several of Biden's priorities, including the Build Back Better Act and the Green New Deal.
Manchin's actions have angered some Democrats, who believe that he is putting his own interests ahead of the party's. However, Manchin has defended his record, saying that he is simply representing the views of his constituents.
Manchin's power is likely to continue in the coming months. The Democrats hold a slim majority in the Senate, and Manchin's vote will be crucial in passing any legislation.
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