Manchin Won’t Endorse Harris on Abortion Filibuster Carveout

Outgoing West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced on Tuesday that he will not support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. This decision comes shortly after Harris expressed her support for changing Senate rules to facilitate the passing of laws aimed at protecting abortion rights.

“I’m not endorsing her,” Manchin told reporters when asked about Harris’ candidacy. His comments follow a robust reaction to Harris’ announcement advocating for the elimination of the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster. This change would be aimed at reviving abortion protections that were nullified following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Manchin criticized Harris directly, stating, “Shame on her,” during an interview with CNN. He reiterated his belief in the sanctity of the filibuster, calling it the “Holy Grail of democracy.” He emphasized that the filibuster is essential for fostering dialogue and collaboration in the Senate.

Another retiring senator, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who also switched from Democrat to independent, joined Manchin in denouncing Harris’ proposal. Sinema highlighted the potential risks this change could pose, stating it might allow a future Republican majority to impose stringent restrictions on abortion rights.

Sinema shared her thoughts on social media, saying, “To state the supremely obvious, eliminating the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade also enables a future Congress to ban all abortion nationwide. What an absolutely terrible, shortsighted idea.”

In her continued advocacy for abortion rights, Harris reiterated her stance in an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio. “I’ve been very clear: I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe,” she affirmed. “Fifty-one votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do.”

Harris’ comments come as she pivots toward centrist voters in an effort to broaden her appeal, but abortion remains a pivotal issue for energizing the Democratic base. The vice president has increased her rhetoric on this matter following reports of two women in Georgia who reportedly died from delayed medical treatment after their medication abortions.

Amidst these developments, uncertainty looms over whether the Democratic Party will have sufficient support to pass any new abortion protection measures. The party’s slim 51-49 majority could be jeopardized in the upcoming November elections, as they must defend seats in several swing states, in addition to red states like Montana and Ohio.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer remained cautious about the upcoming legislative agenda. He commented that the specifics of any abortion protection proposals would be a topic of discussion within their caucus during the next session of Congress.

In light of Manchin’s announcement, former President Donald Trump praised him for not endorsing Harris. Trump took to social media, stating, “Congratulations to Senator Joe Manchin for not endorsing Radical Kamala Harris because of her DEATH WISH for the Filibuster and the Rule of Law. Joe knows that only the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, can protect our Country, our People, and Make America Great Again.”

As political tensions surrounding abortion laws continue to escalate, both parties remain focused on the ramifications of these legislative efforts and their impact on the upcoming elections.

Source: ABC News