Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Senator, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election next year. While this may come as a surprise to some, Manchin has certainly provided a return on investment to his campaign donors. Over the years, he has accepted a staggering $1.4 million in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry. In fact, an ExxonMobil lobbyist even boasted about speaking to Manchin on a weekly basis in 2021.
Manchin’s ties to the fossil fuel industry have been a subject of controversy throughout his career. In his role as a Senator, he has consistently undermined climate spending and environmental regulations. For instance, he played a significant role in reducing the climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. He removed penalties for power plant pollution and incentives for electric cars made with union labor. At one point, he even threatened to vote against the entire package.
Throughout this process, media coverage has focused on Manchin’s motivations. Was he trying to win over Republican support? Was he being realistic about his chances of re-election? The truth is, Manchin’s actions seem more driven by self-interest and a desire to please his donors than any grand strategy or ideology. He has consistently prioritized the interests of his fossil fuel backers over the needs of the American people.
While it is commendable that Manchin ultimately voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s important to remember the damage he caused along the way. He stripped away crucial provisions and only agreed to a deal once he had secured enough benefits for polluters. It’s like thanking someone for cutting off your foot but not your entire leg.
With his decision not to seek re-election, Manchin has hinted at a potential future in national politics. He has expressed interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle, which aligns with the centrist group No Labels, one of his major donors. This raises concerns that he may consider running as a third-party presidential candidate in 2024, potentially splitting the vote and benefiting corporate funders.
Manchin’s fame-seeking and opportunistic nature make him an ideal candidate for such a spoiler campaign. He would rather bask in the spotlight for a few lucrative months than put in the effort to campaign seriously. While he may not win, he can easily secure a comfortable post-politics life, such as a visiting fellowship at a prestigious institution like Harvard Kennedy School or a board seat at ExxonMobil. Unfortunately, Manchin’s influence in politics has not been beneficial, and the world would arguably be better off if he had never entered the political arena.
