So, why did Joe Manchin vote with the Republicans on such a vital decision? A decision that will impact this country for decades to come?
Manchin is a moderate to even conservative Democrat, an alignment that seems like an oxymoron in today's polarized political climate, and West Virginia is an overwhelmingly red state. Manchin's conservatism is conceivably why he has been able to maintain his seat in the Senate for as long as he has (he was elected in 2010).
Manchin also has a history of voting on both sides of the aisle, for example, opposing both gun control and abortion, as well as voting to confirm many of President Trump's cabinet nominees. However, he has also voted against the repeal of Obamacare, and against the Republican tax plan in 2017. He also flip-flopped on the funding of Planned Parenthood, voting against it in 2015 and for it 2017.
Manchin is not in the pocket of either party, but this does not necessarily make him the wild-card he appears to be. Manchin is up for election in the previously mentioned red state of West Virginia, and voting to confirm, or not to confirm, a Supreme Court Justice is a high profile choice, especially considering the controversial nature of this particular hearing.
If Manchin was to vote with Democrats on an issue like Kavanaugh's confirmation so close to the Midterms, it is no stretch of the imagination to say that he might lose his seat. His choice, whether it had anything to do with is values or not, was a calculated move to keep himself in power, and this really should not come as a surprise to anyone.
Obviously, no one likes a greedy, power-hungry politician, regardless of what party they are in, but would a true-blue Republican be the better option? Someone who would side consistently with President Trump on every issue? That doesn't make Manchin's vote acceptable, though.
A man like Brett Kavanaugh, who has accusations of sexual assault against him and yells and cries in what is basically a job interview, should not be on the highest court in the land. This is the nature of the game of politics though, is it not? There are those concerned with the direction of this country, and those more concerned with their own careers and power.
It should be fair, but as it stands, it's not. And the upcoming Midterm Elections are the perfect way to help change this game.
