Joe Manchin Discusses Opposition to Kamala Harris on “The View”
On Monday, Ana Navarro, a co-host of “The View,” questioned former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin about his stance on Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming 2024 election. She asked, “What was your problem with Kamala Harris? Looking back, do you still feel the same way about that decision?”
Manchin explained that his concerns were primarily due to Harris’ call to eliminate the Senate filibuster. He commented, “I’ll do that because she came out openly and said she’d get rid of the filibuster,” indicating strong opposition to that idea.
He elaborated on the significance of the filibuster, arguing that it serves to protect against a lack of consensus. “Filibusters, you see, are there to safeguard against a singularity. They allow for a simple majority, which can lead to instability if you’re not careful,” he stated. He warned that such changes could risk shifting policies with each election cycle, akin to what he described as the volatility seen in European governments.
Later, co-host Sunny Hostin countered Manchin’s perspective, mentioning the Republican push for what they termed a “nuclear option.” Manchin firmly reiterated that his rejection of Harris was rooted in his defense of the filibuster.
Harris, in a September 2024 interview, had expressed her support for scrapping the filibuster to ensure the passage of legislation protecting reproductive rights. “I think we should eliminate the ROE filibuster,” she stated, emphasizing the need for reforms that empower women to make choices regarding their health without government interference.
As the conversation continued, it was evident that Manchin’s views reflect a larger concern about the current state of politics. He announced his retirement at the end of 2024 after 14 years in the Senate, stating that he had registered as an independent. “Since joining the Senate in 2010, I’ve witnessed both parties moving toward extremes, which threatens our democracy. Our national politics are broken, and neither side is willing to seek common ground,” he stated.
