During a recent exchange, Senator Joe Manchin outlined the key areas that President Biden would need to address in order to secure his endorsement. The Senator emphasized the importance of energy security and border security, labeling the latter as the greatest threat currently facing the nation. He called for strong action on the border, including treating it as a national emergency to prevent illegal immigration from overwhelming the country's borders.
While Senator Manchin acknowledged that progress had been made, he also highlighted other pressing concerns. One major issue he raised was the national debt, which has reached a staggering $34.66 trillion. He warned that if left unaddressed, the debt could have severe consequences, potentially leading to a situation where the interest payments on the debt exceed the funds allocated for national defense.
Despite noting that steps were being taken in the right direction, Senator Manchin stopped short of offering a formal endorsement of President Biden. He indicated that while progress had been made, there were still additional areas that needed attention. The Senator stressed the importance of continued efforts to address the challenges facing the nation, particularly in the realms of energy security, border security, and fiscal responsibility.
Senator Manchin's comments underscore the complex considerations that factor into his decision-making process regarding endorsements. As discussions between the Senator and the President continue, it remains to be seen what further actions or policies might be necessary to secure Senator Manchin's support.