Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has expressed his optimism on securing an agreement regarding foreign aid and immigration. The senator admitted the current border system needs a significant overhaul and believes the negotiators are making positive strides in developing a strategy to navigate the issue.
Manchin asserted his approval for stricter immigration enforcement measures. He believes there is a need for more stringent requirements for individuals claiming asylum. He also opined that the current influx of immigrants was unmanageable and a potential threat to national security.
Reacting to comments from progressives in the House regarding stringent immigration laws, he stated his disagreement. He contends that it's crucial to moderate individuals' entry into the country to maintain order and security. He emphasized focusing on lawmakers who are willing to strike a balance rather than aiming for perfection.
In response to claims from his opponents that his rhetoric demonizes immigrants looking for a better life, Manchin reiterated his belief that strict immigration measures are necessitated by a system stretched beyond its capacity.
He made no commitment to running as a third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential race, but didn't rule it out. He believes that extreme ideas aren't beneficial and agrees that words used against each other are being used against us, marking his distance from perceived party politics.
Manchin expressed concern on the United States' national debt, stating that it poses a significant threat to the country, rivaling any foreign military force. He believes politicians aren't paying enough attention to this crucial issue, focusing instead on partisan politics. He ended his speech by urging voters to demand more from their political representatives, emphasizing that enough is enough, and the vilification and name-calling need to stop.