Manchin slams ‘17 educated idiots’ that were advising Biden during COVID

Outgoing Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has criticized some of the advice President Biden received during his time in office, arguing that it led to blindspots on key issues such as inflation, immigration, and Afghanistan. In a recent appearance on CBS’s “The Takeout” podcast, Manchin recounted his efforts to convince Biden to work across the aisle on the American Rescue Plan and his warnings about the dangers of inflation if Democrats extended unemployment benefits through October 2021. Manchin claimed that he was ignored due to the advice of 17 Nobel laureates, whom he referred to as “17 educated idiots” who were telling Biden what he wanted to hear.

As a key player in determining the fate of Biden’s agenda in the Senate, Manchin played a critical role in shaping the administration’s policies. With Democrats holding a slim majority in the Senate, Manchin’s cooperation was essential in passing key legislation. However, Manchin eventually decided not to run for re-election and left the Democratic Party, citing the need to prioritize the country over party loyalty.

During his interview with CBS, Manchin highlighted the bipartisan efforts with the Trump administration to send out stimulus checks in the early days of the pandemic. He acknowledged that lawmakers had erred in pumping too much money into the economy, leading to inflation. Manchin recalled his resistance to passing the American Rescue Plan through budget reconciliation, warning Biden about the potential impact of extending unemployment benefits while the economy was already showing signs of inflation.

Manchin’s decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent reflects his commitment to putting the country first. He emphasized the need for sensible policies that prioritize the well-being of all Americans. As he continues to advocate for bipartisan solutions, Manchin’s insights and experiences will be valuable in shaping future legislation.

In conclusion, Joe Manchin’s criticisms of the advice received by President Biden shed light on the challenges and blindspots that can arise in policymaking. By prioritizing bipartisan cooperation and advocating for sensible solutions, Manchin has positioned himself as a key voice in shaping the future of American politics.