This will be a short diary, but Bloomberg is reporting on the latest desperate scheme to resurrect Obamacare repeal, because it’s more important for Trump to have a win than however many people you kill.
Some White House and Republican officials are exploring the idea of putting West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin in charge of the Energy Department, according to four people familiar with the discussions,
If you recall, Manchin was considered for the energy secretary position previously. Manchin turned down the position reportedly because he could not be guaranteed he would be allowed to pick his own people.
From Bloomberg again, here is how the process would work:
Perry would have to agree to take another job, the Senate would have to confirm Manchin as Energy Secretary, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would then have to bring a repeal bill back up without losing any of the 49 Republican senators who voted for the so-called skinny repeal.
All indications are that this scheme is in the early stages. But it’s an important reminder that Trump and the GOP will not stop trying to repeal Obamacare. Ever.
Trump has repeatedly shown loyalty to be a one way street(1) And if he’s willing to discard his own energy secretary for a single vote that may or may not succeed, what is your future? You’ve given up a powerful Senate seat for… what? It’s important to note that Democrats would not be able to block Manchin’s nomination, which could be achieved with a simple majority vote.
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(1) Warning: Washington Examiner link.