Manchin: I was ‘ostracized,’ ‘victimized’ after nuking BBB

In an interview on Thursday, Sen. Joe Manchin said that he was "victimized" after he poured cold water on Democrats' efforts to pass their major climate and social spending bill.

In a radio interview with West Virginia's "Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval," the centrist Democrat called the legislation a bad bill for our economy, just a day after he reached a deal with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer.

The deal, which is expected to be a part of a budget reconciliation package, should not be seen as a problem by Republicans, according to Manchin.

I knew if we could do some good now and have an energy policy that worked and did not add to inflation, I would walk away from that. Manchin made a statement. I am the wrong person to be at this point.

Manchin said President Biden was not involved in the deal that he negotiated with Schumer, and that at one point he worried it would go sideways.

The timing of when legislation could be voted on amid a looming August recess is uncertain as Democrats have renewed enthusiasm over hopes of passing major priorities.

Several Senate Democrats have tested positive for the drug recently, including Manchin. Senate Democrats must be present in order to pass the legislation.

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