A new report alleges Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., violated an agreement he had with Vice President Mike Pence to vote in favor of the GOP's tax reform bill — and that has Pence going on the attack.
Politico examined the relationship Manchin has with Republicans, which at times appears warm and fuzzy. At other times, however, Politico claims Manchin's effort to appear moderate and willing to vote against his own party is merely a public facade.
Manchin and Pence, according to the report, had a discussion last August that ended with Manchin saying he would not vote to repeal and replace Obamacare but that he would vote to pass tax reform. Manchin said no handshake deal existed, but Pence sent a message last week that indicated the two men had agreed upon something.
Pence called out Manchin's no votes on tax reform, healthcare reform, and his indication to vote no on a border wall via several posts on Twitter. He had similar words during a visit to Manchin's home state while trying to boost the candidacy of Manchin's Republican challenger in this year's midterms, Rep. Evan Jenkins.
Manchin told Politico, "He looked me in the eye, and I looked him in the eye. And I said, 'I want to work with you.' And that's a two-way street. That is so disingenuous from our vice president.
"He's not upset. He can't be upset."
Manchin often tries to appear bipartisan. A month after President Donald Trump was inaugurated last year, Manchin said, "I'm a Democrat, and I want him to succeed. He's my president. I want him to do well, but I think I have to be an honest broker and say Mr. President, you have to be careful what they're telling you here."
Manchin also said Trump's business background would make sure "we're getting the best bang for our buck."
Multiple people close to Pence told Politico the vice president is irked that Manchin broke his promise and voted against tax reform, which passed anyway and was signed into law before Christmas.
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