The Democrats’ Social Spending Bill: A Misplaced Prioritization

Recently, Business Insider reported that the Democrats are proposing another social spending bill to pressure Republicans on the expansion of popular benefits before the midterm elections. While some believe this could allow them to sway Manchin and Sinema, the reality is far more complicated.

Why Manchin and Sinema Won't Budge

Politicians like Manchin and Sinema are often criticized for being beholden to their donors and prioritizing their own interests over the greater good. Business Insider’s frequent use of unusual capitalization may seem to highlight these stories, but internal citations are not a reliable indicator of credibility or accuracy. Furthermore, with Manchin having ties to Big Coal and Big Fossil, and Sinema owning support from Big Pharma, it's unlikely that these politicians would change their stance based on progressive policies.

The Need to Persuade the People, Not Politicians

The Democrats are focused on the wrong target. Instead of attempting to influence Manchin and Sinema, their efforts should be directed towards convincing the American public. Progressive policies have shown tangible results, and Democrats must leverage these wins to win support. Voter retention is indeed a crucial strategy, but the message must come from the people, not from politicians who are often seen as out of touch.

Why Manchin and Sinema Are Irrelevant

Given the current political climate, the idea of convincing Manchin and Sinema is a quixotic one. The Democrats should prioritize their own vote, rather than trying to appease these politicians who are unlikely to support any additional spending. The prospect of securing a single Republican vote is slim, especially considering the growing public opposition to deficit spending.

Conclusion and Next Steps

For the Democrats, the best way forward is to focus on their own base. By maintaining unity and not compromising for Manchin and Sinema, they can ensure their policies are implemented without alienating their core supporters. Republican leaders have already indicated that any spending bill will be a Democrat’s responsibility, which means the bill will face criticism regardless of its content. Democrats need to convince the public and other Democrats, not every individual politician in the opposition party.

As the midterm elections approach, Democrats have the chance to secure their future by focusing on their base and leveraging the public’s support for their policies. The goal shouldn't be to please Manchin and Sinema, but to effectively communicate their vision to the voters who have the power to decide the course of the nation.