On the enemy – Krugman in NYT:

‘So what is Joe Manchin thinking? Some people say we should just follow the money — the large campaign contributions he gets from the fossil fuel industry, his personal financial stake in the coal industry.

But the most cynical takes on politicians’ behavior aren’t always right. I’d like to hope that Manchin is sincere — that he actually believes that he’s protecting his state’s interests.
The problem is that he seems to have a decades-out-of-date vision of what his state needs. And that distorted vision is now endangering America’s future.’

Read the article here.

Maybe a bit too much honor for Manchin.

And why is Krugman, the rationalist, betting on hope? Because cynicism isn’t always true? Following the money is not always cynical. Some people like to bite the hand that is feeding them, others don’t.

And even the best politicians know what they must do to survive politically. Even though sheer luck should never be underestimated.

Also, the underlying motives are less important than the actions. It’s not cynical to say: Manchin is taking care of himself, as most of his colleagues do and now and then they help the common good, almost by mistake. But they do it sometimes also on purpose. I’m not a cynic.