"And Manchin knows that, were Moscow Mitch to do so, it would enhance, not reduce, his own chances at being re-elected."

George, I'm not so sure about that last part (that I'd quoted). I think all Manchin realistically needs to do to get reelected in 2024 is keep up his political theatre and bipartisanship talk, make visible gestures to his "Republican friends," and then vote in favor of actual legislation that is popular with West Virginians.

Now, I'm not so certain Manchin HIMSELF has an entirely accurate grasp on what he needs to do to maximize his own chances of getting reelected (nor does Sinema), but that's another article topic altogether...