The West Virginia Democratic Senator , who is portrayed as a spoiler to President Biden’s agenda, says he talks to his party leader regularly….
Manchin has always seen himself in the Biden mold: Someone who is willing to cross party lines to find a compromise. They share the same first name and working-class roots, as well as a willingness to work together on heated issues including gun reform.
“They’re very similar creatures,” said one Democrat who is familiar with their relationship. “If there was ever a similar Democrat in the White House, Joe Biden’s Manchin’s guy. But I think there’s a difference in approach right now.”
While they never served in the Senate together, Biden got to know Manchin around the gun control debate when the then-vice president would frequently dial up the senator to talk about the issue, sources said.
“He knew that Biden could understand his position,” one source familiar with their conversations said. “He knew Biden was one of the few people who would get it.”
Manchin himself says he feels fondly for Biden.
“I think he’s a good human being, just a good heart and a good soul and he’s the right person at the right time for America, truly is,” Manchin told The Hill.
Manchin said he speaks regularly with Biden.
“We have a great relationship,” the senator said. Asked how often they are in contact, Manchin replied, “As often as he wants to, as often as is needed.”…
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