Sen. Joe Manchin is giving himself his absolute favorite Christmas present this year: the continuing attention of the media, the president, and congressional leaders as he delays Build Back Better with his constantly shifting demands. It looks like the legislation will be delayed into 2022—and with midterm election campaigns expected to heat up quickly in 2022, that could be the kiss of death if Democrats don’t get right on it in January. Build Back Better—often described as “social policy,” an irritating shorthand for a bill that includes health care, education, the most effective anti-child poverty measure in decades, climate change, affordable housing, and more—has already been not just trimmed but slashed in response to Manchin’s demands. But it’s like a game of whack-a-mole with one guy: Every time it seems like his most recent excuses for hesitating have been answered, he comes up with a new “concern.” Read more