Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has introduced a pledge urging his colleagues to avoid campaigning against any sitting senator. Why? Because ”Washington sucks but it doesn’t have to.”
Several years ago I took a personal pledge to not campaign against a sitting colleague & today I signed the pledge on the @SenateFloor. #WashingtonSucks but it doesn’t have to. The time has come for all Senators to make this pledge & commit ourselves to being Americans first. pic.twitter.com/VXMY708ZtO
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) February 6, 2018
It is all a part of his goal to return Washington to an era of "bipartisan cooperation" and "civility."
His effort is getting consistently poor reviews. Some, for instance, wonder whether his pledge would simply keep the "swamp" in Congress.
I appreciate the attempt at restoring courtesy to the Senate, but isn’t refusing to campaign going to reinforce stagnation and the “old boys club” atmosphere? @Sen_JoeManchin https://t.co/wDlu5TrmyB
— Stephen Foskett (@SFoskett) February 6, 2018
Some reporters said Manchin had political motivations in mind.
“It looks like a political stunt,” according to CNN congressional reporter Lauren Fox.
"It sounds a bit like desperation," said Senior White House Correspondent Jeff Zeleny.
Both analysts noted that Manchin is up for a tough re-election fight, considering he represents a deep red, pro-Trump state.
Manchin also said Washington "sucks" because of recent comments made by Vice President Mike Pence. Pence called out the senator for voting against tax reform in December, which has proven to benefit his West Virginian constituents.
"Sen. Joe Manchin has voted no time and again on the policies West Virginia needs," Pence said.
The senator was surprised by Pence's remarks, considering he was one of few Democrats to stand and applaud multiple times during Trump's State of the Union address. He has also voted with the GOP on recent pro-life legislation, as well as voted for Trump HHS secretary nominee Alex Azar.
The VP’s comments are exactly why Washington Sucks. I’m disappointed in his comments but will continue to work to make Washington work so #WV & our country work.
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) January 31, 2018
Trump has said that he appreciates Manchin's bipartisan language, but that seems to be all it is - words.
Still, Manchin hopes his colleagues will join him in his new pledge.
"You can’t claim to build working, bipartisan relationships with your co-workers during the week if you are showing up in their backyard every weekend to run their name through the dirt."