I’ve always considered Manchin to be just as much an opportunist as most Senators, and considered most of his pronouncements regarding the filibuster to be posturing aimed at securing better deals for himself with the administration. I have to admit, though, that at this point I do believe that he’s pretty much dug into the position of maintaining the filibuster and being perfectly happy to let the worst of the worst among the administration’s proposals die on the vine. I’m not expecting him to reverse course at this point. Which is a rare bit of good news.
I will be happily surprised. !
Keep in mind that the filibuster has a very useful purpose for the MAJORITY party in the Senate. It lets them avoid passing bills that their voters want but their donors adamantly oppose.