Biden setbacks rattle Democrats facing tough elections

Democrats facing tough reelection bids in the House and Senate are grappling with what to tell their constituents about the party's failure to advance major pieces of President Biden's agenda as they head to their home states and districts for the holidays.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) effectively killed President Biden’s Build Back Better plan on Sunday when he said he would not support the mammoth social spending legislation. The move sparked outrage from moderates and progressives alike.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), who is one of the most vulnerable House Democrats facing reelection next year, called Manchin’s move “unacceptable” in a statement on Sunday.

“We cannot act like this moment is the end. Children, families, and the future of our planet are counting on us. In the weeks and months ahead, I will keep working to deliver these meaningful investments to the people of Virginia,” Spanberger said, citing the legislation’s child tax credit, and efforts to combat climate change and lower prescription drug costs.

Both wings of the party know they'll likely face questions at the end of the first year of total Democratic control in Washington about why they still couldn't pass a massive climate and social spending bill and major voting rights legislation.