Could Manchin Actually Leave The Democratic Party?

Sen. Joe Manchin told reporters Wednesday that suggestions he would leave the Democratic Party were “bullshit” with a “capital B.” He’d previously told Democratic leaders that he’d consider becoming an independent if they felt it would help them explain to the public why the party was having such a hard time coming to an agreement on its social spending plans, but he denied that he’d made threats about leaving the party.

But what if Manchin did leave the Democratic Party? 

A Manchin exit would undoubtedly scramble the status quo — Democrats control the Senate only because of Vice President Kamala...