Coal and Manchin

U.S. Media

•

30 days

Summary

sources
16
Narrative Items
17
Bottom Line Up Front

16 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 17 narrative items relating to the narrative of Senator Joe Manchin's controversial political maneuvers. These narratives connect themes of bipartisan cooperation, environmental policy, and labor rights, highlighting Manchin's alignment with corporate interests and Republican agendas, while raising concerns about the implications for future governance and worker protections.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media sources are sharply divided in their portrayals of Senator Joe Manchin's actions and implications of broader political strategies. AlterNet portrays his suggestion for Biden to pardon Trump as deeply problematic, using loaded language to convey outrage from critics who view it as a partisan maneuver. In contrast, Esquire emphasizes Manchin’s sponsorship of the Energy Permitting Reform Act as a betrayal of environmental values, describing it as a "giveaway" to fossil fuel interests. Meanwhile, Free Republic frames Manchin's vote against the NLRB nomination positively, aligning it with conservative ideals and suggesting praise from certain commenters, while Rolling Stone critiques his collaboration with Republicans as undermining Democratic initiatives. The Parkersburg News and Sentinel offers a more neutral, retrospective view of Manchin’s farewell speech, focusing on his bipartisan achievements. In the realm of energy discussions, WTOP and Washington Examiner present a somewhat optimistic outlook on bipartisan energy permitting, with a focus on efficiency and economic benefits, while Truthout and Sludge highlight the negative consequences of such legislation, portraying it as a capitulation to corporate interests at the expense of climate and labor protections. This contrast showcases how different media outlets employ hyperbolic language, biased perspectives, and emotional appeals to shape public perception of the ongoing political narrative surrounding Manchin's career and its implications for future legislation.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Esquire
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
WTOP
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
AlterNet
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Jacobin
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Rolling Stone
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Sludge
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
WSVN Miami
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Dominion Post
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Bangor Daily News
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Charleston Gazette-Mail
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
AlterNet
alternet.org
'Go kick some coal': Joe Manchin pummeled for suggesting Biden should also pardon Trump
Following President Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, Senator Joe Manchin suggested Biden should also pardon Donald Trump, sparking outrage. Critics condemned Manchin's proposal, arguing the situations were incomparable and accusing him of various motives, from partisan maneuvering to being influenced by foreign powers.
Amplifiers:
Esquire
esquire.com
Can Joe Manchin Sail His Multimillion-Dollar Yacht off into Obscurity Already?
Senator Joe Manchin's cosponsored Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, a seemingly pro-environment bill, actually fast-tracks fossil fuel projects, weakening environmental protections and mirroring the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025. Critics call it a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry, highlighting Manchin's history of prioritizing such projects over environmental concerns.
Amplifiers:
Free Republic
freerepublic.com
Senator Joe Manchin just walked onto the Senate floor as the deciding vote to DENY Democrats' left-wing selection for the National Labor Relations Board, Lauren McFerran.
Senator Manchin cast the deciding vote against Lauren McFerran's nomination to the National Labor Relations Board, giving Republicans a potential majority upon Trump's inauguration. This outcome was aided by Senator Vance's expedited travel to Washington for the vote. Commenters largely praised Manchin's action, viewing it as aligning with conservative principles and detrimental to the Democrats' agenda.
Amplifiers:
Rolling Stone
rollingstone.com
Manchin and Sinema Screw Biden Yet Again, Give Trump Control of Labor Board
Manchin and Sinema sided with Republicans, blocking the renomination of a Democratic NLRB chair. This gives the incoming Republican administration a majority on the board, enabling them to weaken worker protections. This is not the first time the senators, who are leaving office, have thwarted Democratic initiatives, raising concerns about their future corporate affiliations.
Amplifiers:
Parkersburg News and Sentinel
newsandsentinel.com
U.S. Sen. Manchin delivers final floor speech
Senator Joe Manchin delivered his farewell Senate speech after a 42-year career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent West Virginia, highlighting his bipartisan work on key legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. Retiring at year's end, Manchin will continue to be involved in politics, focusing on recruiting moderate candidates.
Amplifiers:
WTOP
wtop.com
Biden’s public lands director named to lead environmental group - WTOP News
Tracy Stone-Manning, Biden's Bureau of Land Management director known for prioritizing renewable energy and curbing fossil fuel extraction on federal lands, will lead The Wilderness Society. Her tenure faced intense Republican opposition, and her policies are likely to be reversed by the incoming Republican administration.
Amplifiers:
Washington Examiner
washingtonexaminer.com
Jim Justice: Energy key to looming GOP budget battles - Washington Examiner
Incoming Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) argues that boosting domestic energy production, not just spending cuts, is crucial to addressing the national debt. He points to West Virginia's success using energy revenue and suggests the US can emulate Saudi Arabia's model. Justice believes focusing on energy will be key to early Republican successes in Congress.
Amplifiers:
The Durango Herald
durangoherald.com
Is energy permitting reform still on the table?
Senator Hickenlooper believes Congress is near passage of a bipartisan energy permitting reform bill. This legislation aims to expedite approvals for renewable and hydrocarbon projects on public lands, streamlining processes and potentially saving years in review time. While facing some Republican House opposition, advocates urge immediate passage before the next Congress.
Amplifiers:
Truthout
truthout.org
Bipartisan Plan to “Reform” Energy Permits Is a Brazen Giveaway to Fossil Fuels
A bipartisan bill fast-tracks energy infrastructure permitting, falsely claiming an energy crisis. This is a giveaway to fossil fuels, driven by industry lobbying and campaign contributions to supporting senators. The bill ignores ample domestic energy production and exacerbates climate change by prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy.
Amplifiers:
Sludge
readsludge.com
Manchin and Sinema’s Parting Gift to Corporate America
Centrist Senators Manchin and Sinema, leaving Congress, sided with Republicans, blocking the reappointment of a pro-labor NLRB member. This grants the incoming Trump administration a majority on the board, likely weakening worker protections. Their actions are seen as a final favor to corporate interests, following a pattern of opposing pro-labor and progressive legislation throughout their terms.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Expedited vote on NLRB chair nomination
Senate Democrats aim to secure a majority on the NLRB by renominating Lauren McFerran.
Concerns over politicized pardon power
Freedom House criticizes Biden's broad pardon for Hunter Biden.
Transition from fossil fuels to renewables
Renewable energy sources are becoming more cost-effective than coal, leading to decreased investment in fossil fuel infrastructure.
Federal environmental reviews and energy production
The article discusses Trump's commitment to increasing domestic energy production while navigating federal environmental regulations, drawing criticism from opponents.
Gas Price Trends
Gas prices have dropped from $3.386 last week and $3.383 a month ago to $3.328 per gallon.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
People
Joe Manchin
Senator from West Virginia known for his centrist positions.
Hunter Biden
Son of President Joe Biden, involved in various controversies.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States.
Tracy Stone-Manning
Biden's Bureau of Land Management director.
Jim Justice
Incoming Senator from West Virginia.
John Hickenlooper
Senator from Colorado.
Lauren McFerran
Nominee for the National Labor Relations Board.
Senator Vance
Republican Senator who expedited travel for a vote.
Kyrsten Sinema
Senator from Arizona known for her centrist stance.
Biden
President of the United States.
Events
Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024
A bill aimed at fast-tracking energy projects.
Manchin's farewell Senate speech
Joe Manchin's speech marking the end of his Senate career.
Vote on Lauren McFerran's nomination
The deciding vote that affected the NLRB's composition.
Bipartisan energy permitting reform bill
Legislation aimed at expediting energy project approvals.
Incoming Republican administration
The new administration following the 2024 elections.
Senate vote blocking NLRB renomination
Vote that impacted labor relations board composition.
Technologies
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.
Fossil fuels
Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms.
Organizations
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
U.S. government agency overseeing labor relations.
Bureau of Land Management
Agency responsible for managing public lands.
Companies
Heritage Foundation
Conservative think tank involved in policy advocacy.
The Wilderness Society
Environmental organization focused on protecting wilderness.
People
Joe Manchin
Senator from West Virginia known for his centrist positions.
Hunter Biden
Son of President Joe Biden, involved in various controversies.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States.
Tracy Stone-Manning
Biden's Bureau of Land Management director.
Jim Justice
Incoming Senator from West Virginia.
John Hickenlooper
Senator from Colorado.
Lauren McFerran
Nominee for the National Labor Relations Board.
Senator Vance
Republican Senator who expedited travel for a vote.
Kyrsten Sinema
Senator from Arizona known for her centrist stance.
Biden
President of the United States.
Events
Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024
A bill aimed at fast-tracking energy projects.
Manchin's farewell Senate speech
Joe Manchin's speech marking the end of his Senate career.
Vote on Lauren McFerran's nomination
The deciding vote that affected the NLRB's composition.
Bipartisan energy permitting reform bill
Legislation aimed at expediting energy project approvals.
Incoming Republican administration
The new administration following the 2024 elections.
Senate vote blocking NLRB renomination
Vote that impacted labor relations board composition.
Technologies
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.
Fossil fuels
Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms.
Organizations
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
U.S. government agency overseeing labor relations.
Bureau of Land Management
Agency responsible for managing public lands.
Companies
Heritage Foundation
Conservative think tank involved in policy advocacy.
The Wilderness Society
Environmental organization focused on protecting wilderness.

Context

The political landscape in the United States is increasingly polarized, with significant implications for demographics, social issues, and national security. Senator Joe Manchin's actions, including his support for fossil fuel projects and opposition to labor-friendly nominations, reflect a broader trend where centrist politicians align with conservative agendas, potentially undermining worker protections and environmental regulations. This shift raises concerns about the future of labor rights and environmental sustainability, particularly in states like West Virginia, where the economy heavily relies on energy production.

Demographically, the U.S. is experiencing shifts that influence political dynamics. As younger, more environmentally conscious voters emerge, the prioritization of fossil fuels over renewable energy may alienate this demographic, impacting future elections. The economic implications are profound, as the push for fossil fuel projects could exacerbate climate change, leading to long-term costs that outweigh short-term gains.

Geographically, states rich in natural resources, such as West Virginia, are at the center of this debate. The reliance on energy revenue poses a dilemma: while it supports local economies, it also raises questions about sustainability and environmental degradation. National security is intertwined with these issues, as energy independence and climate resilience become increasingly critical in a world facing geopolitical tensions and environmental crises.

The bipartisan push for expedited energy permitting reflects a complex interplay of interests, where industry lobbying plays a significant role. Critics argue that this undermines genuine efforts to address climate change and could lead to detrimental long-term consequences for both the environment and public health. As the political landscape evolves, the actions of centrist figures like Manchin and Sinema will continue to shape the future of American policy on energy, labor, and environmental issues.
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