Progressives, please back off Manchin. You’re only helping him with my fellow West Virginians.

But just like in 2018, it isn’t the message that puts off West Virginians; it’s the messenger. I understand the temptation to burn it down. Our decision in the Ojeda campaign to decline the Sanders offer wasn’t an easy one, but we knew that ultimately the election wouldn’t be decided by high-profile tweets or increased donations. And so, as negotiations continue on Capitol Hill and as moderate Democrats such as Joe Manchin take on more and more scrutiny from the party’s progressive wing, I implore my fellow progressives to think twice about the actual effects of the pressure they are applying.