What's worse than one multimillion dollar group running political ads? Two multimillion dollar organizations running political ads.
With news of Joe Manchin fueling a defensive retort against the National Rifle Association, the real losers are the American people. Specifically, those in the state of West Virginia who will have to hear the same garbage-message and mudslinging back and forth until the next election cycle.
If we know anything about the NRA, it's that they won't quit. It's not like Manchin is suddenly going to get back into the association's good-graces and the ads will stop. Manchin is going to face opposition right up until the election because at this point he is an example.
The one thing the NRA cannot allow itself to become is a neutered organization. If Manchin runs for reelection and succeeds after defying the powers that be at the NRA, what lobbying power will the organization have from here on out?
Don't get me wrong, I disagree with Manchin's stance on background checks. I don't think a system of background checks is going to be effective when it comes to deterring crime. The limits it imposes on my 2nd Amendment right would be unacceptable. After all, if background checks are in place there is no doubt it won't stop there. Looking at the more liberal states it seems a background check to purchase ammunition, even smaller 9mm style rounds won't be far behind. (Yeah, I'm looking at you California).
In the end, Manchin vs. the National Rifle Association is fascinating because you have to behemoths with a ton of cash going head-to-head. Unfortunately, the American people aren't going to win this one no matter which one of the giants comes out on top.