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The Illusion of Joe Manchin‘s “Common Sense“
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Washington D.C. – The phrase “common sense” has become a potent political tool, increasingly divorced from its original meaning and weaponized in contemporary American discourse. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has particularly embraced the term, presenting himself as a pragmatic voice of reason amidst partisan extremes. However, a closer examination reveals how this invocation of “common sense” often serves to protect entrenched interests and obstruct progressive policy initiatives.
The Past Context of “Common Sense”
Historically, “common sense” referred to basic, widely shared understandings of the world. Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense, advocated for American independence based on principles accessible to all. To say that common sense is not popular, is to say that truth is not popular
, Paine wrote, framing it as a virtue of clarity and reason. Today, the term is frequently deployed not as a shared understanding, but as a rhetorical shield.
Did You Know? The phrase “common sense” has roots in 17th-century Scottish beliefs, emphasizing perceptual experience as the foundation of knowledge.
Manchin’s Strategic Use of the Term
Senator Manchin consistently frames his political positions as rooted in “common sense,” particularly when dissenting from his Democratic colleagues. This positioning allows him to appeal to a broader electorate, especially in his conservative-leaning state. His opposition to key components of President Biden’s agenda, such as the Build Back Better plan, was repeatedly justified by appealing to “common sense” concerns about inflation and government spending. Critics argue this framing obscures the specific interests he prioritizes, often aligning with the fossil fuel industry.
The invocation of “common sense” also allows Manchin to sidestep detailed policy debates. By presenting his positions as simply “reasonable,” he avoids engaging with the complexities of the issues at hand. This tactic is particularly effective in a media landscape often prioritizing soundbites over substantive analysis.
The Impact on Policy and Debate
The weaponization of “common sense” has real-world consequences. It can stifle debate, delegitimize progressive proposals, and create a false equivalence between well-reasoned arguments and self-serving justifications. The focus shifts from the merits of a policy to whether it aligns with a vaguely defined notion of “what people think.”
Pro Tip: When encountering the phrase “common sense” in political discourse, consider *whose* common sense is being invoked and what interests it serves.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Manchin frist publicly uses “common sense” to describe his concerns about inflation. |
| Dec 2021 | Manchin announces opposition to Build Back Better. |
| 2022 | Continued use of the phrase to justify opposition to climate provisions. |
| 2023 | Manchin champions energy permitting reform, citing “common sense” solutions. |
Beyond Manchin: A Broader Trend
Senator Manchin is not alone in employing this rhetorical strategy. Across the political spectrum, “common sense” is increasingly used to dismiss opposing viewpoints and justify pre-determined conclusions. This trend reflects a broader decline in reasoned discourse and a growing reliance on emotional appeals. The effect is a polarization of debate, where compromise becomes increasingly difficult.
“The problem with using ‘common sense’ is that it’s rarely common, and even more rarely sensible.” – George Orwell (paraphrased from his essays on political language)
the deliberate ambiguity of the term allows politicians to project an image of reasonableness while together advancing agendas that benefit specific interests.This manipulation of language undermines public trust and hinders effective governance.
What role does media coverage play in amplifying or challenging the use of “common sense” as a political tactic? And how can voters become more discerning consumers of political rhetoric, recognizing when the phrase is being used to obscure rather than illuminate?