DC statehood is actually really good for Sinema and Manchin's schtick. Two more Dem Senators means one of them could actually break and vote with Republicans while still allowing the bill to pass. It gives them cover to actually vote like moderate heroes without actually jeopardizing the Democratic agenda. It's a win for everyone except Republicans, as all things should be.
99% politicians become politicians to advance the policies *they* like. And here you have Joe Manchin, a 73-year-old pretty conservative pro-life Democrat. Why would one assume that he needs a "cover", wants to be a "moderate Hero" or cares about some "schticks". Or about Democratic agenda.
People do change, though. Joe Biden once was one of Senate's most hawkish members on Foreign Policies and "catch the violent thugs"-bill - now he builds on Trump's "End the forever wars", and who knows, perhaps he will build on Trump's The First Step Act. But it was a gradual change.
Manchin is, on other hand, awfully categorical in his
Op-Ed about keeping Filibuster. An Op-Ed he wrote a 3 weeks ago.
In my opinion, it will take a lot to change that. I don't know, why Democrats think that pushing reforms, that Manchin is at best lukewarm about, will make him more willing to kill the Filibuster.
