Republican billionaire helping Manchin raise funds

Republican billionaire Ken Langone says he is going to hold “one of the biggest fundraisers” he’s had for Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.)

“I’m going to have one of the biggest fundraisers I’ve ever had for him,” Langone said Wednesday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “He’s special. He’s precious. He’s a great American.”

Manchin, a moderate Democrat, has become a key vote as Democrats negotiate President Biden’s $1.75 trillion social spending package, which includes universal pre-K, investments in climate change and expansions in Medicare.  

“I don’t see leadership any place in this country. Thank god for Joe Manchin. The guy gots guts and courage … I’m going to have one of the biggest fundraisers I’ve ever had for him. He’s special,” says Ken Langone on @Sen_JoeManchin. pic.twitter.com/HUkZHdI41a

— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) November 10, 2021

Manchin and other moderates have already effectively scaled back the bill, tamping down the top line from $3.5 trillion, which had been agreed to earlier this year.

Democrats are hoping to pass the spending package through budget reconciliation, which allows them to pass the bill without the senate filibuster. This means Senate Democrats cannot afford to lose Manchin’s vote.

Langone has never contributed to Manchin’s campaigns, CNBC noted.

The billionaire supported former President Trump in 2016, but said he felt “betrayed” by Trump following the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol. At the time, he said he would “do everything I can from Day 1” to make Biden “the most successful president” in the country’s history. 

But speaking to “Squawk Box” on Wednesday, he said he doesn’t see “any leadership in any place” in the U.S.

“Thank God for Joe Manchin. The guy’s got guts and courage, and he did what he had to do and he’ll continue to do what he has to do,” Langone said.

The Hill has reached out to Manchin’s office for comment.