Yeah, Manchin seems optimized for West Virginia, which is great for a Senator but doesn't seem like it would carry nationwide.

That seems right. Which is a contrast with Popularists depictions of donors having particular factional agendas (mixed with self-interest, Sinema seemed optimized for particular categories of donors). But yeah, that read sounds right.

That said, this seems like a proper fight for a party to have, so it's consistent with your larger thesis. Thanks for the elaboration.