Manchin circulates proposal to reverse Schumer on dress code

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

30. I voted for Fetterman ...

... because of his policies, his history, and his connections - not because of his chosen attire. In fact, I voted for him despite his clothes choices on the campaign trail.

As a life-long democrat and one of his constituents - one of the people he is being paid to represent - I would rather he wear more formal attire while on the floor or in committee meetings. I would rather he represent me in at least business casual than in shorts.

Is what he wears more important than what he says or how he votes? Not at all.

But his personal presentation reflects on his constituents as well as himself. Like so many of us in our professional lives, he knew the dress code when he took the job.

While reasonable accommodations can be made for special needs, if his desired wardrobe is not medically required to help manage depression or other health needs, then I would like to see him dressed as I would if I were asked to attend a meeting at the Senate.

I am one of those he represents in the halls of power. I would rather he dress in a way that will not cause the others with whom he is negotiating to belittle him either openly or in their minds. It may put us at a disadvantage in those interactions. It also draws attention away from the work I voted him into office to do.

That is my personal opinion. I understand and accept that others will have different ones.

[Quickly crouches in a bunker and pulls on a hard hat.]