On Wednesday evening, the United States Senate voted to confirm Alabama Republican Jeff Sessions as President Donald Trump’s attorney general. The final count was 52 in favor, 47 against. Sessions himself simply voted as “present.”
The vote was, in many ways, a predictable one: Republicans unanimously supported Sessions, while Democrats lined up against his confirmation. All, that is, except one: West Virginia’s Joe Manchin, who broke with his party to vote alongside his GOP colleagues.
According to Senate observers, Manchin appeared enthusiastic as he cast his ballot for Sessions.
Manchin votes for Sessions, flashing him a thumbs up on his way in the chamber. Manchin is the only Democrat to vote yes.
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) February 9, 2017
Manchin’s choice isn’t all that surprising. A conservative “Blue Dog” Democrat in deep-red West Virginia, Manchin—a former governor—has had to swat down persistent rumors of an eventual party switch.
In a statement announcing his vote for Sessions, Manchin explained that, “as a former Governor, I understand how crucial it is for an executive leader to have his team in place. I have known Jeff for more than a decade and he is not only my colleague but I consider him a friend.”
“After working with him in many capacities during my time in the United States Senate, I believe I can work with Senator Sessions and that is why I voted to make him the next attorney general of the United States,” Manchin continued, citing Sessions’ “extensive career in public service and legal expertise.”
The statement in many ways matches earlier remarks to made in January to Fox’s Fox and Friends where Manchin also touched on Sessions history of alleged racism.
I’ve built relationships and friendships here. I don’t care whether they’re Democrats, Republicans, independents,” Manchin said. “We were sent here, basically sent here to work to make America better, and Jeff Sessions, I’ve known him for six years. We’ve been friends, we talk about an array of things. I have never detected, never one ounce of detection, that Jeff Sessions is what [critics] have said.”
In addition to his personal feelings about Sessions, Manchin has also come out in favor of another Trump administration agenda item: Support for the coal industry.
Today I spoke to @realDonaldTrump & he committed to working with me to secure the healthcare benefits guaranteed in #MinersProtectionAct
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) January 9, 2017
I am thrilled @realDonaldTrump is showing true leadership by joining me to fight for our miners who powered this nation to greatness.
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) January 9, 2017
Manchin was also rumored at one time to be President Trump’s possible choice as Energy Secretary—a nomination that ultimately went to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Manchin has supported all but one of Trump’s cabinet nominees—Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos—but it is his vote for Sessions which seems to have raised the most ire among many of his critics—and stoked rumblings of a tough re-election bid in 2018.
Wishing Joe Manchin the absolute worst of luck in 2018 pic.twitter.com/JWkBjLTnni
— Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) February 9, 2017
@SenateDems @HouseDemocrats @TheDemocrats @WVYoungDems @wvdemocrats @WVFDW
Time to primary Manchin in 2018!#TheResistance #traitor #dems pic.twitter.com/0TKOzxtb2t
— I HATE M. McConnell (@JTrenovation) February 9, 2017
That will make it easier for @SenateDems when Manchin loses his seat in 2018 to a Republican. No one will see a difference. https://t.co/EOKQ55IYKR
— Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) February 9, 2017
i guess time for my broke ass to open a savings account devoted exclusively to giving money to manchin's challengers in 2018
— sarah jeong (@sarahjeong) February 9, 2017
Manchin has yet to publicly respond to criticism of his latest vote.