Manchin accuses fellow Democrats of 'playing politics' on Sessions

Sen. Joe Manchin accused his fellow Democrats, especially centrist Democrats keeping their powder dry on a number of President-elect Trump's nominees, of "playing politics" with Sen. Jeff Sessions' nomination to be attorney general.

The West Virginia Democrat, who was often at odds with the Obama administration's environmental regulations, especially those affecting the coal industry, lamented his lonely role as the sole Democrat so far to openly state his public support for Sessions.

"Am I the only one voting for Jeff?" he asked in an interview with the Washington Examiner. "I believe simply this: What I know of Jeff Sessions is that he's a good man. I've known him for six years. I've never seen any indication of any bigotry or any type of racism. If there would have been, I wouldn't vote for him."

Democrats on the Judiciary Committee and throughout the caucus have questioned Sessions' support for voting rights and civil rights.

After winning a nationwide election, Manchin said, presidents and governors should have the right to put together their Cabinets and executive team as long the nominees go through background checks and provide their financial disclosures.