Manchin Explains His No Vote On DADT

[Freddie Stubbs]

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), one of the Senate's freshest faces, broke with his party today and voted no on the cloture vote that would have likely moved Don't Ask, Don't Tell one step closer to an eventual repeal. After the vote, one Democratic aide said Manchin's vote was something of a stunt, coming as it did while cloture was sure to fail thanks to Republican opposition. The aide claimed that the former Governor of West Virginia wouldn't allow himself to be the vote that stops repeal from going forward.

In a statement to reporters tonight, Manchin suggested that as long as a vote on repealing DADT comes this year, he'll be more than willing to shut it down.

"I do not support its repeal at this time," he said in the statement. "I would like to make clear that my concern is not with the idea of repealing DADT, but rather an issue of timing."

Manchin said the Senate testimony from military branch chiefs last week -- most of whom said they were opposed to repealing the ban, but that they could implement it if asked to do so -- was part of his decision not to back repeal for the time being.

more: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/manchin-explains-his-no-vote-on-dadt.php

[montanacowboy]

1. I have no words for this corporate coal co. hack

he will be worse than a republican

and in Robert Byrd's seat - it's a disgrace

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. It took Byrd a long time to come around on DADT

[montanacowboy]

4. True, but he did

I don't like Manchin, he is way too cozy with the coal boys

I lived in W.Va. for a long time and that poor state is just being raped

[Freddie Stubbs]

5. Did Byrd stand up to the "coal boys?"

[Tx4obama]

3. I rooted for him to run & win, but now I do not like him at all ;( n/t

[brooklynite]

6. I feel as though I won't be supporting Manchin financially when he calls (and he will...)

I would like to make clear that my concern is not with the idea of supporting him, but rather an issue of timing...

[Phx_Dem]

7. That's a great exlanation for denying someone's equal protection.

Not. Asshole.

[AtomicKitten]

8. This can't come as a surprise but he can eff off nonetheless. nt

[terrya]

9. He'll switch parties within a year.

I can see it coming. DINO.

[Arkana]

10. Fucking asshole. The MILITARY has said it's fine to do it now.

Fuck this "timing" bullshit.