Remember when Hillary Clinton promised to put coal miners out of work? West Virginians do. Her statements about coal were a major factor in Clinton receiving just 26.5% of the vote in the Mountain State last November. Among that 26.5%? Democrat Senator Joe Manchin.
In an interview with Politico in Washington yesterday, Manchin was asked about Clinton’s comments and his continued support for her. Manchin acknowledged that Clinton said “horrible,” “horrific things” about coal. So why did Manchin continue to support Clinton? He explained that Hillary and Bill Clinton have been friends of his for a long time and they came to West Virginia to campaign for him in the past. Interesting. Any bets on whether Manchin will bring his old friends back to West Virginia in 2018?
“This is typical Joe Manchin – he talks about helping coal miners when he’s in West Virginia, but in a room full of Washington insiders, he’s quick to acknowledge that he’ll do what’s best for him politically, even if it means backing a candidate who wants to put his constituents out of work,” said NRSC Spokesman Bob Salera. “Joe Manchin has one priority in Washington – doing what’s best for Joe Manchin.”