Manchin-Biden coal clash highlights Democratic divisions at a perilous moment
Manchin-Biden coal clash highlights Democratic divisions at a perilous moment
“Comments like these are the reason the American people are losing trust in President Biden,” the West Virginian said. The White House later sought to clarify Biden’s remarks.
Sen. Joe Manchin speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at the Capitol in Washington. | Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo
By BURGESS EVERETT and CRAIG HOWIE
11/05/2022 10:32 AM EDT
Updated: 11/05/2022 04:29 PM EDT
Joe Manchin clashed Saturday with President Joe Biden over the politics of coal — a poorly timed breach between a pair of Democratic heavyweights just three days before voters head to the polls.
In a statement Saturday morning, the West Virginia senator lambasted Biden’s remarks a day earlier pledging to shut down America’s coal plants as “offensive and disgusting.” That prompted a quick response from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in an attempt to tamp down the conflict.
