Manchin to support Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination [Video]

• Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson earned the support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for her Supreme Court nomination.
• Manchin said that Jackson is “supremely qualified” and noted that she has the right temperament and disposition to serve in the high court.
• Jackson’s confirmation can go through — even without any GOP votes — if all 50 Democrats support her.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has expressed his support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson‘s Supreme Court nomination, making her confirmation ever more likely.

Citing Jackson’s record and testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, the senator declared, “I have determined I intend to vote for her nomination to serve on the Supreme Court.”

Manchin said that Jackson’s “wide array of experiences” will give her a “unique perspective that will serve her well on our nation’s highest court.” 

He also commented on Jackson’s disposition, which he described as “warm and gracious.”

“On top of her impressive resume, she has the temperament to make an exceptional jurist,” he stated. “I am confident Judge Jackson is supremely qualified and has the disposition necessary to serve as our nation’s next Supreme Court Justice.”

Manchin also noted Jackson’s familiarity with his own state, where she and her family “spend a great deal of time.” He added, “Her deep love of our state and commitment to public service were abundantly clear.” 

Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) were seen as the two possibly uncertain votes among the Democrats.

The West Virginia senator has opposed some of President Biden‘s biggest legislative priorities over the past year. However, he supported Biden’s lower-court judicial nominees, so he wasn’t expected to oppose Jackson’s nomination.

He also seemed skeptical of the Republicans’ focus on Jackson’s child porn sentences, telling reporters to consider the source.

If all 50 Democrats support Jackson, her confirmation can go through even without any GOP votes, since Vice President Harris will be breaking the tie.

Democrats are hoping to confirm Jackson before their two-week recess in April. They also hope to receive some GOP votes, but Jackson has been facing growing opposition from the Republicans.

Source: The Hill