Democrats are "wrong" to oppose President Donald Trump's choice to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court before the announcement is made, according to West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat himself.
The Supreme Court pick deserves a fair shot, Manchin told West Virginia's MetroNews Talkline.
"I've told Democrats and everyone who wants to listen: This person is going to be a conservative," Manchin said. "I'm fine with that. This person is going to be pro-life. I'm fine with that."
Manchin did not say he would support Trump’s nominee unconditionally, however.
"This person can't be racist or bigoted," Manchin said.
"You've got to let him put staff together, unless they run completely afoul of what the people of West Virginia believe in," the senator said, referring to the voters in the state he represents.
Manchin refused to say Jan. 16 whether he would join Democrats in unifying against any Trump court nominee, according to CNN.