Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., vowed the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian meddling in the presidential election will not be a "witch hunt."
Manchin's comments came during an interview on the "Cape Up" podcast hosted by Jonathan Capehart, an opinion writer for The Washington Post.
"The Russians made more attempts than ever before to be involved in our election process," said Manchin, a member of the intelligence committee. "We know that. That's a fact. We also know they didn't succeed. The election wasn't swayed one way or the other by their involved."
Manchin had told PBS the look into Russian involvement should take two different paths — the involvement in the election process and what ties, if any, those close to President Donald Trump had with the Russians.
And he told Capehart: "There's a lot of smoke. "What we're looking for is the fire. And how do you put the fire out if you find the fire? That's the big question. What do you do?
"We will do what's necessary to protect this country, the Constitution of the United States of America…I assure you that. There's no witch hunt out there. The intelligence committee will take you to the facts. The facts will should you to the truth. And the truth will let you make the decision you have to make.
And he added committee members "will vote for their country before they will protect any human being."
Manchin, who is dubbed "the most conservative Democrat on Capitol Hill," also told Capehart he has every intention of remaining with the party.
But he said the party needs to rid itself from a "Washington Democrat philosophy."
"I know their intent is good and honorable," he said, "but it's become almost to the point where it's so correct. Everything has to be so politically correct. And if you err, you're gonna err on the side of just more government."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.