CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A day removed from the high-profile James Comey hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin said it’s too early to say if President Donald Trump obstructed justice in his conversations with the now fired FBI director.
“I don’t think we’re there at that point and I don’t think that I, or any senator, should be making (comments) about that. We have a special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is heading that up. He’ll be the one with the expertise,” Manchin said.
During an appearance Friday on MetroNews “Talkline,” Manchin said at the very least Trump made a poor decision when he asked Comey to pull back from his investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s involvement with the Russians.
“That was very inappropriate. As governor, if I would have done that I would have that I overstepped my boundaries. Now, did I create a criminal act? Should I be thrown out of office? Now wait a minute guys,” Manchin said.
Manchin said the members of the Intelligence Committee have confidence in Mueller and his ability to fully investigate the situation and make a recommendation to the committee.
First District Congressman David McKinley, also a guest on “Talkline” Friday, said from what he heard of Comey’s testimony it doesn’t sound like collusion or obstruction.
“Not from what they said. Let’s let the committee continue to explore but from what I heard there was no obstruction,” McKinley said.
Manchin said he’s looking for answers to a key question.
“Was the United States of America compromised?” Manchin asked. “Did we compromise our security, the government that we have and the responsibility and the oath to the Constitution, did anybody compromise that and sell that out?”