Joe Manchin Apologizes For DADT Vote

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has issued an explanation and apology for his DADT vote today.

"While I believe the 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy will be repealed someday, and probably should be repealed in the near future, I do not support its repeal at this time," Manchin said in the statement. "I truly understand that my position will anger those who believe repeal should happen now and for that I sincerely apologize. While I am very sympathetic to those who passionately support the repeal, as a Senator of just three weeks, I have not had the opportunity to visit and hear the full range of viewpoints from the citizens of West Virginia."

Manchin went on to say that the president should end DADT discharges by executive order.