Joe Manchin: “First, I would say I have only been in the Senate for 4 years. When I came, let's just say it was not what I expected.…”

“First, I would say I have only been in the Senate for 4 years. When I came, let's just say it was not what I expected. For that, you look for a little bit of respite, if you will. I looked at my colleagues and my friends on the Republican side. I didn't come to the Senate looking at what side you were on. I looked at basically the person I was dealing with. There was a person who befriended me almost from my first day, knowing that the transition was a challenge. He stepped up to the plate with a few of my other friends over there--I see Senator Coburn behind him--and basically took me under the wing and said: Listen, we can all work together and get along. What we do here is bigger and for the greater good than what we do for ourself. Saxby not only showed me, but basically I was able to follow and watch what he did. This Chamber should be filled right now--it really should be from all sides--but the bottom line is the Senator is loved by everybody. I never heard an ill word said about Saxby Chambliss, the distinction he carries as far as the Senate and as a human being. I say to the Senator, your family and your priorities are correct. Your moral compass is working and working well. I can only tell you thank you. As someone from the other side of the aisle and as a fellow colleague and a fellow American, you are an inspiration to us all. Saxby, there will not be another Saxby, but I am glad they gave you to me for this short period of time of 4 years.…”