Bernie Sanders and Senate Democrats Rail Against ‘Pathetic’ Manchin and Sinema for Sinking Key Biden Nominee

AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and some Democratic senators did not hold back their criticism of outgoing colleagues, Sens. Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) for voting down one of President Joe Biden’s nominees.

On Wednesday, Manchin and Sinema voted against the nomination of Lauren McFerren to another term on the National Labor Relations Board. The nomination failed by one vote.

The NLRB oversees U.S. labor laws and makes important decisions about labor disputes, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. Its five members serve five-year terms. The board has three Democrats, one Republican, and one vacancy. McFerran, a Democrat, is the chair of the board, but her term expires next week. When he assumes office in January, President-elect Donald Trump will be able to appoint two Republicans, thus giving Republicans control of the board.

On Friday, The Hill published reactions from several senators, who ripped Manchin and Sinema over their votes.

“I think people are not sorry to see them go,” one Democratic senator said on condition of anonymity. Others were not so shy.

“Pathetic,” Sanders reacted. Meanwhile, Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN.) said their votes were “disappointing.”

“Millions of working people across the country will pay the price for their actions,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) added.

One unnamed senator took particular umbrage at Sinema, who, before voting against McFerren, had not voted since Nov. 21.

“I think in her case it was pure unadulterated selfishness; it was always about her,” the senator said.