picked for the energy department. so he announces that. donald trump announces -- well sources in the transition announce that. we're also then getting a statement from senator joe manchin he's now happy to stay in the senate. this was something everyone was watching closely in terms of the balance of power in the senate. what are you hearing over there? what does this all mean? >> he was being considered for the energy department job. manchin had met with trump yesterday. the fact he's saying he's not going to take any job in the administration not now. is going to stay in the senate. ensures that democrats will keep that seat in a very red state. it's heartening for schumer and democrats who want to keep 48 seats in the senate, kate. >> manu, thank you. let me bring in right now cnn political commentator bill press. he supported sanders and clinton during the election. former communications director for the rubio presidential campaign and now with buyerhouse strategies alex conan is here. "washington post" reporter abby phillip it washington bureau chief for the dallas morning news todd gillman. thanks for being here.