"While I believe the 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy will be repealed someday, and probably should be repealed in the near future, I do not support its repeal at this time," Manchin said in the statement.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."
It probably should be repealed very soon, but Manchin doesn't want to do it himself. This is probably a procedural thing. Just as Harry Reid usually votes against cloture so that he can bring it to a vote again, Joe Manchin votes against gay cloture so that he doesn't turn gay and can turn gay later if he thinks the Senate has the votes. (If the Senate repeals DADT, they will all immediately turn gay and contract cooties. Those who have already voted for cloture on it are now gay.)
In terms of Obama's morals, this proves he is weak. [ The Hill ]
One of the 41 largest, in fact!
The full range of viewpoints of the citizens of West Virginia were, and probably still are, against the emancipation of blacks as well.