Manchin says birthright 'worthy of looking at'

Sen. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinTrump to make final midterm push with 11 rallies in six days Trump fights uphill GOP battle on pre-existing conditions McConnell after restaurant confrontation: 'I will not be intimidated' MORE (D-W.Va.) Said Thursday that the concept of granting birthright citizenship is "worthy of looking at," but was adamant that President TrumpDonald John TrumpMore Trump Gop: poll poll Top Dem on Senate Trump over Obama Pollution Poll can not change it via executive order as he has suggested.

"I think it's worthy of it." I think the president wants to say what he wants to do, "Manchin said during a West Virginia Senate debate.

"I think there is a lot more, and it can not be controlled, but it can not be done by an executive order," the senator added, arguing the president can not unilaterally change the Constitution.

Manchin's opponent, Republican Patrick Morrisey, said Trump is "right to look at the birthright lottery," but added he would want to see the president's executive order to ensure it's being handled the right way.

Manchin, who is up for re-election in a state Trump easily won in 2016, joined Sen. Joe DonnellyJoseph (Joe) Simon DonnellySenate battles in two key races Donnelly says he 'misspoke' when discussing minority staff Election Countdown: Trump rattles GOP, spars with Ryan on citizenship | Republicans under pressure to denounce Steve King | Dem confidence grows | Pelosi says Dems will take House | Party hopes young voters deliver blue wave | Test fights for survival MORE (Ind.), Another vulnerable Democrat, in appearing open to the idea of ​​ending birthright citizenship.

In an interview with Axios published Tuesday, Trump vowed to end citizenship for children of non-born residents in the U.S., a change he proposed during the 2016 campaign.

He did not indicate when he would be such an order, but the concept is one of many he has floated in the closing days of the campaign regarding immigration.

A number of lawmakers, including Speaker Paul RyanPaul Davis RyanTrump's Attack on Ryan as Election Countdown: Trump rattles GOP, spars on Ryan on citizenship | Republicans under pressure to denounce Steve King | Dem confidence grows | Pelosi says Dems will take House | Party hopes young voters deliver blue wave | Test fighters for survival GOP Senate candidates dodge on Trump's plan to end birthright (R-Wis.), Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeSenate battles tightening in two key races GOP Senate candidates dodge on Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship Poll: Dems hold slim lead in Arizona, Nevada Senate races MORE (R-Ariz.) And Chuck GrassleyCharles (Chuck) Ernest GrassleyThe Hill's Morning Report – Presented by PhRMA – Trump divides Republicans ahead of midterms Vulnerable Senate (R-Iowa) promptly refuted Trump's assertion that he can end up birthright citizenship via executive order since it is enshrined under the 14th Amendment.

"Well, you can not do that." Ryan told WVLK radio in Lexington, Ky.

Trump responded to the question Wednesday, saying birthright citizenship would be "one way or another" and attacking Ryan.