Joe Manchin pushes for common sense over political partisanship

Former West Virginia senator will visit the Writers Institute for a conversation on Monday, March 23.

By Lillian Magurno, NYS Writers Institute intern

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

In a political landscape often defined by extremes, Joe Manchin has always seen himself in dead center. Now, Manchin has outlined his push for common sense and centrist values in his new book Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.

Manchin, a former senator and governor for West Virginia, ran originally under the Democratic party in the early 2000’s, but has always emphasized his values that have shaped his views as a centrist.

“Treat people with respect. Find dignity in work. Put people first and country before party. Be fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. Only vote for what you understand and can explain to your constituents. That’s it.” wrote Nick Saban in the foreword of Manchin’s book.

Manchin left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent in 2024. In an interview with CNN, he called the Democratic brand "toxic" and claimed that progressives in the party were “out of touch” with most Americans.

Now retired from the Senate, Manchin has positioned himseld in the middle of both parties, criticizing shortcomings of both Republicans and Democrats as parties on either side of the political spectrum while continuing to work with lawmakers across the political spectrum.

“This is a duopoly of [the] Democrat and Republican Party. That's why I'm a fiercely proud independent right now, that I can work with both sides,” said Manchin in an interview with NPR’s Morning Edition.

Manchin’s new book included details of a private conversation with former President Joe Biden in 2021 over the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Act. “Joe Biden, whom I've known for quite a while, and I think the world of him, we just disagreed,” said Manchin in the interview with Morning Edition.

Manchin will visit the University at Albany for a frank discussion of politics and the state of the nation. The event, free and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, in Page Hall on the Downtown UAlbany Campus.

Attendees will be able to purchase copies of Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense, get the chance to meet Manchin and get their book signed by him.

Sen. Joe Manchin

In conversation with Paul Grondahl

7:30 p.m. Monday, March 23

Conversation / Q&A

Page Hall, UAlbany Downtown Campus

135 Western Avenue

Albany NY 12203