Former Senator Joe Manchin is stepping back into the spotlight — this time as an author. His memoir, titled “Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense,” is set to be released on September 16, according to an announcement from publisher St. Martin’s Press.
At 77, Manchin says the book is his “declaration of independence from the extremes on both sides,” offering a personal and political reflection from one of Washington’s most talked-about centrists.
A Life Between the Parties
Manchin served in the U.S. Senate from 2010 until his retirement in 2024. A Democrat in a solidly red state, he often broke ranks with his party and made headlines for his independent streak. During the Biden administration, Manchin frequently held sway in the narrowly divided Senate, sometimes derailing key Democratic initiatives and pushing for more centrist legislation.
In 2023, he officially left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, though he continued to caucus with Democrats. His upcoming book reflects that shift — not just politically, but philosophically.
“This book is a handbook for governing,” Manchin said in a statement. “I believe successful leadership is about collaboration, compromise, civility, and respect. Leaders should bring people together, not divide them.”
From West Virginia Roots to Washington Power
Dead Center will cover Manchin’s journey from the coal town of Farmington, West Virginia, to one of the most powerful seats in American politics. According to the publisher, the book is filled with behind-the-scenes stories from Capitol Hill and the White House, giving readers a closer look at how government functions — or fails to.
The memoir promises “eyebrow-raising, never-before-told stories” as well as insights into the decision-making process behind some of the most debated legislation in recent years.
A Legendary Foreword
Adding to the star power of the release, Dead Center will include a foreword by Manchin’s longtime friend Nick Saban, the former Alabama football coach and soon-to-be College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
A Call for Common Ground
As polarization continues to define American politics, Manchin hopes his book will serve as a guide for those who believe in moderation, practical solutions, and bipartisan cooperation.
Whether you agreed with him or not, Joe Manchin’s role in recent political history is undeniable. Dead Center offers a rare inside look into the mindset of a senator who often stood alone — and liked it that way.
