Former Senator Joe Manchin is set to release his memoir, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense, on September 16, described as his “declaration of independence from the extremes on both sides.” Published by St. Martin’s Press, the book promises to offer a candid look at Manchin’s political journey and philosophy.
At 77, Manchin announced last year that he would not seek re-election after serving in the Senate since 2010. He became known as a rare Democrat to win in West Virginia, a state that typically leans Republican. Renowned for his moderate stance, Manchin frequently challenged his own party, often opposing legislation when Senate Democrats held a slim majority during President Joe Biden’s administration.
In 2022, Manchin left the Democratic Party and identified as an independent while still caucusing with Democrats. Reflecting on his memoir, he described it as both a declaration of independence and a guide for effective governance. “Successful leadership is about understanding collaboration, compromise, civility, and respect—bringing people together rather than dividing them,” Manchin stated.
The book includes a foreword by Nick Saban, a close friend and former football coach set to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this year. Dead Center details Manchin’s journey from the coalfields of Farmington, West Virginia, to the U.S. Senate, offering insights into the pivotal moments, difficult decisions, and values that have shaped his career.
According to the publisher, the memoir features “never-before-told stories from inside the Senate and the White House,” along with reflections on the complexities of government and how it functions—or doesn’t.
