Dead Center

In Defense of Common Sense

De: Joe Manchin, Nick Saban - foreword

Narrado por: Joe Manchin, Nick Saban

A memoir—and a manifesto—like no other, by a true maverick in American politics. This program features a foreword by legendary football coach Nick Saban and is read by the author, former United States senator Joe Manchin.

Dead Center: It is where Senator Joe Manchin III has stood his entire life. For him, it’s where the real solutions lie, if we are ever going to tame the anger, bitterness, intolerance, and tribalism that have infected our political system.

Through 43 years in politics, and 15 years in the Senate, Joe Manchin has stayed close to his roots, basing his principles in when, where, and how he was raised. 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.

Dead Center is more than Senator Manchin’s declaration of independence from the extremes on both sides. In this revealing and entertaining memoir, Senator Manchin combines eyebrow-raising, never-before-told stories from inside the Senate and the White House with insights into how government does—or doesn’t—work.

A memoir by one of America’s most recognized leaders, Dead Center offers a path forward from our polarized political gridlock to governance based on what our American founders practiced: Common Sense.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

©2025 Joe Manchin (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Loved this so much

Everyone left right center or anywhere in between should read this with an open heart and mind

A very important book for our time and current political and social landscape

Throughout this book Senator Manchin lays out his experience in life and politics and explains why finding common ground is so important. He explains the short falls with both political parties in Washington and gives a behind the scenes perspective at some of the most consequential people and events of the last 50 years. Listening to this audio book in my car on my commute made me want to take a few detours every evening just to listen a little longer. Truly one of the most enjoyable non-fiction audio books I've listened to in years!! But be warned you will get John Denver's "Country Roads" stuck in your head, its referenced a few times.

Best Book Written by Politician

I have probably read or listened to about 100 books written by politicians. By far this is the best one of these books I have read. The observations of the author go well beyond politics.

Genuine Leadership and Service

I truly enjoyed this Read having grown up in West Virginia and spent my adult life in Maryland. I could easily relate to Joe’s upbringing and the deep influence of family. Something that often feels diminished in the more transient culture of Maryland.

While I have never held political office, as a taxpayer and voter, Joe helped me appreciate the fine line he had to walk: striving to do what was right for his constituents while navigating the challenges of (my words) narcissistic, dictator minded leaders.

I applaud him for all he accomplished during his service and I’m grateful he chose to share his story. Thank you Joe for offering such an honest and inspiring account.

Very informative

There is a lot of information about the politics of politics in Dead Center. Joe gives equal coverage to the both the good and bad sides of both political parties. He tries to show how the increasingly polarized positions of both parties are keeping America from being the best it can be.

WV Independent Thinking Pragmatist

Common sense! Down home storytelling. Truth! Joe Manchin has worked tirelessly and wholeheartedly in the trenches.