Topics & People
Voters who do not align themselves with a political party. Manchin argues that this is the largest group of voters and they are disenfranchised by the closed primary system.
A type of primary election in which voters may participate in selecting candidates for a political party's nominees only if they are registered members of that party. Manchin argues this system perpetuates the political duopoly.
A political party formed as an alternative to the dominant two. The hosts discuss the increasing viability of a third party in the U.S. due to voter dissatisfaction with both major party candidates.
A US Senator from the Republican party whom Manchin identifies as one of his key 'go-to people' for bipartisan work.
A Republican Senator from Maine facing a tight race against Democratic challengers.
A US Senator from the Republican party whom Manchin describes as one of the 'best of the best' to work with and with whom he joked about starting a 'not stupid party'.
A late US Senator whose famous 'thumbs-down' vote on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act is referenced by Manchin during the discussion on healthcare.
The former official United States policy on military service by gays, bisexuals, and lesbians. Manchin admits he was wrong to initially vote against its repeal.
The concept that the Democratic and Republican parties maintain a joint monopoly on political power. Phillips argues that this system is destructive and only serves the parties themselves.
Joe Manchin's new book, which is the subject of the interview, detailing his political philosophy and key moments in his career.
The 35th US President, whose inaugural address quote, 'Ask not what your country can do for you...', is cited by Manchin as a foundational principle he feels is being lost to an entitlement culture.