Transcript: Joe and Heather Manchin on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 2, 2026

Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and his daughter, Heather Manchin, the CEO of Americans Together, appeared on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on August 2, 2026. The Manchins discussed their new initiative aiming to elect independent candidates to public office.

Joe Manchin stated that the market for their cause exists, with 47% of American adults identifying as political independents, the highest level in a decade. However, he acknowledged that efforts to break the two-party system have not been successful in the past. He attributed this to the strength of the Republican and Democratic parties in controlling primaries and making it difficult for independent candidates to get on the ballot.

Joe Manchin emphasized the need for independent candidates to be elected, as they could bring a different perspective to Congress and prevent stalemate. He mentioned that independent governance, as seen in the case of Angus King, can be effective. Heather Manchin agreed, arguing that independent candidates should focus on opening competition, solutions, and accountability, without requiring a specific policy platform.