This article contains an interview with a former elected official. The views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily reflect those of Across the Aisle™, or its programs, including Free the Facts™ and Answer the Call™.
Across the Aisle (AtA): What fiscal challenge facing America keeps you up at night?
Former Sen. Manchin: The national debt and chronic deficit spending concern me more than anything else. We’re asking future generations to pay for today’s inability to make tough decisions. The problem isn’t one party or one administration, it’s a system that rewards short-term politics over long-term responsibility. Interest payments on the debt are consuming resources that could otherwise be invested in infrastructure, education, energy security, and economic growth. As I’ve said many times, you can’t continue spending money you don’t have and expect there to be no consequences. If we fail to address our fiscal trajectory, we risk weakening America’s economic strength, limiting opportunities for our children and grandchildren, and reducing our ability to respond to future challenges.
AtA: How would you solve that challenge if it were up to you?
Manchin: I would start by bringing both parties to the table and creating a bipartisan fiscal commission with a clear mandate to produce recommendations that Congress must vote on. No issue should be off limits. We need to review spending, modernize the tax code, strengthen economic growth, and protect programs like Social Security and Medicare for future generations. The answer isn’t extreme cuts or unlimited spending, it’s balance! It is common-sense! America has solved difficult problems before when leaders were willing to put country ahead of party. We need a long-term plan that restores fiscal discipline, creates certainty for businesses and families, and demonstrates that Washington can still govern responsibly.
AtA: What advice do you have for young people interested in public service?
Manchin: Remember that public service is about serving people, not serving a political party. Spend time listening before you start talking. Get involved in your community, learn how government works at the local level, and focus on solving problems rather than winning arguments. The best leaders are willing to work with people who see the world differently. Don’t let social media convince you that compromise is weakness. It’s often how progress is made. Stay grounded in your values, treat people with respect, and never forget that every policy decision affects real lives. If you approach public service with humility, integrity, and a willingness to listen, you can make a meaningful difference.
AtA: What gives you hope about America’s future?
Manchin: What gives me hope is the American people. Despite all the division we see in Washington and on television, most Americans are practical, hardworking, and want many of the same things: safe communities, good jobs, quality education, and opportunities for their families. I’ve traveled all over this country, and I’ve found that people are far less divided than our politics suggests. That's one of the reasons my daughter Heather and I started Americans Together. Everywhere we go, we meet people from different backgrounds and different political beliefs who are tired of the fighting and want leaders focused on solving problems instead of scoring political points. I’m also encouraged by young people who are engaged, innovative, and eager to contribute. America has faced tremendous challenges throughout its history and has always emerged stronger because of the resilience and determination of its citizens. I believe our best days are still ahead if we can rediscover the value of working together.
AtA: What’s something you purchased and now regret?
Manchin: Like a lot of people, I’ve bought a few gadgets over the years that promised to make life easier and ended up sitting in a drawer. But if I’m being serious, I usually don’t regret purchases as much as I regret wasted opportunities. My parents taught me to be careful with money and to focus on value rather than impulse. Most things can be replaced; time cannot. So, if there’s something I regret, it’s occasionally spending money on things that didn’t matter when I could have spent more time with family, friends, or people in my community. Those are the investments that pay the greatest dividends.
Want to hear more from former Sen. Manchin on the future of America? Join us for our next conversation with former Sen. Joe Manchin and 53rd Speaker of the House John Boehner on July 16.
