Joe Manchin: “We hope today's hearings will facilitate the serious conversation around a long-term solution.”

The pledge is simply this: that you remain independent and not be part of the Democrat or Republican system.

We’re trying to get a person who can be committed to — and totally committed to – being an independent with an independent voice.

My observation, and recommendation from observation, would be, John, trust me, set yourself free and become an independent.

We’re not trying to start another party.