A panel of writers and Democratic strategists at the New York Times agreed that the party brand has taken a nosedive after massive losses in the 2024 election.

Mr. Manchin says America is ready for a third party to absorb centrist and moderate voters who feel alienated by both party’s excesses.

He considers the party to be out of touch with America for moving away from issues like jobs and better pay to social issues like transgender rights and telling Americans what they can or cannot do.