Former independent Sen. Joe Manchin said actor Matthew McConaughey has the qualities needed to become president of the United States after the Hollywood star urged voters to support independent candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.

McConaughey delivered the message in a six-minute video posted Sunday on X, arguing that independent candidates could help move Congress toward the political center rather than remain divided along party lines.

“I am not here today to endorse a candidate or a party. I am here endorsing two things: fairness and reality,” McConaughey said.

Speaking with NewsNation’s Blake Burman, Manchin said McConaughey could pursue political office “absolutely at the highest level,” pointing to the actor’s intelligence, charisma and ability to communicate with voters.

“He has the ability. He’s smart, he’s charismatic, he’s able to communicate,” Manchin said. “He has all the qualities and all the ingredients that it takes to bring this country together.”

Manchin added that he would fully support McConaughey if the actor decided to enter politics.

“Now, if that’s where he wishes to go or wherever, I’d be 1000% behind him,” the former senator said.

McConaughey also referenced Manchin’s experience serving in the closely divided 50-50 Senate, where the West Virginia lawmaker’s independent position gave him significant influence over legislative decisions.

“Knows the math, lived it in a 50-50 Senate. One independent mind became the deciding vote and took all the fire for it alone,” McConaughey said.

He argued that several independent lawmakers working together could wield even greater influence without being beholden to either major party.

“Now imagine that same power held by three or four together, owned by no party at all,” McConaughey said.

Manchin told NewsNation he had no advance knowledge of the video. He said McConaughey had acted independently because he believed his message was right for the country.