NEW EPISODE · AUGUST 12, 2026 · EP 598
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Vol. V · No. 598Thursday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 145

Chuck Todd

Yeah…Santa is coming very soon. But before he does, we’ve got some pretty wild political news happening in America.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Joe Manchin on being the one vote that made the 117th Congress work. and why setting hard parameters forced both parties to negotiate

02

Heather Manchin's "canyon chart". billions on the left, billions on the right, and a politically homeless sensible majority in the middle

03

Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut inde. Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut independents out completely — and why taxpayers are funding elections they can't fully participate in

04

The Montana breakdown. Seth Bodnar needs 220,000 votes, out-raised both party candidates, and now has a true three-way race

Yeah…Santa is coming very soon. But before he does, we’ve got some pretty wild political news happening in America. And we wanna give you an early holiday gift of great content. And a very high-profile guest. Unless you haven’t already read the title, you know who it is. He’s the host of Meet The Press, one of the most influential and iconic political shows in America. He’s the host of Meet The Press Daily on MSNBC, and he’s the Political Director at NBC. On this show in the last year, we’ve had Chuck Hagel. And we’ve had Chuck D. And now, finally, we’ve got Chuck Todd (@ChuckTodd).

As the January 6th investigations continue, as the cable news networks play musical chairs with their prime-time line-ups, as tensions rise with Russia over Ukraine, and as the omicron variant rips around the world faster than Santa delivering presents, our fearless host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), tackles it all head-on. From troops refusing the vaccine, to Don Jr’s texts, to accountability for the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. It’s a Christmastime feast of crazy. 

And for all you good little boys and girls, we’ve got a deep and fast dive into politics–and also into American political media (which is the demented holiday gift that just keeps on giving). This show is all about the future–and staying vigilant. No matter what Santa brings this Christmas. Whether it’s a Barbie Dream House–or a positive COVID test. 

This episode is about providing light to contrast the heat. It’s about keeping the hope. Especially when it’s hard to do. And it’s a holiday time special delivery pod of the 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. All gift-wrapped nice and shiny and sitting in your phone of Christmas podcast treats. It’s another insightful episode to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. 

And in these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. 

WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Chuck here.

politics, inspiration and hope. 

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