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

Episode 160

UKRAINE WAR REPORT

As the war in Ukraine rages on, and just days after American journalist Brent Renaud was killed, President Zelensky delivered a historic address to the United State Congress. He again called on America and President Biden to enforce a no-fly zone.

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

As the war in Ukraine rages on, and just days after American journalist Brent Renaud was killed, President Zelensky delivered a historic address to the United State Congress. He again called on America and President Biden to enforce a no-fly zone. And to send MiG fighter jets. And our government has said they still will not. That may change. But for now, today, after the standing ovation from Congress, Zelensky got a big fat American NO to his top requests. But he didn’t leave empty handed. He got a new injection of American firepower totalling almost $1B dollars. We dig into what that includes, how it will be used, and what could happen next–as only experienced, next-generation national security and military analysts can. And in this pod, we’ve got two of the best. 

Jason Dempsey (@Jason_K_Dempsey) is a bad-ass warrior-scholar. A former Army infantryman with a PhD in politics who loves beer and bikes. A professor, author, researcher, combat veteran and one of the country’s foremost experts on civil-military relations, Jason is West Point graduate, a PhD, and Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and a powerful voice that must be heard. He led units on the ground in Afghanistan, served inside the White House, and literally wrote the book on the modern United states military: Our Army: Soldiers, Politics, and American Civil-Military Relations. He’s also a dad, a lover of good beer and no-BS guy who pulls no punches. Jason previously appeared in Episodes 95 (January 14, 2021) and Episode 76 (Sept. 10, 2020).

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from the truth beyond the headlines–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. Rieckhoff is a former Army infantry officer, who knew Brent Renaud for many years. He reflects on the loss and legacy of his friend, and tears into all the latest political news. It’s independent content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers a shot of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. 

-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon

– WATCH video of Paul and Jason’s conversation here.

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-Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm