NEW EPISODE · JULY 23, 2026 · EP 581
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Vol. V · No. 581Thursday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 194

Adam Kinzinger

The stupid is all over the place this season like candy corn in the bottom of your halloween bag. Everyone hands it out, some people say they love it, but they don’t.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

The human cost first. Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, killed in Iraq, and two more service members killed in Jordan

02

50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed. 50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed to a war Congress never declared

03

Hegseth on the Hill with his hat in hand. after insisting he didn't need Congress in the first place

04

'First you commit the country, then you commit the troops'. the doctrine Trump inverted

The stupid is all over the place this season like candy corn in the bottom of your halloween bag. Everyone hands it out, some people say they love it, but they don’t. It’s an outdated and disgusting relic from a time long past. And it just will NOT go away. 

And it’s the scary season. Not just in America, but around the world. There are real goons and monsters and goblins doing dastardly and frightening things. But there are also real life superheroes. Helpers who are rising to the moment. In Iran. In Ukraine. In America. They’re not scared of the monsters. 

Meanwhile, too many of our politicians in the US are the monsters. And they are not scared of consequences from voters. You see that in the arrogance of politicians like Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Texas Governor Greg Abbot, and Herschel Walker. And it’s scary to imagine them in power next year.

That’s what you have to fear this Halloween. Not drug dealers putting fentanyl in your kids’ candy. 

Some of these monsters will stay in power. Some will gain power. And in two weeks, we’ll see which ones. Until then, there is reason to be vigilant. And reason to be scared. 

Halloween is almost here. But nothing’s scarier than the political freak show unfolding before our eyes. And we’re digging into all of it from what’s next for the Jan 6 committee, to the election final stretch, to Putin’s long game on Ukraine. And our guest is a leader in the middle of all of it. And he’s wearing no masks. But he is one of the fellas. 

He’s a 43-year-old Illinois Republican Congressman, Air Force combat veteran, political maverick, and fighter of the good fight. And a man of this moment in American politics. He’s catapulted to the forefront of America’s consciousness in the last few months as one of only two republicans on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He’s taking shots from all sides–and he’s fighting back. Per usual. 

And he’s wearing no masks. But he is one of the fellas. And he is ready to help us through the scary season. He’s our favorite about to no longer be a Republican. He’s Congressman Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger).

 He first joined us back Episode 149 in January. And again for a special Ukraine War report on Episode 159 in March. And he’s back again now to break it down. Fresh off sending a subpoena to Donald Trump. And you definitely wanna hear what he’s got to share.

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers 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 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. 

– Watch the Zoom Discussion “Declaration of Independents: Veterans Sound Off on Repealing Closed Primaries” with our Paul Rieckhoff and Open Primaries.