NEW EPISODE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026 · EP 665
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Vol. V · No. 665Monday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 244

Sec Pete Buttigieg

For 243 episodes, your host Paul Rieckhoff ( @PaulRieckhoff ) has reminded us all to #StayVigilant. This weekend was a stark reminder of what that means and why it is important.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Ty’s thesis. the national Democratic Party uses Black voters in Mississippi as sacrificial lambs to juice presidential-year turnout — and has since 1982

02

The receipts. Musgrove 2000, Childers, Barria, Espy 2018, 2020, Presley 2023 — the same “it’s this close” playbook every cycle

03

“The only group that’s offered me money to drop out is Democrats”. the summer-long pressure campaign nobody’s reporting on

04

Why the DNC asked Democrats to clear the field in South Dako. Why the DNC asked Democrats to clear the field in South Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska for independent veterans — but refused to do it in Mississippi

For 243 episodes, your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has reminded us all to #StayVigilant. This weekend was a stark reminder of what that means and why it is important. The horrifying attacks on the Israeli people shocked us all. And times like this are too important to wait to get the information you need. So this episode is a special Quick Response Content (QRC) delivery of what you need to know with a returning favorite guest— Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg is one of the most important voices in American politics–and a leader that’s had unique appeal for independent Americans. He’s also the only combat veteran serving in the cabinet outside of the Secretary of Defense. In this all new episode, you’ll again get to hear Buttigieg asked questions he’s never been asked before and get a peek behind the curtain. He joins us as news continues to pour out of the Middle East. He’ll share what he’s doing to protect American transportation from terror attacks—and also sound off on Trump’s shocking threats against General Mark Milley, Senator Tommy Tuberville’s STILL ongoing hold on military promotions, whether he’ll run for President alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a new program for vets he just launched to help them transition into being civilian truck drivers, and what he’s learned from being the dad of two young twins. 

Other shows focus on what’s happening. This show focuses on what’s next. 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. 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. 

Previous appearances by Pete Buttigieg:

Episode 183 – 8/11/22 

Episode 37 – 12/12/19