NEW EPISODE · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · EP 629
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Vol. V · No. 629Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 268

Will Anyone Listen to Independents in 2024

This episode is a little different. It’s a quick hit episode from host Paul Rieckhoff ( @PaulRieckhoff )–with a reading of his recent op-ed that appeared on Smerconish.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Andrew Yang’s CNBC warning that AI researchers are freaked o. Andrew Yang’s CNBC warning that AI researchers are freaked out because models are “breaking containment” — and Congress is gone until November

02

Why Trump makes his biggest moves when Congress is on break. Why Trump makes his biggest moves when Congress is on break and his poll numbers are underwater

03

Reaper drones being repositioned to Southern Command and why. Reaper drones being repositioned to Southern Command and why Cuba is still on Trump and Rubio’s vision board

04

Joint Chiefs chair Dan Cain telling troops to prepare to wag. Joint Chiefs chair Dan Cain telling troops to prepare to wage and win wars “on and around the moon”


This episode is a little different. It’s a quick hit episode from host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff)–with a reading of his recent op-ed that appeared on Smerconish.com (co-authored with John Opdycke(@jbopdycke, the President of Open Primaries). It highlights the influence of independent voters in the New Hampshire primary, making specific note of independent’s support of candidates Nikki Haley and Dean Phillips. While neither candidate won their primary, their performance underscored the challenges for Trump and Biden going forward. And what 2024 means for America–and for independents. 

Will 2024 be the year independent voters gain recognition in a political landscape dominated by partisan influences? Will there be an increased focus on independents, who constitute the largest and fastest-growing segment of the electorate, spanning diverse demographics and states? 

Independents are fed up with partisan politics and want a more collaborative political environment. We want change. We want better. In 2024, will we be heard? 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. 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. 

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