NEW EPISODE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026 · EP 665
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Vol. V · No. 665Tuesday 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

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


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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