NEW EPISODE · MAY 22, 2026 · EP 530
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Vol. V · No. 530Sunday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

269 Michael Steele. Michigan & South Carolina Primary Insights. Where Will Haley Voters Go? Being the only Republican Host on MSNBC. Does Biden Have a Harris Problem? More Congressional Chaos. Will RFK Jr & No Labels Spoil Everything?

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Breaking. Tulsi Gabbard resigns as DNI — personal reasons, or the latest Iran defection after Joe Kent?

02

Why Cuba is next. Raul Castro charged with murder, Nimitz in the Caribbean, Stephen Miller on Fox — the same playbook used on Iran and Venezuela

03

Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Ir. Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Iran and says he 'gets a kick' out of the coverage

04

The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran i. The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran is becoming a sucking chest wound


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The story that remains underreported is how much Trump ISN’T getting. He’s a freight train as nominee—but still NOT getting 30%. AND, he’s continuing to struggle with moderates in his own party and especially with independents (as revealed most vividly in New Hampshire). It continues to underscore his general election weakness. Which is revealed (AND increasing) with Haley in. 

And on the other side, Biden is inevitable—but failing with 15% of “uncommitted” protest votes AGAINST him. And another 3% going to Williamson—who dropped out. He continues to struggle with progressive Dems due to Israel—and his age. And he’ll struggle with some independents on that—and with Kamala Harris as VP.

And too many forget (especially in the media) that RFK Jr (unfortunately) continues to have the highest favorability rating of all the candidates, is polling over 20%, and will likely gain momentum in coming months. Especially among critical independents.

2024 is all about moving a critical and rising number of #IndependentAmericans. That’s the final battlefield. It’s all gonna come down to them. This year—and likely every Presidential year to come. 

We independents are the key. And the future. 

And we’ve got the perfect guest to help break it all down. 

Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) is back and always he’s bringing the heat (Hear/watch his previous appearances in Episode 193 from Oct 2022 and Episode 222 from May 2023). The Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Former Lt. Gov. of Maryland has served in all levels of elected and government office and is now a Political Analyst for MSNBC and the host of his own influential political podcast

He knows politics like the back of his hand and he’s not holding back.

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 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always 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. 

-Check out Michael Steele on Twitter, watch him on MSNBC and subscribe to The Michael Steele Podcast

Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. 

– WATCH video of Paul and Michael’s conversation on our YouTube channel here.

-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours. 

-Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch

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