NEW EPISODE · AUGUST 12, 2026 · EP 598
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Vol. V · No. 598Thursday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 269

269 Michael Steele. Michigan & South Carolina Primary Insights.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Joe Manchin on being the one vote that made the 117th Congress work. and why setting hard parameters forced both parties to negotiate

02

Heather Manchin's "canyon chart". billions on the left, billions on the right, and a politically homeless sensible majority in the middle

03

Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut inde. Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut independents out completely — and why taxpayers are funding elections they can't fully participate in

04

The Montana breakdown. Seth Bodnar needs 220,000 votes, out-raised both party candidates, and now has a true three-way race

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.

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