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

Episode 272

Breaking Down Kennedy, Aaron Rodgers, Jesse “The Body”

In case you missed it, newly-self-proclaimed independent RFK Jr. floated some VP names .

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


In case you missed it, newly-self-proclaimed independent RFK Jr. floated some VP names. Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura. Exactly what the independent movement does NOT need. 

And our Paul Rieckhoff is going to dig into why. He’ll also share the backstory behind why Kennedy’s involvement in a scheduled panel at the South By Southwest conference on independents led to its implosion. This episode was supposed to be a recording of that panel–but that’s changed. And you’ll hear the full story. And, Rieckoff reacts to the news that dozens of artists are boycotting the same convention because the US Army is a sponsor and reflects on 4 years since COVID shut down America. 

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.