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

Episode 286

Wes Moore (Replay)

Five years ago, almost to the exact day, Wes Moore came on a new upstart podcast and talked about what made him angry. Specifically, he talked about marijuana laws and how they disproportionately impacted communities of color.

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

Five years ago, almost to the exact day, Wes Moore came on a new upstart podcast and talked about what made him angry. Specifically, he talked about marijuana laws and how they disproportionately impacted communities of color. These laws ruined a lot of people’s lives over the years. And they made a lot of people angry. But Wes stepped up. Since he was elected as The Governor of Maryland last year, he’s put his money where his mouth was and he pushed it through. And now more than 175,000 Marylanders have had their criminal records expunged by his Executive Action. It’s an amazing example of his commitment and follow through and why your host Paul Rieckhoff frequently refers to Maryland’s Governor as potentially our future President. And in this throwback episode, you’re going to hear exactly why.

Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. From Putin visiting North Korea, to Juneteenth, to RFK failing to qualify for the debates, there’s a lot happening. School might be out for the summer, but the news is just heating up. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next.

Previous appearances by Wes Moore:

Episode 10 – June 6, 2019

Episode 105 – March 11, 2021

Episode 212 – March 2, 2023

Every episode of Independent Americans is the independent 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 delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.