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

Episode 307

Exclusive: Dan Osborn

Union organizer, mechanic, first-time candidate and superstar independent Navy veteran, Dan Osborn ( @OsobornForSenate ) is back and he’s here to let us know what it was like to run the highest profile independent political

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

Union organizer, mechanic, first-time candidate and superstar independent Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate) is back and he’s here to let us know what it was like to run the highest profile independent political race since Ross Perot, how he broke through, and what’s next for him and the movement. You met him here first back in May in Episode 280 and then again right before the elections in Episode 303. And although he lost to Republican incumbent Senator Deb Fischer, Dan’s campaign created a template for future races and laid the groundwork to help the movement grow in his home state Nebraska and nationwide. And presents lots of lessons for Republicans and Democrats too. 

He’s shocked the political world. But more importantly, he woke people up. Woke people up to the idea that there could be a better way. And we’re always going to take time to listen to and salute anybody that does that.

And, of course unfortunately, there are some of the usual suspects and a few new characters that get the opposite of the salute. As Trump’s administration coalesces there are some familiar and unsavory options coming forward. Most notably, Pete Hegseth has emerged as the likely next SECDEF, a move which has your host Paul Rieckhoff a little concerned and a whole lot of pissed off. 

Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% 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.