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

Episode 311

Leo Shane III

Leo Shane III ( @LeoShane ) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody.

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


Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody. He’s covered Capitol Hill and the White House bureau chief for the Military Times for 20 years and has countless awards for his commitment to his craft and tireless dedication and outstanding reporting.

He’s an inspiring journalist who has stood alongside veterans for decades as an ally and truth teller. His reporting has led to reforms for how the military deals with journalists and he has shown light in places where light was sorely needed.

He’s here to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckhoff, and it’s another wild week of national security news. From the arrest of the United Healthcare CEO’s shooter to the acquittal of Daniel Penny in New York it’s been a wild ride and we’re hitting all of it with the no holds barred style you’ve come to expect. It’s a dose of reality the cable news spin machine doesn’t want you to hear and you can only get it here. 

Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance. 

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.