NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 13, 2026 · EP 647
647 EPISODES SUBSCRIBE →
Vol. V · No. 647Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 364

Congressman Ro Khanna

  Congress is shut down. War drums are beating on the Venezuela coast.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Trump saying “Ukraine needs a new president” is really a. Why Trump saying “Ukraine needs a new president” is really about oil prices and his own ego

02

The core thesis. America needs a new president, and the urgency has never been higher

03

Why even a Democratic House, Senate, or impeachment of Hegse. Why even a Democratic House, Senate, or impeachment of Hegseth won’t stop the war

04

The forever war pattern. Bush, Obama, Biden, Trump — and why presidents keep lying about ending them



Congress is shut down. War drums are beating on the Venezuela coast. Federal workers and troops are on the brink, and democracy is on the ropes. Happy Halloween! Ugh. It’s many more tricks than treats this year. For that—and this Football Friday—your host Paul Rieckhoff welcomes a guest right at the center of the storm: Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), a powerful leader at the intersection of American politics and Silicon Valley innovation. He represents the home of tech—and a possible candidate for President (He’ll talk about that). In this must-hear conversation, Rieckhoff challenges Khanna on his party’s plans to try to slow down Trump, the Dem strategy on the shutdown, how long this madness will last, and if Congress can get anything done at all since they’re not even in session. 

And Khanna thoughtfully pulls back the curtain on the dysfunction in Congress, the dangers of unchecked war powers, the tech elite’s disconnect from American service, and why real patriotism still matters. And the rare examples of when far right Majorie Taylor Greene and far left İlhan Omar might sign on to the same bills. Khanna also discusses how Democrats and America can reclaim their soul—and shares his Halloween and football picks along the way.

End your week with a fast, fierce and independent blast of independent information, analysis and perspective. In a style that will satisfy like a King Size Snickers in your Halloween bag. 

Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. Its independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.

–WATCH video of this episode.