NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 7, 2026 · EP 642
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Vol. V · No. 642Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 367

Mamdani Wins

It’s the day after Election Day. And we all probably feel a little hung over.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Trump’s Iran remarks. “Let them take out Los Angeles… a very small price to pay” — and why desensitization is the real danger

02

Why a more desperate Trump is a more unpredictable Trump, an. Why a more desperate Trump is a more unpredictable Trump, and what that means for the next 90 days

03

Josh Shapiro endorses HB 280 to open Pennsylvania’s primarie. Josh Shapiro endorses HB 280 to open Pennsylvania’s primaries to unaffiliated voters after a 115-88 state house vote

04

The Let Vets Vote national campaign. veterans as the tip of the spear for all independents



Whew. It’s the day after Election Day. And we all probably feel a little hung over. It was an emotional day/month/year. But it’s finally over. And on this day after, as the dust settles and the partisan spin begins, we’ve got a pod to help you cut through the corporate and partisan media and propaganda and better understand what the hell just happened. It’s moments like this especially when independent media is critical. Grab a cup of coffee (or three), close a few things on your phone, and watch the latest episode of the independent show you can trust to help you understand what that hell just happened–and what’s next. 

Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is joined by Sami Sage–cofounder and Chief Creative Officer of Betches Media, news and culture analyst, entrepreneur, media powerhouse, podcaster and lover of pop music. 

They analyze Mamdani’s closer-than-projected victory, his fiery acceptance speech and frontal attack on Trump, how it’s him vs the establishment and moderates for the future of the Democratic Party, and why it’s all so much bigger than New York City. Sami and Paul also focus on the historic victories by two Democrat women vets for Governor: Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, the failures of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, the impact of independent voters, and two things that are really good to end a chaotic time. 

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 on YouTube now.

-Check out Sami’s Morning Announcements podcast and social media and the Betches website.