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

Episode 258

General David Petraeus

There are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza.

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


There are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza. They’re high level issues and complex systems that require decades of study and thought to truly comprehend. And so when you get a chance to hear from one of them like you did last week with General Barry McCaffrey you jump at it. When you get a chance to talk with another one a week later… you better bet we’re jumping again.

Former CENTCOM Commander and Director of the CIA and the best selling author of Conflict, General David Petraeus joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a look at the global threatscape and what the future holds, here at home, and for the many hotspots around the world. From Ukraine to Gaza to Taiwan there is tension at scale few of us have experienced in our lifetime. But there’s also reason for hope and optimism.

Other shows tell you what happened. Independent Americans is focused on what it means and what comes next. And as we head into what is almost certainly going to be one of the most pivotal years of our lives, you’re going to want to be prepared.

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. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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 Paul and General Petraeus’s conversion on YouTube.