NEW EPISODE · JUNE 24, 2026 · EP 559
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Vol. V · No. 559Thursday 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 Mamdani's win is a masterclass in exploiting a rigged cl. Why Mamdani's win is a masterclass in exploiting a rigged closed-primary system

02

Brad Lander, the killed open-primaries ballot initiative, an. Brad Lander, the killed open-primaries ballot initiative, and why now you know why

03

Only 420,000 voters out of 5 million decided NYC's future. 7,000 in all of Staten Island

04

Maryland, Utah, and the millions of independents shut out of. Maryland, Utah, and the millions of independents shut out of determinative elections again



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.

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