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Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff has been to both conventions for the last twenty years. And for a political nerd and activist like him, they’re always fascinating, sometimes fun, occasionally frightening, frequently historic, and often frustrating. Especially since they’re dominated by the rich, the powerful, and the connected. And especially now—as 51% of the country is not a Democrat or Republican.  So this week, he’s got a low bar. He just wants to see something positive and honest that he can actually watch with his kids. Something that tries to unite and speak to all Americans. Something that shows a better face of America to the world. And something that moves people who need to be moved. It can’t be a victory lap. It’s gotta be the best sales pitch/infomercial ever. Because after this week ends, it’s gonna be back to nasty, divisive, infinitely precarious, and full of potentially bad surprises.  There’s an immeasurable amount of work ahead. To beat Donald Trump. But also to move, heal and grow America afterward. And to face all the challenges—foreign and domestic that loom. For these guys. And for all our children. And that’s gonna take all of us. Democrats, Republicans and Independents.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Read about the CMOH, and teach yourself and the children around you: https://www.cmohs.org/ This is our history and it must be understood, respected and built on.  -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s new independent and veteran-owned media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats are feeling hopeful right now. And hope is contagious. Americans love hope. We saw that in massive ways in and around the Olympics. We see it at the start of the new school year. The beginning of the new football season. Fall is actually a time of hope. And the hope is contagious right now. But hope is not a course of action. Hope is not a plan. But it is cool. And a lot cooler than weird.  Meanwhile, the war between the warrior candidates over their time in uniform continues. This week, with Walz defending himself from the Swift Boat 2.0 attack from Trump, Vance and the MAGA right. As Harris surges, Trump’s desperation is increasing, and the race continues to heat up.  But will it move enough independents? And why are Trump supporters worried about RFK Jr and pushing for Cornell West to get on the ballot in Wisconsin? And we check in on Zelensky and Ukraine, the only folks having a better two weeks than Harris and Walz. And we’ve got the perfect guest to cut through the noise. He’s been in the fire and he’s as cool as they get. Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) is back and as always, he’s bringing the heat (Hear/watch his previous appearances in Episode 269 on Leap Day – Feb. 29, 2024, Episode 193 from Oct 2022 and Episode 222 from May 2023). The Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Former Lt. Gov. of Maryland has served in all levels of elected and government office and is now the host of an all new show on MSNBC, the Weekend. It’s another fun, insightful and real insiders conversation about the Presidential race and all the related parts. With no punches pulled.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  –Watch video of Paul and Michael’s full conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s new independent and veteran-owned media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week we said we were going to take off this week to get some much needed R&R. 2024 was having none of it. In the span of the last week we’ve had a month’s worth of news, crises and developments. From Trump’s abysmal performance at the NABJ conference to a story so bizarre you have to hear it straight from the source to believe it, the news won’t quit. So we won’t either. And oh yeah, by the way, Harris named her VP pick. Tim Walz is a leader of integrity, honor, humility and fight. He’s a friend of host Paul Rieckhoff and he’s a patriotic, down to earth and lovable bulldog. He knows how to fight against (but also alongside) Republicans. He understands that making real and lasting change in Washington requires bipartisanship. Especially now. It’s a big bold pick that won’t make everyone happy. But it guarantees that there will be a veteran as VP in the next administration. Veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan are starting to shape the political landscape, just like the generations of veterans that came before them. We’ll always celebrate that. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s new independent and veteran-owned media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. So far in the series we’ve met Dan Osborn, Shelane Etchison, Jared Young, Marcus Carter and Kodi Sawin.  They all represent the true independent spirit. And we’ve got another great one for you in this episode.  America, meet Tyrell Hicks, independent candidate for Florida’s House of Representatives for the 68th District. He’s a Marine veteran and a man on a mission. And while he understands how hard that mission is going to be, he’s not backing down. And he’s got a smart and responsible perspective that we’ve honestly never heard from another politician. You’re going to love his candor, his humility and his fire. Because he’s a TRUE Independent American—and an inspiring, next-generation leader we all need. And before that conversation, with humor and objectivity, Paul powerfully and independently rips into Biden’s historic address to the nation, the rapid nomination of Kamala Harris, why she might struggled with independents, who she should pick for VP to capture more independents, JD Vance’s dud of a launch, Hulk Hogan and a very unusual Republican National Convention, RFK Jr’s newest bad news, and much more. It’s a show that avoids the partisanship—and pulls no punches. It’s straight talk for chaotic times.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Watch video of Paul and Tyrell’s full conversation. –Visit Tyrell’s campaign website and support his brave and noble fight.  –See Paul’s latest weekly appearance on NewsNation with Connell McShane -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Join the fight at American Veterans for Ukraine.  -If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s new independent and veteran-owned media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Trump narrowly avoided an assassin’s bullet. America is on edge. And it feels like we’re all dodging news bullets every day. These are incomparably trying times in America, many are divided, and everyone is concerned. Biden’s campaign continues to disintegrate—and so does international confidence in US leadership and American morale. The most important, most violent and most divisive election of our lifetime rolls on. And we’re all starved for leadership and inspiration.  Paul Rieckhoff breaks down this moment, and the most important and latest news, including the evolution of American support for Ukraine, what real American toughness looks like, and what’s coming next.  And, he tears into all of it with a powerful and inspiring conversation with the smart, impressive and dynamic Jake Wood (@JakeWoodTR). Jake’s a social entrepreneur, Marine Corps combat veteran, author and CEO of Groundswell, an innovative new company that democratizes corporate philanthropy and empowers employees to take action. He’s also the co-founder of the disaster relief powerhouse non-profit Team Rubicon. And, he’s a former sniper and he breaks down the assassination attempt and the catastrophic chain of events that allowed it to happen.   He’s giving you a sniper’s eye view into the Trump shooting, the latest from the campaign trail, the national competition between profit and values, and what’s to come this summer and fall environmentally that will require more disaster relief than any time before.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  Previous Appearances: Episode 107 – March 25, 2021 Episode 54 – April 9, 2020 -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Watch video of Paul and Jake’s full conversation. -See more about Jake’s book and company.  -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Join the fight at American Veterans for Ukraine.  -If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday morning, in advance of the NATO Summit in Washington DC, Russian missiles ferociously tore through a children’s cancer hospital in Kyiv-sending a brutal reminder to the world. Russia is not sparing anyone. Putin is proceeding to murder innocent children while the world watches.
This is why veterans recently started American Veterans for Ukraine and it’s why so many other people have felt the call to serve. And it’s why we’re not going to look away on this show. We’re not going to stop covering this terrible conflict, until Ukraine achieves victory.
Tim Mak (@timkmak) is a leader dedicated to that victory. Tim is founder and editor of The Counteroffensive. Follow them now. He’s an independent, investigative journalist with a background in politics, national security, and emergency medicine. He was there in Kyiv as the attacks unfolded. He rushed to the hospital to report on the carnage. And he joins us between power outages from Ukraine now. After this week’s deadly attack, he’s the perfect independent voice to hear from.
And our host Paul Rieckhoff tears into the collapse of support for Joe Biden, why the most recent politicians to abandon Biden are so important, the squishiness from the White House on Ukraine, why Jim Mattis is back in the news, why American Generals have so often been President, JFK Jr’s latest conspiracy theory pushing (and snake catching!), why LeBron is what American politics should be, and why the Olympics are so important to America (and Americans) right now. 
Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 
Previous Appearances:
Episode 270 – March 7, 2024
Episode 223 – May 18, 2023
-Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
-Watch video of Paul and Tim’s full conversation.
-Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Join the fight at American Veterans for Ukraine. 
-If you’re an Independent VETERAN especially, check out Independent Veterans of America. 
-Check out the VA website piece about all the American presidents who’ve been veterans that Paul talked about. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.
-Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm. 
Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

Ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff
TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/
Ways to watch:
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Social channels:
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In the wake of a catastrophic and nationally demoralizing presidential debate last week, and in advance of July 4th, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) announced its formation with an urgent mission to organize and elect independent veterans to public office across America. The organization is the first in American history to focus specifically on recruiting and electing independent and unaffiliated veteran candidates and incumbents. As of today, all details about IVA can now be found online at http://www.IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org. Launching the week of Independence Day, IVA also announced a summer-long “Independents’ Month” campaign to recruit independent veteran leaders–and to encourage those registered with the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian Party and any other party to “declare their independence”, put our country ahead of any party, and join IVA.  IVA will support independent veteran candidates at all levels — from local school boards to the US Senate. “Veterans uniquely appreciate and defend our core American values. Independent veterans live country over party. We are uniquely powerful. We look out for and support each other. And we are ready to step up to serve our country again in this time of need,” added Rieckhoff. Rieckhoff continued, “IVA will be the ground game that ensures victory for independent vets. And the courageous spark that inspires the movement. They no longer have to fight alone. This is a movement that will also launch our first wave of independent veteran candidates for office in 2024, with waves to follow every two years thereafter. IVA is the cavalry the independent movement has been waiting for. And the leaders America needs now.” Watch the IVA launch video here. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Visit IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School is finally out in schools nationwide. The NBA Finals and Stanley Cup are over. Summer is heating up. The war in Ukraine continues. The 2024 election is about to hit a whole new level. And the first presidential debate is here. Strap in, folks. It’s gonna be a doozy.  Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And, digs into the release of Julian Assange, the latest on the RFK Jr campaign for President, a provocative plan for Ukraine proposed to Trump, and what to expect from the presidential debate none of us wanna see, but we’re all gonna watch. And how independent voters are at the epicenter of all of it.  And so is Errol Louis (@ErrolLouis). He’s the beloved host of Inside City Hall, a CNN Contributor and Director of the Urban Reporting Program at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He’s closely covered Trump, Biden and everyone else for decades.  He’s also a man who has moderated more debates than almost anyone. A man who also served as a panelist in the massively important 2016 Democratic presidential debate in Brooklyn between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. It was in April 2016, just 5 days before the crucial primary election in New York. It would serve to be Sanders’ last stand, before Clinton eventually got the nomination. And the great Errol Louis was on that stage. A steady, strong, focused voice—to keep things on track–and represent the people. And Louis is a guy who made it all the way to that national stage, after himself starting out in the projects in Harlem–as the humble son of a cop.  It’s the kind of unique insight and perspective you can only get from a trusted insider. And from this show. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next. Every episode of Independent Americans is the independent truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% 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.  Original episode: Episode 39 – January 16, 2020 –Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -WATCH the video of Paul and Errol’s conversation. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices