https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-veterans-war-afghanistan-taliban/2021/08/20/40211454-00f7-11ec-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.html Most of us, whether you’re Republican or Democrat, we thought Biden would be better than this, because Beau [Biden] served after 9/11 and [the president] spent time with Gold Star families, he spent time with veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff…
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-08-18/afghanistan-joe-biden-withdrawal-voters-2022 “Forgotistan” is what Paul Rieckhoff, the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America ruefully called it.
As Afghanistan continues to spiral into a humanitarian disaster, Americans have been riveted by the events unfolding, US troops are going back in, and the President has finally appeared in public to address the chaos. It’s all getting worse fast. There are many questions. And many voices. But there is one vital group that you probably haven’t heard from. Until now. How would you feel right now if someone you loved was killed in Afghanistan? What if your son, your daughter, your brother, your mother–died in Afghanistan. How would you feel as the country spirals into chaos? How do 2,443 military families that have lost a loved one in Afghanistan since 9/11 feel right now? You’re about to find out. Thiers is a voice that we haven’t heard. Until now. In this episode, you’ll hear from one of the most powerful among those voices. A true American hero, Jane Horton. Her 26-year-old husband, Army Specialist Christopher Horton, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Gold star wife Jane Horton (@JaneMHorton) has been through the worst of it. And after experiencing the unimaginable loss firsthand, she has made helping others her purpose in life. She’s a true helper. And a conscience for America after 20 years of war in the place where her husband died. Jane is one of the most influential voices for Gold Star families in America. She’s fought for them in America–and also visited Afghanistan numerous times to support families of the fallen there. She’s advised Presidents from both sides of the aisle and currently served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon–leading efforts to advance warfighter brain health and Gold Star family initiatives. She’s also served as the Congressional and Military Liaison for the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington D.C. She’s dedicated her life to helping others and she can help you understand as we all struggle to process what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. Host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) explores this side of the story with Jane, and breaks down the latest with a unique focus on national security, media coverage, and the political dynamics from a truly independent viewpoint. It’s a fresh, independent perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as summer winds down. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch the video of this conversation with Jane and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Admiral James Starvridis; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg; Jeffrey Wright to Rachel Maddow on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. You can also watch the full conversation with Jane Horton and Paul Rieckhoff here:
Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said that message ignores the role played by the United States in setting up the current faceoff. “That is geopolitical victim shaming,” Rieckhoff said. More here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-afghan-pullout-taliban/2021/08/13/73837d0a-fb98-11eb-943a-c5cf30d50e6a_story.html
As American troops pull out of Afghanistan, the Taliban is advancing. Quickly. Violence is widespread. And tens of thousands of men and women who helped US efforts there are facing imminent danger. The numbers are shocking. 20,000 of our allies and thousands more of their family members are facing slaughter. It’s a terrible and disgraceful betrayal of our allies. And the ramifications will impact our national security forever. But what’s the real situation on the ground? How bad could it get? What should Biden do now? What can we do to help from here? Our intrepid host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the national security components, the media coverage, and the political dynamics from a truly independent viewpoint. And we’re joined by the heroic Matt Zeller (@mattczeller). Matt is America’s leading voice on the issue. The courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, Truman National Security Fellow and author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan joins host and fellow Army veteran Rieckhoff for a gripping conversation that goes deeper and hits harder than anything you’ll hear anywhere else. Matt knows first-hand what it’s like to have fought alongside these brave men and women. He’ll tell you how after a ferocious firefight in Afghanistan, one saved his life. And became his best friend. Now, they’ve made it their mission to save the lives of others who have been left behind. It’s as real as it gets—and this conversation will leave you better informed and better prepared in the coming months as events unfold. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as summer winds down. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch the video of this conversation with Matt and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. Watch the full conversation here:
It’s August and it’s hot. And getting hotter. Things are heating up everywhere. From the Delta virus spreading like a wildfire, to the real wildfires burning down the West, to all firefights across a crumbling Afghanistan, to the Olympics burning up our screens as World Records are torched daily. It’s as hot as it gets right now. And of course we can’t forget the dumpster fire that burns perpetually in Washington D.C. as a memorial to our failed political parties.
But we like to keep it cool here. We stay frosty. We’re bringing light, not heat. And this episode is no different. It’s a flashback to July, 2019 and Episode 16 with Soledad O’Brien. It’s a fun, witty and thought provoking conversation that explores the intersection of sports, politics, race and the media–perfect as the Olympics roll on. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this Gold medal winner again.
From Episode 16 – July, 2019:
Racism is ripping American apart right now. As President Trump doubles-down on his Tweets, and the parties remain deeply divided, Army veteran and renowned activist @PaulRieckhoff breaks it all down from a unique perspective. He adds light to all the heat and brings the 4 I’s: integrity, information, impact and inspiration–and explores the history, the bigger picture and the way forward. He digs into the urgently important stories in the news you missed–like the troubling leadership situation at the Pentagon and the contentious Senate hearings this week focused on the potential new Secretary of Defense. And the latest on the First for 9/11 First Responders support. And we sit down for a candid, firey and fun conversation with media powerhouse Soledad O’Brien (@SoledadOBrien). She drops bombs on Trump and the media–and drops knowledge on politics and race relations in America. Soledad is fresh off hosting a BET forum with 4 of the candidates for President and makes a surprising whiskey choice. It’s a timely, real and inspiring conversion that takes you behind the scenes of the highest levels of media and politics.
Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as summer winds down.
“What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.”
-That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans,
You can also watch the video of this conversation with Soledad and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.
And stay vigilant, America.
Watch the full conversation here:
https://youtu.be/BN7fUnklluc
As the dream of a “Hot Vax Summer” starts to look more and more like a Delta nightmare, Rieckhoff breaks down the historic, infuriating January 6th Congressional hearings. And, he rips into the haters attacking Olympic great Simon Biles’ toughness and patriotism. And we’re taking a look back to the very first days of the pandemic. It’s a fan favorite and one of ours too. We flash back to March 5, 2020 and come to you from deep in the heart of the legendary NBC 30 Rock building in New York as Paul joined the MSNBC’s dynamic Stephanie Ruhle—as she took a quick break from between news segments and the markets began to react to the news of the pandemic. They also dig into the presidential race at the time, traffic, parenthood, and Stephanie’s unlikely path into a life in the media. And there may have been some tequila. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again. From Episode 49 – March 5, 2020: With the 2020 race upended, the stock market disrupted, and the Fed drastically dropping interest rates, NBC News Senior Business Correspondent Stephanie Ruhle (@SRuhle) breaks it all down from the inside. And she sharply analyzes the spectacular collapse of Mike Bloomberg’s campaign from the perspective of someone who worked for him. This candid and fun conversation gives you insights into the mind and life of a charismatic leader who overcame tremendous adversity to rise to the top of business and political media. Uncensored and unscripted, the former homecoming queen, turned Wall Street derivatives trader, turned cable TV anchor, shares how she juggles work as a mother of three, the values her mother taught her that fuel her success, and why she loves tequila. Ruhle is a dedicated philanthropist, a media trailblazer, a champion for the underdog — and a fantastically fun person to hang out with. The former anchor of MSNBC Live with Stephanie Ruhle and Velshi & Ruhle, Ruhle was also managing editor and news anchor for Bloomberg Television and editor-at-large for Bloomberg News. She’s an advocate for a number of important causes including the Corporate Investment Bank (CIB) Women’s Network, Women on Wall Street (WOWS) and Girls, Inc–nonprofit organization that encourages all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold” through direct service and advocacy. Stephanie Ruhle is another important, inspiring and iconic American success story that embodies what this pod is all about. After earning a coveted spot on the trading floor of a male-dominated Wall Street firm, she used her wits and unstoppable determination to dominate the playing field — eventually graduating to the forefront of broadcasting in cable network news. This episode is a handbook on how she’s done it. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent dad ahead of Father’s Day next month. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of this conversation with Stephanie and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. Watch the full conversation here:
As summer continues, we’re sharing some of the best moments and guests from over two years of inspiring shows. Ambassador Susan Rice, General Barry McCaffrey, General Mark Hertling, Admiral James Stavridis, and former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. This best of episode takes a look back with some of our country’s top leaders to explore the lessons they learned while serving at the highest levels—facing the highest stakes. It’s a master class on leadership you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never heard these conversations, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll dig hearing these gems again. It’s a perfect pod for that summer drive, that walk in the woods, or that day on the beach. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out our cool and comfy IA merch to get yourself some great summer gear that matters. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of more than 100 important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America.
As America emerges from the pandemic and summer begins, we’re sharing some of the best from our archives. It’s a look back to before the pandemic. And it is a fun one. Samantha Bee joined Paul back on October 17, 2019 for one of our most popular episodes ever. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again. From October 17, 2019: This episode is really fun. And important. Samantha Bee (@iamsambee) has taken on the rich, the powerful, the crooked and the wrong. She’s been a voice for the voiceless. And a true patriot. After 12 legendary years at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the trailblazing comedian, writer and producer launched her own groundbreaking satirical news show on TBS. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (@FullFrontalSamBee) debuted in 2016. And with the launch, Sam became the first woman to host a late-night satire show. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine, her show has won an Emmy, she’s battled Bill O’Reilly, and in 2017 hosted “Not the White House Correspondents’ Dinner”. Sam’s always squared the circle from TV into political and social impact and created on-ramps into politics for millions. In 2017, her “Nasty Woman Shirt” campaign raised over $1 million for Planned Parenthood and now she’s launching a new app to gamify the primary process. Host and Iraq Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) leads a conversation with Sam and takes Angry Americans (@AngryAmericans) into the powerful place where comedy and activism intersect. It’s a hilarious, moving and candid conversation that takes you deep inside the world of comedy, satire, politics and television. Sam shares stories of life inside the early days of The Daily Show–and through a personal life journey that has taken her from working as a waitress in Toronto, to becoming an American citizen, to challenging three Presidents. She also breaks down the latest Debate of Democratic candidates, Trump’s abandonment of the Kurds and shares her very first car. And Paul rips into Trump’s betrayal of our troops, Le Bron James’ China comments and the latest on America’s electric scooter invasion. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent dad ahead of Father’s Day next month. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of this show with Samantha and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. You can also watch video of this full conversation: And stay vigilant, America.
As America emerges from the pandemic and summer begins, we’re sharing some of the best from our archives. Former NBA star and current Twitter megastar Rex Chapman joined Paul at the height of the pandemic on August 6, 2020 in Episode 66. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again. From August 6, 2020: Former NBA star (@RexChapman) has quickly become one of the single most popular and beloved figures on Twitter. Rex was a basketball superstar. He took the Kentucky Wildcats to the Sweet 16. And played for the USA national team in the Pan-AM games. He was an NBA lottery pick, going #8 overall in the 1988 draft. He electrified America in the dunk competition, and played for 12 seasons for the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. Always a fan favorite, Rex once dropped 39 points on Michael Jordan. But injuries eventually drove him out of the game. And into addiction. After his playing days ended, Rex fell into gambling and the deepest depths of opioid addiction. He fell hard–and he fell in public. And it almost killed him. But Rex Chapman has always been a fighter. And he fought back. He got help. He got support. And he started a new life after opioids, helping others where he could. Especially on Twitter–where his account has become a daily visit for millions. From friends of this pod like Ambassador Susan Rice, Ron Perlman, Stephanie Ruhle and Jeffrey Wright, to Booger McFarland and Martina Navratilova, to LTC Alexander Vindman, to Megyn Kelly, to Trevor Noah, to McHammer, to Congressman Justin Amash and Congresswoman AOC–they all follow Rex. And he’s not just posting videos. He’s calling BS. He’s putting out good information. And he’s making an impact. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent dad ahead of Father’s Day next month. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of this show with Willie and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. You can also watch video of this full conversation: And stay vigilant, America.
