The Warning with Steve Schmidt: Will Democracy Survive a 2nd Trump Presidency? A Conversation with Paul Rieckhoff

With the 2nd Trump presidency less than a month away, the political landscape of America has never been more fractured. Steve Schmidt sits down with President of Independent Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff to cover everything from Trump’s cabinet picks to the future of American politics as a whole.

The Ken Harbaugh Show: No BS Veteran Doesn’t Hold Back on Trump Threat

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff joins Ken Harbaugh for a thought-provoking conversation. Rieckhoff sheds light on the dangers posed by nominees like Pete Hegseth, and what Democrats can do to push back.

Two Personal: Leaving X, Sexiest Man Alive & Vote Joy

In this week’s episode of Two Personal, Joy Taylor responds to the recent trend of X users leaving the platform to join Threads and Bluesky. She proposes a “National Shut the F Up Day” and explains why this would benefit America. In response to People Magazine naming John Krasinski the sexiest man alive, Joy talks about traits that can make someone sexy. Then, Joy and Paul Rieckhoff dive into a candid chat about today’s social landscape. They explore how veterans are shaping political conversations, why community matters, and what it takes to make real change happen. Paul shares raw insights about military service, leadership, and why everyday people need to step up and get involved in democracy. The core message? Hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. Later, Joy responds to a viewer’s question in this week’s “Never Too Personal” segment. Joe reaches out to ask for dating advice after an illness changed his life, and Joy responds with a compassionate message about self-confidence. Catch the latest episode every Wednesday on YouTube or your favorite podcast app, and join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @TwoPersonalShow! #TwoPersonal #JoyTaylor #breakups #innerpeace #selfcare #people #sexiestmanalive #JohnKrasinski #wicked #arianagrande #veterans #election2024 #election #veterans #independentparty #independents

Majority 54: Independent Americans

Jason Kander and special guest Paul Rieckhoff discuss Trump’s cabinet so far and where his first 100 day policies are shaping up to land. Jason and Paul then report on the Gaetz Ethics Committee Scandal, Trump & Musk’s love fest, and Fox’s new love for politics in sports. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the 54% of the country that votes for progress in every election, convince your conservative friends and family members to join our majority. This is Majority 54!

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay: The Nomination of RFK Jr and Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

Van and Rachel are still on TRUMP WATCH, this time reacting to the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to head the Dept. of Health and Human Services (14:39), and the Pete Hegseth sexual assault allegation (38:29). Then, 27-year-old Jake Paul fights 58-year-old Mike Tyson (41:58), Diddy’s accused of influencing witnesses from behind bars (59:19), and Snoop speaks on his neutrality during the election (1:10:05). And finally, Van lists his top 10 cartoon dogs in the latest VanLaTEN (1:25:05).

RawStory: ‘Total distraction’: War veteran swats away GOP strategist’s ‘bait’ during tense exchange

An Iraq War veteran flatly rejected what he felt was a deflection by a Republican strategist during a tense segment on CNN on Tuesday night. Paul Rieckhoff joined CNN’s “NewsNight” with Abby Phillip to discuss new bombshell reporting in The Atlantic that former Marine General John Kelly, who served as Donald Trump’s longest-running chief of staff, that Trump repeatedly called slain soldiers “losers.” Rieckhoff noted that amid speculation a lot of anti-Trump reports have come from dubious sources, but not this time. “He’s going on the record,” said Rieckhoff of Kelly. “You’re hearing his voice. He wants everybody in the world to hear his voice.” Rieckhoff finished by noting that one of the only key figures in the first Trump administration not to speak out against the former president is retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, who served as Trump’s defense secretary from 2017 to 2019. At this point, Scott Jennings, a senior political commentator who served as special assistant to former President George W. Bush, posed a question. “What do you think of the way [President Joe] Biden and [Vice President Kamala] Harris have treated the families of the Abbey Gate soldiers?” asked Jennings. But Rieckhoff swatted away the question. ALSO READ: ‘He’s mentally ill:’ NY laughs ahead of Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally “I’m not going to go into a different topic. No-no,” he said, shaking his head. As Jennings started to protest, Rieckhoff continued. “If this was your show and you want to ask me questions we can line them up but that’s a total distraction.” As Jennings again tried to protest, Rieckhoff again insisted, “No-no. I’m not going to take the bait on that.” “I’ve been very vocal about — I’ve been very vocal about Abbey Gate and other issues. We’re talking about one singular issue,” said Rieckhoff. Read the rest here

90 Days with Ana Marie Cox – Day 33 – Paul Rieckhoff

Welcome to Day 33 of “90 Days with Ana Marie Cox.” Today Ana talked to activist and veteran Paul Rieckhoff about white men in the middle, the VP debate, two-party politics and then spar over the future of the Democratic party. I had a very spirited discussion with my old friend Ana Marie Cox for her 90 Days election podcast. If you’re a hardcore Democrat, you’re probably gonna hate it. But I break down why I think Walz and the Dems lost the debate, what they need to do IMMEDIATELY to get more independents to vote for Harris, and lay out the true power and potential of the independent movement—that too many don’t understand and respect. This discussion is important. Especially if you’re in Democratic leadership and wanna hear some hard truth. Or, if you want to hear what I think is the true future of American politics. We also talk a tiny bit about football and Star Wars.

KNX: Military veterans react to growing controversy around Donald Trump’s visit–and videoing–to Arlington National Cemetery

Monday’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery by former president Donald Trump was already causing some grumbling … over concerns that the hallowed grounds of a military cemetery were being used for political purposes. But then came reports that Trump staffers got into a verbal and physical altercation with an official at Arlington … who was attempting to stop those Trump staffers from taking pictures in a restricted area of the cemetery. Now it’s a full blown controversy. Paul Rieckhoff is a former Army infantry officer and combat veteran of Iraq … 20 years ago he founded the Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans of America … and went on to found the Independent Veterans of America. Listen here.

MSNBC Op-ed: Kamala Harris got Democrats excited. Mark Kelly can help them win.

The last few weeks have given the country a massive dose of perspective. From the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump to President Joe Biden’s stepping aside, politicians and voters have endured weeks of political turmoil. Now, with the Democratic nomination in her sights, all eyes turn to Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate search. Outside of finding a Republican like former Rep. Adam Kinzinger or an unaffiliated leader like Adm. William McRaven, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is the best pick for the Democrats — especially if they want to attract incredibly important independent voters. First off, Kelly is the only name being publicly floated with military experience. That is big. First off, Kelly is a Navy combat pilot with significant military experience. That is big. Plus, he’s an astronaut, which means bipartisan respect and exciting star power (and cool stories). He’s more than prepared to be commander in chief if called upon. But despite his decades of leadership, Kelly isn’t a Washington insider. Kelly is from Arizona, of course, and would bring a somewhat maverick spirit to the ticket in the style of fellow Arizonan John McCain. He is married to the universally beloved and politically experienced former Rep. Gabby Giffords. He’s a straight, white, tough man who can talk guns, abortion and the border, and he is moderate by modern Democratic Party standards — which is critical. Read the rest here: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/kamala-harris-running-mate-arizona-vet-mark-kelly-rcna164194

The Michael Smerconish Program: Paul Rieckhoff on 3rd Party Candidates After New Hampshire

Independent voters, like the two of us, played a powerful role in the New Hampshire primary, driving support for Nikki Haley and Dean Phillips. Neither won. But both overperformed and showed the challenges both Trump and Biden will face this November if they are indeed the Democratic and Republican nominees. Could 2024–finally–be the year in which independent voters get some respect? Or will they continue to suffer the same fate as Rodney Dangerfield in a political culture driven by partisan actors with unlimited budgets and powerful algorithms? Read the rest of Paul Rieckhoff’s exclusive Op-Ed on Smerconish.com, “Will Anyone Listen to Independents After New Hampshire?” The Michael Smerconish Program, 02/05/24.