In this special episode, Paul Rieckhoff reads an op-ed he co-authored with John Opdycke that challenges the narrative that independent voters don’t matter. Despite new Gallup polling showing independents now represent 45% of all American voters—the highest number recorded in modern history—the political establishment continues to dismiss them as “leaners” who are really just partisans in disguise, or “spoilers” who siphon votes from legitimate candidates.
Paul unpacks why this dismissive narrative persists and traces it back to Ross Perot’s explosive 1992 presidential campaign, when 20 million Americans went off-script and forced both parties to pay attention. The Perot movement produced a balanced budget, the Contract with America, and Clintonian triangulation—and terrified the DC establishment in the process.
Today, 10,000 Americans switch their registration from Democrat or Republican to Independent every single week. Five independents are running for U.S. Senate this fall, with over 100 independent candidates expected across all levels of government. A majority of Americans now support open primaries that allow non-party voters to participate in publicly funded elections. The independent movement isn’t just growing—it’s ready to lead.
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. It’s 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.
