A Flat But Political Super Bowl. Bad Bunny Makes History.

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Episode: A Flat But Political Super Bowl. Bad Bunny Makes History.
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff

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Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

This episode, hosted solo by Paul Rieckhoff, dives into the cultural and political aftershocks of the 2026 Super Bowl, with special attention on Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show and its political undertones. Rieckhoff weaves together sports, pop culture, current events, and political analysis, keeping an “angry middle” independent lens on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to veteran representation, infrastructure, and U.S. culture on the world stage.

No guests feature in this episode, but Rieckhoff’s “Five I's” – Independence, Integrity, Information, Inspiration, and Impact – structure the conversation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Super Bowl & Its Political Landscape

• Super Bowl Recap:

  • Rieckhoff predicted the Seahawks’ win, noting a final score closer than his guess, and celebrates a personal bet win with Rachel Maddow.
  • He describes the game as “a kind of flat Super Bowl,” lacking an unforgettable spark but still meaningful amid a tense political climate.
    • “It was...a good Super Bowl, I think, but one full of politics.” (03:10)

• Sports & Holidays:

  • Highlights that the next Super Bowl will align with Presidents’ Day, potentially making the day after a national holiday and addressing the infamous “Super Bowl flu.”
    • “I think the Super Bowl Monday should be a national holiday and next year it will be.” (04:30)

2. Bad Bunny's Historic Halftime Show

• Cultural & Political Significance:
  • Bad Bunny’s show is called “one of the most important” halftime performances, not necessarily the best musically, but the most meaningful.
    • “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” — Message on the jumbotron (07:20)
    • “It was about love...love of culture, a love of music, a love of happiness, a love of spirit, a love of Puerto Rico and a love of America.” (07:30)
  • Notes the performance was almost entirely in Spanish, representing America’s evolving cultural landscape and “future dominant demographics.”
  • Highlights political undertones including Puerto Rico’s status and references to the island’s abandonment during the hurricane.
  • Discusses negative reactions from Trump, Kid Rock, and Fox News, interpreting them as out of step with global and domestic demographic shifts.
    • “The NFL is not stupid. Roger Goodell is not stupid...The NFL knows the future of demographics in America.” (08:30)
  • Suggests future halftime shows could celebrate the diversity of different U.S. states.

3. Super Bowl Commercials & The Manosphere Monday Segment

• Commercial Standouts:
  • Praises Dunkin Donuts’ 90s nostalgia ad with AI-generated celebrities, and a Novartis prostate screening ad for its humor and health messaging.
    • “Get a prostate screening, whether it’s a blood test or the traditional kind of, I think it’s a good message on this Manosphere Monday.” (10:55)
  • Leverages the Novartis ad to advocate for men’s health screenings, tying to the episode’s focus on male leadership and well-being.

4. National and Political News Highlights

• ICE Policies and Abuses:

  • Recounts ongoing ICE raids and detentions, including a viral video where a legal resident is detained, and urges bipartisan focus on abuses.
    • [Plays audio clip of daughter confronting ICE agents detaining her mother] (16:13–17:20)
    • “Every day it’s like, new comes out from ICE. That is outrageous, unlawful, unconstitutional, and heartbreaking.” (15:45)
  • Recaps recent discussions with Jesse Ventura on immigration enforcement and notes Rep. Joaquin Castro's call for accountability after a San Antonio ICE raid.
    • “Masked gunmen without badges who don’t identify themselves shouldn’t be kicking in people’s doors. But they’re doing it.” (17:50)
  • Honors slain Minneapolis veteran Alex Preddy, suggesting the VA hospital be renamed in his honor due to his role as a rally cry against ICE abuses.
    • “Remember his name, remember his service.” (19:05)

• 9/11 Memo and Accountability:

  • New memo surfaces showing NYC officials predicted liability over toxic air after 9/11.
  • Features a moving quote from FDNY’s Rob Serra, highlighting official cover-ups and the long struggle for health justice.
    • “They knew from day one. They knew they were sending us into hell.” — Rob Serra (21:50)
  • Urges Mayor Mamdani and NYC to release all relevant records.
    • “It’s not too late for accountability.” (23:32)

• Pentagon & Military Culture Wars:

  • Points out Pentagon’s lack of press briefings and Right-wing media’s growing influence over military communication.
  • Criticizes Pete Hegseth’s campaign to “Trumpify” the Boy Scouts and target Harvard as an “elite institution” detrimental to American values.
    • “This is right out of the fascist playbook for folks who want to turn the Boy Scouts into Trump's version of the Hitler Youth Nazis.” (25:05)
    • “He wants to make Harvard the latest target, the place where thousands of leaders have gone for decades.” (26:00)

5. U.S. at the Olympics: Politics & Public Perception

• International Reception:
  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance is booed at the Olympics, a moment downplayed by NBC, while Ukrainian athletes receive a contrasting warm welcome.
    • “Those are a lot of boos for him.” (27:07)
  • Highlights Ukraine’s inspiring story and continued courage amid conflict.
    • “Ukraine is inspiring. Ukraine is what the Olympics are all about.” (28:44)

6. Political Updates & Independent Movement

• U.S. House Races:

  • NY’s 12th Congressional race draws high-profile endorsements and candidates, reflecting the district’s political and fundraising significance.
    • “It’s probably one of, if not the most lucrative fundraising district in all of America.” (29:44)

• Open Primaries & Veterans:

  • New data: 59% of Americans say partisan primaries fuel division; 71% support open primaries; 84% see excluded Independents as a problem. Veterans disproportionately affected.
    • “Open primaries reduce polarization and empower millions and especially millions of veterans who are leading the charge to try to reclaim our democracy and hold the line.” (31:55)
    • “Country over party, people over politics, light over heat.” (35:30)

7. Sports Wrap-Up

• Super Bowl Analysis:
  • Seattle’s win attributed to elite offensive line play and teamwork, not star power.
    • “Teamwork still wins...blocking and tackling is still key to winning football games.” (32:44)
• College Basketball Excitement:
  • North Carolina's last-moment win over Duke and St. John’s upset victory highlighted as reminders of sports’ unpredictability and hope.

8. The Olympics as a Political Stage

• Olympic Significance:
  • Rieckhoff predicts these will be “the most political Olympics ever,” giving non-Trump, independent American voices a global platform.
    • “Love my country always and my government when it deserves it.” — Quoting Mark Twain (34:45)
  • Champions narratives like that of Chloe Kim and Hunter Hess, who speak authentically about representing America.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bad Bunny’s Halftime Performance:

  • “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” — Halftime jumbotron (07:20)
  • “If you don’t appreciate that Puerto Rico and Latino and Hispanic culture is on the rise and the future, then you live in a cave and you’re probably trying to fight it by joining ICE.” (07:55)

• On ICE Abuses:

  • “Conservatives, liberals, everybody knows that masked gunmen without badges...shouldn’t be kicking in people’s doors. But they’re doing it.” (18:00)

• On 9/11 Accountability:

  • “They knew from day one. They knew they were sending us into hell... No one will ever be held accountable. And the decisions the government made will lead to the death of most who stepped foot on Ground Zero. Never forget we the people.” — Rob Serra (21:50)

• On Open Primaries:

  • “Open primaries reduce polarization and empower millions...” (31:55)

• On U.S. Representation at the Olympics:

  • “Love my country always and my government when it deserves it.” — Quoting Mark Twain (34:45)
  • “We need something good. We need something inspiring. And the American Olympians, these young men and women always do it...” (34:50)

• On Hope & Vigilance:

  • “The hope that I think you got a lot of at the Super Bowl and I think you’re getting even more of at the Olympics...invite others to declare their independence.” (35:25)
  • “Stay vigilant, my friends, because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And you’re not alone in your vigilance. We're all vigilant. We’re all in this together.” (36:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:10: Super Bowl recap, politics, and prediction
• 07:15–09:00: Bad Bunny halftime show analysis and demographic implications
• 10:00–11:20: Standout Super Bowl commercials and men’s health advocacy
• 15:45–17:21: ICE abuses, live audio, and legislative responses (San Antonio/National)
• 21:50: 9/11 toxic air memo and Rob Serra’s quote
• 25:05: Pete Hegseth, the Boy Scouts, and culture wars
• 27:07: Olympics: JD Vance booed, contrasting reception of Ukrainian athletes
• 29:44: NY-12 Congressional race analysis
• 31:44: Open primaries and veterans
• 32:40: In-depth Super Bowl analysis and teamwork
• 34:18–36:10: American Olympians as symbols of hope and alternative narrative

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Tone & Style

Rieckhoff maintains a passionate, energetic tone, consistently using direct, sometimes blunt language ("Ridiculous, folks. Ridiculous."). He leans into a mix of personal reflection, political critique, and motivational commentary, staying grounded in an independent, anti-partisan stance.

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Conclusion

This episode builds a comprehensive picture of a pivotal cultural moment, using the Super Bowl as a lens to explore deeper American divides and hopes. Rieckhoff covers a spectrum of issues—superficial and profound—uniting them with a call for accountability, vigilance, and optimism informed by independent leadership and ordinary heroes.

Next Up:

• Senator Ruben Gallego joins on the next episode.
• Rieckhoff’s appearance on the Chuck Todd podcast.
• More focus on independent voices and open primaries in coming episodes.

Final Note:
“When it gets to be too much... go check out the Olympics. I think it’ll bring you some of that hope that is contagious... stay vigilant, America.” (36:45)

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Of course, Trump would love to make Maxwell and Epstein go away by exonerating her or giving her clemency. I don't think he's actually going to put a lid on this, but he, she has something that he doesn't want the world to know. And we all know that in these files is something that he doesn't want the world to know. Welcome to Independent Americans. Welcome to episode 436. I'm your host, Paul Rykoff, coming to you from a still cold and balmy New York City, usa. Yeah, the weather's cold, but it is sunny because we are hopeful about the future because pitchers and catchers report in two weeks. But it's Monday, February 9th, the Monday after the Super Bowl. Also on this show, Manosphere Monday. So we're going to give you an alternative view on the manosphere. Male leadership, raising boys, things that touch on men. We're going to hit that every Monday on this show. And of course, what a game. Last night I was pretty close. I called it for the Seahawks, 3127 and it finished up 29, 13. More importantly, I won my big bet on the game with Rachel Maddow. If you didn't see that on Friday, go back and check it out. But it was a kind of flat Super Bowl. It was still a good Super Bowl, I think, but one full of politics. And we're getting into that and more in a minute. But as I told you last week, I'm going to pick a different musical artist every day that I introduce my boys to. And today's artist is Green Day. Green Day, yes. I think they had a really important moment in the beginning of the super bowl, all eyes were on them to see if they would speak out and they did not. I probably sure they would have gotten sued into oblivion. But they did speak out in a concert a few days before and I think I want to just talk about Green Day for a second because America needs them not to be silent. If they lose money, they can afford it. But they are always on the right side of the history as they have been so many times before. And they've been speaking out about ice. And I think if the Democrats were smart, they'd recruit lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong to run for office. And of course it would be fun and very popular if Billy Joe Armstrong also ran as an independent. But Green Day is the artist. It is Super Bowl Monday and I'm bringing you the five eyes to lead off this week like I do in every single show. And independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Chugging forward like the amazing Seattle offensive line. No guests today, just me. But there's a ton to get into and we're going to help you lean into this Monday and help you stay vigilant. All right, a ton happening today, but I do think today's top topic is gotta be the super bowl, the super bowl and the halftime show and the related politics. Because today is kind of like a national holiday day after it's Super Bowl Monday when a lot of people are calling in sick. And candidly, me and my son both started late today. But I think the Super Bowl Monday should be a national holiday and next year it will be. Kids, if you don't know, super bowl, the Next Super Bowl 2027 will take place on Sunday through February 14, which is Valentine's Day, by the way. And the following Monday will be President's Day. This is the first time the game aligns with a federal holiday. Going to create a long weekend and get rid of the so called super bowl flu which fuels absenteeism every day that follows the Super Bowl. I think this is actually a really good idea. I think they should do that every year. And if it goes well, knowing how Goodell taps into the popularity of all things, they will keep it going. But the super bowl is a very pivotal time because there's so much attention on it now. The Olympics are underway and it's important to note that as we saw over the weekend as well, the world is no longer rooting for America. The world is booing us and they booed J.D. vance in particular. Now, I predicted this after the Grammys and the super bowl was predictably Quiet. I think with the exception of the Bag Bunny halftime show, which I'm going to talk about in a second. But we've got two more weeks of the Olympics and then we've got the Oscars. And I think the protests are going to continue to grow. And we saw a very shrewd way of attacking politics in the super bowl by Bad Bunny. There weren't any outward protests. Green Day didn't say anything. No players said anything. But Bad Bunny, the thing we need to focus on and the halftime was the most anticipated and controversial performance in recent history. Now, I don't think it was the greatest performance, but it was one of the most important and a critical time for our entire country and for the world. I think it was most important because the message that he put out resonated. The most lasting, resonating message was one thing on the Jumbotron during his performance. It said, the only thing more powerful than hate is love. And the performance, in my view, was about love. And that was important. It was a love of culture, a love of music, a love of happiness, a love of spirit, a love of Puerto Rico and a love of America. Now, while millions of Fox News and news match watchers probably went crazy because it was almost entirely in Spanish, I think it was important for the world to see a softer, kinder, happier, more diverse side of America that they haven't seen much of lately. And they saw the history of Puerto Rico with all its richness and important hidden political statements like how Puerto Rico was abandoned during the hurricane and that's what the power line things were all about. Now, my brother who works at a utilities company actually went to Puerto Rico to work on those power lines for months. The island was devastated. But they also saw the future of America. They saw the future, the future of music and potentially our future 51st state, not Greenland, but potentially Puerto Rico one day. And the future dominant demographics of America's culture and politics. And if you don't appreciate that Puerto Rico and Latino and Hispanic culture is on the rise and the future, then you live in a cave and you're probably trying to fight it by joining ice. But this is an indication into what the future of America will look like. A more diverse America, a more Spanish speaking America and a much more complex America. It also had some really great additions that I think brought people in in a way that was unexpected. It had Ricky Martin, who was a blast for the past, that sounded awesome, and Lady Gaga, who is the ultimate and universal crowd pleaser and I think importantly showed that White People can be a part of this and have fun too. There was a little kid, there was big dreams and, and there was a real wedding, but it was a real show and a good one. Now, not my favorite musical performance in history. Nobody will ever top Prince, but it will forever be one of the most important. I think that is the lasting message of what happened with Bad Bunny. Another thing, Trump slammed it. Kid Rock slammed it. Fox News slammed it. But they are increasingly slamming things in a way that is unpopular because Bad Bunny is globally popular and the Spanish language is globally popular and the NFL knows what it's doing. The NFL wants a team in Mexico City. The NFL knows that the NFL is popular in Puerto Rico. And the NFL knows that the future of demographics in America are increasingly Spanish speaking. So the NFL is not stupid. Roger Goodell is not stupid. Last year he had Kendrick Lamar and focused on hip hop culture. This year it was Puerto Rico. Let me put out another idea. If we really want to let the super bowl become a celebration of America, which I am okay with, how about every year we pick a different state? Every year they can pick a different state and teach the world and celebrate the unique and diverse culture of America. Next year it's going to be in California, which would be a perfect time to do. But from Hawaii to Puerto Rico to all the way to Guam, it would be a great way to show the majesty, the diversity and the future of America to ourselves and to the world. Stay vigilant, America, because that could be.

[D]

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[C]

Next super bowl halftime show looks like all Right. The commercials were also, okay, not the greatest commercials, but there are a couple that stood out. If you didn't see the Dunkin Donuts commercial, that might have been one of the best they had. AI generated characters of famous people making them look younger from across the 90s. Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, our friend Jason Alexander made an appearance. Ben Affleck, Ted Danson, Jaleel White and actors from across the 90s TV and movies. And an unreleased sitcom version of, quote, Good Will Hunting where the high profile, profile people were using de aging cgi. The budget of this must have been astronomical. But it was a funny and fun commercial. And maybe my favorite one, for the practical reason of it, but also because of the football reason, was an ad for Novartis about prostate screening. But we see a finger glove going into a serene blue pool and Enya's only time. And in a ride we couldn't have predicted, we talk about tight ends and they show tight ends from George Kittle to Rob Gronkowski to Tony Gonzalez, all just trying to show you that you need to relax. And here's the message. Get a prostate screening, whether it's a blood test or the traditional kind of, I think it's a good message on this mantle sphere Monday. If you haven't gotten checked, go and get checked. I recently got checked, got a colonoscopy. It ain't the funnest thing in the world. It's also not the worst because the anesthesia is pretty good and you get a good nap. But I want to use this as an opportunity to encourage everybody and all the men in your life to go ahead and get a prostate screening, especially after the super bowl, especially after that ad, and especially on Manosphere Monday. All right. Of course, there was lots of other news over the weekend that you may or may not miss. Maybe you checked out because frankly, a lot of people are checking out of news and politics right now at a time when Trump would love for you to do that. But of course, Trump refused to apologize for posting the racist video depicting the Obamas as apes. We talked about that with Rachel Maddow on Friday. And I continue to say it's one of the most outrageous and I would argue an impeachable act on behalf of Trump that I hope doesn't just float away. But there are other things that we're covering today, including the Epstein files. Several members of Congress are going to review unredacted versions of of the entire files of the Epstein's today. Thomas Massie, the Republican from Kentucky is one of the authors of the law that requires the release of the file. He's going to be among them. We'll see what happens there. And there is news today that Ghislaine Maxwell has been offered clemency in return for clearing Trump's name. There's some reporting around this today. Of course, Trump would love to make Maxwell and Epstein go away by exonerating her or giving her clemency. I don't think he's actually going to put a lid on this, but she has something that he doesn't want the world to know. And we all know that in these files is something that he doesn't want the world to know. But backroom dealing has become standard and, of course, outrageous at the Trump administration. Watch this space. All right. The world continues to be riveted by the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's 84 year old mother. It's entered its ninth day. The Guthrie family has now posted a third video. And there is a report that there may be a deadline nearing where the abductors are demanding $6 million. This continues to capture the country's attention. It continues to really pull people's hearts. I want to continue to send my best wishes and my gratitude especially to the law enforcement folks who have gotten a lot of bad names by Cash Patel and others. But I'm sure they're working hard on this and we should all be rooting for them right now. All right. Another issue that has not gotten enough attention that Trump is doing that is bad, is is Trump has refused to give funding to the Gateway project. If you don't know about this, billions of dollars were allocated to create $12 billion exactly to create and rehabilitate the tunnel system that connects New York and New Jersey. It's going to be a massive infrastructure project, one of the largest in the country. It would include the Hudson Tunnel project, which would be a new two tube tunnel beneath the Hudson River. And it would rehabilitate the old tunnels that connect New York and New Jersey because it would be a good idea if they didn't fall apart. Right. But Trump allegedly told Chuck Schumer that he would only resume Gateway funding if New York's Penn Station and Washington's Dulles International Airport were named after him. Yep, right on target for how Trump generally operates. But work had stopped on the projects last Friday, which immediately eliminated 1,000 construction jobs. But there's some good news today. The federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to resume funding at the Gateway project. There's a political fight involving Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. And Trump. We're going to watch this space. But let me just tell you, I don't care where you come from, if you think it's a good idea to not fund tunnels that send thousands of people under a river, then you really, truly are an extremist partisan. But this is an example of where Trump is letting his personal politics get in the way of our economy, our infrastructure, and our safety. All right, Speaking of safety, ICE continues to run rampant across America. Every day, more bad shit. And I say, don't believe the government. Believe your eyes. Including new video that a woman was filming ICE thugs abducting a woman. And as she's filming this, she realizes the person they're abducting is her mother, who happens to be a green card carrying legal resident. Every day it's like, new comes out from ice. That is outrageous, unlawful, unconstitutional, and heartbreaking. Check this out.

[E]

Oh, my God. That's my mom. What the. Oh, my God. Hey, what are you doing?

[F]

Doing?

[E]

She's a citizen or. She has her green card. That's my mom.

[D]

She.

[E]

Okay, but she has. I'm recording. Mom. She has her green card right in her wallet right there. Okay, but you don't need to tackle her. She's like, oh, my God. God. Oh, my God. There's no reason to do this. You guys are crazy. Just calm down. No, Chief, they're picking up. Just calm down, Mom. Mom, just calm down. Just calm down.

[C]

All right? This continues to be the latest example of why Trump pushes forward on ice. Despite pulling back on Minneapolis with a couple hundred ICE agents, he continues to push forward in other places. And we talked about this last week with Governor Jesse Ventura. If you didn't hear that interview, definitely go back and check it out. We go deep into what's happening in Minneapolis, and Jesse Ventura basically challenges Trump to a fight, which is worth checking out and watching, but it's one of our most popular conversations ever. Continues to do well on YouTube and on all audio platforms. So go back and check that out. Where we really zero in on ice. And last week I played a clip of ICE thugs busting into a house with no warrant. Well, now a US Representative is calling into and calling for an investigation into that raid. Specifically in San Antonio, Representative Joaquin Castro has said that the video raises concerns about ICE entering homes without warrants. You think this is, I think, a really important example of where we have to take a stand. The voices in the video say, where is your fucking warrant and where the fuck is your Warrant and they say, we don't need a warrant. They kick in the door, they rough up the family, and then they leave. I think this is a really important issue to focus on because this is something that cuts across partisan lines. Conservatives, liberals, everybody knows that masked gunmen without badges who don't identify themselves shouldn't be kicking in people's doors. But they're doing it. And ICE is detaining citizens and cops and veterans and kids. And as we showed last week, they're kicking puppies for real. You can't make this shit up. But it is a culture of cruelty that is broken and we must continue to push back and put ICE on trial related to the ICE shootings. We can't lose sight of the murder of Renee Good and the murder of Alex Preddy. And last week, in a Minneapolis VA hospital, hundreds of employees gathered in a chapel and a spillover space and on a live stream to mourn the loss of Alex Priddy. The grief and admiration overflowed on Tuesday, February 3rd, but we're continuing to get accounts of this. Alex Preddy, of course, was murdered in the streets of Minneapolis. But medical staff that had spent days grieving and mourning came together to send condolences and positive messages. Over 650 people were there, thousands online and in other places to pay tribute to a man who gave his life in defense of others. I think it's really important that we continue to keep the focus on Alex Preddy. Remember his name, remember his service. And as I called for a few weeks ago, I think they should name the Minneapolis VA after Alex Preddy because he has been a rally cry. He has been an inspiration and he has been a key inflection point and in America's movement to push back against ice. And we need to remember his story and demand accountability from the two officers that shot him and anyone else in the chain of command. We're going to stay focused on it and you should too. Okay. On this Monday, there's an issue I want to focus you on that is probably below your radar. There's a newly released 911 memo that came out last week that shows that the city had concerns about toxic air following the attacks. This is a newly released memo that shows in the month following the 911 attacks, New York City leaders were prepping for possible lawsuits they thought could arise from claims of toxic air. As we've covered on this show for many years and we covered with our friend Rob Sarah, the air was bad and they told us it was good. I was one of the many people that were down there after 911 at ground zero working as a first responder and Christy Todd Whitman who has been on this show before and I challenged her on this issue in particular and others said the air was okay. But we now know, according to the so called Harding memo that was addressed to then Deputy Mayor Robert Harding that there were legislative alternative. The subject line was legislative alternatives to limit the city's liability relating to 9 1101. Now the 911 Health Watch is suing the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. They have filed this mem as an exhibit in their freedom of information lawsuit. The city has tried on three occasions to dismiss this claiming they had no documents. But then we found out in November the city had 68 boxes of materials that were discovered. But 911 health watch didn't get the memo from the city. They finally got it from personal papers of a late investigative reporter. Now we need to release all the records. The group is calling on Mayor Mamdani to release all records. The the fire department veterans are calling for it. 911 first responders are calling for it. Our friend Rob, Sarah and others are calling for it. And I want to stand with them and say we need a full release of all records, all memos, anything related to 9 11. It is not too late for accountability. And that's an important part of this. Leaders need to know that if they lie to the public about the safety of the air or anything else that it can endanger the politic, the public, that there will be accountability. I just want to read you something from our friend Rob Serra. If you don't know Rob, he's a New York city firefighter whose first day on the job was 911 and this is a message that he posted just a couple of days ago. They knew from day one. They knew that they were sending us into hell. All I can think of is the hundreds of meetings in D.C. over the last decades. I had to watch my friends tell their 911 stories over and over again, reliving it every time. The press conferences where no one showed up, not even the people who who would most certainly get sick. They knew, we knew they knew. And yet we had to beg. I think of the way that people early on were treated. People like Detective James Zadroga who was dragged through the mud while he suffered and died. I think of the way I was treated when I was forced to retire 13 years ago. As I said in every meeting, we don't want to be here, we don't want to be right. But here we are. I'm certain of two things. No one will ever be held accountable. And the decisions the government made will lead to the death of most who step foot on Ground Zero. Neverforget we the people. Rob and I have talked about this on this show. We'll link to it in the show notes. And I want Rob to come back on again soon to talk about it because he's one of those people that may ultimately die from those exposures. And so am I. I was there on 9 11. It's not why my voice sounds like shit right now, or maybe it might be. But there were thousands of us that were there and thousands of us that could die, including people who were just in the area, kids who were at Stuyvesant High School and so many others. This is not over. And I'm going to challenge Rob on one thing. I hope we can get accountability for the folks who lied and anyone who misled the public. It is not too late to demand accountability. So, Mayor Mamdani, you want to step up in the early terms? You want to step up in this first couple of weeks? Our eyes are on you. Let's see if you never forget. All right? Never forget that on this Monday, Trump is still waging war against the free press. And as our friend Dan Lamoth at the Washington Post points out, Friday, this past Friday was another week with no news briefing at the Pentagon. As a reminder, the last on camera briefing was held for an alternative right wing propaganda press Corps more than two months ago on December 2nd. Hexith is not even briefing the Pentagon propaganda press corps with Laura loomer and the MyPillow guy. The office has been mostly vacant since October and they continue to ignore and dismiss and stonewall the press while they continue to bang the drums of war in places like Iran and deploy troops nationwide. Watch this space. All right? And related, Secretary of Culture War Pete Hegseth continues his war against the values of the military and cultural elements that might be below your radar. And he's moving upstream. He continues to be all gas and no breaks. And now he wants to get kids who aren't even in the military yet. He wants to change the Boy Scouts. Yes, he wants to change the Boy Scouts and force them to abide by his cultural idea of how things should be. Now, this is right out of the fascist playbook for folks who want to turn the Boy Scouts into Trump's version of the Hitler Youth Nazis. Now, unless you know what to expect, you weren't expecting this, but we should be. Because now he's also filing A war against Harvard. He says Harvard is woke and the Department of Defense is not. As his culture war continues, led by the acting Secretary of Culture War who went to school at Princeton. Yes, he himself is of course an Ivy League graduate, but he wants to make Harvard the latest target, the place where thousands of leaders have gone for decades and generations. Because why should we send our military leaders to one of the most elite universities in America? It's making our military dumber and more radical by the day. All right, speaking of dumb and radical, JD Vance was booed at the Olympics. If you didn't hear it because NBC did edit it out in the national broadcast, I want to make sure you do. Check this out. Individual sport. What an honor for her.

[F]

There is The Vice President, J.D.

[E]

Vance and his wife.

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Those are not.

[F]

Those are a lot of boobs for him.

[C]

Whistling, jeering, some applause. Now, we might not have even been allowed to play that clip if you didn't hear it, that's why. But what a jackass. I mean, can we just talk about J.D. vance for a second? He should have just stayed home and he should have kept ice with him because there are protests now happening in Milan, Italy and across Italy because Not only was J.D. vance there, he brought ice with him. Ridiculous, folks, Ridiculous. All right, speaking of ridiculous, the lack of attention on Ukraine in the last couple of days especially has been ridiculous. But they are working to change that as it is day 1447 of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. And I want to go back to the Olympics for a second and focus on the rousing round of applause and greeting that the Ukrainian Olympic team got. In total contrast to JD Vance, Ukraine is represented at these Games by 46 athletes across 11 winter sports. It's the country's largest delegation in 16 years. The athletes have arrived in Italy after training in war. I mean, missile attacks, power outages. And important to note that since the invasion began, over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed and hundreds of facilities have been destroyed. But there is a long list of more than 650 athletes who've been murdered by Putin and his forces. But the Ukrainians got an incredibly warm welcome as they entered the stadium and continue to get tremendous welcomes across Europe and across the world because Ukraine is inspiring. Ukraine is what the Olympics are all about. And this is an important opportunity to bring attention to the plight of the Ukrainian people. Hopefully you won't see Putin at the Olympics, but you will see the Ukrainians inspiring, fighting and showing us the potential of what can happen no matter how tough times are. Watch this space, folks. All right. In politics, I want to bring your attention to a race that is going to get more and more attention. There is a race for Congress in the 12th district of New York. This is important because it was long held by Democrat Jerry Nadler, and it's very important because it's probably one of, if not the most lucrative fundraising district in all of America. Every candidate from both parties wants to come to the Upper east side of Manhattan to raise money. And there is some pretty significant news. Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Jack Schlossberg. Jack Schlossberg is the legacy of the Kennedy clan. He has been a social media darling, and he seems to be the leader right now in this critical race that has a number of people vying for it, including Jamie Floyd, George Conway, the Republican turned Democrat who used to be married to Kellyanne Conway and others. But this is going to be an interesting race to watch where the Democrats are going to be duking it out over the most lucrative seat in America. I don't think there's an independent candidate there yet, but if there is, we'll be sure to let you know, because independent candidates are the people's champions. And we're not just moving the needle. We are the needle.

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And.

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And there's some new information put out by our friends from veterans for all voters that I want to highlight for you. There is a new survey from Unite America and Real Clear Politics that shows what voters already feel. We know a lot of this, but it's important to let the rest of the country know that partisan primaries are fueling division and shutting out millions of Americans. And here's some of the key findings. 59% say party primaries contribute to political division. That's more than half. And lots of folks don't even know about this. So that's important. 71% of people support open primaries. That's very good. And it confirms what we know. And I think that number will continue to climb. And 84% think it's a problem that closed primaries in 16 states limit or outright ban 16.5 million independent voters from participating. And as our friends from Veterans for All Voters note, this hits home for veterans. Over half of America's veterans do not identify with either major party, which means closed primaries silence the voices of people who serve. We focused on this, on this show for years. We will continue to focus on it. And I'll have a special episode that I combine with, with my friend John Updake to dig deeper in just a Couple of days. But track on this because we know that open primaries reduce polarization and empower millions and especially millions of veterans who are leading the charge to try to reclaim our democracy and hold the line. Because if you support America, you have to support open primaries. Stay vigilant, America. All right, finally. It was obviously a very big week of sports and the super bowl was a slugfest. If you like defense, it was excellent. I want to tell you that I think it went kind of how I expected it would. And most importantly, there's a part of this that is totally undervalued. Seattle was the best blocking team I've seen in so long. If you want to see why they rush for so many yards and you're watching highlights, watch their offensive lineman who punished New England over and over again and really determine the game. And as I said, the determining factor is not so much defenses anymore. It's not just the quarterback who makes the big play.

[F]

It's.

[C]

It's the quarterback who makes the bad play. And Drake May yesterday was that quarterback missing key throws, throwing key interceptions. And at a time when they could bridge the gap late in the third quarter, early fourth quarter, Drake May didn't get it done, but Sam Darnold did. Hats off to him and hats off to Seattle on a really, really impressive year and an impressive super bowl win. It wasn't the most glamorous end to the season, but it was one of the most important and maybe the bigger message. Teamwork still wins Seattle both sides of the ball. Selfless, clicking, working together and blocking, blocking and tackling is still key to winning football games. And this year was key to winning the Super Bowl. Blocking and tackling is going to be key to America. But as we kind of reflect on the somberness of the first day of the year without football, a time that could be a bit bumming out. I want to remind you that pitchers and catchers are report in two weeks and baseball is coming soon and basketball is absolutely fantastic. If you didn't see it over the weekend, North Carolina played Duke and it was a stunner with North Carolina winning 71 to 68 and storming the court twice. They came back from down about 13 and they hit a game winning shot and then they had to pull everybody off the court and then they ruled that it was okay and everybody went back down on the court and it was wild and nuts. But fantastic in college basketball continues to be excellent. We've got March Madness coming soon, so you can look forward to that. Also, my St. John's Johnny's had a big win. The Storm at the Garden beat Yukon number 17. St. John's is surging and beat Yukon number six at home, 81 to 72. And they are definitely something good. And I'm going to finish today with something really good.

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Something good.

[C]

Okay. I think that this will be the most political Olympics ever, and that's good. Here's why. Because Trump has dominated the narrative to the world on behalf of America, and now America's gonna hear from a lot of other Americans on a very, very big stage. Diverse Americans, young Americans, independent Americans, inspiring Americans who are going to speak out for themselves, for their sport, and for all Americans. And I told you about Chloe Kim last week while she continues to represent our country well, because Trump, who can't not say something about anyone, called Olympian Hunter Hess a real loser. Over the weekend, Trump called the freestyle skier a real loser and said he was very hard to root for someone like this. In response to. To the Olympians comments about representing these country, our country, in the Olympics, I mean, it was pretty basic. They asked him how he felt, and he said he had mixed emotions and it was a little hard. And he said, quote, there's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it. But just because I'm wearing a flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S. now, of course, the right wing pounced on it. Trump pounced on it. But he said what a lot of people feel. And let me say it for you differently. Love my country always and my government when it deserves it. That's what Mark Twain once said, and that's what so many of our Olympians are going to be saying now. And that includes Chloe Kim, who pushed back on Donald Trump bravely saying she's proud to represent the US but added in response to Trump. Trump's remarks. We all need to lead. Lead with love and compassion. We all should have some love and compassion for Lindsey Vonn as well, who crashed just 13 seconds into her world, watched downhill fracturing her left leg. But she continued to inspire, and her story is not over. I'm sure she will continue to fight back as so many American voices are on this stage. So watch this space, folks, because we need something good. We need something inspiring. And the American Olympians, these young men and women always do it, and it's definitely something good. All right, this is a Chance for our Olympians to show an alternative narrative. And we need it, especially on this manosphere Monday where we need to put forward alternative voices that aren't Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump. Independent Americans of all kinds. And they're going to shine at the Olympics and help us stay vigilant. We got a big week coming up, if you don't know. We have Senator Ruben Gallego tomorrow. The Arizona senator and former Marine will join us. I will also be on the Chuck Todd todecast tomorrow. So check that out. And if you didn't see it last week, Chuck Todd was a guest on this show. You can watch it on YouTube, you can listen on all platforms. We of course, had Jesse Ventura as well, which might be our most highly rated show in a long time. You do not want to miss that. And we had Rachel Maddow on Friday. Go back and check that out where you can hear Rachel talk a lot about ice and ice fishing. She talked about patriotism and about her patriots. But it's a great episode. We continue to bring you, I hope, an alternative to the traditional media, the corporate media, showing you the best of what independent media is all about. And we're, of course, daily now we hit number 36 on the charts. The best thing you can do to help is subscribe right now. Rate us on Apple podcasts, subscribe on YouTube and and subscribe on Spotify and share it far and wide. Invite others to declare their independence because remember, our independent movement is the hope for the future. Country over party, people over politics, light over heat, challenging that status quo and bringing the hope that is the oxygen of our democracy. The hope that I think you got a lot of at the super bowl and I think you're getting even more of at the Olympics. If you enjoyed this episode, share it far and wide and bite everyone to declare their independence. And like our Olympians, rise and meet this moment. And stay vigilant, my friends, because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And you're not alone in your vigilance. We're all vigilant. We're all in this together. And this is the end of the super bowl season, but the beginning of America's super bowl season. I'm your host, Paul Rykoff. Thank you for tuning in to independent Americans. Happy Monday. When it gets to be too much, which it is for many people, go check out the Olympics. I think it'll bring you some of that hope that is contagious. So stay vigilant, America. I will see you tomorrow for a brand new episode with Senator Ruben Gallego. And until next time, stay vigilant and Go usa. Go usa.

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Tells me the left and right Are dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time to quit grow and it's not cool to believe in school but if I can say one thing I've seen the children of the revolution and the good trouble they can bring he says the red and blue I get an independent is an attitude an island in the sea of rhetoric and tells me the left and right Our dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time.

[C]

To grow Power by Righteous Media.