Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

BONUS POD: 2028 Presidential Preview — The Veterans from Both Parties (and No Party) That Could Be President
Released: February 15, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff (Righteous Media)

Episode Overview

This bonus episode features an in-depth conversation between host Paul Rieckhoff and guest Chuck (former NBC anchor, now independent media host), exploring the rising prominence of military veterans in American politics and the unique potential they offer in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election. The episode delves into the intersection of service, leadership, democracy, and the possibility of independent candidates disrupting the traditional two-party system. Rieckhoff and Chuck connect military culture, team sports, and civic values to the qualities America needs in its next generation of leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Football as a Metaphor for Democracy

• [04:27–06:23]
  • Both hosts draw parallels between football and democracy, emphasizing teamwork, selflessness, strategy, and the necessity of cooperation.
  • Paul Rieckhoff: "Football is a lot like democracy. If we don't figure out a way to work together, things can get brutal real quick. And I feel like our democracy looks like Drake May under constant pressure and getting hit from all sides."

2. Veterans’ Distinctive Path in American Politics

• [09:20–11:13]
  • Rieckhoff shares his family’s multi-generational service history and his motivation to serve — reflecting on the shift from a draft-driven military to a volunteer force and its effects on connectivity and civic duty.
  • He describes how serving made it impossible to ignore the impact of politics:
    • "Politics impacts all of us and maybe no more so acutely than when you're in the military. There’s nothing more serious our politics can do than send young men and women to war." (Rieckhoff, 10:26)

3. Vietnam’s Legacy and Political Scars

• [11:13–16:27]
  • Both discuss how Vietnam trauma deeply affected their fathers’ generation and left a marked absence of Vietnam-era veterans in the White House, despite several close attempts (Kerry, McCain).
  • Chuck shares the personal impact of Vietnam on his family and uses this to critique politicians who equivocate on their service records.

4. Post-9/11 Veterans: The Next Leaders

• [16:27–19:02]
  • Rieckhoff comments on a major cultural shift: post-9/11 veterans serving while most Americans remain untouched by war due to the all-volunteer military, leading to social disconnect.
    • "The all-volunteer military is great for the military, but I would argue it's terrible for our democracy because there is no social connectivity, there is no backstop… veterans are uniquely powerful politically. But so far…they’ve been proxies for both parties." (Rieckhoff, 18:17)
  • Predicts a soon-to-come veteran president and highlights current rising stars from both sides (e.g., J.D. Vance, Wes Moore, Ruben Gallego).

5. Militarization, Partisanship, and the Threat to Democracy

• [22:15–31:28]
  • Deep dive into how Trump, by installing culture warriors like Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, has redirected Pentagon culture: less diverse, more partisan, and with tighter restrictions on press and oversight.
    • "The Pentagon is how Trump wants the rest of the world to look... If you continue to drive people away who don’t feel welcome, it will increasingly become politically monolithic… and we see that already." (Rieckhoff, 23:34)
  • Alarming discussion on the unchecked power of the president over the military and the possibility of using forces domestically (Insurrection Act), with Congress and courts slow or impotent to respond.
    • "The only thing stopping him is himself and maybe Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine, who might be the single most important person in America..." (Rieckhoff, 31:00)

6. Veterans’ Political Identity and the Appeal to Independents

• [33:21–38:34]
  • Sheds light on the diverse constituencies among veterans — some join as a family legacy, some for service, others for economic opportunity.
  • Rising tide: over 50% of both veterans and current military are now politically unaffiliated; major opportunity for independent leadership and representation.

7. The 2028 Field: Veterans as Political Bridges

• [36:05–38:34]
  • Lists a wide spectrum of potential 2028 presidential candidates with military backgrounds from both major parties and independent ranks—J.D. Vance, Tom Cotton, Ron DeSantis, Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego, Mikie Sherrill, Wes Moore, and more.
  • Emphasizes that military service, especially combat, translates to public trust and a capacity to serve above partisanship.

8. Building an Independent Movement & Infrastructure

• [39:21–44:51]
  • Rieckhoff details his work with Independent Veterans of America: running 100 candidates in the next election cycle, including 7–8 competitive Senate campaigns—filling the gap for unaffiliated, country-first candidates.
    • "We are the future, Chuck. I say that we’re not moving the needle—we are the needle." (Rieckhoff, 68:16)
  • Makes the case that a single truly independent Senator could wield enormous power.

9. Barriers Facing Independents

• [48:41–52:52]
  • Challenges: restrictive ballot access rules, lack of party machinery, fundraising difficulties.
  • Critiques existing “independent” officeholders like Angus King and Bernie Sanders for being functionally aligned to parties.

10. Advice to the Major Parties

• [53:27–55:52]
  • Rieckhoff repeatedly advises:
    • "Drop your party affiliation because your brand is shit. You can't outrun it." (53:37, Rieckhoff)
    • Real independence and a focus on national security, first responders, and pragmatic issues are what attracts unaffiliated voters.

11. Personal Leadership, Discipline, and Media Consumption

• [58:29–62:22]
  • Rieckhoff’s routine: up early, sunlight, exercise, cold showers, reading widely (not just news—also joy and family time).
  • Both hosts discuss the challenge of balancing news creation with staying informed.

12. Active Citizenship, Vigilance, and the Need for Engagement

• [62:22–67:00]
  • Reflection on U.S. civic culture, comparing it to Israel's sense of ever-active citizenship.
  • Rieckhoff’s mantra:
    • "Vigilance is the price of freedom." (64:26, Rieckhoff)
    • "You might not be into politics, but politics is into you." (65:36)

13. Recruitment and Activism for the Future

• [67:03–70:27]
  • Rieckhoff discusses the personal calculus of running for office, current focus is on building the infrastructure and encouraging the next wave of independent, veteran candidates.
  • Specific campaign: encouraging veterans not to join ICE, but instead run for office or serve their community.
    • "Don’t join ICE. Join us." (68:27, Rieckhoff)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Football is a lot like democracy. If we don't figure out a way to work together, things can get brutal real quick…" (Rieckhoff, 05:36)
• "Instead of a rifle, now I’ve got a microphone." (Rieckhoff, 10:55)
• "The all-volunteer military is great for the military, but I would argue it’s terrible for our democracy… there is no social connectivity, there is no backstop." (Rieckhoff, 18:14)
• "The Pentagon is how Trump wants the rest of the world to look. That is more male, more white, less diverse, less politically diverse — which is maybe the most alarming." (Rieckhoff, 23:34)
• "Donald Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen, and nothing stopping Reagan. He can bomb Iran…send them into American cities… almost nothing has stopped him." (Rieckhoff, 25:54)
• "Veterans are kind of like a secret superpower in politics that can always work." (Rieckhoff, 38:20)
• "It’s not just the middle, Chuck, it’s none of the above. They’re just throwing a middle finger up to all of it. They don’t want corporations, they don’t want corporate media, they don’t want the parties and they want to be independent in the spirit of George Washington." (Rieckhoff, 40:47)
• "Drop your party affiliation because your brand is shit. You can't outrun it." (Rieckhoff, 53:37)
• "Vigilance is the price of freedom." (Rieckhoff, 64:26)
• "You might not be into politics, but politics is into you." (Rieckhoff, 65:36)
• "Don’t join ICE. Join us. …Instead of ICE, you want to serve your community... do something that’s truly patriotic." (Rieckhoff, 68:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:27–06:23] — Football & Democracy: Culture, teamwork, selflessness
• [09:20–11:13] — Rieckhoff’s path to military service, family context
• [11:13–16:27] — Vietnam and political identity; shared sacrifice, trauma
• [16:27–19:02] — Post-9/11 veteran generation & changing politics
• [22:15–31:28] — Transformation of the Pentagon, political partisanship, unchecked military power
• [36:05–38:34] — The 2028 field: Key veteran names from both parties
• [39:21–44:51] — Building independent veteran infrastructure; the coming independent moment
• [48:41–52:52] — Why it’s so hard for independents, challenges in ballot access
• [53:27–55:52] — Advising Ds/Rs: Authentic independence & new politics
• [58:29–62:22] — Personal discipline, media, and leadership routines
• [62:22–67:00] — Active citizenship and the need for democratic vigilance
• [67:03–70:27] — Recruiting, activism, and the future of independent vets

Tone & Takeaways

Throughout the episode, Rieckhoff is candid, energetic, and deeply committed to independence — both politically and in thought. Chuck brings a measured, historically-aware perspective. The conversation is grounded in patriotism, a sense of duty, and a practical optimism, despite deep concerns for the future of American democracy.

If you haven’t listened:
You'll catch a rare, wide-ranging look at the veterans poised to shape American politics in the coming decade, why independent leadership is both necessary and possible, and a call for vigilant, engaged citizenship — all carried with the direct, unvarnished energy of two political outsiders who’ve seen the system from the inside.

For more or to get involved:
Visit independentveteransofamerica.org

Final Words:
"Vigilance is the price of freedom. …If you think you can be a pedestrian right now, if you think you're not on the battlefield, then you're the prey."
– Paul Rieckhoff [66:28]