Iran, Cuba, World Cup and What Comes Next with Admiral James Stavridis.

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Episode: Iran, Cuba, World Cup and What Comes Next with Admiral James Stavridis

Date: July 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, host Paul Rieckhoff welcomes back Admiral James Stavridis—former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and renowned strategic thinker—to break down America’s current domestic mood and global challenges. The conversation traverses major political divisions, the significance of the World Cup and America 250, U.S. foreign policy hotspots like Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, and the urgent need for centrist leadership. Notable for its optimism amid adversity and direct critique of current leadership, the episode is a compelling guide for listeners feeling lost in today’s political, social, and global tumult.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Soccer, World Cup & American Hope

Discussion: 00:33–05:46, 16:13–18:57, 19:48–22:21

• US Men's National Team’s Disappointing Loss
  Paul Rieckhoff opens with reflections on the US Men’s National Soccer Team’s World Cup exit, emphasizing both national disappointment and the sport’s continuous growth in America.

  • "A truly abominable and embarrassing performance... America’s not there yet, but we’re coming. The next generation is no joke." – Paul Rieckhoff (04:09)

• The Power of Sports to Unite

  • Both the World Cup and the Knicks' NBA run are celebrated as moments of rare unity in a divided country.
    • "When we pull together, this country is unstoppable… talking about sports… is, I think, crucially important." – Admiral Stavridis (18:04)

• Trump as the 'Jinx' in Sports

  • Rieckhoff blames former President Trump for bringing negativity and division even into the sports arena.
    • "Trump is definitely a jinx. It’s proven now. He contaminated their integrity." – Paul Rieckhoff (04:09)
  • Admiral Stavridis shares this sentiment, urging Trump to “stay in your lane.” (16:13)

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2. America 250: Celebrating and Reflecting on National Identity

Discussion: 13:20–15:42, 19:48–22:21

• Personal Resonance of the Milestone

  • Stavridis draws parallels between America’s 200th and 250th anniversaries, reflecting on the arc of American history and the sacrifices of his Naval Academy peers.
    • "Making it through a half century from America 200 has a lot of personal resonance for me..." – Admiral Stavridis (19:48)

• Enduring Strengths of the Nation

  • Emphasizes U.S. resources: democracy, natural wealth, innovation, military power.
    • "You can always knock the country, you can always find things you worry about… but almost every country would take the package we have." – Admiral Stavridis (19:48)
  • Core message: "America 250, don’t bet against us." (22:21)

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3. The Urgency of Healing U.S. Internal Divisions

Discussion: 23:16–25:45

• America’s Greatest Strategic Threat Is Internal

  • Stavridis dismisses China, Russia, and other foreign threats as surmountable, prioritizing internal division and lack of civility as the fundamental challenge.
    • "The number one thing I worry about… it’s the divisions inside our country." – Admiral Stavridis (23:16)

• Hope for Bridging the Gap

  • Praises bipartisan leaders like Wes Moore and Glenn Youngkin as examples of the civil discourse needed.
  • Hopes the next elections move toward the political center.

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4. The Case for An Independent or Moderate Political Movement

Discussion: 25:45–30:32

• Four-Party America

  • Stavridis argues U.S. politics now comprises four groups: MAGA Republicans, Democratic Socialists, and moderate Democrats and Republicans—the latter two being much closer to each other.
    • "We have a MAGA on the right, we have an AOC, Bernie Sanders left… I think the two centrist groups… are closer to each other than they are to the more radicalized wings of their own party." – Admiral Stavridis (26:39)

• The Need for a New Party

  • The Constitution does not require two parties; historical shifts show change is possible.
  • Lays out requirements for a new centrist movement: a charismatic leader, a unifying message, and significant resources.
    • Notably, Michael Bloomberg lacked charisma, hence his failure despite message and money.

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5. International Affairs: Venezuela, Cuba & U.S. Foreign Policy

Discussion: 30:32–38:16

• Venezuela’s Democratic Future?

  • Predicts Venezuela will soon move toward democracy, with elections “probably within a year.”
    • "I think Maria Machado will win a free and fair election… Venezuela could be Dubai on the Caribbean." – Admiral Stavridis (32:08)

• Cuba: ‘This Time Is Different’

  • Stavridis breaks from tradition to say Cuba may finally undergo real change due to economic pressure and the end of the Castro era.
    • "I may surprise you here. I think this time is different." – Admiral Stavridis (31:17)
    • Highlights the potential role of Cuban Americans: "Boy don’t get between a Cuban American and an objective. They are smart, switched on, well funded and… ready to go back." (Repeat of opening line, 00:00, 34:31)

• Trump's Approach to Cuba

  • Predicts that Trump, if patient, could succeed through economic, not military, pressure—potentially with Senator Marco Rubio steering policy.
    • "He has enough wasta… to maintain control… all you have to do is kind of constrain the energy, the spare parts. You don’t have to bomb them." – Admiral Stavridis (36:14)

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6. The Military, the Midterms, and the Threat of Authoritarianism

Discussion: 38:16–42:50

• Concerns over Use of Military Domestically

  • Rieckhoff expresses anxiety about Trump’s willingness to use the military for domestic suppression (e.g., around elections or protests).
    • "Plan A could be the military, plan B could be ICE, and plan C could just be activating all the insurrectionists..." – Paul Rieckhoff (38:16)

• Faith in Institutional Safeguards

  • Stavridis expresses confidence in “circuit breakers”: professional officers refusing unlawful orders, an independent judiciary (including Chief Justice Roberts), and robust civil protest.
    • "There’s a circuit breaker there… I think the American people would rise up in significant numbers." – Admiral Stavridis (39:15, 41:33)
  • Reminds listeners that while scenarios sound extreme, January 6th proved they must be taken seriously.

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7. The Military’s Internal Leadership, DEI, and Purges

Discussion: 43:10–47:04

• Analysis of Hegseth’s Firing of Senior Leaders
  • Stavridis criticizes Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Hegseth, for firing respected generals and admirals—often targeting minorities and women under a false “DEI” narrative.
    • "He’s done it with his failed theory that they only got to these jobs because of DEI. In fact, I would argue they got there in spite of being black and women." – Admiral Stavridis (44:28)
  • Notes the firing of Donahue and Randy George is especially inexplicable, hinting at behind-the-scenes infighting.
  • Calls for senior retired leaders to speak out.

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8. Good News & Positive Vibes

Discussion: 47:38–49:27

• Paul’s Recommendation:

  • The new Toy Story movie, which tackles technology vs. tradition and parenting themes, recommended for families of all ages.
    • "The new one is about the battle between technology… and about a return to respect and honor and basics." – Paul Rieckhoff (47:43)

• Admiral’s Recommendation:

  • Mark America 250 by raising a glass for the country—no matter your political stripe.
    • "She will sail on. That’s a pretty good thing." – Admiral Stavridis (48:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Admiral James Stavridis:

  • “Boy, don’t get between a Cuban American and an objective. They are smart, switched on, well funded, and… tanned, rested and ready to go back.” (00:00, 34:31)
  • "This time is different. I really do." (31:17, on Cuba)
  • "The center could hold." (27:41)
  • "If you could get those three nickels to drop in the slot machine, we could do this." (29:26, on centrist party)
  • "I don’t see the military broadly going along with that." (39:15, on domestic military orders from Trump)
  • "She will sail on. That’s a pretty good thing." (48:45, America 250)

• Paul Rieckhoff:

  • "A truly abominable and embarrassing performance... America’s not there yet, but we’re coming." (04:09)
  • "Trump is definitely a jinx." (04:09)
  • "Our hope is annoying to a lot of other folks around the world, but our hope is constant. Americans always believe that you can do it." (52:42)
  • "Country over party, people over politics, light over heat..." (51:35)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Iconic Cuban American quote; episode opening
• 04:09 — US Soccer’s loss, Trump’s ‘jinx’
• 13:51 — Stavridis on post-July 4th, America 250
• 16:13 — World Cup, Trump’s negative impact
• 23:16 — Domestic division as America’s chief strategic risk
• 26:39 — The new four-party system
• 31:17 — Deep dive: Venezuela and Cuba
• 39:15 — On the possibility of military use domestically
• 44:28 — Hegseth’s military purges dissected
• 47:43 — 'Something Good': Toy Story and America 250
• 52:42 — Reflections on American hope and resilience

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Tone & Language

The tone is candid, direct, unsentimental yet optimistic. Both speakers blend strategic analysis with personal anecdote, moving nimbly from policy to patriotism and back. Admiral Stavridis employs analogies (“land the airplane”), dry humor (Wizard of Oz references), and deep historical perspective; Rieckhoff’s style is passionate and irreverent, driving home the urgency of centrist action.

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For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode is a must-listen for anyone frustrated with political extremes, concerned about America’s global posture, or just seeking hope amid challenging news. It’s equal parts geopolitical briefing, call for national unity, and primer on the rising independent movement—anchored by two leaders who have lived, led, and learned in the highest arenas.

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Transcript

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Boy, don't get between a Cuban American and an objective. They are smart, switched on, well funded, and in this context, they are tanned, rested and ready to go back.

[Paul Rykoff]

Welcome to Independent Americans. Welcome to episode 568.

[Co-host/Producer]

8.

[Paul Rykoff]

I'm your host, Paul Rykoff. And it is Tuesday, July 7th, and I'm coming to you from New York City, USA. And the weather is overcast and a little sad after the US Loss last night. There are some frowns, there are some sad faces, there are some disappointment. More to come on that. But today's artist, in the spirit of the run by the U.S. men's National Team and this World cup is John Denver. Yes, because over the course of this run by the US Team, Take Me Home Country Roads became a new anthem for Team usa. It united people in stadiums and all across this country. And the run of this team might be over, but the journey continues for all of us here in America. Across the country roads throughout this summer and into a World cup four years from now, which feels like forever, but when we will do better, I am sure of it. And I'm going to bring you the five eyes. I bring you in every single show for a big one today. Independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And a man who will help you have faith in America. If you're feeling down on our future, if you're feeling confused about the global landscape, our guest today, the great Admiral James Stravides, is back to help us through it. He is a former NATO commander. He is one of the most brilliant strategic minds on the planet. Not just military, but economic, political. He's also a grandfather with a really good heart who helps us remember what's most important in times like this. I'm going to talk to him about everything from Iran to Hegseth to the firing of General Donahue to the World cup to Toy Story. So he is our guest coming up in just a minute. But there's a couple of issues I've got to get to first. Admiral James Stravides is back here today to take us into July and help us all stay vigilant. All right, before we get to the admiral, two breaking news topics I need to hit on. First off, Team usa. As I covered yesterday, I think this was the biggest soccer match in my life and I'm over 50 years old. The apprehension, the, the, the, the buildup, the excitement, the hope around this team has been like nothing I've ever seen.

[Co-host/Producer]

In part because soccer has grown in

[Paul Rykoff]

this country so much, I'm wearing my kids soccer jersey, coaching shirt Today, because I see it. I see men and women. Don't forget our women's team.

[Co-host/Producer]

That's extraordinary.

[Paul Rykoff]

Growing soccer in this country. And frankly, because fewer and fewer kids, especially boys, are playing tackle football. So a lot of them are going into soccer, a lot of them are going into lacrosse. And if you coach youth sports or you've been on youth sports fields, you

[Co-host/Producer]

see it, you feel it.

[Paul Rykoff]

Messi plays in America now, so don't let the Europeans shit all over us. Yes, this was an awful night, but U.S. soccer is on the rise. But let's talk about last night. A truly abominable and embarrassing performance. Sloppy, discombobulated, and just plain bad. American soccer is so much better than that. And that's what I want the world to understand and believe and see, especially about the youth that's coming up. Because in the decades to come, we're really going to show it. And our women's teams have shown it for decades already. America's not there yet, but we're coming. The next generation is no joke. But that just sucked. The own goal, basically, by the goalie, the sloppiness, getting down early and then coming back and then quickly giving up another goal.

[Co-host/Producer]

There's just no fire.

[Paul Rykoff]

And Pulisic didn't deliver. The team didn't deliver. But I look forward to a future when the best athletes in this country are playing soccer, playing together, and playing with the intensity and ferocity that is deserved. Now, by the way, Trump is definitely a jinx. It's proven now. He's a jinx. This team was rocking. This team was riding high. Trump got involved and shit on their joy and contaminated their integrity. And the world started rooting against us, and it's impossible to be immune from all of that. I don't care how isolated this team was, but Trump is definitely a jinx, just like he was for the Knicks in the one game he decided to attend. But hopefully Trump will stay away from the entire football season and the Yankees and every other sport. But I doubt he will. Back to the drawing board for U.S. men's soccer, but we do have the women's soccer team coming soon, and they will remind us of how powerful, uniting and exhilarating American soccer can be. And we've now got to focus on being the best hosts ever. So let's keep celebrating America. Let's ride the high of the Knicks. Thankfully, we got the Knicks and July 4th and America 250. And let's keep celebrating America by showing all of our guests from around the world why we believe this is the greatest country in the world. And offer an alternative narrative to the toxic crap that they hear from Hegseth and Bance and Trump every single day. Let's close out this summer by showing them that even though our team is gone, our spirit is not, and show them what America is really all about. Let's keep celebrating and let's, of course, stay vigilant.

[Poet/Artist]

Stay, stay vigilant. Stay vigilant.

[Co-host/Producer]

All right.

[Paul Rykoff]

Speaking of disappointing and disgusting Senate candidate from Maine, Graham Plettner. There are new revelations now. He has been accused of sexual assault and rape by a woman from Maine who has now gone public and spoken to CNN and others. A very brave, courageous woman to step forward and share her truth. But if you're surprised by this latest revelation from Graham Pletner, you haven't been paying attention. I warned this was coming. This is not a guy who has integrity. This is a guy who couldn't explain a Nazi tattoo that he wore for decades and said he didn't know it was a Nazi tattoo. He's had sketchy incidents all across his past, all his postings online, his careless use of hate language. I mean, this guy has always been a problem, but so many people wanted him to be real. They wanted him to be the populace that the Democrats so badly need and that the Democratic socialists in the far left so badly need. But remember, he was part of this progressive wave of newcomers and said now he says he's taking time to consider his next steps. This was after the allegations from a woman he was dating back in 2021. But here's an important thing to note. Time is ticking. Under Maine law, if platner withdraws before July 13, just one week from now, state party Democrats will be allowed to choose a replacement nominee within two weeks. So the only way that won't happen is if Platner stays in, which he might, because it looks like he has refused in the past to back down. Almost all of his prominent supporters are backing out now. Senator Elizabeth Warren says now more than ever, we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault. With so much at stake, the best path for Graham Platner is to step aside as a Democratic nominee and address a serious allegations outside of this Senate race. Everybody's dropping him. Ro Khanna, who's been a guest on the show, said Graham Plotner should drop out from the race. I'm withdrawing my endorsement. That's the Democrat, California Ruben Gallego, also been on this show before. Democrat from Arizona wrote, I am rescinding my endorsement as of the recording. Interestingly, always holding out. Bernie Sanders has not yet called for Platner to end his campaign. I hope that Bernie Sanders doesn't say this is some kind of conspiracy to take down a populace because they don't like his message. You can do better than Graham Plattner. And this is the latest example, people, of why the Democrats will not save you. So, Democrats, are you now ready finally to drop Platner? He should have been disqualified long ago. And this whole Platner debacle is yet another reason why the Democrats will not save you. America, if you want to stop Trump and his minions, which I think most of us should, take all that energy that you focused on Platner and focus on some real tough guys and gals who don't hurt women who don't have Nazi tattoos and can actually win, like independent Seth Bodnar in Montana or independent Todd Achilles in Idaho or independent Isabel Harmon in Pennsylvania. If there had been an independent candidate in Maine, think about how this would have been different. Independent veteran who wasn't as far left as Platner, who didn't have Nazi tattoos and assault women. Imagine how an independent could do right now in that critical race against Susan Collins in Maine. There are true leaders out there who also have integrity. You don't have to compromise. Many of them are independent and they need your support. They're out there. So in the meantime, while Graham Platner debates whether or not to drop out, take your attention, your time and your focus on people who can actually win and stay vigilant. This is going to be a wild

[Co-host/Producer]

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[Paul Rykoff]

All right, we've got a leader today who is a winner, a man who always represents for the flag, always has great integrity. I'm so happy he joined us again. He's got a great new book out. He's always been very generous with his time on this show and it's always one of the favorites that I hear because be sure to subscribe on YouTube, on Spotify, wherever you're listening or watching, because I will bring you great conversations like this one with the great Admiral James Stravitas, who is here again to help us stay vigilant. Ladies and gentlemen, independent Americans around the world and around the country, welcome to episode 567. We are joined today by a returning champion, a true voice of reason and, and counsel and insight and vision. The former NATO and CENTCOM commander, author of many books, including the Future War series that he co authors with Elliot Ackerman, about the high stakes geopolitical warfare of the Future, starting with 2034, 2054, and the most recent one is 2084. He is one of our favorite guests and a person that's always the right person to talk to at any given time. The great and powerful Admiral James Stravides is back on Independent Americans. Welcome back, sir.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

It's great to be back and to be the great and powerful, of course, brings up the wizard of Oz. So just don't look behind my curtain.

[Paul Rykoff]

Well, I like to look behind you at your, at your bookshelf. It's quite a bookshelf. It also includes yours. So for folks watching on YouTube, you can see the COVID over there. You should check it out. Sir. So much I want to talk to you about from Get Off Books.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Just a note. I am an insane reader and I have, I think you know this. I have 6,000 books in the house, including about a thousand signed first editions signed by people I really admire, from Ernest Hemingway to Margaret Atwood to Governor West Moore and hundreds of others. So books, yes, are very important to Me, not just as an author, but as a reader.

[Paul Rykoff]

I'm so glad you say that. We say readers are leaders in my house all the time. And we are running out of space in our New York apartment for books over there. They're stacked. But we are starting a collection for the boys and we will follow your lead as always. I'm excited to talk about everything from Venezuela to Cuba to America250. But I want to ask you first of all, as I do with everyone, where are you sir, and how are you as we, we exit the July 4th and, and America 250 weekend could not be better.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Happy down in my main place, which is in North Florida, town called Ponte Vedra Beach. My offices, as you know, Paul, are in New York and Washington. So I commute up from here to get to them. And this minute you find me in Florida. But two weeks from now, I'll go up for a chunk of this summer. One of my favorite places in the world is Canada. And we have a summer place up there outside of Halifax. And I gotta tell you, high north, low tension. I just get off the airplane in Halifax and hey, here's a news flash. Canadians really are the nicest people in the world. So I'm bouncing around those locations and this minute you find me in North Florida.

[Paul Rykoff]

We need you up there to help bridge some, some, some relations over there. After what the President has done over the last couple of years, especially we need more positive leadership out to Canada right now.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Yes, I couldn't agree with you more. And you know, we always, like all families, we have our minor disagreements, but I'm very, very bullish on Canada in today's world and, and not only because of their connections to the world. A strong democracy, huge natural resources. But here's something interesting to contemplate as global warming continues. And oh, by the way, it's real. And that's what this book, 2084 is about. As global warming continues. Big winners. Canada may be top of the list. Huge landmass. They're going to be growing the best grapes in the world somewhere north of Toronto by mid century.

[Paul Rykoff]

So maybe ambassador to Canada is in your future to add to a very distinguished resume. Canada is having a rough time right now because they, like us, just got knocked out of the World Cup. I don't know if you saw the match last night, but there's definitely a lot of sad faces in this country. But the team did bring this country together. Of course it wasn't without intervention from Trump. Your reactions, I don't Know if you got a chance to see the game last night. But to that and this World cup that we're hosting here in America, three points.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Number one. Yes. Watch the game. Watched every game. I think it really did help pull the country together, and that is nothing but good. Number two, larger scale. It pulls the world together. It's the most popular sport globally. Football, as it's called everywhere else. Soccer inexplicably called that here, but it really is a moment when the world can come together. And number three, President Trump, kind of stay in your lane, and his lane is not protesting red card decisions, trying to put a thumb on the scales. That didn't do anybody any good. And I suspect it took some wind out of the sails of Team USA and put some wind in the sails of Team Belgium. So. Net. Net. I wish he hadn't jumped up there, and who knows how it would have come out. But bottom line, boy, the Belgians have a great team. I wouldn't bet against them.

[Paul Rykoff]

Yeah, I think. I think you're right about all of that. I'm wearing. I'm in black today because I'm a little bit in mourning. Our house is. Is sad about the result, but I'm also wearing my coach's shirt because I really. I went for a run this morning. That's why I'm still a little red and 90% humidity here. And I ran into a French guy who was here visiting for the World cup, and he said, you know, it was a rough one for you guys. It's just not your sport. And I said, not yet. I said, not yet. But you haven't seen all the kids a couple miles from here that are playing. And I really do believe that the youth culture in this country around soccer, especially as more American kids move away from American football because of head injuries, is really on the rise. By the time my kids are my age, I think they're going to be a real contender globally. And I think there's a rising tide around American youth soccer, especially. Our women have won.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I think I was just going to say, what. What do you mean it's not our sport? Our women are crushing the program all around the world, and we just need to get the boys a little more interested in the game. And when they do, they will crush around the world. We're. And this gets back to something you hit on again and again. In the end, when we pull together, this country is unstoppable, whether it be in something like men's football or soccer, as we're discussing or leading the world into the 21st century. We are going to succeed. And it all comes down to how we pull together. And that's why talking about sports and our national ability to do that is, I think, crucially important.

[Paul Rykoff]

So talking about, you know, bringing everyone together, I really feel like here in New York, when the Knicks won, I've never seen anything like that since 911 maybe when Obama got elected in some places. But just overwhelming joy and unity, that was really, really exciting. But then I think it carried into America 250. I was in Jersey, I was in Pennsylvania, I was in New York. And I felt that people were really excited. And despite Trump's attempt to kind of co opt it and contaminate it, I was here for the parade of ships and the incredible flyover. I think we had 140 aircraft. We wanted to be in New York City for this because it was such an epicenter and you had all these international folks here for the World Cup. So it was really a celebration of America that involved everybody. But what are your thoughts and reflections on America 250 and this special July 4th?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

We just experienced a lot of echoes for me of America 200. And I'll tell you why. Because in 1976 I graduated, came out of the US Naval Academy, commissioned an officer in the US Navy, and spent the next 40 years in the Navy. So I remember extra vividly the extraordinary 200 birthday. And so at 2:50, first of all, I'm glad I'm here. And on a serious note, a number of my Naval Academy classmates, Marines and Navy officers, have fallen in combat. Others have passed on for other reasons. But, you know, making it through a half century from that America 200 has a lot of personal resonance for me. And as you know, I was almost killed in the Pentagon. 9 11, saw my share of combat. So happy to be here for America 250. Secondly, a reflection on the country. We talked a moment ago about something, in the end, not super important. And that's how you do in sports. I love sports, but that's not what the world is about. The world is about democracy, liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of education. And in that sense, although we can talk about some compression of late, we really continue to lead the world. Our natural resources are beyond compare. Huge agrarian nation, abundant fresh water, innovation centers from Silicon Valley, Miami, Route 128, strongest military in the world. Goes without saying, for all those reasons, you can always knock the country, you can always find things you worry about. And I worry about plenty. But to anybody, any other nation in the World, I'd say if we gave you a chance to trade a hand of cards with what we have here, almost every country would take the package we have. So the question is, Paul, as you have examined so well and 567podcasts, amazing number, how do we do it? What do we do well? What can we continue to do? Well, that's what's crucial. So America 250 don't bet against us.

[Paul Rykoff]

That's why we need you right now. We need you. What's going to be a trying summer? I think as we lead into a really divisive midterm elections, we're going to need your insight and your positivity. Let's go into what I usually position as our top. Top. If you're one of the few guests I defer to you and ask you, what do you think is our top topic? What is the strategic priority for America right now? How should we be focusing our attention with China looming as we punch ourselves out in Iran? So much of our navy committed there. Venezuela is like an afterthought for many people, but still in play. Now he's talking about Cuba, Ukraine and Russia continue to do battle. How do you prioritize the strategic landscape globally that we're facing as we go into July?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Sir, you just gave a beautiful kind of sailor with a pair of binoculars looking around the horizon of the world. You hit them all. I'd probably add cyber and cyber security to that mix of challenges. But here's what I want to focus on as what we really ought to worry about. It's none of those things. We are going to be able to overcome China as a strategic competitor. We are going to eventually find a way to contain Vladimir Putin. He's not going to conquer Ukraine. Venezuela, I think, is going to find its way toward democracy. I think Cuba not far behind. Iran and the Middle east, very complicated. But I think we can find a path to balance the degree of engagement we need to spend there. Cyber. We have good mechanisms to deal with. There'll be challenges. All of those are big challenges, but we can deal with all of them. The number one thing I worry about, and you know what I'm going to say, it's the divisions inside our country. And here I do worry. I worry about the way in which we're pulling apart and seemingly losing the ability to listen to each other. Respectfully, we mentioned Wes Moore a moment ago on the Republican side. Governor Glenn Youngkin. These are two figures who are, in my view, capable of listening to the other side. We need more of that and less of the screaming and yelling and division that we get served up so often on a daily basis, frankly, from both sides. So bottom line, we need to pull together. I hope these next two elections, the midterms in 26 and of course, 28, a big one, are going to find a path where we can move toward that center. I am cautiously optimistic. We will, Paul. There are certainly countervailing evidence. But overall, if we can do that, back to where we started this conversation about is soccer your sport? It will be if we want it to be. And I'm pretty confident we'll we'll find our way to that place in our larger monopolitic as well.

[Paul Rykoff]

So you've been, I think, ahead of the curve in understanding and appreciating the political dynamics and the rise of independence we see now, 45% of the country is independent. We're seeing competitive races, right, including you. We've seen competitive races like Seth Bodnar in Montana, the Green Beret, Todd Achilles in Idaho, others we've had on the show. And it feels like if we have a very divisive slate from the Democrats and the Republicans, there would be another opportunity for someone like you, for someone like Admiral McRaven, for someone that can bring people together and represent a more moderate viewpoint. What's your assessment on that political dynamic? As we see the socialist win here in New York and in other places that they seem to be on the rise, the right wing under Trump continues to solidify their side. Can you talk about the political strategic landscape you see opening up or not?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I can, and I've been on this note for about 10 years. I it's commonplace and I suppose accurate to say we have two major political parties. I don't think that's correct anymore. I think we have four. We have a MAGA on the right, we have an aoc, Bernie Sanders Mondami on the left. We have, then, if you will, more centrist portions of both the Republicans and the Democrats. So if you want terminology, you have maga, you have Democrat, you have Republican, and you have Democratic. Socialist, I guess, is the current term of our progressives. Four parties. Here's my hope. I think that the two centrist groups, let's call them Democrats and Republicans, are actually closer to each other than they are to the more radicalized wings of their own party. So what we need is a new political party, and that is heresy in some places. And it's Paul, it's interesting because so many Americans, if you ask them, well, how do we end up with these two political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, that say, oh, well, it's in the Constitution. And here's a news flash, the Constitution does not, you know, Article xx, there shall be two political parties. One shall be Republican, one shall be Democrat. Nope, not in there. We didn't start with either one of them. We started with Whigs and Federalists. We moved to the Star Party, the Nationalists. Teddy Roosevelt's party was called the Progressive Party. It was actually center, right. Its nickname was the Bull Moose Party. Point being, we've had a lot of political parties and I don't think we're done. And so over time, that center, to take the old Yates quote about the center cannot hold. The center could hold. And I think again, the more the two wings of the political spectrum in the United States disaggregate, the more that center has a chance of coming together. That's, I think, our in our future. And in fact, this is 2084, the novel 2054 is all about that.

[Paul Rykoff]

I hope you're right, and I believe you're right. And I think that the missing, missing piece right now is really the leadership, like some figure or figures that can really bring those folks together under a leadership right with integrity.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Three things are missing. You named one of them. You need a charismatic leader. Everything I've described could have been attributed to Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York. Not a charismatic figure. You need a charismatic figure. Number two, you need the right message. You need someone who can shape that centrist message in a way that can hold that center together. And I think that's very, very possible. I can get out a cocktail napkin and write down 10 things that I could get 75% of Americans to agree on. And then number three, you need money. You need big money to build this. So if you go back again to the Bloomberg campaign, message was pretty good money, certainly there charismatic figure, not so much. And so at the end of the day, if you could get those three nickels to drop in the slot machine, we could do this. I think it'll happen sometime in the next 10 to 20 years.

[Paul Rykoff]

I hope some billionaires are listening. Mr. Bloomberg included. Sir, let's shift to the section we call below the radar. Really two things I want to ask for your perspective on. The first is Cuba. They telegraphed their punches. They've said Cuba's next. It seems like it's a matter of time. What's your view? What's the over under for you on Cuba? What do you think it looks like? I mean, one thing Trump usually Does is he does what he says he's going to do and he says he wants to topple Cuba. What's your sense on unlikelihood timing, what it would look like?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

It's often said in my current world of investments, as you know, I'm at Carlile, we say the, the four most expensive words in investing are this time is different. Meaning you make an estimate that something that has never worked out this time is going to be a great hit. And boy, Cuba has shown that again and again. Cuba for 70 plus years has been this time is different. The feeling that now is the moment for investment and then it always kind of falls back to that rotten communist regime, the Castros. I may surprise you here. I think this time is different. I really do. I think the administration is going to land the airplane in Venezuela. What I mean by that is they'll emerge even given this terrible tragedy and maybe it'll spur things in a weirdly positive way. But even given the awful tragedy in Venezuela, it's going to solidify their need for American help. American investment, reconstruction, access to world oil markets. So I think Venezuela is going to move toward democracy. Probably within a year you'll see elections there. And I think Delsey Rodriguez, the acting president, will be challenged by Maria Machado, the Nobel Prize laureate. And I think Maria Machado will win a free and fair election, not to coin a phrase. And that'll be, that's a pretty good next move because Venezuela, Paul, could be Dubai on the Caribbean. I mean they have the largest proven oil reserves in the world, relatively educated population. They also have gas, they have gold, diamonds. There's a lot to like about the investment thesis there. This brings us to Cuba. At the end of the day, the administration has put a lot of economic pressure on Cuba again to try and land the same airplane there. This is frankly what they tried to do and failed terribly in Iran. But here in Cuba, again, I think this time is different. The Castros are more or less left the stage. Raul the elder, still living, is now in his mid-90s. He's not going to be a factor. So I think with sufficient economic pressure you could in fact end up with a Venezuelan like situation there. Now that has pluses and minuses. Let's be clear. The good news is Cuba is huge. You know how big Cuba is, Paul? If you put one end of it on Washington D.C. where does the other end of Cuba land? Chicago. It's a huge island with 11 million people, well educated. You know, the communists could not run an economy to save their lives, but they had a decent educational system, decent medical system, by the way. So it's a relatively healthy, relatively educated population in search of jobs. That's pretty good. And it's potentially a huge agrarian powerhouse and possibly fair amount of oil and gas offshore and ashore. So those are the positives. The negatives are infrastructure is really poor, broken down, going to require real investment. Where is it going to come from? So I'll close with this. The answer to the who's going to drive it? Where is it going to come from? As you know, I'm a South Florida boy, grew up around Cuban Americans. Boy don't get between a Cuban American and an objective. They are smart, switched on, well funded and in this context, they are tanned, rested and ready to go back. So I, I think Cuba could be a pretty good set of outcomes for Team Trump. And I'll close with this. I wish instead of launching the war in Iran, which has gone very badly, they had kind of focused not on war, but continued to focus on the economic pressure on Cuba. They could be hitting a second big win behind Venezuela had they done that.

[Paul Rykoff]

So, sir, do you think Trump will have that kind of patience and restraint or will it look like Iran? Will they use cyber and shut the lights off and send in troops on some level and at least use air power? I mean, it's hard to imagine Trump not using the military to blow something up, right?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Yeah.

[Paul Rykoff]

What do you think it actually looks like if he does pull the trigger on this thing?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I got two words for you. Marco Rubio, who is very smart Cuban American, fluent Spanish speaker. He's the one who has kind of landed the plane in Venezuela. I think he has enough wasta enough influence with President Trump to maintain control this. And so far it's been economic pressure and let's face it, you're pushing on a very rotten open door there. But all you have to do is kind of constrain the energy, the spare parts. You don't have to bomb them when the lights really go out. At some point the hope would be they will cut a deal. I think they will. I don't see the current Cuban regime. This is not the 1960s Castro gang, true believers in communism. This is a long, long time ago. What you have today are people who are kind of like Miamians again, a part of the world I know pretty well don't want to make a deal, I think. And if we offer the right deal and Raul doesn't end up in New York City courts like Maduro, and by the way, Maduro could have gotten this deal, you know, a year ago, Maduro could have gotten a nice glide path out of there, maybe to Moscow or to Nicaragua or wherever. And I think hopefully Raul and the senior members of that hierarchy will have watched that and say, yeah, I think I don't want to end up in the Southern District of New York. So let's hope they take that deal. And my instinct is, say, well, what's my confidence level in all that? Not, you know, 95%, but I think everything I just described is probably a 65% chance. 2 and 3.

[Paul Rykoff]

I can't have you on the show, sir, without asking you what I think is maybe the most underreported national security thread of the last year, which is how Trump has used the military stateside and how he has threatened to do more of it. He's threatened to do it around the World cup, he's threatened to do it when Mamdani or Pritzker piss him off, but he's continuously focused on different ways of disrupting the elections. I've said that Plan A could be the military, plan B could be ice, and plan C could just be activating all the insurrectionists that are out on the streets and telling them, go for it, boys. But he's threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. That was a real threat during Minneapolis and Minnesota. Can you talk about how you see that as a strategic threat to our security of having him turn it up at some point between now and November where he knows November could be a circuit breaker on his power?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I continue to believe that there are some reasonably coherent roadblocks with that theory of the case. I think roadblock number one is the military itself. You and I are both veterans. We know what it means to swear an oath. I think the idea that he could simply order the military into the streets to take over the midterm elections, declare the Insurrection act, it's conceivable. Personally, I think it would be difficult for me to see very senior military going along with that plan to include the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who I know quite well. I think that there's a pretty good set of circuit breakers called men and women in uniform. And, you know, it's one thing to be ordered to a city to back up ice. You know, I don't love that mission, but that's very different than ordering active duty military or guard to shut down polling places. I just. I don't see the military broadly going along with that. Could you find some pockets? Maybe. But I think there's a circuit Breaker there, second big circuit breaker, the courts. And here look at the Supreme Court. You and I could debate about which decisions we liked, which we did not like, but the court has shown it is independent. And I repose a fair amount of faith in Chief Justice John Roberts. I think he's got sufficient influence with enough of the court that big decisions would go against Trump ultimately. And that would, you know, see paragraph one about the military. The military would be watching, would be following. And let's face it, all these conversations are. Feel apocalyptic that we would end up in a scenario like this. But anybody who turned on a TV on January 6th and watched our capital stormed by the insurrectionists would say, well, yeah, we better think about that at least. So that's, you know, kind of a second circuit breaker there. And then thirdly, the people of the United States, you know, we, we turned out millions and millions and millions of American protesters for the no Kings rally. What do you think would happen if President Trump tried to truly send the military into the streets? I think you'd see hundreds of millions of Americans come out against that. I truly do. And I don't think his support runs deeper in that kind of scenario than a really hardcore 20% of the country. You can't win that battle. 8020. And I think the American people would rise up in significant numbers. And I, for all those reasons, I'm concerned. I'm watching it closely. But so are the courts, so are the military, so are the people of America. I think we'll be okay.

[Paul Rykoff]

That's why we need you. We need the perspective going into a summer where a lot of folks are anxious. I hope, I would love it if Trump listens to that. I hope that General Kaine can continue to be someone that we all should be rooting for. I think to hold the line inside, especially in contrast to Hegseth.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Yeah. And, oh, by the way, it's not just Dan Cain. I mean, there are. I know intimately the Current Active Duty, 4 stars. They all at one time or another were in my orbit or worked for me. As 1 stars as 06 is Brad Cooper, the current commander of US Central Command is someone I've known since he was 35 years old. I know this generation of leaders very well. I'm confident they'll do the right thing.

[Paul Rykoff]

Sir, you've talked about Donahue a bit in other places, but this one feels different. I tried to compare Donahue and I said it's almost like the way folks talked about Matt maybe 15 years ago. He had a certain level of respect and admiration and just kind of badassery that kind of transcended a lot of ranks. Is this one different? Is getting Donahue? And will any of them speak out more? CQ Brown spoken out a bit more lately? Will Donahue be the one who goes out and says, let me tell you what's really going on in there? Because it feels like this was a real. Hegseth has made a lot of mistakes in this purge, but I feel like this might be one that breaks it back a little bit.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Inexplicable to me. And it flies in the face of everything Hagseth has ever said. You know, he's the one who wanted to go after CQ Brown because he was a minority, wanted to go after my very good friend Admiral Lisa Franketti, because she was a woman, has routinely fired a high percentage of blacks, notably blacks and women, from positions of high authority. And he's done it with his failed theory that they only got to these jobs because of dei. I know a lot of them. Another one is Admiral Alvin Halsey. Bull Halsey is his call sign from Southcom. Let me tell you, everyone that I know, Lisa Franketti, CQ Brown, Bull Halsey, they didn't get there because they happened to be blacker women. In fact, I would argue they got there in spite of being black and women. That's been my experience, observing it as a. As a white male. So that's Heg says Syria, the case. At least it had been consistent until he fired Donahue. And I have no theory of the case here other than the following. It's not only Donahue. It's also Randy George, the general who was the chief of staff of the U.S. army. And like Donahue, impeccable combat credentials, extraordinary leader, well liked, well respected, top to bottom. So Randy George gets fired and then Donahue gets fired. And you have to say, what's the commonality between them? It is that they're both well known and supported by the Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, who is a very smart guy, very solid guy in my view. And Dan Driscoll is also very close with J.D. vance. And you just have to wonder, and this is purely speculative on my part, that inside that Persian sat trap, inside that there are combinations and influences and jealousies and disputes that you can't fathom from the outside. Otherwise, there is no way to explain both firing of General Donahue, but also General George I.

[Paul Rykoff]

Every time, you know, I hope. I hope this time is different. I hope that they will come forward and speak. I know they don't want to do it. I know there's. There's always so much reservation about it, but I feel like it's a moment where the flag grades that are getting out need to break glass. You know, the president has done so many things that are out of norm and against the precedent and so urgent that I hope that one of them will be the one. I know none of them ever wants to be. But I keep hoping and I hope if any of them are listening, they do it. They're always welcome here. Sir, you are always a great voice of insight and clarity. I want to end with something good.

[Poet/Artist]

Something good.

[Paul Rykoff]

I'll go first and then I'll throw it to you. And this one is right up your alley because you're also a grandfather. So my Something Good is the new Toy Story movie. I went yesterday with my wife and my kids and their grandmother. We went and took three generations to see it. It's one of my favorites. We take the one with the bear that was really kind of scary and weird and put that over here. But the new one is about the battle between technology and not technology. The old school toys and technology that permeates our entire life. And about a return to respect and honor and basics in a way that is really, really important. I'm so glad my kids saw this message. It's also Jessie the Cowgirl is a hero. You got Buzz Lightyear, you got Woody, you got all the greats. But it's a really good story for this time about how technology has overtaken, especially childhood, and how we can all push back. It's happy, it's positive, it's all the great music you expect of Toy Story. So I highly recommend it. It's something good. Go see it with the family. Over to you, sir. What's your recommendation of something good?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I'm going to take the easy, obvious one. And as America 250 and wherever you are on the political spectrum, whether you start off the morning with Fox and Friends or you're on MSNBC watching MSN now, watching Morning Joe, wherever you are on that spectrum, I respect you. You're a citizen of this country. And I hope that on our birthday, you raised a glass to America. 250 years. She will sail on. That's a pretty good thing.

[Paul Rykoff]

That is a very good thing. And your wisdom and your generosity and your mentorship is always a very good thing. You are the finest form of patriot and scholar. And the new book is 2084. I highly recommend everyone check it out. Read everything that the admiral writes, look for him all across your television and radio. He is a beacon and a light of hope and perspective for our country, always when we need it. Thank you for being so generous with your time, sir, and for always keeping us all vigilant. I hope you and your family have a very, very great summer.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

And right back to you. With my thanks to you, Paul, not only for your service to our country, but the way you continue to step up. Talk about the moderate path, the centrist path, the independent path. And you always do it with integrity and humility. And I'm proud to be a friend. Thank you, Paul.

[Paul Rykoff]

Thank you so much, sir. Look forward to raising a glass to America 250 when I hopefully see you in New York soon.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

That's a deal. Be good.

[Paul Rykoff]

Thank you, sir. All right, folks. My thanks to Admiral Stavides. You know the deal. Subscribe go to IndependentAmericans US. Join our Patreon community. Check out the morning independent. Check out our supporters from Kalshi from Noble Mobile and Independent Voter News. If you haven't checked out Independent Voter News, it's a great resource. We're partnering with them a lot more in the days to come. They've got a new feature at IVN US. It's called 10 Organizations Independent Voters need to watch. From ballot access and open primaries to independent candidates and ranked choice voting, these 10 groups are shaping the next phase of the voter first reform movement. And they highlight our work at Independent Veterans of America. So check out our friends at Independent Voter News ivn us. They'll also be linked in the bio. They are helping us drive forward this movement. America's divided, but we are bringing them together as much as we can here in independent Americans, adding light to contrast to heat. If you're now among the 45% of Americans who are independent and growing, maybe more in Maine after today. Maybe more soccer fans after today. This is your show because our movement has got that hope for the future that you heard from Admiral Stravides and you've heard in our recent episodes. Go back and check out Wes Moore from last week if you didn't. We've got more to come. Country over party, people over politics, light over heat, challenging the status quo and fueling a new movement. And that movement is growing and bringing hope. That is the oxygen of our democracy. The hope that you felt from Team usa. That hope is not gone. It's beaten down. It's a little sad today, but that hope is out there and you'll see it on the faces of thousands of kids all across this country kicking a soccer ball on a street or in a field. And that hope, that hope is the oxygen and democracy, because other folks, when they lose, don't have the hope that America does. Our hope is annoying to a lot of other folks around the world, but our hope is constant. Americans always believe that you can do it. I once had a Swiss roommate who lived with me in New York, a great guy, Patrick, and he said to me once that we were watching the World cup maybe 20 years ago.

[Co-host/Producer]

He said, you can always see the

[Paul Rykoff]

American team because they always believe they can do it. And we still believe we can do it. If you enjoyed this episode with Admiral Stravidis shared far and wide. Invite others to declare their independence and stay vigilant, my friends, because you know the deal. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And you're not alone. I hope you feel that in this World cup energy, even if you're not a soccer fan. We're all vigilant and we're all in this together. And we're all in this together as hosts. Now, as we get to the final stages, let's all be good hosts and show the world what America is really all about. And I am your host, Paul Rykoff. Thank you for tuning into Independent Americans. I will see you tomorrow. Happy Tuesday. Stay vigilant, America. Pour one out for Team USA and onward we go.

[Poet/Artist]

He tells me the left and right are dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time to

[Paul Rykoff]

grow and it's not cool to believe

[Poet/Artist]

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 are dead and independent is an attitude an island in the sea of rhetoric and I can probably go he tells me the left and right Our dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time to grow

[Paul Rykoff]

Power by Righteous Media.