As we all saw this weekend, NFL overtime sucks. A score on the opening drive should NOT end the game. It’s just not fair. The system is broken. Badly. But it’s not just the NFL OT system. The American political system is broken too. Badly. And so is the media. Badly. And the stakes there are so much higher than in football. 
And in this episode, we’re staying focused on the media (like we did last episode with Soledad O’Brien). But we’re also zooming out into the bigger picture of where this independent movement is–and where it’s going. We’re breaking down who independents are—and who might be an independent candidate for President in 2024. And we’re continuing to identify the systems that are broken, and offering solutions to fix them. 
And our guest has been as focused on it all. For long before we have. And he’s here to help us explore all of it. 
He’s a longtime political commentator, radio host, TV host, best-selling author, and maybe the single most high profile political independent in the media. A guy who has served as a guest host for voices on all sides of the political spectrum. He’s been a guest host for Chris Matthews AND for Bill O’Reilly. For Chris Cuomo AND for Glen Beck. And he’s the host of his own SiriusXM radio and CNN TV show. And Paul Rieckhoff’s stunt double. 
He’s a one man island of political independence in talk radio and the media: Michael Smerconish (@Smerconish).
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. 
Stay vigilant, America. 
-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
-Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Michael here.
-Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
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“Independent Americans is what political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, free-wheeling, and respectful--even welcoming--of different points of view. I’m a fan.
-Paul Begala, Political Strategist and CNN Contributor 
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