What’s the political landscape like now? How will Ukraine impact the midterm elections? And the 2024 presidential? Will there be a viable independent candidate to provide an alternative to Biden and Trump? Or to capture enough votes to swing it one way or another?  On this week of 420, the day where the world celebrates cannabis. Joints aren’t the only thing being burned down. Our norms, our unity, elements of our founding values are being torched. In 2020, it’s all on fire.  For two months on this show; we’ve looked at the military and foreign policy developments, strategies and tactics. And we’ve looked at the geopolitics. But what about domestic politics? If the outcome of the war in Ukraine is dependent on American support, nothing could change that support more than the election of Donald Trump. So could it happen? What’s happening now?  In this episode, we focus on the American politics of the war in Ukraine with one of the most well-known political analysts in American politics. And one of the most controversial. He’s a Republican, turned Democrat, turned independent? Honestly, we don’t know what he is. But our Paul Rieckhoff will ask him.  Our guest is Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES). He’s a top strategist who worked on top Republican political campaigns, including President George W. Bush, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Senator John McCain. Schmidt was the campaign strategist and advisor to McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. And pushed McCain to select Sarah Palin Schmidt is also a founder of The Lincoln Project, a controversial group founded to focus against Trump. It raised $90M, became the darling of the left and MSNBC, reportedly got a call from Biden after his victory to thank them for their help, then imploded after reports swarmed of its handling of sexual misconduct allegations against one of its co-founders, John Weaver, and of the management of its finances. From the war in Ukraine, to the American wars over masks, the fighting is non stop, the pace is exhausting, the stakes are high, and the casualties are mounting. It’s all burning down.  And maybe that’s another example of why this is a moment for independent Americans in particular. Maybe we can quell the fires and stop the burning.  We also talk about our friend and frequent guest, Malcolm Nance—who is now putting his own ass on the line to #StandWithUkraine.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the news–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another 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 and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and Steve’s conversation here. -Get the vey cool Saint Javelin t-shirt Paul mentioned (and wore in this episode) and support Ukraine.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices