362. Republican for Virginia Lt Governor John Reid. A Historic Run for a Gay GOP Candidate. Debating an AI Opponent. Personal Attacks and Bullet Proof Vests. Shutdown Insanity: Troops on Food Stamps. Team Rubicon Steps Up Again.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Righteous Media | Bleav

Daily News, Veteran, News, Politics, News Commentary, National Security

4.6 • 907 Ratings

🗓️ 29 October 2025

⏱️ 37 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this special episode of Independent Americans, your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is joined by his old friend and colleague, John Reid, who is now the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia—and the first openly gay candidate from a major party for statewide office in state history. John opens up about the cutthroat realities of running for office, the personal attacks he’s faced, the real mental and physical risks in today’s political climate—including wearing a bulletproof vest on the campaign trail—and why he believes fairness, respect, and honest debate are needed more than ever. They talk about food insecurity among military families during the federal shutdown, political hypocrisy in both parties, practical paths for bipartisan progress in Virginia, and the surprising story behind Reid’s viral AI “debate” with his Democratic opponent. Plus, John shares why he remains a Republican, how his campaign has inspired young people, and what gives him hope. It’s a look at what it’s like to run in 2025, what it’s like to be openly gay in the Republican party, to run an outsider campaign, and what it takes to stand up for what you believe in. It’s a respectful and candid conversation with two guys who disagree on some things— but agree on many more. Especially their love for their country. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. Its independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, Anna, I've got a new secret weapon for print.
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0:12.0	If you need it, we print it at vistaprint.co.com.
0:14.9	Powered by righteous media. Media.
0:35.1	Welcome to Independent Americans. Welcome to Episode 3662.
0:38.9	I'm your host, Paul Reichoff.
0:40.4	Today is Wednesday, October 29th.
0:43.6	It is Hump Day.
0:44.8	So let's all try to get over that hump together Monday on the show.
0:48.3	Now that we're daily was Manosphere Monday.
0:51.4	Yesterday was Hurricane Tuesday.
0:53.6	My thanks again to Barbara Starara Star, and today is
0:56.7	Hump Day, and we've got a great show. My old friend John Reed, who's running for Lieutenant
1:01.9	Governor of Virginia, is here. Coming up in just a minute, Hurricane Melissa is devastating
1:07.4	Jamaica and the Caribbean right now. Trump and Hegseth have hit some more boats off the coast of Venezuela.
1:14.3	The shutdown continues and is not getting enough attention, but it will on this show.
1:19.5	World Series game four. The Blue Jays have evened it up. They won last night, six to two.
1:25.3	Vladdy hit a homer, Kirk hit a homer. O'Tani did his thing, but didn't dominate, and they, six to two. Vladdy hit a Homer, Kirk hit a homer.
	...

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