380. Jon Thorp. Independent Veteran Running in TN-7 Special Election Next Week. Trump’s Biggest Test Since Election Day. Running Against Both Extremes. Why He Left the GOP. Facing Down Democrat Super PACs BS. Hegseth and Trump Go After Senator Kelly.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Righteous Media | Bleav

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

4.6 • 907 Ratings

🗓️ 25 November 2025

⏱️ 34 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Next week in Tennessee, the biggest and most important election since Election Day is happening. And it could be a key bellwether for the mid-term elections next year. But most of America doesn’t know it’s happening. Or that an independent veteran is running in it. But this fascinating and intense race is a reflection of all that is broken in American politics today. And also, may give you hope for the future. Can the Republicans hold this solidly red district? Will the Democrats continue their hot streak and win again? And will this little-known independent candidate be the determining factor? Independent veteran Congressional candidate Jon Thorp joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) from rural Tennessee to break down his high‑stakes special election outside of Nashville, why he walked away from the GOP to run as a true independent, and how MAGA money, Democrat Super PACs, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, gerrymandering, and broken election rules are all stacked against independent candidates like him. We’ll take you inside this fight for a Congressional seat that could alter the entire balance of power in Washington. In this latest special “Meet the Independent Candidate” episode, Paul talks exclusively with the former Army soldier and independent veteran who is running in a December 2nd special election in Tennessee’s 7th District—a race drawn to be safely Republican but now suddenly competitive. Jon explains how a district that stretches across 14 counties from the Kentucky line down toward Alabama was carved to exclude downtown Nashville, why that gerrymander matters, and what he is hearing from disillusioned voters who feel politically homeless and ignored by both parties. Jon is facing a Trump-supported loyalist and extreme Republican Matt Van Epps, AND a Kamala Harris-supported far left Democrat Aftyn Behn–and presenting himself as the moderate voice of reason in the middle. Trump is watching this race closely. You should too. And Paul also breaks down the top stories of the day–including reaction to the breaking news that the cases against James Comey and Leticia James have been dropped–and that Secretary of Defense and Pete Hegseth are considering launching an investigation and UCMJ legal action against political opponent, Navy Veteran and Democrat Senator Mark Kelly. 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. It’s 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 on YouTube now. -Learn more about Jon Thorp and his independent campaign. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Ways to Listen: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube Instagram Social Channels X/Twitter BlueSky Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Powered by righteous media.
0:17.6	Welcome to Independent Americans.
0:20.4	Welcome to episode 380. 380. Wow. I'm your host, Paul Reikoff, and it is Monday, November 24th. I am coming to you from New York City, USA. And coming up, I've got a great guest, Independent Veteran Candidate for Congress from North Carolina, John Thorpe.
0:38.8	As we continue our Meet the Independent Candidate series.
0:42.2	Meet the Independent Candidates.
0:45.3	And meeting another independent veteran who's stepping up to run in a special election happening next week.
0:51.3	But before we get to that awesomeness, the news just keeps on coming.
0:55.2	And it feels like Friday was a lifetime ago, but there is a lot to get into.
1:00.3	Top story right now that I want to bring your attention to. It's breaking news from CNN that
1:05.0	Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense have said they've launched a thorough review of allegations
1:09.6	against Senator Mark Kelly,
1:11.7	the astronaut, Navy combat veteran guest on this show, which could, quote,
1:16.1	lead to recall to active duty for court-martial procedure or administrative measures.
1:21.0	This is coming after Trump fired off at Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers for a video.
1:26.6	They made reminding service members of their
1:28.8	duty to disobey illegal orders. This is a big deal. I think it's very dangerous, dangerous, dangerous
1:35.1	territory for Hegset and Trump to be diving into. The debate comes up, this debate came up in the
1:40.2	past about recalling someone to act of duty for court martial around Mike Flynn when he was calling
1:44.7	for the overthrow of the government in January 6th, but that I think may have even been warranted.
1:49.9	This is a whole different thing. This is a sitting U.S. Senator. This is a member of the opposition
1:54.8	political party. It's, I think, unacceptable and uncharted territory to attack political enemies
2:00.3	and free speech and intimidate
	...

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