New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill—Naval Academy grad, former helicopter pilot, mom of four and one of America’s most important rising leaders—joins Paul just one day before the Army-Navy game to talk about service, courage and standing up to Donald Trump in real time. She explains why Trump’s rush toward a war with Venezuela is “almost incomprehensible,” why the mounting evidence of war crimes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is so dangerous for the military, and how veterans like Sherrill and Senator Mark Kelly are pushing back and reminding troops they must follow the law and the Constitution—not illegal orders.​ Sherrill breaks down how she won New Jersey, why independents trusted her to freeze utility rate hikes on day one, and what servant leadership looks like when you’ve actually worn the uniform and still shop at Costco, order Halloween costumes online, and worry about your kids’ mental health like everyone else. She and Paul dig into the pressure Trump is putting on the Guard, the stakes for governors like Wes Moore and Sherrill if deployments expand, and why this moment demands governors who understand national security, not partisan theatrics.​ It’s Football Friday, so Paul and Governor-Elect Sherrill also make NFL picks, trash-talk each other over Army-Navy, and preview next year’s Army-Navy Game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—with Sherrill promising to “do it up right” as host and unapologetic Navy fan. Plus: Paul’s “dad hack” Christmas-tree clapper tip, Sherrill’s “something good” about seeing her midshipmen in Baltimore, and why this episode is a blueprint for how veterans can still rise, lead and win in a Trump-dominated era. 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 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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices