Crashing The Political Party

Latest Episodes:

Independent Donna Charles, Candidate for VA Governor Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ talks with independent Donna Charles, who is running in the 2025 Virginia Governor election. They talk about her decision to run as an independent, her solutions to issues facing Virginia, what makes her different than the two major party candidates, how voters have reacted to her, elected officials she respects, book recommendations, and, of course, her love of the game Mortal Kombat!

Independent Maine Representative, Bill Pluecker Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

This week, AJ is joined by Maine independent state representative from Bill Pluecker. They talk about Bill's background as a farmer, why he is an independent, some of his policy priorities, how to support independent and resiliant farming (where AJ makes a Lord of the Rings reference), what it's like to campaign (and win) as an independent, being an independent in a closely contested legislature, forever chemicals, and Bill teaches AJ about a giant festival held in Maine every summer!

Political Reform Expert Dr. Lee Drutman Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ is joined by Dr. Lee Drutman, an expert on electoral reform and American politics. They talk about the "two party doom loop", why it's bad, how American voters actually more resemble a six party system, why we have a two party system, and how changing our electoral system to one with multimember districts and proportional representation may transform America into a multiparty system. If you ever wanted to hear AJ really nerd out with someone, this episode is for you.

CPP History Special on Eugene V. Debs, with Debs Museum Director Allison Duerk Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In our Season 3 Time Machine episode, AJ is joined by Allison Duerk, direct of the Eugene V Debs Museum to talk about who Debs is, the previous strength of the Socialist Party in America, why support for the party collapsed, what it was like for Debs to run for president from jail, why there has been increased interest in Debs in recent years, and what new research tells us about the importance of Kate Debs to Eugene and the Socialist Party.

Brandon Givens, Forward Party Candidate for VA-11 Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

In our third episode of the season, AJ talks with the Forward Party's nominee for the VA's House of Delegates District 11 race. They talk about who the Forward Party is, Brandon's decision to run as their candidate, his policy solutions to healthcare, education, election reform, and toxic politics between the two parties. They also talk about the process of getting on the ballot, how he is measuring success, some book recommendations, and what his campaign's mascot would be if it had one.

Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, Vermont Progressive Party Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ is joined by State Senator Tanya Vyhovsky from Vermont's Progressive Party. They talk about her biography, who the Progressive Party is, what makes the Progressive Party different from the big two, some of their major policies, why the Progressive Party has been so successful in Vermont, what in the world Fusion Voting is, what it's like trying to govern in a diverse political environment, and Senator Vyhovsky teaches AJ what Varenyky is.

Season 3 Premiere: George Foreman IV, Texas Independent Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Season 3 Premiere! AJ kicks things off with George Foreman IV, entrepreneur, educator, minister, son of the legendary heavyweight champion, and now independent candidate for Texas’s 18th congressional district. They dive into everything from growing up as a Foreman, to why he’s stepping into politics, his top three policy priorities, and how he plans to stand out in a crowded race. George also shares how he’d approach working in Congress, some of his favorite books, and perhaps most importantly, whether he ever flipped the Monopoly board as a kid.

Season Two Finale: 1968 Third Party Presidential Campaign George Wallace and the Rise of Partisan Po May 23, 2025

Show notes

To mark the end of Season Two, Dr. AJ Simmons fires up the Time Machine once again, this time landing in the chaotic presidential election of 1968. His focus is the third party presidential campaign of Alabama Governor George Wallace.

Joining AJ is Dr. Aram Goudsouzian, Bizot Family Professor of History at the University of Memphis and author of The Men and the Moment: The Election of 1968 and the Rise of Partisan Politics in America. Together, they explore why Wallace is often called the “Most Influential Loser” in American politics and how his campaign shaped the political landscape we live in today.

Working Families Party with Josh Michtom & Shontá Browdy May 16, 2025

Show notes

This week, Dr. AJ Simmons sits down with City Councilmember Josh Michtom and School Board Member Shontá Browdy, elected officials in Hartford, Connecticut, and members of the Working Families Party. They discuss what the party stands for, breaking through in a city dominated by a major party, campaigning as third-party candidates, building coalitions, and staying true to their values in office.

Jim Walden - Independent Candidate For Mayor of New York City May 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on Crashing the Political Party, we're joined by Jim Walden, an independent candidate for mayor of New York City. We dive into his vision for the city, what it means to run outside the two-party system, and how he plans to build a governing coalition in a deeply Democratic stronghold. Walden also shares his take on the biggest challenges facing New York, and how he thinks real change can happen.

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