The Forward Party Podcast - Forward Party

Latest Episodes:

The Forward Party Podcast EP21 - Bob Smith and Brian Bengs on Breaking Free From Two-Party Politics Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, we explore the growing movement toward political independence and the candidates challenging America's traditional two-party system. From California to South Dakota, candidates are questioning whether Democrats and Republicans can fully represent voters. As frustration with partisan gridlock grows, independent politics offers another way to approach leadership and governing.

Joined by special co-hosts Kayla Berube, the Forward Party's national political director, and Sabrina, representing the youth vote, we speak with Bob Smith and Brian Bengs about their political journeys and the challenges of breaking away from traditional party expectations.

The conversation begins with Bob Smith and the idea of a cross-partisan caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. What if Republicans, Democrats, independents, and Forward Party members worked together around shared priorities? The discussion explores how a coalition of lawmakers could become a deciding voting bloc, encourage cooperation across party lines, and change how Congress approaches decision-making.

The hosts also examine how election rules shape political choices. Open primaries and election reform could give candidates more freedom to represent their constituents without being bound by party expectations. The episode considers the challenges facing politicians who want to work across the aisle in a system shaped by partisan divisions.

Next, we speak with Brian Bengs, who is running for the U.S. Senate in South Dakota, one of the country's most Republican-leaning states. After the Democratic nominee stepped aside, Bengs entered a one-on-one race against a sitting Republican incumbent. His campaign raises an important question: how can an independent-minded candidate appeal to voters who identify strongly with a party but want their elected officials to put their interests first?

Bengs shares his perspective on independent leadership and the potential for senators to build relationships across party lines. The conversation explores what political independence could look like in Washington and whether lawmakers can cooperate on shared issues instead of defaulting to partisan divisions.

Across both interviews, the central question is whether independent candidates can help create a more representative and collaborative form of American government.

In this episode, we discuss:

Independent candidates and the two-party system
Bob Smith and cross-partisan cooperation in Congress
Brian Bengs and the South Dakota Senate race
Open primaries and election reform
Bipartisan cooperation in the U.S. House and Senate
Youth perspectives and the future of American democracy

California and South Dakota have very different political environments, but both conversations point to a growing interest in alternatives to traditional party politics. Through congressional coalitions, independent campaigns, and election reform, candidates are exploring new ways to represent voters.

If you're interested in the Forward Party, independent politics, bipartisan cooperation, open primaries, and the future of American democracy, this episode offers a closer look at the people and ideas shaping the conversation.

Listen to The Forward Party Podcast, share this episode with someone interested in political reform, and join the conversation. Follow the podcast for more discussions with candidates, political leaders, and people working to change American politics. We welcome your questions, comments, and perspectives on how elected officials can better represent the people they serve.

The Forward Party Podcast EP20 - Iowa Politics: Bridgford and Fallon on Breaking the Two-Party Grip Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, the conversation turns to Iowa politics, political reform, independent voters, and the long game of changing American politics. The episode features congressional candidate Michael Bridgford and longtime Iowa political voice Ed Fallon, offering two perspectives on what is happening in Iowa and why the state is important to watch for independent and third-party politics.

The episode begins with Michael Bridgford, who is running for Congress in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. With roughly a third of registered voters unaffiliated, the conversation explores what those voters are saying and what traditional party candidates may be missing. Michael discusses listening directly to voters, the Iowa State Fair soapbox tradition, and why he chose to run.

A central theme of Michael’s campaign is the question of why. He explains why meaningful change requires looking beyond individual policy debates toward the systems and incentives that shape government. The conversation also examines the Forward Party’s strategy for creating political change, including opportunities in closely divided legislative bodies and candidates committed to pragmatic, representative government.

The episode then shifts to Ed Fallon, who brings decades of experience in Iowa politics. Fallon served for 14 years in the Iowa House and has continued following politics through his work as a commentator and radio host. His perspective provides context for Iowa’s political structure and the changes he has witnessed since his time in office.

One of the key topics is Iowa’s approach to redistricting. Fallon explains why Iowa has avoided some partisan redistricting dynamics seen elsewhere and discusses the role of the state’s process in producing more competitive elections. The conversation also looks at nonpartisan local government and third-party candidates, including opportunities for candidates outside the traditional Democratic and Republican structure to compete where one party has effectively ceded control.

Key themes from the episode include:

Iowa politics and the 2026 election cycle, including the importance of unaffiliated voters.
Michael Bridgford’s campaign for Congress in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and his case for systems-level political change.
The Forward Party’s strategy for influencing closely divided legislative chambers through pragmatic, independent-minded candidates.
Ed Fallon’s experience in Iowa government and his perspective on how the state’s political environment has evolved.
Redistricting and electoral reform, including Iowa’s approach to drawing political districts.

Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to the idea that political change is rarely created by one election, one candidate, or one policy proposal. It is built over time through relationships, voter conversations, candidates willing to challenge established incentives, and people who continue showing up. For the Forward Party, that means finding opportunities where independent candidates can make a meaningful difference and building from those successes.

The episode closes by connecting Ed Fallon’s decades of political engagement with Michael Bridgford’s current campaign. Together, their perspectives offer a look at why Iowa matters and why political reform is a long-term project.

Listen to The Forward Party Podcast EP20 for a deeper conversation about Iowa politics, independent voters, electoral reform, redistricting, campaign strategy, and the effort to build a more representative political system. If you found the episode valuable, like, share, and follow the podcast to help more people discover these conversations. Engage with the hosts and the Forward Party online, share your perspective on the issues raised, and stay connected for future conversations with candidates and political leaders working to move American politics forward.

The Forward Party Podcast EP19 - Elizabeth Dionne and Emily Buss on Governing Across Party Lines Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

The Forward Party Podcast EP19 brings together Elizabeth Dionne and Utah State Senator Emily Buss to explore what independent-minded leadership looks like when the goal is to govern, solve problems, and work across party lines. Both describe an approach centered on listening, practical results, and good governance.

Elizabeth Dionne joins the conversation while running for Massachusetts state treasurer on the Republican ballot line. Drawing on local government experience in Belmont, she explains why she entered statewide politics, ballot access, and what she hears from voters. She discusses transparency, accountability, public records, external audits, affordability, taxes, local aid, and the fiscal pressures facing cities and towns.

Elizabeth’s experience shows how local government can create space for people with different political views to work toward shared outcomes. She describes reforms involving budgeting, pension investments, zoning, commercial development, and business access. Her approach is grounded in the idea that communities can make progress when leaders work from shared facts rather than partisan assumptions.

Elizabeth also talks about the difficulty of building trust with voters who have become skeptical of political promises. She explains why her record in local government matters to her campaign and why she believes transparency and accountability should be central responsibilities for elected officials. The episode also examines proposals for voter choice.

The second half features Emily Buss, a Utah State Senator who ran on the Forward Party ballot line and became the only Forward member serving in the Utah State Senate. Emily describes entering public office with no prior political experience and learning to navigate a partisan institution through listening.

Emily talks with constituents, subject matter experts, stakeholders, teachers, workers, and community members before making decisions. She emphasizes hearing directly from people affected by legislation and understanding unintended consequences.

Emily also discusses working with Republicans and Democrats in the Utah Capitol. She describes building relationships through everyday interactions and focusing on getting the work done. The conversation explores collegiality, bridge building, and serving effectively without treating every issue as a partisan contest.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Independent leadership and governing across party lines
Massachusetts ballot access, transparency, and accountability
Fiscal responsibility, taxes, affordability, and local aid
Local government reform and long-term budgeting
Emily Buss’s experience in the Utah State Senate
Listening to constituents and subject matter experts
Open primaries and broader voter choice
Data center energy and water efficiency standards
Property taxes and the cost of everyday essentials

Throughout the episode, Elizabeth and Emily offer two perspectives on independent governance: one campaigning for statewide office and one serving inside a state legislature. Their stories provide a practical look at political leadership outside traditional party expectations.

Whether you are interested in independent politics, political reform, state government, civic engagement, or how elected officials can work with people who disagree with them, this conversation offers a detailed discussion of what governing beyond party lines can look like in practice.

Listen to the full episode of The Forward Party Podcast and join the conversation about how politics can focus more on people, problem solving, transparency, and good governance. Share the episode with someone interested in independent leadership and follow the podcast for more conversations with candidates, elected officials, and people working to change how government operates. Engage with the Forward Party and its hosts through the podcast’s social channels and online community beyond this episode.

The Forward Party Podcast EP18 - Diana DiZoglio on Accountability, Transparency and Party Independence Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

What happens when an elected official decides that serving the public matters more than following the party line? On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Drath and Ben Carter sit down with Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor, for a candid conversation about government accountability, political independence, transparency, and what it takes to challenge your own party when you believe the public interest comes first.

As Massachusetts State Auditor, DiZoglio’s job is to examine state government on behalf of taxpayers, looking at how public programs operate and whether government resources are being used responsibly. She explains what a state auditor actually does, why independent oversight matters, and why transparency is essential when elected officials are entrusted with public money and public power.

A major focus of the conversation is the tension between party loyalty and public responsibility. DiZoglio ran for office as a Democrat, but she makes clear that her role as auditor requires her to examine government without giving special treatment to people simply because they share her political affiliation. That approach has put her at odds with Democratic leaders in Massachusetts, including the state legislature.

The conversation turns to a Massachusetts ballot measure requiring the legislature to participate in an audit by the State Auditor’s Office. DiZoglio discusses the significance of voters supporting greater oversight and her frustration with legislative resistance to the audit. For her, the issue goes beyond Democrats or Republicans. It is about whether elected institutions should be subject to the same standards of accountability expected from everyone else.

DiZoglio shares her experience working with people across the political spectrum, including Republican groups and voters who may not agree with her on every issue. She argues that leaders should actively search for areas where people can work together rather than allowing political differences to prevent progress on issues where common ground exists.

The discussion also examines how political parties can respond when one of their own elected officials refuses to follow the expected party line. DiZoglio speaks openly about feeling pressure from the Democratic political establishment and why she believes voters should look beyond party labels when deciding who deserves their support.

Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to a central question: Who does an elected official actually work for?For DiZoglio, the answer is the people. Her approach reflects a larger idea at the heart of the Forward Party: elected leaders should be accountable to their constituents rather than political organizations.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Diana DiZoglio’s role as Massachusetts State Auditor and what her office does for taxpayers
Government accountability, transparency, and oversight across state government
The importance of independent thinking in elected office
Massachusetts politics and the state’s large population of independent voters
The debate over auditing the Massachusetts legislature

Why voters should look beyond the D or R next to a candidate’s name

The role of checks and balances in protecting voters
What independent leadership could mean for the future of American politics

Diana DiZoglio’s story raises an important point for voters everywhere: party affiliation can tell you something about a candidate, but it should never be the only thing you consider. Look at the record. Ask who they are willing to challenge. Pay attention to whether they are willing to stand up for transparency and accountability, even when doing so comes at a political cost.

Follow The Forward Party Podcast on your preferred podcast platform, stay connected with the Forward Party, and join the conversation by sharing your perspective on what it means to put people and good governance over party politics.

The Forward Party Podcast EP17 - Kevin Kiley's Path From Republican to Independent in Congress Today Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a sitting member of Congress decides that answering to his constituents matters more than answering to a political party? On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Drath, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey sit down with Congressman Kevin Kiley, who made the unusual decision to leave the Republican Party and run for Congress as an independent.

Kiley’s decision was driven by his experience with partisan gridlock and gerrymandering. When California’s redistricting process split his former congressional district into six different pieces, he faced a choice: pursue a newly created safe Republican district or run in a bluer district as an independent. He chose the harder path, arguing that taking advantage of the gerrymander would only contribute to the problem.

That decision has already produced a historic result. Kiley finished first in California’s top-two primary, becoming the first independent candidate to reach the top two since the system began in 2012. Now he is campaigning for the general election and trying to demonstrate that an independent member of Congress can win, govern, and represent constituents without being controlled by either major party.

During the conversation, Kevin Kiley explains what led him away from the Republican Party, what it feels like to operate in Washington without the protection of a party structure, and why he believes the current rules of the House make it unnecessarily difficult for independent members to serve effectively.

Why Kiley believes partisanship has become embedded in Congress
How gerrymandering and redistricting influenced his decision to become independent
Why his primary victory could open a new path for independent candidates
How a small group of independents could gain leverage in the House
Why House rules could change to give independents access to committee assignments
What Kiley learned about the psychological toll of partisan conflict
Why voters across party lines want representatives who answer directly to constituents

The hosts also explore the role of The Forward Party in helping independent candidates compete in a political system built around Democrats and Republicans. Kiley describes discovering the movement after deciding to leave the GOP and explains why he sees value in building a political platform that provides independent candidates with fundraising, campaign resources, voter information, technology, and support.

For Kiley, independence is not about refusing to work with either party. It is about having the freedom to consider each issue on its merits and make decisions based on what he believes is best for his district and the country. He points to healthcare, cost of living, congressional rules, and electoral reform as areas where bipartisan agreement may already exist among voters and members of Congress, even when party leadership prevents that agreement from becoming policy.

This episode offers a close look at independent politics, congressional reform, gerrymandering, political polarization, and the future of American representation through the experience of someone currently inside the system. Kiley’s story raises a larger question: what could Congress look like if more elected officials had the freedom to answer to their constituents first?

To stay connected with The Forward Party Podcast, follow the podcast on your preferred podcast platform, listen to future episodes, and share the conversation with people interested in independent politics, political reform, and a different approach to governing. Engage with the hosts and The Forward Party through their social channels and continue the conversation about building a political system that gives voters more meaningful choices.

The Forward Party Podcast EP16 - Breaking Free From Party Politics with Ken Block and Rick Bennett Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to govern effectively when you leave the traditional party system behind? On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Drath, former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healy sit down with two independent candidates running for governor in 2026: Ken Block of Rhode Island and Rick Bennett of Maine. Their conversations explore why experienced political leaders are stepping away from party labels, what voters are asking for, and whether independent candidates can offer a different approach to governing.

Ken Block, a Forward-endorsed independent candidate for governor of Rhode Island, joins the hosts to discuss his third campaign for the state's highest office. Block has previously run under different political labels, but says his views have remained consistent while the parties around him have changed.

A major theme of Block's campaign is government dysfunction. He points to Rhode Island's infrastructure challenges, including the collapse of a major bridge in Providence, as an example of problems that voters expect government to address. He says voters are increasingly frustrated with political gridlock and are looking for leaders who will focus on practical solutions rather than partisan conflict.

Affordability is another central issue. Block says the cost of energy, housing, and groceries is weighing heavily on Rhode Islanders, with energy costs standing out as a particular concern. He discusses the taxes included in electricity bills and argues that state policy should do more to reduce the burden on families already struggling with rising costs.

Ken Block discusses why independence can be an advantage in the governor's office.
Rhode Island voters identify affordability and government dysfunction as major concerns.
Block explains his views on education, energy costs, infrastructure, and AI-driven workforce changes.
The hosts discuss the unique power and responsibilities of a state governor.
Block explains how he plans to campaign outside the Republican and Democratic primary contests.

The episode then turns to Rick Bennett, a Forward-endorsed independent candidate for governor of Maine and former President of the Maine Senate. Bennett brings 18 years of experience in the Maine Legislature, along with experience in the private sector, and explains why he decided to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent.

For Bennett, the decision is rooted in a belief that party politics have become an obstacle to solving practical problems. He describes Maine as a state with a strong tradition of independence, where voters have repeatedly shown a willingness to choose candidates based on the individual rather than the party label. Bennett says that experience has made his transition to independent politics feel less like a departure from his values and more like a return to the approach he has always taken.

Bennett also shares what he is hearing from voters across Maine. Housing affordability, childcare, workforce shortages, energy costs, and education are among the issues he says matter most in everyday life. He argues that these concerns often receive less attention than national political fights, even though they directly affect whether families can afford to live, work, and build their lives in their communities.

Rick Bennett explains why he chose to run for Maine governor as an independent.
Maine's history of electing independent governors provides important context for his campaign.
Bennett discusses housing, childcare, workforce shortages, energy, and education.
The hosts examine ranked choice voting and its role in Maine elections.
Bennett describes his campaign message: “Let's get to work.”

Listen to The Forward Party Podcast for more conversations about the people, ideas, and campaigns working to change how American politics operates.

The Forward Party Podcast EP15 - The Fulcrum Strategy with Bob Chew and Todd Achilles Explained Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Lindsey Drath is joined by Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey for an engaging conversation with Bob Chew, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Colorado, and Todd Achilles, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho. Together, they explore the growing movement to challenge America's two-party political system and examine how independent candidates could reshape the future of the U.S. Senate.

At the center of the discussion is the Fulcrum Strategy, an approach that suggests a small group of independent senators could hold the balance of power in a closely divided Senate. Instead of being tied to either major political party, these senators could negotiate with both sides, encouraging bipartisan cooperation while giving greater attention to issues that voters believe have been ignored.

Rather than campaigning on party loyalty, Bob Chew and Todd Achilles explain why they believe independent leadership creates opportunities to solve problems through collaboration instead of partisan politics. They discuss how narrowly divided Senate majorities could allow independent lawmakers to influence committee assignments, legislative priorities, and meaningful policy negotiations.

Drawing from their military service and professional careers, both guests explain how leadership, accountability, and public service have influenced their campaigns. Their experiences highlight why many Americans are looking beyond traditional political pathways in search of candidates who value practical solutions, constitutional principles, and service before party.

The conversation also examines how voters in Colorado and Idaho are responding to independent candidates. While each state has its own political identity, both guests argue that many voters identify as independents or have grown frustrated with increasing political polarization. They share why they believe there is growing demand for candidates willing to work across party lines.

Throughout the episode, the panel discusses some of the country's biggest challenges, including congressional gridlock, balanced budgets, housing affordability, immigration reform, the national debt, entitlement programs, campaign finance reform, election reform, and restoring confidence in government. Rather than focusing on political sound bites, the discussion emphasizes long-term solutions and productive governance.

Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey also offer valuable insights from their own public service, sharing advice on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters. Their perspectives reinforce the importance of listening, optimism, and local engagement while encouraging candidates to remain focused on serving their communities.

In this episode you'll hear about:

The Fulcrum Strategy and how independent senators could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Why Bob Chew and Todd Achilles chose to run as independent candidates.
How military leadership shaped both candidates' approach to public service.
Discussions on housing, immigration, campaign finance, term limits, balanced budgets, and the national debt.
The role of the Forward Party in supporting independent candidates across the United States.
Advice from Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters.

We'd also love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments, tell us what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, and let us know which guests you'd like to hear from next. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with anyone interested in independent politics, election reform, and the future of the U.S. Senate. Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations to a wider audience.

The Forward Party Podcast EP14 - Can Independents Break Through? Ballot Battles in Texas & Arizona Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey explore one of the least understood yet most consequential issues in American politics: ballot access. While many voters assume that running for office simply requires filing paperwork and gathering signatures, the reality for independent candidates is often far more complicated. This conversation takes listeners inside the legal, political, and structural barriers that can prevent qualified candidates from ever appearing on the ballot.

Serving as guest host, Jackie Salit, one of the nation's foremost experts on independent politics and ballot access, leads an in-depth discussion with Hugh Lytle, an independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, and Mike Collier, an independent candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Together, they share firsthand experiences navigating election laws, defending their campaigns in court, and challenging systems they believe unfairly favor the two major political parties.

Throughout the conversation, listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern campaigning outside the traditional political establishment. Hugh Lytle explains how his campaign faced multiple legal challenges simply to qualify for the ballot in Arizona, describing the obstacles independent candidates encounter long before voters ever cast a ballot. He discusses petition requirements, lawsuits, party registration rules, and why he believes fair competition is essential for restoring confidence in elections.

Mike Collier offers an equally compelling perspective from Texas, where ballot access laws have become the subject of a federal constitutional challenge. Drawing on his background as an accountant and former statewide candidate, he explains how signature requirements, strict deadlines, and costly petitioning processes create enormous barriers for independent campaigns. He also discusses why his lawsuit could have lasting implications for election law, candidate access, and voter choice well beyond Texas.

The conversation goes beyond campaign logistics to examine broader questions about American democracy, constitutional rights, and whether the current political system gives voters the range of choices they deserve. Jackie Salit highlights decades of work advocating for independent voters while exploring how ballot access laws influence political competition, innovation, and public trust. Together, the panel considers what meaningful election reform could look like and why expanding opportunities for independent candidates may strengthen democratic participation.

Whether you're interested in election law, political reform, independent movements, or the future of democracy in America, this episode provides valuable context, thoughtful discussion, and firsthand accounts from leaders actively working to reshape the political landscape.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Jackie Salit's decades of leadership on ballot access and independent politics.
Hugh Lytle's legal battles to secure ballot access in Arizona.
Mike Collier's federal lawsuit challenging Texas ballot access laws.
Why signature requirements and petition deadlines matter.
How election laws impact independent candidates and voter choice.
The constitutional questions surrounding ballot access.
The role of the Forward Party in supporting political reform.
Why expanding competition may strengthen American democracy.

If this conversation sparked new ideas or challenged your perspective, we'd love to hear from you. You can also follow the podcast and connect with Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, and the Forward Party across their official channels for updates, future episodes, and opportunities to get involved.

The Forward Party Podcast EP13 - Chuck Todd on Why Local Leadership Can Restore American Trust Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

What happens when trust in government, confidence in the media, and faith in our political system all begin to erode at the same time? In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey sit down with veteran political journalist Chuck Todd for a thoughtful conversation about the forces shaping American politics and what it will take to rebuild public trust.

Drawing on decades of experience covering Washington and serving as moderator of Meet the Press, Chuck Toddshares why so many Americans feel frustrated with politics today. From economic uncertainty and the rise of artificial intelligence to growing political polarization and declining confidence in public institutions, the discussion explores why so many voters believe the current system no longer reflects their needs.

One of the central themes of the episode is the growing importance of local leadership. Rather than focusing only on national elections, the conversation highlights why mayors, city councils, state legislators, and governors often provide the strongest examples of practical problem-solving. The hosts examine how local government creates opportunities for leaders to work across political differences and serve their communities without the constant pressure of partisan politics.

The conversation also turns to the changing state of local journalism. As community newspapers shrink and television news consolidates, many Americans have fewer trusted local sources of information. Chuck Todd explains why rebuilding local news may be just as important as rebuilding political trust, arguing that healthy communities depend on informed citizens and shared civic experiences.

Another major topic centers on independent voters and the growing number of Americans choosing not to identify with either major political party. The hosts explore why independence continues to rise across the country and discuss whether election reforms, new political movements, and different incentive structures could encourage more collaborative leadership. Rather than framing politics as a battle between left and right, the episode examines the value of character, temperament, and respect in public service.

The discussion also looks ahead to how AI may reshape media, communication, and public confidence. While technology creates new challenges around misinformation and synthetic content, the panel considers why live conversations, community events, and face-to-face engagement may become even more valuable in the years ahead.

Throughout the episode, listeners will hear thoughtful perspectives on:

Why Americans increasingly distrust government and media.
The role local journalism plays in strengthening democracy.
How independent candidates can change political incentives.
Why local elections often matter more than national headlines.
The importance of respectful dialogue across political differences.
How AI could reshape news, public trust, and civic engagement.
Why Gen Z represents a major opportunity for political change.
The future of town halls, community conversations, and citizen participation.

Whether you're interested in American politics, democracy reform, independent movements, or simply looking for a deeper conversation about where the country is headed, this episode offers practical insights without relying on partisan talking points. Chuck Todd brings years of reporting experience while the hosts contribute firsthand perspectives from public service, creating a balanced discussion focused on solutions rather than political theater.

Share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues who care about the future of civic engagement, and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform to help more listeners discover the show. You can also follow The Forward Party for update and opportunities to join the conversation as the movement continues to grow across the country.

The Forward Party Podcast EP12 - Political Identity, Civic Trust and the Rise of Independents Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey take on a question that sits at the center of today’s political conversation: How are political identity and media shaping the way Americans think, vote, and imagine what comes next?

Politics once felt more predictable. Party affiliation was often inherited through family, geography, or tradition. Today, identity is shaped by a much broader mix of influences—media consumption, community, trust, lived experience, and how people interpret the world around them. As more Americans identify as politically independent, this conversation explores whether the country is entering a new era of political participation.

Joining the conversation is John Avlon, journalist, political analyst, and host of How to Fix It, who brings historical context and practical perspective to questions around institutional reform, polarization, and the growing appetite for alternatives to the traditional two-party structure.

The discussion opens with a look at governing norms and whether longstanding mechanisms like the filibuster still serve their intended purpose. Rather than framing reform as demolition, the conversation explores what meaningful changes could look like while preserving checks and balances that protect democratic systems.

From there, the conversation expands into one of the defining political shifts of this generation: the rise of independent voters. With nearly half of Americans now identifying outside the two major parties, the group explores whether independent candidates offer something many voters are actively searching for—an off-ramp from polarization and permission to think beyond inherited political labels.

John Avlon shares insight into:

The growth of independent political identity across America
Why fusion voting and alternative coalition building matter
What history teaches us about successful independent candidates
How hyperpartisanship affects governance and public trust
Why restoring civics education could strengthen democracy

The conversation also examines where independent candidates may be most viable—from executive leadership positions to congressional races—and why geography, political culture, and voter psychology all shape outcomes.

In the second half of the episode, the focus turns toward media, storytelling, and public trust with special guest Khalil Ekulona, former NPR host and community storyteller.

Together, the hosts and Khalil explore how media has changed over the last two decades and what those changes mean for democracy. They challenge the idea that data alone tells the full story and argue that listening to lived experiences creates a deeper understanding of public issues.

This discussion moves beyond headlines and asks bigger questions:

Are media organizations creating space for complexity?
What happens when local journalism disappears?
How do communities rebuild trust in information?
Can storytelling close the imagination gap around political reform?
What role should philanthropy and civic leadership play?

Khalil Ekulona makes the case that every American carries a different version of the country in their own experience—and that meaningful progress requires hearing those stories rather than reducing people to categories.

The conversation also takes an honest look at the collapse of local news ecosystems, shrinking editorial coverage, and whether emerging tools and new models can help reconnect communities to local government and civic participation.

Whether you’re politically independent, deeply engaged in civic life, interested in media trends, or simply looking for more thoughtful conversations about the future of American democracy, this episode offers a grounded and wide-ranging discussion on where the country is headed.

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