The Optimistic American

A Generation Under Economic Pressure and Trump’s New National Security Plan

America is facing a growing crisis — and it’s hitting young people the hardest.In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb dive into the real economic anxiety shaping politics today, from AI-driven job disruption and rising costs of living to declining faith in education, homeownership, and opportunity.We explore how artificial intelligence is changing the job market, why young men are becoming a key political swing group, and how economic stress can fuel radical politics and social unrest. The conversation also examines the broader cultural and global context — including antisemitism, nationalism, foreign policy shifts, and America’s changing role in the world.

Is America Ready for a Third Party? The Truth Both Sides Fear

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to break down the growing political earthquake reshaping the United States — the rise of independent voters and the increasing demand for a viable third party. With nearly one-third of voters now registered as unaffiliated, frustration with Democrats and Republicans is reaching historic highs. Topics Discussed in This Episode:- Why independent voters now outnumber party-loyalists in key states- The legal battle over the Arizona Independent Party and why the establishment is threatened- How gerrymandering is killing real representation- Why MAGA Republicans and far-left Democrats are leaving moderates behind- Whether America is heading toward populism, authoritarianism, or renewed democracy- The case for smaller federal government & more power to the states- Can pragmatic, problem-solving politics still win?- Why many believe Congress is broken — and how independents could fix itThis conversation exposes what both political parties don’t want voters to hear, including how independents could flip key districts, reshape Congress, and force genuine problem-solving back into American politics.

Why Life Is Becoming More Unaffordable in America

America’s affordability crisis isn’t just a headline — it’s the defining political and economic battle of our time. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Henry Thompson and Bob Robb to uncover the real reasons why life is becoming harder to afford for working Americans. From tariffs that secretly raise food prices, to inflation outpacing wages, to broken fiscal and monetary policy, this conversation exposes how BOTH political parties created — and are now worsening — the affordability disaster.Topics Discussed in Video: - The political fallout of the Epstein file fight and why MAGA voters rebelled- Why Trump quietly reversed food tariffs — and what that means- How Democrats won recent elections on affordability while offering no real solutions- Why inflation feels worse than the numbers show- The truth about productivity, regulation, and America’s economic stagnation- Why independents may be the only path out of political and economic dysfunction- Housing, energy, and water crises that are about to explode in states like Arizona

Tariffs, AI Layoffs, and the new Arizona Independent Party

America is at a crossroads — politically, economically, and technologically. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Eliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb to unpack the forces reshaping the country.- The conversation dives into Donald Trump’s tariffs and his clash with Ronald Reagan’s free-market legacy, exposing how protectionism, inflation, and political rage are reshaping the U.S. economy. What does it mean when one man can raise taxes through “emergency powers”?- At the same time, artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of the economy. Major layoffs at Amazon, Intel, and Salesforce raise questions about automation, productivity, and the future of human work. Is AI an economic threat — or America’s next big growth engine?- And while Washington remains paralyzed by partisan division, Independent voters are on the rise — with Arizona leading a movement to challenge the two-party system. Can a new generation of Independents restore sanity, cooperation, and innovation to American politics?

Political Extremism, Dark Money, and Will Republicans Overturn the Next Election?

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson is joined by Republican strategist Sean Noble, columnist Bob Robb, and political scientist Henry Thompson to tackle some of the most pressing questions in American politics. Would Republicans really overturn a future election? Has Trump’s leftward shift pushed Democrats toward socialism? The panel also unpacks Kamala Harris’s failed campaign, Arizona’s political landscape, the growing influence of dark money, and much more.