The Optimistic American

The Economy Looks Fine… So Why Does It Feel Like a Mess?

In this episode of The Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack and columnist Bob Robb for a conversation about where the U.S. economy is headed — and what could derail it.The panel breaks down Trump’s Federal Reserve appointment, the importance of Fed independence, and whether interest rate cuts are coming sooner than expected. They explore why the stock market may be overvalued, how AI is reshaping productivity and GDP, and why housing affordability may not improve anytime soon.They also tackle the growing uncertainty caused by tariffs, the Supreme Court’s looming decision on presidential tariff authority, and how instability is impacting business confidence, investment, and job growth.Beyond economics, the discussion expands into:Trump’s strained relationships with allies like CanadaThe future of global trade and middle-power alliancesElection integrity, federal overreach, and political distractionsThe rise of the Arizona Independent Party and the legal battle challenging America’s political duopoly

Arizona’s First Independent Governor? Hugh Lytle 2026

In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to react to the announcement speech of Hugh Lytle, the independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, a historic moment in a state that has never elected an independent governor.As voter frustration with polarization and partisan gridlock continues to grow, the panel examines whether an independent governor could offer a real alternative to the two-party system. Paul breaks down what makes Lytle’s candidacy different, including his business and healthcare background and his emphasis on optimism, stability, and problem-solving.The episode then turns to two of Arizona’s biggest challenges — housing affordability and the education crisis — before closing with a discussion of recent events in Minneapolis, highlighting how political polarization is worsening governance, eroding public trust, and creating an opening where an independent candidate could make a meaningful difference.

Predictions 2026: The Economy, Housing Affordability, Immigration & Geopolitics

What will the United States look like in 2026?In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson and a panel of economists and political analysts break down the four biggest forces shaping America’s future: the economy, housing affordability, immigration enforcement, and geopolitics.First, the panel makes economic predictions for 2026, debating whether the U.S. can sustain growth amid uncertainty surrounding tariffs, Federal Reserve independence, market volatility, and the explosive rise of artificial intelligence.Next, the conversation turns to housing affordability, including Donald Trump’s proposal to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Will this lower prices — or make the housing shortage worse by discouraging new construction and investment?The discussion then shifts to ICE and immigration enforcement, focusing on the deadly incident in Minneapolis and the growing tension between federal immigration authorities, local governments, and activist networks. The panel examines whether aggressive enforcement is improving border control — or fueling instability inside American cities.Lastly, the episode explores geopolitics, focusing on U.S. military action in Venezuela and what it signals about America’s global strategy. The panel debates whether the move was driven by oil, deterrence, or political leverage, and what it means for regional stability. The discussion then broadens to Ukraine, NATO, and America’s standing with its European allies, raising concerns about weakening trust, rising global instability, and whether the current world order is beginning to fracture.

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.