Embracing America’s Independent Spirit | Adam Brandon on the Rise of Independents

Nearly 40% of Americans now identify as independents, reflecting deep frustration with partisan politics. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Bob Gatty speaks with Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center and co-author of The Exhausted Majority.

Brandon shares his journey from leading FreedomWorks to shaping a new independent movement that seeks to disrupt the two-party duopoly. Topics include:

• Why independents are the “exhausted majority” of American politics

• The Independent Center’s strategy to influence Congress by 2026

• Opportunities for independents on state and national ballots

• The role of AI in transforming campaigns and civic engagement

• How millennials and Gen Z are driving a more policy-focused approach

👉 Don’t miss this conversation about independence, reform, and the future of American democracy.

🔗 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at LeanToTheLeft.net.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:01 Challenges and Strategies for Independent Voters

05:40 Gerrymandering and Independent Candidates

11:38 The Role of AI in Politics

13:24 Funding and Supporting Independent Candidates

17:30 Lessons from the Tea Party Movement

23:21 The Exhausted Majority: Upcoming Book

26:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts