362. Republican for Virginia Lt Governor John Reid. A Historic Run for a Gay GOP Candidate. Debating an AI Opponent. Personal Attacks and Bullet Proof Vests. Shutdown Insanity: Troops on Food Stamps. Team Rubicon Steps Up Again.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff · Oct 29, 2025 · 36m

In this special episode of Independent Americans, your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is joined by his old friend and colleague, John Reid, who is now the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia—and the first openly gay candidate from a major party for statewide office in state history. John opens up about the cutthroat realities of running for office, the personal attacks he’s faced, the real mental and physical risks in today’s political climate—including wearing a bulletproof vest on the campaign trail—and why he believes fairness, respect, and honest debate are needed…