Independent Nation

A GOP to Democratic Flip

Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi was the first state elected representative to change from Republican to the Democratic Party. He believes the Republican Party has lot it's way and is no longer delivering for his community. Javadi represents an independent minded swing district on Oregon's coast. Where natural resources and tourism are the main industries. He is reportedly the first state representative to leave the GOP for the Democratic Party since Donald Trump was re-elected.

Pilot Episode

Pilot Episode Introducing an independently produced podcast examining the growing number of independent voters in a hyper-partisan world. Hosted by Sal Peralta and Rob Harris, elected local officials who have lead the fight for independent voting rights in Oregon. This episode discusses what independent voters have done in one state to assert the power of their vote within a two party system.

The Tradition of American Illiberalism

Professor of History Seth Cotler joins us to discuss our country's history of illiberalism, and the parallels of today and some prior times in America's past. We discuss the common threads of illiberal movements nationally and internationally and whether people who value American democracy, our separation of powers and personal liberties and freedom have anything to be worried about. Spoiler alert. We do.