In this episode, Hillari Lombard sits down with Adam Brandon of the Independent Center to explore how independent voters reshaped the 2024 election — and what it means for the future of American politics.

They dive into why traditional party strategies are losing ground, how grassroots movements and digital media are fueling real change, and what a future beyond partisan gridlock could look like.

Adam Brandon is a longtime grassroots leader and a Senior Advisor at the Independent Center, an organization committed to empowering independent voters with common-sense solutions.

If you believe there's a better way forward, this conversation is for you.

Episode Links:

• America's Independent Center for Independent Voters

Donald Trump’s America First policy has reignited a debate that has shaped U.S. history for centuries: Should America lead on the world stage, or should it pull back and focus on problems at home? In this episode, Hillari Lombard sits down with Charles Kupchan—senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, professor at Georgetown, and author of Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself from the World—to unpack the past, present, and future of American isolationism.

This episode is a good-faith attempt to understand what America First really means—not just as a campaign slogan, but as a governing philosophy. Whether you support it, fear it, or are just trying to make sense of it, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Resources that informed this episode:

• Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself From the World | Council on Foreign Relations
• Supporting Ukraine Is in Trump’s Interest by Michael Froman & Charles A. Kupchan - Project Syndicate
• Trump Is Right That Pax Americana Is Over - The Atlantic
• The Past and Future of American Isolationism | Council on Foreign Relations

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Charles A. Kupchan is Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University, and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2014 to 2017, Kupchan served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council in the Obama White House. He was also Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council during the first Clinton administration. His most recent books are Anchoring the World: International Order in the Twenty-First Century (2021), Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself from the World (2020), No One’s World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn (2012), and How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace (2010). His forthcoming book is Bringing Order to Anarchy: Governing the World To Come.

In this episode of Moderate Party, host Hillari Lombard dives deep into the increasing power of the U.S. presidency and how it has changed over time. Triggered by the importance of President’s Day and growing concerns about executive power, Hillari takes listeners on a journey from the ineffective Articles of Confederation to the immense authority wielded by modern presidents. The episode critically examines the policies and actions of Presidents George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, and discusses how each administration expanded executive powers. Hillari warns about the dangers of unchecked presidential power and explores how congress has succeeded in creating an American King.

Moderate Party returns after a hiatus and Hillari Lombard hits the mic to talk about where she's been and where we're going.

In this episode of Moderate Minis, Hillari Lombard explores Vice President Kamala Harris's sweeping economic policies aimed at tackling affordability and creating new opportunities. Harris targets the high cost of living and corporate greed with proposals to invest in small businesses, enforce price gouging laws, and expand tax credits. Her ambitious agenda includes raising the child tax credit, introducing a $6,000 newborn tax credit, and making the Earned Income Tax Credit more accessible. These measures, while promising to reduce financial stress and child poverty, spark debates over their $1.4 trillion price tag and potential increase in government dependency. Harris's strategy also involves fostering 25 million new small businesses through government contracts and low-interest loans, funded by tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations. Critics worry about the impact on investment and national debt, but supporters argue it's a fair approach to tackling income inequality and providing better social outcomes. The feasibility of passing these through Congress remains a big question mark, coloring Harris's policies as both ambitious and contentious.

On this episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard tackles the major economic policies presented by former President Donald Trump, analyzing the impact of his tax cuts and tariffs. The discussion dives deep into the implications of Trump's America First agenda, focusing on corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and proposed tariffs, as well as their potential short-term benefits and long-term consequences. With references to expert analyses, the episode addresses who truly benefits from these policies and what they mean for the average American consumer. The first in the 'Moderate Minis' series, the episode aims to provide a clear, nuanced view of Trump's economic vision. Stay tuned for a detailed comparison with Vice President Kamala Harris's economic plan in our upcoming episode.

Chapters:

00:00 Debate Highlights: Trump vs. Harris

01:13 Introducing Moderate Minis

01:35 The Economy: A Voter's Priority

03:41 Trump's Economic Promises

06:34 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

10:16 Impact of Corporate Tax Cuts

17:13 Trump's Tariff Plans

26:50 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Links used to inform this episode:



• The 2024 Trump Campaign Policy Proposals: Budgetary, Economic and Distributional Effects — Penn Wharton Budget Model
• Tax Policy and Investment in a Global Economy*
• The Efficiency-Equity Tradeoff of the Corporate Income Tax: Evidence from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
• MODELING THE DISTRIBUTION OF TAXES ON BUSINESS INCOME | Joint Committee on Taxation

In our annual 4th of July episode Hillari takes to the mic to work out why Independence Day feels different this year. She reflects on patriotism under strain, American exceptionalism, and the fundamental beliefs that form the American Identity. She comments on a recent controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting former presidents immunity for certain official acts, the shifting balance of powers, and the broader implications for American democracy. Additionally, she addresses concerns about President Biden's mental fitness and the anxiety many feel about the country's future. Finally, Lombard delves into what it truly means to love your country—reflecting on how America's promise of individual value and rights has shaped her life, and emphasizing that real patriotism involves active participation and defense of democratic principles.

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In this bonus episode of Moderate Party, Hillari reacts to the recent debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump.

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Moderate Party returns from summer hiatus this July! Get caught up on episodes you may have missed before we return to your airwaves mid summer.

If you haven't already purchased your ModPod Merch, head over to Moderatepartypodcast.com and check out the store while supplies last.

Arizona has undeniably stepped into the national political spotlight in recent years, from contentious debates over abortion bans to its pivotal role in both the 2020 election and the upcoming 2024 battle. In today's episode, Hillari sits down with Representative Laura Terech to gain insight into the Arizona political landscape and delve into her remarkable journey from kindergarten teacher to influential political figure in the state. They also discuss why, after a very successful term in the Arizona Legislature, she's made the difficult decision not to seek re-election.

Recorded live at the New Deal Leaders Idea Summit, this episode explores the challenges and triumphs of navigating Arizona's divided political landscape as a moderate voice in an increasingly divided country. From personal struggles to professional victories, Terech's story of transformation and empowerment is full of insights and inspiration for Moderates everywhere.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Sources that helped inform this episode:

• NewDEAL Leaders
• Arizona For Abortion Access
• Civic Engagement Beyond Voting - Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, an Indivisible group, is a grassroots nonpartisan organization that works to empower Arizona’s citizens to exercise their voices at the local level.

Guest: Rep. Laura Terech

Representative Laura Terech (Legislative District 4 - Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix) is a proud product of Arizona public schools, including both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. After earning her master’s degree in education, she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade in a Title I school district. She is the ranking Democrat on the House Municipal Oversight & Election committee and also sits on House Education. Representative Terech also had the honor of serving as the House member on Governor Hobbs’ Bipartisan Elections Task Force. Rep Terech has been instrumental in securing a water supply for communities in Arizona such as the Rio Verde Foothills and negotiating a fix for the election recount law.

Outside of the Legislature, Terech serves as the Training Director for the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Civic Engagement Beyond Voting.

Connect with Rep. Terech: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | Website

Hillari talks with Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of the NewDeal Leaders, about the current state of the democratic party heading into 2024.

Check out Debbie's podcast