The Forward Party Podcast

In this episode, Lindsey Drath is joined by Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey for an engaging conversation with Bob Chew, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Colorado, and Todd Achilles, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho. Together, they explore the growing movement to challenge America's two-party political system and examine how independent candidates could reshape the future of the U.S. Senate.
At the center of the discussion is the Fulcrum Strategy, an approach that suggests a small group of independent senators could hold the balance of power in a closely divided Senate. Instead of being tied to either major political party, these senators could negotiate with both sides, encouraging bipartisan cooperation while giving greater attention to issues that voters believe have been ignored.
Rather than campaigning on party loyalty, Bob Chew and Todd Achilles explain why they believe independent leadership creates opportunities to solve problems through collaboration instead of partisan politics. They discuss how narrowly divided Senate majorities could allow independent lawmakers to influence committee assignments, legislative priorities, and meaningful policy negotiations.
Drawing from their military service and professional careers, both guests explain how leadership, accountability, and public service have influenced their campaigns. Their experiences highlight why many Americans are looking beyond traditional political pathways in search of candidates who value practical solutions, constitutional principles, and service before party.
The conversation also examines how voters in Colorado and Idaho are responding to independent candidates. While each state has its own political identity, both guests argue that many voters identify as independents or have grown frustrated with increasing political polarization. They share why they believe there is growing demand for candidates willing to work across party lines.
Throughout the episode, the panel discusses some of the country's biggest challenges, including congressional gridlock, balanced budgets, housing affordability, immigration reform, the national debt, entitlement programs, campaign finance reform, election reform, and restoring confidence in government. Rather than focusing on political sound bites, the discussion emphasizes long-term solutions and productive governance.
Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey also offer valuable insights from their own public service, sharing advice on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters. Their perspectives reinforce the importance of listening, optimism, and local engagement while encouraging candidates to remain focused on serving their communities.

In this episode you'll hear about:
The Fulcrum Strategy and how independent senators could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

Why Bob Chew and Todd Achilles chose to run as independent candidates.

How military leadership shaped both candidates' approach to public service.

Discussions on housing, immigration, campaign finance, term limits, balanced budgets, and the national debt.

The role of the Forward Party in supporting independent candidates across the United States.

Advice from Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters.

We'd also love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments, tell us what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, and let us know which guests you'd like to hear from next. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with anyone interested in independent politics, election reform, and the future of the U.S. Senate. Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations to a wider audience.

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey explore one of the least understood yet most consequential issues in American politics: ballot access. While many voters assume that running for office simply requires filing paperwork and gathering signatures, the reality for independent candidates is often far more complicated. This conversation takes listeners inside the legal, political, and structural barriers that can prevent qualified candidates from ever appearing on the ballot.
Serving as guest host, Jackie Salit, one of the nation's foremost experts on independent politics and ballot access, leads an in-depth discussion with Hugh Lytle, an independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, and Mike Collier, an independent candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Together, they share firsthand experiences navigating election laws, defending their campaigns in court, and challenging systems they believe unfairly favor the two major political parties.
Throughout the conversation, listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern campaigning outside the traditional political establishment. Hugh Lytle explains how his campaign faced multiple legal challenges simply to qualify for the ballot in Arizona, describing the obstacles independent candidates encounter long before voters ever cast a ballot. He discusses petition requirements, lawsuits, party registration rules, and why he believes fair competition is essential for restoring confidence in elections.
Mike Collier offers an equally compelling perspective from Texas, where ballot access laws have become the subject of a federal constitutional challenge. Drawing on his background as an accountant and former statewide candidate, he explains how signature requirements, strict deadlines, and costly petitioning processes create enormous barriers for independent campaigns. He also discusses why his lawsuit could have lasting implications for election law, candidate access, and voter choice well beyond Texas.
The conversation goes beyond campaign logistics to examine broader questions about American democracy, constitutional rights, and whether the current political system gives voters the range of choices they deserve. Jackie Salit highlights decades of work advocating for independent voters while exploring how ballot access laws influence political competition, innovation, and public trust. Together, the panel considers what meaningful election reform could look like and why expanding opportunities for independent candidates may strengthen democratic participation.
Whether you're interested in election law, political reform, independent movements, or the future of democracy in America, this episode provides valuable context, thoughtful discussion, and firsthand accounts from leaders actively working to reshape the political landscape.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
Jackie Salit's decades of leadership on ballot access and independent politics.

Hugh Lytle's legal battles to secure ballot access in Arizona.

Mike Collier's federal lawsuit challenging Texas ballot access laws.

Why signature requirements and petition deadlines matter.

How election laws impact independent candidates and voter choice.

The constitutional questions surrounding ballot access.

The role of the Forward Party in supporting political reform.

Why expanding competition may strengthen American democracy.

If this conversation sparked new ideas or challenged your perspective, we'd love to hear from you. You can also follow the podcast and connect with Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, and the Forward Party across their official channels for updates, future episodes, and opportunities to get involved.

What happens when trust in government, confidence in the media, and faith in our political system all begin to erode at the same time? In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey sit down with veteran political journalist Chuck Todd for a thoughtful conversation about the forces shaping American politics and what it will take to rebuild public trust.
Drawing on decades of experience covering Washington and serving as moderator of Meet the Press, Chuck Toddshares why so many Americans feel frustrated with politics today. From economic uncertainty and the rise of artificial intelligence to growing political polarization and declining confidence in public institutions, the discussion explores why so many voters believe the current system no longer reflects their needs.
One of the central themes of the episode is the growing importance of local leadership. Rather than focusing only on national elections, the conversation highlights why mayors, city councils, state legislators, and governors often provide the strongest examples of practical problem-solving. The hosts examine how local government creates opportunities for leaders to work across political differences and serve their communities without the constant pressure of partisan politics.
The conversation also turns to the changing state of local journalism. As community newspapers shrink and television news consolidates, many Americans have fewer trusted local sources of information. Chuck Todd explains why rebuilding local news may be just as important as rebuilding political trust, arguing that healthy communities depend on informed citizens and shared civic experiences.
Another major topic centers on independent voters and the growing number of Americans choosing not to identify with either major political party. The hosts explore why independence continues to rise across the country and discuss whether election reforms, new political movements, and different incentive structures could encourage more collaborative leadership. Rather than framing politics as a battle between left and right, the episode examines the value of character, temperament, and respect in public service.
The discussion also looks ahead to how AI may reshape media, communication, and public confidence. While technology creates new challenges around misinformation and synthetic content, the panel considers why live conversations, community events, and face-to-face engagement may become even more valuable in the years ahead.
Throughout the episode, listeners will hear thoughtful perspectives on:
Why Americans increasingly distrust government and media.

The role local journalism plays in strengthening democracy.

How independent candidates can change political incentives.

Why local elections often matter more than national headlines.

The importance of respectful dialogue across political differences.

How AI could reshape news, public trust, and civic engagement.

Why Gen Z represents a major opportunity for political change.

The future of town halls, community conversations, and citizen participation.

Whether you're interested in American politics, democracy reform, independent movements, or simply looking for a deeper conversation about where the country is headed, this episode offers practical insights without relying on partisan talking points. Chuck Todd brings years of reporting experience while the hosts contribute firsthand perspectives from public service, creating a balanced discussion focused on solutions rather than political theater.
Share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues who care about the future of civic engagement, and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform to help more listeners discover the show. You can also follow The Forward Party for update and opportunities to join the conversation as the movement continues to grow across the country.

On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey take on a question that sits at the center of today’s political conversation: How are political identity and media shaping the way Americans think, vote, and imagine what comes next?
Politics once felt more predictable. Party affiliation was often inherited through family, geography, or tradition. Today, identity is shaped by a much broader mix of influences—media consumption, community, trust, lived experience, and how people interpret the world around them. As more Americans identify as politically independent, this conversation explores whether the country is entering a new era of political participation.
Joining the conversation is John Avlon, journalist, political analyst, and host of How to Fix It, who brings historical context and practical perspective to questions around institutional reform, polarization, and the growing appetite for alternatives to the traditional two-party structure.
The discussion opens with a look at governing norms and whether longstanding mechanisms like the filibuster still serve their intended purpose. Rather than framing reform as demolition, the conversation explores what meaningful changes could look like while preserving checks and balances that protect democratic systems.
From there, the conversation expands into one of the defining political shifts of this generation: the rise of independent voters. With nearly half of Americans now identifying outside the two major parties, the group explores whether independent candidates offer something many voters are actively searching for—an off-ramp from polarization and permission to think beyond inherited political labels.
John Avlon shares insight into:
The growth of independent political identity across America
Why fusion voting and alternative coalition building matter
What history teaches us about successful independent candidates
How hyperpartisanship affects governance and public trust
Why restoring civics education could strengthen democracy
The conversation also examines where independent candidates may be most viable—from executive leadership positions to congressional races—and why geography, political culture, and voter psychology all shape outcomes.
In the second half of the episode, the focus turns toward media, storytelling, and public trust with special guest Khalil Ekulona, former NPR host and community storyteller.
Together, the hosts and Khalil explore how media has changed over the last two decades and what those changes mean for democracy. They challenge the idea that data alone tells the full story and argue that listening to lived experiences creates a deeper understanding of public issues.
This discussion moves beyond headlines and asks bigger questions:
Are media organizations creating space for complexity?
What happens when local journalism disappears?
How do communities rebuild trust in information?
Can storytelling close the imagination gap around political reform?
What role should philanthropy and civic leadership play?
Khalil Ekulona makes the case that every American carries a different version of the country in their own experience—and that meaningful progress requires hearing those stories rather than reducing people to categories.
The conversation also takes an honest look at the collapse of local news ecosystems, shrinking editorial coverage, and whether emerging tools and new models can help reconnect communities to local government and civic participation.

Whether you’re politically independent, deeply engaged in civic life, interested in media trends, or simply looking for more thoughtful conversations about the future of American democracy, this episode offers a grounded and wide-ranging discussion on where the country is headed.

What happens when a nation built on compromise starts treating every disagreement like a battle? In this thought-provoking episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Williams Drath, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey sit down with former U.S. Congressman, Army veteran, and author Chris Gibsonto explore one of the most important questions facing America today: What did the Founders get right, and what have we forgotten?
Drawing from his book, The Spirit of Philadelphia, Gibson takes listeners inside the debates, tensions, and breakthroughs that shaped the U.S. Constitution. Far from a nostalgic conversation about returning to the past, this discussion focuses on how the principles behind America’s founding can help citizens navigate political polarization, declining trust in institutions, and growing frustration with the two-party system.
Throughout the episode, the conversation examines how the Founders viewed human nature, why they believed power should be checked and balanced, and how compromise was designed into the structure of American government. Gibson argues that while the nation’s earliest leaders often disagreed on policy, they shared a common political philosophy rooted in civic responsibility, informed citizenship, and a commitment to the republic.
The discussion also explores the role of political parties, the rise of factionalism, and the warnings issued by leaders such as John Adams and George Washington. The hosts examine whether America has drifted away from the spirit of cooperation envisioned at the Constitutional Convention and what citizens can do to help restore trust in public life.
Listeners will hear insightful reflections on topics including constitutional governance, civic engagement, political reform, leadership, and the growing movement toward independent and alternative political voices. The conversation highlights how meaningful change often begins at the local level and why community involvement remains a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
The Spirit of Philadelphia and the compromises that made the Constitution possible
Why the Founders believed an informed and engaged citizenry was essential
The difference between political philosophy, ideology, and public policy
Lessons from Abraham Lincoln and the challenges of preserving national unity
The impact of political polarization on modern governance
Campaign finance reform, term limits, and electoral reform proposals
The role of third parties and independent movements in American history
How trust, accountability, and civic responsibility can strengthen democracy
One of the most compelling themes of the episode is the idea that democracy requires more than elections. It requires participation. Gibson explains that the Constitution was designed to encourage negotiation, compromise, and peaceful change rather than permanent political warfare. The hosts connect these ideas to the mission of the Forward Party, which seeks to bring together Americans around shared principles rather than rigid partisan identities.
For anyone interested in American history, public policy, constitutional government, political reform, civic leadership, or the future of democracy, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible discussion grounded in both historical perspective and contemporary relevance.
To stay connected with the movement and future episodes, follow the Forward Party online, engage with the podcast community, and join the ongoing conversation about building a stronger, more representative future for all Americans. Every thoughtful discussion, shared episode, and new listener helps expand the dialogue and strengthen citizen participation in the democratic process.