About this episode

The episode discusses the rise of independent voters and the challenges they face within the two-party system.

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast , Lindsay Drath sits down with Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and John Goodwin for a grounded, thoughtful conversation on the growing momentum behind independent voters and what it really takes to challenge America’s entrenched two-party system. What starts as a discussion on political identity quickly expands into a deeper look at structural barriers, voter frustration, and the untapped potential sitting in plain sight across the country. At the center of the conversation is a striking reality: nearly half of Americans now identify as independents, yet the system itself makes it incredibly difficult for those voices to translate into representation. From closed primaries to limited ballot access, the episode breaks down how the current structure favors party insiders while leaving everyday voters on the outside. The hosts don’t just point out the problems—they explore what a different path could look like. There’s a strong emphasis on grassroots energy and the people powering this movement. Volunteers, local leaders, and first-time candidates are stepping forward not because it’s easy, but because they see a gap that needs to be…

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