Big Picture

Red, White, And Blue. Or “Me” Versus “You”?

American Figure Skater Alysa Liu didn’t just capture hearts at the Olympic Games; she became a lightning rod for a divided nation. While her performance on the ice was a masterclass in skill and grace, the conversation off the ice took a predictable, polarized turn. Her ascent to the podium highlighted a common theme throughout these winter games: rather than celebrating a singular national triumph, voices from both the left and the right have been scrambled to claim the medalists as a symbol for their own specific agendas. This "identity tug-of-war" raises a frustrating question: When did we stop letting athletes just be athletes?

In this week’s newsletter… we cover Alysa Liu’s historic gold medal and the Gen Z American Dream that is captivating our nation. U.S. snowboarding icon Chloe Kim is using her platform to push back against political division. On the ice, we celebrate Jack Hughes’ gritty, overtime-winning performance for Team USA, while David Litt argues that the Olympic spirit still transcends rising global nationalism. Finally, we reflect on the need to hold our political leaders to the same standard of excellence as our world-class athletes.

NUMBER TO KNOW

59%

59% of Americans agree that the American team’s performance and participation in the Olympics makes them proud to be an American.

This Week’s Independent Ideas

Think the American Dream Is Dead? Alysa Liu Begs To Differ.

Alysa Liu just made history as the first American woman in 24 years to win individual Olympic figure skating gold—her story is a highlight of what ambition and dreams are capable of in the United States. From her father’s narrow escape from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests to a brazen espionage plot involving FBI protection and Chinese spies, Liu’s victory is more than a sports milestone; it’s a high-stakes geopolitical thriller. The Daily Signal breaks down how the "Blade Angel" defied a regime’s intimidation tactics to claim her place at the top of the podium for the US.

Chloe Kim’s Call for Olympic Unity

In the midst of a gold-medal run, U.S. snowboarding icon Chloe Kim is using her platform to push back against political division. After President Trump publicly criticized one of her teammates, Kim issued a powerful plea for national unity at the games. WHSV reports on how the star athlete is balancing her role as a global competitor with the need to defend her "Olympic family," arguing that the Games should be a time for the country to come together rather than tear itself apart.

No Teeth? No Problem. US Hockey Wins Big With A Patriotism For The Ages

Jack Hughes just delivered the ultimate "hockey tough" moment on the world’s biggest stage. After losing his front teeth to a high stick earlier in the game, the Team USA star didn't head for the locker room—he headed for the net, burying a clinical overtime winner to take down a rival. Us Weekly captures the gritty, gap-toothed celebration and Hughes’ defiant message of patriotism that has turned him into the breakout hero of the Winter Games.

Whose Gold Is It, Anyways?

While the headlines focused on "America First" rhetoric and political tension, former Obama speechwriter David Litt saw something different in the stands. Writing for The New York Times, Litt argues that the 2026 Winter Games provided a powerful rebuke to rising global nationalism. From the shared groans of a crowd when a skater falls to the universal joy of a gold-medal performance, he explores how the "global cultural order" remains much stronger than the governments currently in charge. It’s a thoughtful look at why, even in a divided era, we can still root for our country without rooting against the world.

The Olympics Make Us Proud to Be American. Our Government Should, Too.

When the U.S. anthem plays at the medal podium, the feeling of national unity is undeniable—but why does that pride seem to vanish the moment we look toward Washington? Writing for Bleeding Heartland, Bruce Lear reflects on the 2026 Winter Games as a rare mirror for the American soul. From the grit of the athletes to the shared joy of the fans, Lear argues that the excellence we demand from our Olympians should be the same standard we hold for our political leaders. It’s a stirring call to bridge the gap between our sporting triumphs and our civic responsibilities.

Partner Spotlight

Builder’s Movement

The Builders Movement is launching an unmistakably Texan, culture-forward campaign to tackle a critical issue: the 80% of Texas voters who typically skip the primaries. Because primary winners in March often go on to win the general election in November, low turnout allows a small group of politically extreme voters to dictate leadership for the majority.

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Fresh from the IC

How 5 People Could Change EVERYTHING

What if the “duopoly” finally had competition? Adam Brandon and a team of Independents explain why the power is shifting back to the people.

The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the plurality of the electorate.

We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.