American Potential

On this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, for a year-end conversation focused on restoring Congress’s constitutional role in decisions of war and peace. John explains why repealing outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force—passed in the wake of 9/11 with no sunset clauses—is essential to reestablishing accountability and preventing endless, open-ended conflicts. With most of the lawmakers who approved those authorizations no longer in office, the episode highlights growing bipartisan agreement that Congress must reclaim its responsibility when Americans are sent into harm’s way. The discussion also covers CVA’s major work this year, including advancing the Veterans Access Act to improve timely health care for veterans, and how grassroots advocacy helped drive real policy change. John shares what’s ahead for CVA in 2026 as the organization continues empowering veterans and citizens nationwide to engage in the democratic process.  

As 2026 approaches, host David From continues a year-end series with leaders across the Stand Together community—looking back at key wins from the past year and what’s ahead. In this episode, Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, explains how LIBRE empowers Hispanic Americans through limited-government principles, grassroots leadership, and policy advocacy in 13 states and in Washington, D.C. Sandra shares how LIBRE helped mobilize Hispanic communities around major federal tax policy—through education, local events, and direct engagement with lawmakers—and why the economy remains the top issue for Hispanic voters. Looking ahead to 2026, Sandra outlines LIBRE’s plans to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, expand civics education, and reconnect more Hispanics to the nation’s founding principles. Plus, LIBRE prepares to mark its own milestone—15 years of grassroots impact in Hispanic communities nationwide.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, American Potential continues its 50 Stars, 50 Stories series—exploring the history, culture, and defining moments of the states as they joined the Union. In this episode, host David is joined by Adam Thompson and Tyler Raygor to spotlight the states that became part of the United States in December, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Texas, and Iowa. Through stories, historical moments, and memorable facts, the conversation highlights what makes each of these states unique—from early capitals and constitutional firsts to cultural landmarks, iconic events, and the role these states continue to play in American life today. This episode is part of a month-by-month journey through America’s states, reminding us that the story of the United States is best told one star at a time.

  Yuma, Arizona plays a critical role in feeding the United States, supplying much of the nation’s leafy greens during the winter months. But farming at the border comes with unique challenges. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Cory Mellon, Chief Operating Officer of his family’s farm, to discuss the realities of agriculture in a border community. Cory explains how the H-2A visa program supports legal farm labor, why generational workers are essential to the industry, and what happens when that system breaks down. Cory also shares firsthand insight into the economic impact of nonworkers moving through active fields, the food-safety risks farmers face when fields are disrupted, and how a federal government shutdown delayed worker processing—threatening the harvest during a critical picking season. This conversation highlights the connection between secure borders, legal labor, and America’s food supply, and why getting immigration policy right matters far beyond the border.

What happens to a community when the border system breaks down — and what does it look like when order is restored? In this episode of American Potential, host David travels to Yuma, Arizona, to speak with Mayor Douglas Nicholls, who shares firsthand insight into the strain massive border crossings placed on his community and what life looks like now as crossings have dramatically declined. Mayor Nicholls discusses the impact on local law enforcement, emergency services, nonprofits, and residents, as well as the humanitarian toll on migrants caught in cartel-controlled systems. He explains why chaos at the border harms everyone involved — and why the rule of law, legal immigration, and secure borders are essential to protecting both people and communities. This conversation offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective from a border-town mayor who has lived the reality most Americans only see from afar.