Power and Accountability
Who makes the decisions, who benefits from them, and what happens when public power stops answering to the public.
Listen to Episode 1
Renewing Democracy Podcast
Political truth from outside the establishment.
Army veteran and former congressional candidate Jeff Sites examines American politics, democratic institutions, accountability, and the forces shaping the country's future.
Hosted by Jeff Sites
Latest Episode
Power Without Accountability
In this episode of Renewing Democracy, Jeff Sites looks at three stories connected by the same troubling pattern: leaders creating a crisis, ignoring the warning signs, and demanding more power. We examine the Trump administration's failed attempts to obtain sensitive voter data, the record deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Ohio Issue 3's push to place an existing photo ID requirement into the state constitution.
Different stories. Same question. Who pays the price when those in power get it wrong?
Find the show
Why Renewing Democracy?
Democracy does not renew itself. It survives when ordinary people pay attention, demand accountability, and refuse to surrender their voice.
Renewing Democracy brings together Jeff's experience as an Army veteran, former congressional candidate, working-class Ohioan, and political observer. The show looks past party scripts to ask who holds power, how institutions fail, and what meaningful reform would require.
What the Show Covers
Politics where power meets everyday life.
Independent commentary on the institutions, incentives, and decisions shaping American democracy, with Ohio as an essential part of the national story.
Democracy Under Pressure
The erosion of democratic norms, public trust, and institutions, examined without minimizing the stakes.
Coming SoonOhio and the Nation
Political life in Ohio and the ways local struggles reflect larger changes across the country.
Coming SoonReforming the System
Serious ideas for limiting the influence of money, widening representation, and rebuilding public accountability.
Coming SoonRecent Episodes
The latest conversations.
Power Without Accountability
Leaders create a crisis, ignore the warning signs, and demand more power. Who pays the price when those in power get it wrong?
Listen to episode
Coming Soon
The next episode of Renewing Democracy is scheduled for August 23, 2026.
Coming soon
Coming Soon
The next episode of Renewing Democracy is scheduled for August 30, 2026.
Coming soon
About the Host
Jeff Sites
Jeff Sites is an Army veteran, former Department of Defense police officer, warehouse manager, and former three-time candidate for Congress in Ohio's 4th District. Renewing Democracy draws on his experience in working-class communities, political campaigns, military service, and everyday life outside Washington.
Stay part of the conversation.
Get new episodes, commentary, and updates from Renewing Democracy.