Let’s just say what everyone’s thinking: politics is broken. The business climate is wrecked, our cities are hollowing out, and people are too scared to speak their minds. In this no-filter episode of The RICE Report, Eric sits down with John Reid, the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to talk about: - Why cancel culture is economic warfare — and how it’s destroying free speech. - How eliminating “Right to Work” laws will crush Virginia’s economy and entrepreneurs. - The raw truth about unions, wage mandates, and the myth of economic justice. - His plan to cut red tape and bring real business—and real jobs—back to Virginia. - Why leadership today means telling the truth even if it gets you canceled. John also reveals something deeply personal: wearing a bulletproof vest on the campaign trail—and what that says about the state of our political discourse. If you're tired of politicians who say one thing and do another, you'll want to hear this. This isn’t about party lines. It’s about saving the American way of life. 👉 COMMENT BELOW: Should every American have the right to work without being forced to join a union? 🔔 Subscribe for more no-nonsense interviews with real candidates taking real action. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to The RICE Report & Why Local Elections Matter 01:08 – John Reid on the GOP’s Inflection Point: “What headline do you want on Nov 5th?” 03:00 – The Fight to Protect Virginia’s Right to Work Laws 04:55 – “Democrats want to kill Right to Work — that’s pure socialism.” 06:50 – Union Dues, Forced Membership & the Cost to Workers 08:10 – John: “I’m not anti-union, I’m pro-choice—for workers.” 10:55 – Mall Emptiness & What It Says About the Economy Today 11:40 – “We need to remove red tape if we want entrepreneurs to stay.” 13:05 – $100K to Start a Popsicle Stand? The Cost of Overregulation 15:15 – Why John Gave Up a Successful Career to Run for Office 17:00 – $3M vs $300K: David vs. Goliath Fundraising Battle 20:00 – “If I win, I’ll be the first openly gay statewide Republican in VA history.” 25:50 – On Political Violence & Wearing a Bulletproof Vest to Campaign 27:20 – “I may not like what you say, but I’ll defend your right to say it.” 30:05 – Ending: “America is not a place where candidates need body armor.”