Ken Burns claims that without the military and strategic support of France, the American colonies would not have won their independence.

“If France doesn't enter the war, does America win independence? >> I don't think so. I think it's central.”

Being unaligned allows for more intellectual freedom to analyze issues without pressure to conform to a specific political group's agenda.

“not having this weird obligation to any political group so I can actually explore the issues and not feel pressured to think in one way or another”

Stephen A. Smith identifies as a registered independent who rejects one-party rule and seeks to challenge both sides of the aisle.

“My name is Stephen A. Smith. I am a registered independent. I don't vibe with either side of the political aisle because I don't trust either side.”