CZM Rewind: Third Position & A Secret Third Thing
Oct 15, 2026 · 1h 27m
Summary
Host Molly Conger explores the 2012 presidential campaign of Merlin Miller, a failed filmmaker nominated by the American Third Position Party. The episode traces Miller’s radicalization through conspiracy theories about the USS Liberty and 9-11, as well as his connections to white nationalist networks like the Ron Paul movement. It also details the party’s origins in California skinhead groups and its efforts to legitimize itself through mainstream politics, featuring interviews with party figures and an analysis of Miller’s bizarre campaign activities.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro
2012 election and third-party candidates
Origins of American Third Position
Party leadership and Ron Paul connections
Strategies for mainstream appeal
Sponsors and interlude
Merlin Miller's background and film career
USS Liberty conspiracy theories
Sponsors and interlude
Richard Thompson and the False Flag project
Miller's 2012 campaign and sponsors
Party conventions and key figures
Americana Pictures and Arminius
Defining the 'Third Position' ideology
Election results and post-campaign
Glenn Allen and party future
Sponsors and outro
Pharmaceutical advertisement
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