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July 16, 2025 80 mins

Today we're talking with our friend Coyote Marin, Executive Director of the Independent California Institute, about the new poll they've put out with YouGov on California sentiment towards autonomous rule.

The highlights?

  • 50% of Californians say they trust Sacramento more than Washington, D.C.—only 23% say the reverse.

  • 71% say California would be better off with special autonomous status within the U.S.

  • 44% would vote for a ballot measure for peaceful, legal secession—but 54% would vote against it.

  • 72% of Californians want California police to arrest federal immigration officers who exceed their authority or act maliciously.

  • 80% of Californians want to control borders with other states “like a country."

Coyote walks us through the polls, including some very interesting small steps that Californians could take toward stronger autonomy that state legislators could get behind, given voter sentiments.

We also touch on mainstream media responses to the poll, as well as the fact that the, uh, interesting folks trying to punch through a ballot measure declaring the Golden State's autonomy fell a good deal short on their latest efforts.

It's a good one. Especially if you're trying to learn how to best help California gain further freedom without, you know, turning our state into more of a war zone than it has already become.

Want to help ICI with their research?

Support them at: ic.institute/donate

Find them on Bluesky: @ic.institute

And follow their work at: https://independentcalifornian.substack.com/

As always, you can like, rate, and subscribe to The Drain on all of your favorite podcast platforms.

Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at thedrainpodcast@gmail.com.

And subscribe to our Patreon for premium Friday episodes of The Plug :)

Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

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