Dan Osborn is running as an independent in Nebraska. He's doing that to fool voters. He's a Democrat and a pretty far Left one at that.
Now, the leaked audio tells the whole story.
Dan Osborn called Trump’s border wall “a symbol of racism” that “does nothing,” according to leaked audio obtained by @playbookdc from a private July meeting with Latino and Black Dems.
— POLITICO (@politico) September 8, 2026
This is a 180-degree turn from his 2024 campaign ads.👇
🔗 https://t.co/uWE1QCMdXw pic.twitter.com/0S44wEsBLo
Dan Osborn called President Donald Trump’s border wall “a symbol of racism” that “does nothing” in an occasionally tense, private July meeting with Latino and Black Democrats — a 180-degree turn from his 2024 campaign ads.
In leaked audio obtained by Playbook, the independent Nebraska Senate candidate backed by the Nebraska Democratic Party also suggested his past support for the wall was a matter of “trying to win votes in a Republican state.”
Osborn acknowledged he faces “an uphill battle” in November against incumbent GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts, who’s attacked Osborn as “Democrat Dan.” Ricketts has led most polls of the race.
In the audio, Osborn also muses about what beating Ricketts would mean for his own platform.
So, he even admits he is running a scam on voters.
Don't worry, he totally won't be a Democrat if you elect him....truly an independent! https://t.co/6yXmZjBJqG
— CA ET Nerd (@earlyvotedata) September 8, 2026
If you believe that, we've got a bridge to sell ya.
Running as an “independent” in red states only works if you are actually independent, and hold some core conservative beliefs in front of and behind closed doors.
— Preston Hill (@realPrestonHill) September 8, 2026
This isn’t gonna work for Dan Osborn. https://t.co/CQQttH1QmQ
He is going to try it though, apparently.
The most interesting part of this — besides the obvious flip-flop — is how drastically this border messaging deviates from even the most progressive Dems on the Senate map
— Samuel Benson (@sambbenson) September 8, 2026
“There’s no question we need a safe, secure southern border," El-Sayed told @lisakashinsky last month… https://t.co/GlnxTu8rrw
a border wall is probably supported by 75% of Americans atp https://t.co/G3jXHXLUNm
— 🇺🇸 (@hawkeyemuse) September 8, 2026
A Democrat can't get elected saying America needs a safe border.
Oh look, Muh Independent red state pol turned out to be just a Libtard Dem running as an indy; it must be a day that ends with the letter 'y'
— Bill Marshal (@aethelamerican) September 8, 2026
Same as it ever was.
Evidence proves the wall and enforcement works!
— Owen Frederick (@OwenF_at_GAB) September 8, 2026
Democrats don't care about facts.
Dan Osborn is a Disgrace
— S.O.L.O.M.O.N (@AnyalorAriwa) September 8, 2026
How is wanting a wall to keep foreign invaders racist? These independent guys just play every game to get elected
— Director Ryan 🇺🇸 (@6Transitz) September 8, 2026
It's all about power.
why do latino and black democrats need to have a meeting with the independent senate candidate in nebraska?
— chase (@achasecoyne) September 8, 2026
Because he is really a Democrat.