Why subscribe?

Subscribe to get full access to our exclusive newsletters, early access to our podcast (48 hours before release), news on our latest lawsuits, fights, news, and publication archives.

About David B. Wheeler

Chief Chaos Coordinator, Strategic Overthinker, Occasional Poet, and Not Very Good Politician


🕴️ Title: Founder | Strategist | Storyteller | Professional Chaos Whisperer
📍 Location: North Carolina Mountains
🌎 Worked in: 75+ countries, all seven continents (yes, even Antarctica)


🧭 About David

David B. Wheeler has lived enough lives for three people and a novel. He’s run for office in North Carolina four times — won once, learned a lot from the rest — and worked in more than 75 countries across all seven continents. He insists he’s not a spy (wink), though his passport has other ideas.

He’s the rare mix of strategist and storyteller who somehow produced the first-ever marathon in Antarctica and once lowered the Mississippi River for a politician. Don’t ask how. (Actually, do — it’s a good story.)

David’s career weaves through politics, business, and global development. He builds organizations from the ground up and calls it “strategic chaos.” The wild part? It works.


🗳️ From Page to Politician

David got his political start early — Page in the Iowa House, US Senate Intern for Senator Tom Harkin, and Young Democrats National Committee member — back when optimism came in bulk.

His career became a political road movie, co-starring Glenn Close, Barbara Eden (yes, Genie herself), Mark Cuban, Lance Armstrong (pre-debacle), and Barack Obama in February 2007, when “President Obama” was still a long shot. He first met Joe Biden in 1986, when Joe still had hair, and his first campaign gig was dropping Jimmy Carter leaflets in Warren County, Iowa, in 1976.

Since then, he’s been everywhere — sometimes winning, often laughing, and always reminding everyone that politics is just theatre without a rehearsal.


🏔️ Family, Mountains, and Sanity Maintenance

These days, David’s most meaningful title is Single Dad. He’s the proud father of three school-aged kids who keep him humble, exhausted, and in love with snow days.

They live together in the North Carolina mountains, where David finds peace in nature, chaos in homework, and clarity in a good bottle of wine. He loves long road trips, fishing, Kurt Vonnegut novels, Terrence Malick films, and the occasional ceeegar.

As he puts it: “I traded campaign rallies for trout streams — and I’ve never been happier.”


📚 What’s Next

David’s working on a book that’s part exposé, part satire, all therapy — covering Madison “Face Humper” Cawthorn, Lauren “Beetlejuice” Boebert, and other walking punchlines of modern politics for American Muckrakers.

He continues advising, building, and occasionally rescuing organizations in tech, advocacy, and global development — all while proving that humor, data, and a strong cup of coffee can fix almost anything.

“I’ve seen the world. It’s messy, absurd, beautiful, and worth the fight — just like democracy.”

One project David is leading is the Make Earth Sane Again Summit to be held in Toronto in 2026. The world will need to come together when a certain someone is not in the White House and now is the time to start thinking about what that looks like.

Another project is the Trump Truth Commission. David envisions James Comey (yes that guy) chairing the endeavor with Vice Chairs Chris Christy, Hillary Clinton, Jane Harmon, Sally Yates, and others.


David B. Wheeler – Standing Style Rule for Public Commentary

Effective Date: Immediately
Applies To: Essays, Substack posts, op-eds, blog posts, and other long-form public commentary authored or published by David B. Wheeler or American Muckrakers


I. Purpose

This Standing Style Rule governs the form and framing of public commentary authored by David B. Wheeler to ensure that such commentary:

  1. Constitutes protected speech on matters of public concern

  2. Is clearly distinct from litigation conduct, pleadings, or evidenti submissions

  3. Respects judicial processes while preserving full First Amendment rights

  4. Avoids factual admissions, waivers, or unintended legal inferences

  5. Maintains consistency across publications regardless of subject or forum


II. Speech Classification

All covered writings shall be treated as:

  • Commentary, opinion, and advocacy

  • Public-interest discourse

  • Civic and political speech

Such writings are not intended to function as:

  • Legal pleadings

  • Sworn statements

  • Affidavits

  • Evidentiary proffers

  • Discovery responses

  • Litigation strategy statements


III. Structural Rules

A. Narrative Framing

  • Commentary shall focus on process, principles, and public implications, not factual adjudication.

  • Allegations shall be described at a high level, without restating pleadings or evidence.

  • Courts, not authors, are recognized as the proper forum for factual determinations.

B. Perspective

  • Use neutral third-person framing when referencing litigation conduct.

  • Avoid personalization of procedural events unless necessary for clarity.

  • Emphasize effects and consequences rather than intent or motive.

C. Language Discipline

  • Avoid ellipses, rhetorical pauses, or implied timing devices.

  • Prefer declarative sentences.

  • Avoid speculation regarding judicial outcomes or opposing counsel’s motives.


IV. Prohibited Content

The following shall not appear in covered writings:

  • Descriptions of evidence, witnesses, discovery, or trial strategy

  • Statements predicting litigation outcomes

  • References to settlement discussions

  • Instructions to courts or judges

  • Commentary intended to influence pending judicial proceedings

  • Emotional appeals directed at judicial actors


V. Required Protective Language

Each covered essay shall include language that:

  1. States the writing is protected speech on matters of public concern

  2. Disclaims any intent to function as a legal filing or admission

  3. Reserves all rights with respect to present or future lawful claims

  4. Distinguishes public commentary from litigation conduct

This language may appear in a disclaimer or be incorporated into the body of the work.


VI. Consistency Clause

Public commentary authored under this Standing Style Rule reflects a consistent and longstanding practice of public advocacy separate from formal litigation filings.

No single essay should be read in isolation as evidencing litigation intent, strategy, or motive.


VII. First Amendment Affirmation

Nothing in this Standing Style Rule limits or waives the author’s rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including the right to:

  • Speak on matters of public concern

  • Criticize public officials and public conduct

  • Advocate for accountability and reform

  • Engage in robust political discourse


VIII. Reservation of Rights

Adherence to this Standing Style Rule:

  • Does not concede any legal position

  • Does not waive any procedural or substantive rights

  • Does not limit access to courts

  • Does not preclude lawful litigation or defense

IX. Implementation

This Standing Style Rule applies prospectively and is intended to guide future publications.
It may be updated periodically to reflect evolving legal or editorial considerations.


🪶 In Short

David B. Wheeler turns chaos into opportunity, politics into punchlines, and life into one long, strange, exhilarating adventure — with great stories, questionable snacks, and a front-row seat to the absurd. Oh, and he lost 60 pounds in 2025.


🎙️ Contact & Media
📧 david@americanmuckrakers.com
🌐 AmericanMuckrakers.com
🎧 Host: MUCK YOU! Podcast
💡 Founder: Make Earth Sane Again (MESA) & Trump Truth Commission

User's avatar

Subscribe to American Muckrakers

American Muckrakers have been holding terrible politicians and people accountable since 2021. Co-Founded by Col. Moe Davis and David B. Wheeler in Western North Carolina. As a paid subscriber you'll have access to our weekly podcast first, and more!

People