Here’s the Left of Lansing Monday Musing for July 22, 2024. President Joe Biden made his decision to drop-out of the race, and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. And as I suspected, with Biden doing the honorable thing, a new jolt of energy is reverberating across the Democratic Party voting…
Friday Short: Democrats CANNOT Be Afraid of ’68 Convention Specter
Here’s the Friday Short for July 19, 2024! Many Biden supporters argue that Democrats can’t ask him to step aside, and they risk replaying the 1968 Democratic Convention, in which the eventual nominee, Hubert Humphrey, lost to Republican Richard Nixon. But I feel like we’re forgetting the events leading to the ’68 convention, and other…
Episode 94: Never Backing Down w/ Democratic State House Candidate Jodi Decker
Here’s Episode 94 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-14:36: Trump Shooting/MAGA Violence/Neil Friske Pat opens the show talking about the assassination attempt on former President Trump, and how MAGA Republicans (with the help from corporate media) are trying to blame the Left for the shooting. It’s an absurd attack considering how MAGA extremists have been…
Monday Musing: MAGA Want Trump Shooting To Squash Dissent
Here’s the Monday Musing for July 15, 2024. In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the MAGA movement is hoping it can be used to squash any kinds of dissent against the MAGA movement. And it’s hoping the corporate media will play a key role in making sure Democrats stay…
Friday Short: Media Protects Trump For Profits!
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for July 12, 2024. Yes, I’ve said my piece when it comes to what I believe President Biden should do this election. I think he should step aside to help the Democrats win. If I’m wrong, and Biden and the Democrats win big this November, then I’ll be…
Episode 93: Democratic Rep. Carrie Rheingans On Keeping Michigan Trifecta Blue
Here’s Episode 93 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! 00:00-17:10: Pat’s talks about the debate within Michigan’s Democratic Party on whether or not President Joe Biden should step aside in the 2024 campaign. He repeats his take that Biden should step aside for the good of democracy. If he doesn’t, he hopes Joe proves him wrong!…
Monday Musing: Lisa McClain’s UAW Support Hypocrisy
Here’s the Monday Musing for July 8, 2024 During the July 4th holiday weekend, right-wing MAGA Michigan Republican Congresswoman Lisa McClain tweeted a horrible video where she blasted local Democrats for driving a Subaru during a parade in Clarkston. 🚨🚨🚨Must Watch! 🚨🚨🚨 President Trump stands with auto workers and traditional American values. President Biden doesn’t…
Monday Musing: MAGA SCOTUS Says Presidents Are Kings
Here’s the Left of Lansing Monday Musing for July 1, 2024. Just days before we celebrate our independence from monarchy, the MAGA majority on the Supreme Court ruled that presidents are kings! In a 6-3 ruling, the MAGA majority wrote that presidents are immune from laws if they are “official” acts, whereas they are not…
Political Moderates Prolong Human Suffering
That’s right! Left of Lansing is on YouTube! And I’m starting to add non-podcast material on there. So, please subscribe to Left of Lansing on YouTube, and also subscribe to the podcast. As you’ll see, I am no Greta Gerwig yet when it comes to producing my own videos! This was my first try, and…
Friday Short: Good Abortion Rights News From Michigan This Week!
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for June 28, 2024 In what has been a rather bleak news for progressives and Democrats this week, there’s been some good news on abortion rights in Michigan this week. Proving, once again, that Michigan believes in the economic and health care freedoms of women. After a Court…
Episode 92: Slate’s Nitish Pahwa On Lansing’s Political Power
Here’s Episode 92 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Nitish Pahwa is Slate’s associate writer for business and tech, and he’s a native Michigander. In fact, he grew-up around Lansing, and remembered what the political scene was like just a decade ago when MAGA Republicans had complete control of state government. That’s why he’s surprised to…
Friday Short: Add Neil Friske To The MAGA Crime Wave!
Here’s the Left of Lansing Friday Short for June 21, 2024. MAGA Republican state Representative Neil Friske of Charlevoix got arrested this week for allegedly chasing a worker at the Deja Vu strip club in Lansing with a gun. No formal charges have been levied yet, but police are requesting three felony charges against Friske,…
Episode 91: Pragmatic Progressivism w/ Democratic State Rep. Jason Morgan
Here’s Episode 91 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! 00:00-16:12–Pat congratulates Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel on a major court victory for those fighting to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac. Nessel successfully argued to have the case sent back to the state, giving Line 5…
Monday Musing: Charlie Kirk’s MAGA White Christian Nationalism Is Close To Gaining Real Power
At their Detroit convention over the weekend Charlie Kirk's group shamelessly unveiled a "White Boy Summer" flag and handed out hats bearing the same offensive slogan. Let's be crystal clear: "White Boy Summer" is a dog-whistle term embraced by white nationalists. This brazen… pic.twitter.com/HY051Rlcst — Distill Social (@DistillSocial) June 17, 2024 Here’s the Left of…
Friday Short: Ohio, Just Look To Michigan For Hope
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for June 14, 2024 A recent Wallethub survey revealed that Ohio has one of the worst state economies, ranking 42nd in the country which is the 10th worst state! Michigan, meanwhile, is ranks 19th. That far surpasses both Ohio, and Indiana, which ranks 39th. One would think the…
Podcast Ep. 90: Paid Family Leave & How To Even The Playing Field w/ Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice
It’s Episode 90 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! On this week’s show, Pat speaks with Danielle Atkinson, executive director and founder of Mothering Justice, which is an organization working to empower mothers of color through public policy. Mothering Justice is part of a coalition demanding the Democratic majority in the Michigan legislature to vote on…
Friday Short: Running Republican-Lite Is Non-Winner For Democrats
Here’s the Left of Lansing Friday Short for June 7, 2024 The Guardian’s Jon Henley wrote about a study conducted by European political scientists, which showed when center-left parties in Europe adopt right-wing policies, the center-left parties suffer at the polls. These researchers conclude that when center-left parties move further to the center, they end…
Michigan GOP’s Extremism Has No End, And Dems Must Boycott Bibi Speech
Here’s episode 89 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast. Happy Conviction Week! Michigan Republicans continue having a collective meltdown after their Dear Leader was found guilty of committing 34 felonies in New York. Republicans call the trial a “sham,” and “un-American,” as they keep degrading our judicial system. Pat shares the unhinged statements from many Michigan…
Monday Musing: Democrats Can’t Send Mixed Messages On Republican Extremism
Here’s the Monday Musing for June 3, 2024 Democrats are in trouble of diluting and mixing their campaign messaging when it comes to the serious threat Trump and the Republicans are to democracy. Democrats must be firm and consistent with their messaging in order to ensure Democrats keep not only the Michigan Legislature blue, but…
Friday Short: Trump Verdict Reveals Entire Michigan GOP’s Extremism
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for May 31, 2024 The entire Michigan Republican Party is revealing its fascist and authoritarianism ways by its reactions to Dear Leader Trump being found GUILTY of all 34 felony counts of falsifying financial records to hide his payoffs to a porn star, which influenced the outcome of…
ProPublica’s Andy Kroll On Michigan’s MAGA War on Democracy
Welcome to Episode 88 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! On this week’s show, Pat has some fun at the expense of the big oil and land developer-backed group calling itself “Citizens For Local Choice,” which announced its hopes of putting a repeal of a renewable energy siting law on this November’s ballot FAILED to garner…
Monday Musings: Trump’s Disgusting “Human Scum” Memorial Day Message
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Monday Musings” for May 27th, 2024. On this Memorial Day, Dear Leader Trump sent-out this message on his Truth Social account: Trump posts Memorial Day message with zero mention of fallen American service members, instead calling those who don’t support him “Human Scum” pic.twitter.com/fx3N7RtpiO — Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) May 27,…
Friday Short: Republicans Believe Starving Kids Makes America Great
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for May 24, 2024. Congressional Republicans are trying to pass a new funding scheme that cuts the food stamps program by $30 billion in the next decade. And the unreal part about all of this is that a significant portion of rural Americans rely on the program! Michigan…
Rebalancing The Scales w/ Democratic Congressional Candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser
Here’s episode 87 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Dr. Bob Lorinser is running to become the Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 1st congressional district, comprising of northern Michigan, and the entire U.P. He is trying to challenge Republican Congressman Jack Bergman for the second straight time after losing to Bergman in ’22. But Dr. Lorinser believes…
Monday Musings: Democrats… Run Against Supreme Court!
The Left of Lansing Monday Musing for May 20, 2024. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is once again in the news. This time, Alito is blaming his wife for an upside-down American flag hanging outside their house after the January 6th insurrection. It’s another sign that all Democrats must run against this right-wing extreme majority of…
Friday Short: Delta County MAGA–like all MAGA–Try To Thwart Democracy
Here’s this week’s Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for May 17, 2024. Two MAGA Republican Board of Canvassers in Delta County are refusing to certify the recent recall elections where three MAGA Board of Commissioners received a thumping. This prevents the one Democrat, and two independents, from taking their oaths, and serving the people. But…
Going After Every Vote w/ Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus Chair Mark Ludwig
Here’s Episode 86 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Pat’s got much to say about the shenanigans happening in Delta County this week! Just after three MAGA Delta County commissioners suffered humiliating recall election losses, two right-wing Board of Canvassers there refused to certify the elections! It’s a pattern we’ve been seeing when it comes to…
Monday Musings: Finley Fixated On Transit Past
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Monday Musings” for May 13th, 2024! Detroit News Editorial Page Editor Nolan Finley believes all this increased attention on mass transit upgrades in Michigan is a waste of time. Despite younger voters refusing to drive, and how many younger people continue leaving Michigan for other more vibrant and transit-friendly places,…
Friday Short: Michigan AG Nessel Takes-On Big Oil!
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for May 10, 2024. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is planning to take the Big Oil industry to court over the environmental and economic damages climate change is causing the state of Michigan. This announcement comes on the heels of several tornado touchdowns in the southwestern portion of…
The Tide is Turning! Ottawa County Progressive Joe Spaulding
Here’s Episode 85 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! They did it! Delta County voters sent pink slips to three extreme Christian Nationalist MAGA county commissioners in recall races this week! This is an area that’s recently turned from blue to red, which is why that extreme brand of right-wing politics gained a hold of the county board….
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill Improving Energy, Environment, And Paychecks!
To paraphrase something Michigan Democratic state Rep. Kelly Breen said, Democrats in the Lansing are proving more often than not to be the adults in the room. This happened last week, but I wanted to highlight here for everyone so you can understand what I’m saying. Michigan Advance’s Jon King reported the following: Michigan Senate…
Monday Musings: The Chatfield Criminal Enterprise Goes To The Derby!
Here’s the Left of Lansing Monday Musing for May 6, 2024 Former Michigan Republican Lee Chatfield, and his wife, Stephanie, pled not guilty to running a criminal enterprise, which includes numerous embezzlement and conspiracy charges. Yet, despite facing those charges, and also accusations made by his sister-in-law that Lee sexually assaulted her for a decade…
Michigan Must Join The National Popular Vote Compact
This system not working: The Biden-Trump election likely will be decided by roughly 6% of voters in just six states https://t.co/Bkh1zuWEjl — Eugene Scott (@Eugene_Scott) May 6, 2024 Every presidential election is coming down to just five or six states, leaving millions upon millions of voters feeling left-out of the process. As Axios reported, hundreds…
Friday Short: Why I’m Voting For Biden
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for May 3, 2024. Generation Z voters are protesting at college campuses across the country, showing their dissatisfaction and disdain for the United States’ continued backing of the right-wing Israeli government. And for some, refusing to vote for a second Biden Administration term this November is their way…
Building a Blue Foundation in the Upper Peninsula w/ Kelli van Ginhoven
Here’s Episode 84 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! One reason I started this venture is that I wanted to help show the importance of local and state politics. For sure, progressives have made some outstanding strides in terms of state politics with Democrats taking the state trifecta last year for the first time in four…
Episode 83: Salon’s Amanda Marcotte on Fascism & The Christian Nationalist Movement
Here’s episode 83 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Salon columnist Amanda Marcotte spends a few minutes talking with Pat about the Christian Nationalist Movement, and its ultimate goal of not just getting Dear Leader Trump back into power, but of ending religious freedom for all. Ms. Marcotte’s written extensively on how Christian Nationalists are trying…
Want to improve Detroit? How about cleaning-up the air?
In a recent Detroit Metro Times report on how environmental racism continues to impact the City of Detroit, Steve Nealing writes: Pollution is a widespread problem in the majority-Black city of Detroit. The University of Michigan School of Public Health estimates that air pollution kills more than 650 Detroiters a year — more than twice…
Friday Short: Investing in People Really Works! April 19, 2024
Here’s this week’s LoL Friday Short for this April 19, 2024 There’s hope new legislation could be introduced in Lansing called The Working Parents Tax Credit. If passed, it could help around 250,000 Michigan kids in just one year. Supporters say this tax credit would incentivize work, and reward working families, and recent polling shows…
Episode 82: Transforming the Social Contract with Rx Kids in Flint
Here’s Episode 82 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! It’s another week. That means it’s another episode of the Republican Crime Syndicate! Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel announced several charges against former Michigan Republican state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, and his wife, Stephanie, for operating a criminal enterprise! Just like Chatfield’s hero, Dear Leader Trump, he…
Friday Short: Making Michigan Charter Schools Accountable Is Long Overdue
Here’s this week’s LoL “Friday Short” for this April 12, 2024. The Michigan Board of Education passed a resolution this week asking the Democratic majority in the state legislature to pass laws requiring more transparency and accountability when it comes to charter schools. For years, charter schools haven’t had to play by the same rules…
Episode 81: Don’t Believe the Hype on Corporate Subsidies w/ Bridge Magazine’s Paula Gardner
Here’s Episode 81 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! On this week’s episode, Pat talks about “Florida” Mike Rogers’ audacity to run for Michigan’s open Senate seat this Fall even though he hasn’t lived in this state for years (because he wanted to make lobbying cash), and he’s registered to vote in both Florida and Michigan!…
Episode 80: Michigan Republicans Shill For Fascism in Grand Rapids
Here’s Episode 80 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Pat’s got a lot to say this week, and that’s why it’s a solo show. Pat takes the Michigan Republicans to task, and the handful of right-wing Michigan sheriffs, who stood on stage with Donald Trump this week in Grand Rapids. Trump showed-up in our state to…
Friday Short: The Maddocks are an embarrassment to Michigan
Here’s this week’s LoL “Friday Short” on this March 29, 2024 Time for the LoL “Friday Short” on this March 29, 2024 Michigan Republican State Rep. Matt Maddock baselessly claimed on “X” that buses at Detroit Metro Airport were filled with “illegal invaders!” The only problem with such a claim? The people in those buses were…
Episode 79: Michigan Future, Inc. CEO Lou Glazer on why it’s time for transformational change in Michigan
Here’s Episode 79 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Michigan has tried 40 years of right-wing Republican rule, filled with failed economic and social theories. That’s led to an exodus of people leaving the state through the years for states with better jobs, improved infrastructure, effective investments in education, and accessible transit. Like most states in…
Friday Short: Shutting Down Line 5 Is A States’ Rights Issue
Here’s this week’s Left of Lansing “Friday Short.” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office argued in a federal appellate court that the fight to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline belongs in a state court, and not in federal court. Enbridge, which owns the pipeline, argues that due to U.S.-Canadian treaty from 1977 means…
Episode 78: Making a difference for Michiganders w/ Democratic State Rep. Ranjeev Puri
Welcome to Episode 78 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! Democratic State Representative, and House Majority Whip, Ranjeev Puri talks with Pat on a host of issues, including some key bills he helped pass the state legislature last year, such as gun safety, clean energy and climate bills, water filtration in schools and daycare centers, and…
Friday Short: MI GOP Members Cry About Being Called Racists For Being…Racists
Here’s this week’s LoL Friday Short! Members of the Michigan Republican “Freedom Caucus” in the State House introduced a resolution to censure House Speaker Joe Tate. Tate, who became the state’s first Black House Speaker last year, stripped state Rep. Josh Shriver of his committee assignments and staff after he re-posted tweets pushing the white…
Episode 77: TikTok, MAGA Violence, & Right Wing Cognitive Dissonance
Here’s Episode 77 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Vote on this week’s Left of Lansing Online Poll via Twitter or X: Does Social Media help or hurt the political process? On this week’s show, Pat talks about how Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt’s ridiculous and disturbing State of the Union response showed how the White Christian Nationalist…
Friday Short: The White Christian Nationalist “Fundie Baby Voice”
We’ve made it to another Friday, which means it’s time for another LoL Friday Short! I continue my examination into the different aspects of White Christian Nationalism by concentrating on Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt’s response to President Joe Biden’s strong State Of The Union address this week. Britt’s breathy, high-pitch delivery is known as…
Episode 76: The History of White Christian Nationalism w/ Dr. Sara Moslener
It’s episode 76 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Lots of material in this week’s episode, including Pat’s examination of new Michigan GOP chair Pete Hoekstra’s record as a former congressman, ambassador, Tea Party founder, Trump-backer, and lobbyist. Sure, Pete Hoekstra doesn’t believe in demonic possession unlike his predecessor (at least, he hasn’t publicly said he…
Pathetic Pete Hoekstra was MAGA before MAGA
It didn’t matter if Crazy Christofascist Kristina Karamo, or Pathetic Pete Hoekstra were leading the state party since all Michigan Republicans can agree on one thing: Donald Trump is their Dear Leader. Trump defeated challenger Nikki Haley in last week’s primary, and then secured all 39 delegates in the state GOP’s congressional caucuses. He ends…
Friday Short: GOP is All-In on National Abortion Ban
Here’s this week’s LoL Short on the how the GOP is all-in on a national abortion ban. Thanks to Distill Social for providing a video clip when they spoke with MAGA supporters before a recent Trump rally in Waterford, MI. Republicans try to minimize and hide their true intentions when it comes to abortion care….
Episode 75: Polluter Pay 2.0 w/ Sean McBrearty of Clean Water Action Michigan
Here’s the 75th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast. We’ve covered the ways Michigan Democrats are protecting the state’s environment, and building a cleaner and more affordable energy future for both our environment and economy. Democrats also repealed the “No stricter than federal” law, which Republicans passed in 2018 that prevented the state from enacting…
Friday Short: Why Christian Nationalists Push For Abortion, Contraception, IVF, and Fun Sex Bans
Here’s this week’s LoL Friday Short! Last week, the Christian Nationalist Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embroys used in in vitro fertilization are “children.” This is just another step in the attack on women’s reproductive rights. It’s just not a national abortion ban these extremists are pushing. They want a ban on contraception, IVF,…
Episode 74: Fighting to move Delta County forward w/ Kelli van Ginhoven
Here’s episode 74 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! As we’ve seen in our state, elections have consequences, especially on the state and local state side! I talk about how within a year, Michigan Democrats passed some much-needed legislation to move the state forward in terms of women’s reproductive rights, worker rights, union rights, setting-up a…
Michigan Farmer: Democrats are working to save their farms by protecting property rights
“You know, I didn’t think I’d live the day to thank a Democrat for protecting my property rights.” Montcalm farmer Dick Farnsworth on what other Michigan farmers are saying after Democrats passed clean energy bills In last week’s Left of Lansing episode (which you can hear below or by clicking here), Montcalm farmer Dick Farnsworth…
Friday Short: Josh Shriver’s Radicalism (and Racism) Is What America’s Right Wing Is All About
Here’s this week’s Left of Lansing “Friday Short.” Michigan Republican State Representative Jason Shriver was stripped of his committee assignments, and of his staff, after retweeting a racist tweet on the “Great Replacement Theory,” which pervades the radical, right wing world. Naturally, Shriver’s got his online defenders, but also defenders within the Michigan Republican Party….
Episode 73: Right Wing Tries To Repeal Law Allowing Renewable Energy Projects On Family Farms
Here’s Episode 73 of Michigan’s Premier, Progressive Podcast! As we’ve covered on the show, Michigan Democrats passed a rather robust package of clean energy bills last year. Many of those laws will go into effect later this year, including the 100% clean energy standard by 2040, energy efficient programs, increases in the state’s energy reduction…
Episode 72: Michigan’s New Gun Safety Laws w/ Dr. April Zeoli
Here’s episode 72 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! In my opening segment this week, I talk about the appalling and Islamophobic Wall Street Journal column declaring Dearborn, MI as the “America’s Jihad Capital.” Islamophobia within the right wing world never left, and it’s putting lives in danger. I then cover some of the many new laws scheduled…
Friday Short: How Is Rashida Tlaib Raising Over $3 Million in Campaign Donations? Easy. By Standing Up For People
Here’s this week’s LoL Friday Short. It’s being reported this week that Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has raised nearly $4-million in campaign contributions in the last three months. That’s despite House Republicans censuring her last Fall for her stance against Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip. And that’s despite being hung-out to dry by…
Episode 71: Interview w/ Susan Demas of Michigan Advance
Here’s episode 71 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Please vote on this week’s LoL Twitter Poll: What is the biggest winning issue for Michigan Democrats heading into the November election? If you have others, leave them in replies Susan Demas, Editor-in-Chief of Michigan Advance, joins Pat this week. Michigan Advance is a progressive, nonprofit news site dedicated to…
Friday Short: ‘Good Guys’ Don’t Stop Bad Guys With Guns
Thanks for listening to this week’s LoL Friday Short! The Justice Department released a damning report citing “cascading failures” in the way authorities handled the Uvaldi school shooting massacre in 2022. Like other school shootings, this was another example where “good guys with guns,” didn’t stop the bad guy with a gun. The common denominator…
Episode 70: The Rich Are O.K With Fascism
Here’s episode 70 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Please vote on this week’s poll question: Polls show President Biden’s losing to Donald Trump in Michigan. How do you feel about these numbers less than 10 months from Election Day? On this week’s episode, I cover how Democrats across the country have been given a beautiful…
Friday Short: Popular Free School Lunches Hard For Republicans To Digest
Here’s this week’s LoL Friday Short. Michigan Democrats are hoping to make the new and popular free public school breakfast and lunch program a permanent fixture in the education budget. But that’s making the right wing furious, not because of their daily abject cruelty, but because they know the program is a big hit with…
Episode 69: Interview with Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky
Here’s Episode 69 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I’m thrilled to have Democratic State Representative, and Speaker Pro Tempore, Laurie Pohutsky back on the show this week! We cover a range of topics including abortion rights, clean energy and climate change, if the Michigan Democratic Party’s messaging machine is improving, the establishment and progressive factions…
The Friday Short: Nikki Haley’s Profiles In Courage Moment Failure
My first Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for 2024 deals with Nikki Haley’s failure to flat-out say the American Civil War was fought over the right for Southern states to continue the practice of slavery. But there’s a reason why Haley couldn’t give a straight answer to that simple question. She, like all of her…
Episode 68: Michigan’s Right Wing Is Working To Erase History
Happy New Year, and here’s Episode 68 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! This week, I have lots to say after taking some time-off for the holidays. We have to cover the hypocrisy of Michigan’s right wing, in particular the Christian Nationalist Moms For Liberty chapters throughout the state. As you’ll hear, while they’ve been busy…
Friday Short: Progressive Policies Are Popular Pro-Worker & Pro-Growth Policies
Here’s the final LoL “Friday Short” for 2023! To close-out the year, I talk about a story in Michigan Advance which details how business lobbyists formed a coalition in the hopes of stifling bills proposed by Michigan Democrats. These business lobbyists fail to understand that Michigan Democrats are simply passing pro-worker and pro-growth policies that…
Episode 67: Kasey Helton and the Michigan “Dirt Road Democrats”
Here’s the 67th, and the final episode for 2023, on Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Livingston County progressive activist Kasey Helton returns to the podcast this week as we discuss how “dirt road” Democrats are trying to move the political needle towards the progressive side in rural Michigan. And we’ve seen some of that hard work…
Friday Short: Michigan Energy “Regulators” Give Big Energy Another Win Over The People
Listen to this week’s Left of Lansing “Friday Short.” Right after its inexplicable decision to build a tunnel around the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, the Michigan Public Service Commission granted DTE Energy’s rate hike request totalling over $360 million. Despite DTE being part of the reason why Michigan has the…
Episode 66: Pushing The Overton Window w/ Democratic State Rep. Emily Dievendorf
It’s Episode 66 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! This week, I can’t hold back my disdain for the Michigan Public Service Commission’s decision to green-light an expensive, and short-sighted, tunnel project for the stretch of the 70-year old Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. Despite studies showing why the pipeline must stop…
Friday Short: UAW Momentum Focuses On Non-Union Automakers
Listen to this week’s Left of Lansing “Friday Short,” where I highlight a major UAW organizational push to attract thousands of non-union workers with other automakers. Also, notice again how Republicans across the board are AWOL when it comes to standing up for workers’ rights. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give…
Episode 65: Long Overdue (and imperfect) Clean Energy Future Is Michigan Law
Here’s episode 65 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed some long overdue, albeit imperfect, clean energy legislation into law this week. I’ve covered the path The Clean Energy and Jobs Act had to take in Lansing throughout the year on the podcast. And while I believe Democrats missed an opportunity to…
Episode 64: Pro-Publica’s Anna Clark on Eliminating Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law.
Here’s episode 64 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! It’s great to have author and Pro-Publica reporter Anna Clark back on Left of Lansing this week. Anna’s written an insightful article on Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law, which allows state government to erase democracy by completely taking-over financially-strapped cities. Anna highlights how despite Michiganders voting to eliminate…
Left of Lansing Monday Musing: Mass Transit Needed To Stop Michigan’s Mass Exodus
Listen to my “Monday Musing,” in which I agree with a Detroit Free Press column by Michael Griffie, who serves as Detroit Metro Leader for AECOM–an American multinational consulting firm. Mr. Griffie is pressing the need for a massive reinvestment in Michigan’s lacking mass transit system, particularly in the entire Metro Detroit region. If we’re…
Left Of Lansing Friday Short: MI Dems’ Clean Energy Bills Imperfect, But an Important Step
Listen to my LoL “Friday Short” on while the Michigan Democrats’ clean energy bills are indeed imperfect, they mark an important step towards much-needed changes in the state’s energy and economic future. Yes, the bills fall short in many areas, like considering natural gas “clean energy,” and ignoring environmental justice provisions to help those in…
Episode 63: No More Waiting For Environmental Justice w/ Roshan Krishnan of The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition
Here’s Episode 63 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! Michigan Democrats passed a package of clean energy and affordable energy bills last week. While these bills are for sure a step in the right direction in revamping our antiquated energy grid, these bills still fall far short of the aggressive push many progressives were hoping would…
Left of Lansing Friday Short: Could Michigan Become a Death with Dignity State?
The Left of Lansing Friday Short this week applauds a trio of state Senate Democrats (Mary Cavenagh of Redford Twp., Kevin Hertel of St. Clair Shores, and Veronica Klinefelt of Eastpoint) for introducing the Death with Dignity Act. If passed, Michigan would become the 11th state to grant terminally ill patients the power to make…
Episode 62: MAGA Keeps Losing On Abortion Rights, and My Defense of Rashida Tlaib
It’s episode 62 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! MAGA Republicans suffered another beatdown at the polls this past Election Day, and once again, abortion rights proved to be the key reason. Abortion rights scored a major victory in Ohio, and played a major role in Democrats retaining the Virginia state legislature. Yet, MAGA is doubling-down…
Left of Lansing “Monday Musing.” MAGA Fights For Statues, But Not Books
In this week’s “Monday Musing,” I discuss an amendment introduced by Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Green would block the removal of monuments. MTG and her MAGA allies are outraged Charlottesville, Virginia decided to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. That statue was the focus of what led to the killing of a protester…
LOL Friday Short: No Justice In Flint Water Crisis
My Left of Lansing “Friday Short” covers a sad ending to the Flint Water Crisis, in which not one public official will face prosecution for their role in one of the greatest man-made disasters the state of Michigan, and the country, has ever experienced. Former Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder won’t have to face any…
Episode 61: UAW Win; Michigan Dems Strengthen Abortion Rights; Arab Americans Leaving Biden
Welcome to Episode 61 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Politics! This week, I breakdown how the right wing Republican Party has always worked on behalf of the elite class to eliminate government assistance for working Americans. They’ve done it by whittling-down the New Deal and Great Society programs through the years, and they’ve done it using…
LoL Friday Short: A Victory For Tolerance & Education
The Left of Lansing Friday Short this week celebrates a judge’s ruling in which he dismissed a lawsuit over so-called “pornographic” books in Kent County’s Rockford Public Schools District. A right-wing Christian Nationalist group wanted to ban 14 books, most of which dealt with LGBTQ+ stories. The judge ruled the books as a whole have…
Left of Lansing Ep. 60: Update on Michigan Climate Bills with NRDC’s Derrell Slaughter
It’s episode #60 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Michigan Democrats continue working on clean and affordable energy bills in the state legislature. They must get some of these bills passed before the November adjournment date, or else everything will get pushed back until next year. The main goals of these bills are to make Michigan…
Left of Lansing’s “Monday Musings.” MI Democrats’ plan to stop local MAGA governments from blocking clean energy farms
Listen to my inaugural Left of Lansing “Monday Musings!” I talk about how local Maga governments throughout Michigan are fighting against solar and wind farms in their areas. Democrats have proposed one solution to remedy this problem: put the state in control of large scale clean energy projects, which overrides a local government’s powers. Democrats…
LoL Friday Short: Democrats working to abolish Snyder’s “Polluter Panels”
Here’s the LoL Friday Short on this October 20th, of 2023 Democrats in the Michigan Legislature have introduced bills to abolish former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder’s “Polluter Panels.” Snyder and the MAGA majority back in 2018 created a panel filled with industry and commercial insiders with the main goal of slowing down or stopping any…
Episode 59: Taking On Corporate Greed, And Fighting FOR The People w/ State Rep. Dylan Wegela
It’s the 59th episode of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! My returning guest this week is Michigan Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela from the 26th House District. We talk about his plans to thwart the state’s two main utility companies–DTE & Consumers Energy–from using dark money to influence Lansing, especially at a time when Michiganders want…
LoL Friday Short: UAW’s Fain Shows The Power of Messaging
The Left of Lansing “Friday Short” this week puts a spotlight on UAW President Shawn Fain’s effective messaging campaign during the union’s strike against the Big Three Detroit automakers. Fain isn’t allowing right wing forces, including the Republican Party or Donald Trump, to pit worker against worker, or unions against environmentalists. He’s clearly defining who…
Episode 58: The UAW & Workers’ Rights w/ Sarah Lazare of Workday Magazine
Episode 58 of Michigan’s Premier Podcast is posted! In my opening segment, I discuss the lunacy of Livingston County Republicans, and why some GOP state representatives voted against a bill delivering clean water to schools and day care centers. Seems like an odd strategy, but let’s see how it’ll work out for them! Plus, I…
Friday Short: Rep. Dylan Wegela Wants To Stop DTE & Consumers Energy Dark Money In Lansing
My Friday Left of Lansing Short is on Democratic State Representative Dylan Wegela’s efforts on stopping the dark money influence DTE and Consumers Energy uses in Lansing. Rep. Wegela outlined how he intends to do that by introducing a bill preventing DTE and Consumers Energy from using dark money PAC’s, which will help ensure that…
Episode 57: Michigan Democrats Showing Government Works With Good Governance!
Pat Johnston’s takes on The Fall of Kevin McCarthy; his nervousness over President Biden’s poll numbers; Ottawa Impact’s Joe Moss in trouble; the right wing’s fight against clean, affordable energy; and his time in right wing radio.
Friday Left of Lansing Short: What if Biden’s poll numbers remain low?
My Friday LOL Short this week deals with the uncomfortable subject of what will Democrats do if President Biden’s poll numbers keep struggling in early 2024? As someone who believes the Biden Administration has exceeded my expectations, the facts are that Biden remains neck-and-neck with Trump in several polls. Which is why I don’t think…
Episode 56: Former Radio Host and Now Reporter Jon King from Michigan Advance
It’s the 56th episode of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! I’ve been looking forward to this episode because I’ve wanted to talk with Michigan Advance reporter Jon King for quite awhile. Jon’s been busy covering MAGA right wing Millennial presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speech at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, Mike Rogers’ steep chances at winning…
Trump is no friend of unions, and Michigan knows it!
I wasn't sure at first if Biden should join the UAW picket line or not. But knowing the fascist, indicted former president is showing up in Michigan to speak against the union, it's a good move for Biden to show his support for working people. https://t.co/2gbqyDvgRt — LeftOfLansing (@LeftOfLansing) September 25, 2023 In my remarks…
Left of Lansing Short: State House Democrat Might Stop The Reproductive Health Act
This week’s Left of Lansing Short deals with how Democratic State House Rep. Karen Whitsett from the 4th district in Detroit not only voted against the Reproductive Health Act in House Health Policy Committee this week, but she’s signaling she’s vote against the RHA when it comes to a vote on the House floor! And…
Episode 55: Paid Family Leave w/ Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice
Here’s Episode 55 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! Paid Family and Medical Leave is one of the important policies Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned in her “What’s Next” speech last month. If Michigan’s Democratic majority in the legislature can pass State Sen. Erika Geiss’s paid family and medical leave bills, Michigan would join 11…
Left of Lansing Short: UAW’s 4-day work week request makes sense
The Left of Lansing Short on this Friday September 15, 2023 deals with the UAW’s request for a 32-hour work week for its members. It’s not that crazy of an idea, and the data shows that workers are happier and more productive when they work four days a week. If that’s the case, then why…
Episode 54: GOP absent for workers & clean, affordable energy; My response to Mitch Albom on respect for elderly
It’s episode 54 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! It’s a solo episode this week as I spend time taking the Michigan GOP to task for being absent on supporting the UAW (and unions, in general) in its fight for fair wages, pensions, and paid time-off against the Big Three automakers. Progressives always support unions. Michigan…
Respect the elderly, but respect the young, too
Detroit Free Press writer Mitch Albom made some confusing statements in his column last weekend, “Opinion: Criticizing the old isn’t cute, it’s an insulting–and growing–trend.“ I’ll share with you what I think is Mitch’s overall point: Most importantly, if we revered the old for what they’ve endured, the sacrifices they’ve made, and the years they’ve…
Left of Lansing Friday Short: Democrats Reversing Draconian GOP Abortion Access Laws
The “Friday Short” highlights the Reproductive Freedom Act, which Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky formally introduced this week. The RFA would reverse many hurtful abortion access restrictions put in place by Republicans through the years as they tried to enact their view of Christian Nationalism on the rest of the state. Please, listen to this…
Episode 53: Reproductive Health Act w/ Ashlea Phenicie from Planned Parenthood of Michigan
It’s the 53rd installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I start out mocking the right wing Michigan Republican Party for claiming to care about working Michiganders on this past Labor Day. Then, I talk about the latest from the nutty right wing Ottawa Impact faction, which is working to defund the Ottawa County health department…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: Let Michigan Join Winner-Take-All National Vote Compact
It’s the Friday Left of Lansing Short! I discuss my support to have Michigan join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This would allow states to award their electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who won the national majority vote. Right now, states allocate their electoral college votes to the candidate who won their…
Episode 52: Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans and Universal Health Care in Michigan
Episode 52 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast is a little longer than normal, but well worth the listen! I take DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to task for failing to keep the lights on after storms rolled through the state. Despite keeping hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark, both energy companies are asking…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: Right Wing’s Dream Of Silencing Gen Z
My Left of Lansing “Short” this Friday is about Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to ban anyone under 25 from voting, unless they fulfil specific requirements, including passing a citizenship test. Generation Z is not only a politically active voting bloc, especially in Michigan, but it’s also a highly progressive voting bloc. Rather than…
Episode 51: Gina Keller from Distill Social, and Playing The New Offense
Here’s another exciting and informative episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! The Christian Nationalism that has overtaken the Michigan Republican Party is trying to take control of the entire state. While Democrats have control of state government for the first time in 40 years, and progressive values have achieved some major victories, right wing Christian…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: John Moolenaar’s Gotion Hypocrisy
The “Friday Short” puts a spotlight on Michigan Republican Congressman John Moolenaar’s hypocrisy when it comes to the proposed Gotion electric battery plant in Big Rapids. Moolenaar hopped-aboard the right wing xenophobia bandwagon since Gotion’s parent company is from China. Yet, Moolenaar never once uttered a word of skepticism over other Chinese companies which set-up…
Episode 50: Mi Right To Read w/ Debbie Mikula of Michigan Libraries Association
Episode 50 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Pat Johnston talks with Debbie Mikula from the Michigan Libraries Association about the MI To Read campaign.
Friday Left of Lansing Short: The right wing’s hatred for the U.S. women’s soccer
On this edition of the Friday Left of Lansing Short, I tackle the right wing’s obsession and hatred for the United States women’s national soccer team. Tweets like this were all too common from right wing media figures after Team USA’s loss to Sweden in the Round of 16: So @charlescwcooke has said the unsayable…
Episode 49: Fighting To Close Line 5 w/ Sean McBrearty of Oil & Water Don’t Mix
It’s the 49th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I celebrate Ohio’s decision to hand the state Republican party a humiliating defeat at the polls this week, when voters rejected the GOP’s efforts to raise the threshold to pass a state referendum from 50-to-60%. Ohio Republicans were hoping to hurt the chances of enshrining abortion…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: GOP Wants TikTok Ban To Hurt Gen Z
This week’s “Short” deals with the Republican effort to ban TikTok in the United States. Ostensibly, they argue it’s to protect our privacy since TikTok is a Chinese company. But the main reason Republicans are fighting for a ban is to take-away a major communication tool from Generation Z voters, who are by far the…
Episode 48: Progress Michigan’s Jade Gray on Connecting With Gen Z Voters
Here’s Episode 48 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Happy Indictment Week III! I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He’s finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted…
Left of Lansing Short: MI Democrats Ban Degrading Conversion Therapy
Michigan Democrats, with the help of pro LGBTQ+ groups, passed a bill which Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law, banning the degrading and hateful practice of conversion therapy. In just a few short months after gaining power, Democrats have passed bills expanding LGBTQ+ rights, and also adding more protections. It’s another example of how progressive…
Episode 47: Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on Gotion Controversy
Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast with Pat Johnston. Pat talks with Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on the Gotion electric vehicle battery plant controversy in Big Rapids, MI.
Episode 46: Sam Inglot of Progress Michigan on GOP’s moral and ethical rot
Here’s the 46th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow’s “We will not let hate win,” speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many…
Left of Lansing Short: Rep. Betsy Coffia Helping All Boats Rise
There’s something in my eye 🥺Getting thankyou’s from school leaders in small rural communities & districts like Posen, McBain, Leland, Forest Area for the work my team & I did to get transportation equity into our School Aid Budget …. makes this rural northern girl so proud. pic.twitter.com/oAZkwbty1W — Betsy Coffia (@BetsyCoffia) July 13, 2023…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 45: A New-New Deal Democrat with State Rep. Betsy Coffia
Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make a difference…
Left of Lansing Short: Let College Athletes Unionize!
My Left of Lansing Short this week deals with Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans’ bill, which would allow college athletes to unionize in Michigan. Click here to read the actual bill. The effort might fail this time, but it’s something progressives ought to be pushing. Shockingly, legislative Republicans are voicing opposition to such a bill….
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 44: Charlotte Jameson of The Michigan Environmental Council On A Cleaner & Affordable State
Here’s episode 44 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and…
Left of Lansing Short: DTE’s Expensive Failures Are Why Michigan Must Push Towards A Greener & Reliable Future
Here’s the Left of Lansing Short. DTE Energy CEO Jerry Norcia makes around $10 million per year while the energy company is failing to provide reliable energy. To make matters worse, Michigan pays the 12th highest rate for energy, and ranks 45th among states in energy reliability. That’s why it’s time to push for a…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 43: Derrell Slaughter with the NRDC on Historic Clean Energy & Climate Change Bills
Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health…
Who could be against free meals for public school students?
The main reason the Right wants to prevent free meals is to avoid strengthening the community bond between #parents and #publicschools. The other reason is it’s a competitor to big anti-labor grocery chains. https://t.co/Aw6eeTlhnx — Josh Cowen (@joshcowenMSU) June 19, 2023 As I discussed with Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang in this week’s podcast, Michigan…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 42: Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang
We’re officially in Summer, and I’m serving up the 42nd episode of the weekly podcast! My opening monologue deals with why I’m supporting the Michigan Multimedia Jobs proposal, which provides tax credits for companies wanting to make movies, shows, commercials, and other multimedia productions in the state. Michigan Democrats are busy helping people, including providing…
Judge Orders Line 5 Shut Down In Three Years
This is clearly not the end, but it’s a bit of good news. From Michigan Advance: Enbridge Inc. must shut down its Line 5 pipeline within three years and pay more than $5 million in profits to the Chippewa Indians Bad River Band, a federal judge in Madison ruled Friday. Judge William Conley reaffirmed his September…
Left of Lansing Short–Newsrooms must have freedom to report news
It’s time for a Left of Lansing “Short” for this Friday, June 16, 2023. Wood-TV in Grand Rapids became the news this week when a leaked internal memo showed how its assistant news director ordered reporters to do fewer LGBTQ+ stories during the rest of PRIDE month. But because those stories didn’t sit well with…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 41: Will New Film Incentives Work For Michigan?
Here’s Episode 41 of the podcast devoted to highlighting the progressive fight to revive and restore Michigan’s greatness! My opening monologue describes how old time Michigan Republicans have no power in their party anymore, and they have nobody to blame but themselves as the extremists lead the party. And I explain how these extremists are…
Closing Line 5 Won’t Lead To Higher Gas Prices
One of the major planks of Enbridge’s misinformation campaign is that closing the old pipeline will lead to skyrocketing gas prices. Chemical Engineer and researcher Gary Street says the evidence proves otherwise. Street, who worked at Dow for 30 years but now works pro bono for environmental groups, took note of when Enbridge closed both…
Left of Lansing Short–Michigan Is A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Since it’s Friday, it’s time for a Left of Lansing Short. In this week’s “short,” I take my cue from Greta VanZetten, who explained in a Detroit Free Press op-ed that while she loves her home state of Michigan, she suffers great apprehension and anxiety on coming back to her home on the west side…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 40: Dr. Joshua Cowen on The Right Wing’s Attack on Public Schools Using Vouchers
Here’s the 40th episode!!! In this week’s episode, I share some thoughts on WJR-AM’s “next generation” of talk show hosts, which kinda sounds a lot like the last generation. I also talk about how former Republican “Nerd” Governor, Mr. Flint Water Crisis, himself, Rick Snyder is back in the news, announcing that he’s helping Michigan…
Left of Lansing Short–Michigan Democrats Trying To Get 16-Year Olds Pre-Registered To Vote
It’s Friday! Here’s another Left of Lansing Short! This week, I talk about while Republicans are continuing their hateful war against trans kids, Michigan Democrats are trying to get 16-year olds pre-registered to vote. Democrats are trying to include all kids in getting involved in our democracy. That’s the difference. Michigan Republicans look to divide…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 39: Ottawa Co. Politics & More with Joe Spaulding
Wow, 39 episodes are in the can! This week, I speak with progressive activist Joe Spaulding on the right wing movement happening with the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners as they passed a resolution declaring the county a “constitutional county.” It’s quite similar to what the equally extreme right wing Livingston County Board of Commissioners…
Left Of Lansing Short–How Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Is Helping St. Louis, MI Turn The Page
Here’s this week’s Left of Lansing “Short.” President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill his helping accelerate the cleanup at the Superfund Site along the Pine River in St. Louis. This is a big deal for the people who’ve had to live with the toxic disaster left by the old Velsicol Chemical Corporation plant, which was part of…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 38: Rick Haglund, Business Writer for Michigan Advance
Here’s the 38th episode of Left of Lansing! Coming back to the podcast is veteran business writer, Rick Haglund. He writes the “Micheconomy” on Michigan Advance, and has been covering the state’s economy, and the auto industry, since the 1980’s. We talk about Michigan’s population problem in which not only are people leaving, but we’re…
Left Of Lansing Short–Michigan Democrats Offer Free Lunches, MAGA Offers Trauma Kits In Schools–May 19, 2023
This Friday’s LOL “Short” highlights how the education budget is looking different since Democrats are finally in complete control. Democrats are spending more on students, more on at-risk students, more on teachers, and want to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students. Republicans want to less spending on public schools and more on for-profit…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 37: Talking Livingston Co. Politics w/ Kasey Helton
A new episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted. This week, progressive activist Kasey Helton joins me to talk about life as a progressive in ruby red Republican Livingston County. We talk about Livingston County politics, why it’s been difficult for progressives to make a dent there, but how progressives are beginning to…
Left Of Lansing Short–GOP Loses Young Voters, But Democrats Must Fight To Keep Them–May 5, 2023
Here’s this week’s LOL “Shorts,” which I post every Friday right here exclusively on the blog. I take my cue from this fine article by The American Prospect’s Gabrielle Gurley, which is titled, “Republicans Declare War On Young Voters.“ Even though Michigan had the highest youth voter turnout in 2022, that’s still lower than the…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 36: State Rep. Kelly Breen
If we’re not helping to protect our kids, honestly I don’t know what the hell we’re doing here in Lansing because that should be our number one priority. Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen On this week’s LOL Podcast, Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen from 21st House District talks with me to discuss a number of…
Left Of Lansing Podcast 35: Michigan Democrats Fixing 40 Years Of Republican Rule
In this week’s episode, Pat Johnston covers how Democrats are fixing what Republicans destroyed during their 40 years of power in Lansing. He covers how Republicans across the nation are working to erase American history, ban books, silence their opponents, and destroy the public school system. Pat also gives another shoutout to Democratic State Rep….
Left Of Lansing Short–Friday, April 21, 2023
Here’s a Left Of Lansing “Short,” as I like to call it. Sometimes, these “shorts” will feature commentary on a specific news item of the day, or perhaps a follow-up on the week’s full podcast. In this one, I expound a bit on what this week’s podcast guest, Democratic State Representative Dylan Wegela, had to…
More Right Wing Terrorism In Michigan
I’d like to know who radicalized this man: A Saginaw optometrist is going to federal prison for 10 months for threatening to harm Black Lives Matter supporters in a series of rants he made over the phone to Starbucks employees, who got an earful about his beef with workers wearing BLM T-shirts. According to court…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 34: State Rep. Dylan Wegela
It’s time for another episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast! This week, I discuss how young people showed-up at the polls in a big way in Michigan, which helped Democrats pull-off the trifecta in state government. But despite the Generation Z breaking for Democrats in the last few elections, Democrats must continue showing that…
Michigan Is Too Old. Democrats Must Pass Laws To Attract Young People
As I mentioned in this week’s episode of LOL, Michigan is getting older: Deaths outnumbered births in all but seven counties in Michigan in the year ending July 2022, new Census figures show, a result of the state’s aging population and the devastating impact of thousands of COVID-19 deaths. That’s 92 percent of Michigan’s 83…
Left Of Lansing Episode 33: Bigotry Is Bad For Business
It’s another episode of the LOL Podcast! Michigan Democrats are banking on Gov. Whitmer’s slogan that “Bigotry Is Bad For Business.” I explain why being the anti-Indiana, the anti-Ohio, and the anti-Florida is the best strategic move for Michigan–both morally and economically. By becoming a more welcoming state for women who want to make their…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 32: Michigan Democrats Provide A Blueprint For Electoral and Political Success
Here’s this week’s podcast! I share my thoughts on how Michigan Democrats are wasting zero time trying to right the 40 years of right-wing Republican mismanagement. It took a long time for Democrats to get here, but thanks to years of hard work by progressive activists, and those within the Democratic Party, Democrats pulled-off the…
This Is What I’m Talking About!
New York Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman did exactly what I implored all Democrats to do to Republicans in the gun debate: Republicans won’t do SHIT when it comes to gun violence, but try to tell me to calm down. NO. We can’t calm down. People are dying everyday while we wait. pic.twitter.com/38mYYW9cgs — Congressman Jamaal…
An LOL Poltical Take: Audio Version of Michigan Dems Move To Dent Gun Violence
Here’s the LOL podcast version of something I wrote the other day about how Michigan Democrats are using their legislative majority to curb gun violence. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a start! leftoflansing@gmail.com Enjoy! Share this!
Michigan Democrats Trying To Dent Gun Violence
My political point is that I would like politicians to try to reduce the number of dead bodies of children. https://t.co/FH2RqvrsPO — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) March 28, 2023 The recent tragic shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, which killed three children and three staff members, is a scene all too familiar in the…
Pat’s Ponderings For Monday, January 24, 2022
Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Pat Johnston, host of the Left of Lansing Podcast, or better known to my more ardent followers, LOL! Back in 2019, I produced a 30-episode podcast devoted to Michigan’s growing progressive political movement. It was something that I dreamt of doing for a long time, and we were able…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 30: Michigan Republicans Tried To Steal Our Election
Finally, a new Left of Lansing podcast! Sorry I was absent for the past year. I explain why that was case, and how I hope to provide content moving forward. Also in this podcast: -Michigan Republicans joined with the extreme right-wing in trying to thwart democracy -Why the 2018 election saved Michigan in 2020 -How…
Just Call Republicans What They Are: Fascists
Can we please stop being PC and call trump what he is: A fascist. And the gop is the party of fascism. Period. — (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) November 21, 2020 Fascism: a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 29–Michigan’s Right Wing Fight Against People Of Color & LGBTQ Rights. And Democratic State House Candidate Jody LaMacchia
The 29th episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted! While ousting the current occupant from The White House of crucial this November, we must also turn Michigan’s legislature blue! Jody LaMacchia is trying to do just that as she’s running for Republican incumbent John Reilly’s state house seat in the 46th District. Reilly…
We Are All Michigan. How COVID-19 & Dam Failures Reveal We Fight For Each Other
It’s certainly been a Spring to remember in Michigan. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the entire nation–and world–with Michigan being one of the worst hit states in the union. As of this writing, Michigan has experienced nearly 53,000 positive COVID-19 cases, and over 5,200 deaths. The pandemic is crushing our working class, small businesses, and…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 28–Republicanism & The Cult
The 28th episode of the LOL Podcast is posted! I have plenty to say regarding how right-wing forces in Michigan are attempting to shif blame from President Donald Trump’s gross incompetence and mismanagement of the coronavirus outbreak, and place it Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These forces, such as the extreme Michigan Chamber of Commerce, are pushing…
Michigan Republicans Want To Feed The Virus To Save Trump
Infections are falling, hospitals are stabilizing, because of what we’ve all done – and must continue to do – together. pic.twitter.com/m2UUeKYF53 — David Coulter (@davidwcoulter) April 19, 2020 I’ve read complaints on social media about not being allowed to paint, or fertilize lawns. And look, I get it. It’s frustrating right now. I usually take…
Willing To Die For The New “Cause”
LIBERATE MICHIGAN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020 I have stayed relatively hopeful up until this last week. People are showing a serious lapse in character and judgement. — Allison R. Donahue (@donahual) April 15, 2020 I started getting the sense of the simmering right-wing outrage over stay-in-shelter orders in state-after-state probably in…
Like a Good Little Cult, Michigan GOP Following Dear Leader During Pandemic
April, 14, 2020 I find it astounding as I listen to Michigan’s right-wing fringe deem gardening and speed-boating more important than saving lives. By the way, who in Michigan does heavy gardening in April? For the record, we don’t begin planting in our garden until May. Sorry, I’ll be 100% honest: The LOL technical adviser,…
Left of Lansing–Episode 27–Dave Wagner from Indivisible Michigan–3/1/2020
Another brand new episode of The Left of Lansing Podcast is posted! This week, Dave Wagner from the Indivisible Michigan joins the podcast. Indivisible Michigan is fighting to turn Michigan’s state legislature not only blue, but deep progressive blue as it highlights candidates with progressive spines. We talk about how Indivisible started, how it’s changing…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 26: Value the Women’s Vote; Force GOP To Defend Health Care Stance; Why Bloomberg?
A new episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast is back! On this podcast, I point-out how Michigan Republicans are teeing-it-up for Michigan Democrats to win in 2020. –Michigan Republicans just can’t help their misogynistic ways, and progressives should put them on the defensive for their anti-women stances. –Michigan Republicans implemented work requirements for hard-working…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 25: Julia Pulver, Democratic Candidate For Michigan's 39th District State House Seat
Hello to my fellow LoLers, and Happy 2020! I’m finally back with a new(er) episode of the podcast devoted to Michigan’s progressive political movement! I’m sorry that I’ve been away for quite awhile, but I’ve been around. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I’m always around. It’s the 25th episode of the…
Who is Left of Lansing?
This blog serves as a side dish to what is known as the “Left of Lansing” podcast. I’ve been wanting to do my very own podcast focused on progressive politics and pop culture for a long time. And thanks to the help of many, we finally got the podcast off-the-round! As my show voice says…
Fossil Fuel Pushed Big Lie About A Northern Michigan Solar Panel Farm
January 30, 2025 Here’s Episode 118 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-14:16: Peters Not Running/MAGA Misinformation Machine Pat starts out of the gate lamenting about Michigan Democrats joining MAGA Republicans on watering-down minimum wage and paid sick leave in the state. He next turns his attention to Michigan Democrats in Congress, like Congresswoman Kristin McDonald-Rivet…
Michigan Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia Refuses To Capitulate
January 22, 2025 Here’s Episode 117 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:29: Pat’s Mom’s Passing & Influence In the first segment, Pat Johnston talks about his Mom passing away last week, and the major influence she played in his political and news upbringing. Like Pat, his Mom wore her politics and values on her sleeve,…
Have Elon Musk & The Tech Bros Taken Over?
January 9, 2025 Here’s Episode 116 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-16:00: Dems Acting Like “Maga-Dems” The first segment features Pat Johnston sharing his thoughts on both Michigan and national Democrats running as “MAGA” Democrats, and how detrimental that will be to a Democratic Party struggling to attract new voters. It’ll be difficult for Democrats…
Final 2024 Episode: Which Path Will Democrats Take In 2025?
Here’s Episode 115 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-26:52: Where Will Democrats Go In 2025? Pat begins his final monologue of 2024 wondering what, or if, the Democratic Party in Michigan, and across the country, has learned anything after its deflating defeat to MAGA Republicanism in the election. Judging from how the D.C. Democratic leadership…
Will Michigan Democrats Only Deliver “Lame Duck Disappointment?”
Here’s Episode 114 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-13:16: Michiganders Want Populist Policies! After pointing-out more absurdity from Ohio Republicans, who’ve introduced a bill banning flag-planting on football fields, Pat Johnston turns his attention back to Michigan, and the many progressive bills that Democrats must pass while they still have the majority in Lame Duck. Pat…
Expanding the Michigan Battleground w/ MDP Rural Caucus Chair Mark Ludwig
Here’s Episode 113 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-20:49: MI Dem Leaders Push Corporate Subsidies Pat reviews a fantastic piece by The American Prospect’s David Dayen on how the Michigan Democratic leadership, which includes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, are in serious danger of allowing major pieces of solid progressive legislation languish in favor of lavished corporate subsidies in the Lame…
Standing-Up For Progressive Values and Courage w/ Democratic State Rep. Emily Dievendorf
Here’s Episode 112 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-8:50: MI Democrats Lame Duck Holdup Pat opens-up the episode by covering how the Michigan Democratic state House majority is wasting time on passing meaningful legislation during its final days in lame duck session before MAGA Republicans take the majority in 2025. Progressive members are growing frustrated…
Kasey Helton on Why Democrats Must Return To Working Class Roots
Here’s Episode 111 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:36: Democrats Losing Working Class In the opening segment, Pat Johnston talks about how Democrats are losing the working class, and why it’s unconscionable since Trump & MAGA’s policies help only the rich, corporate donor class. Pat highlights how one progressive Michigan Democratic State House Representative won…
Post-Election Fallout: America Chooses More Trump & More MAGA
#Election2024 #Politcs #Progressives #Michigan #Republicans #Democrats Here’s Episode 110 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast. Pat gives his insights into America choosing four more years of Donald Trump and MAGA politics, and Michiganders giving the state House majority to MAGA Republicans as well. Where do progressives and the Democratic Party go from here? Pat shares thoughts….
Friday Short: Final EPIC-MRA Poll Shows Harris/Slotkin Leads
Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for November 1, 2024. The final EPIC-MRA-Detroit Free Press poll shows Kamala Harris leading Trump by three-percentage points. Harris has seen improved numbers within the African American community, and with women voters, in general. Meanwhile, Democrat Elissa Slotkin has opened-up a 5% lead over MAGA Republican “Florida” Mike…
