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…

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…

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…

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….

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 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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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’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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 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 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 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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Monday Musing: Harris’s Smart non-Traditional Media Strategy Is Brilliant

Here’s the Left of Lansing “Monday Musing” for October 7, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has been playing a bit prevent defense for my taste of late, but she seems to be getting back on the offense in a smart and calculated way. Along with making appearances on CBS’s “60 Minutes” this week, Harris is also…

Friday Short: Democrats AGAIN Clean-Up Republican Economic Mess

Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for October 4, 2024. Yet another solid jobs report for the American people, and it’s due in-part to smart economic policies put in motion by a Democratic administration in The White House. After Dear Leader left the country in economic ruin, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris passed strong…

Monday Musing: MAGA Michigan Leader Spews Democrats Will “Steal Votes” Lie

Here’s the Left of Lansing “Monday Musing” for September 30, 2024. MAGA Michigan GOP Chair Pete Hoekstra is telling Republican voters that Democrats “will steal some votes” this election. Of course, like Dear Leader Trump, and several other of his failed cult member, there’s absolutely ZERO evidence that Democrats are stealing votes. It’s just the…

Friday Short: It’s Easy To Understand Why Women Back Harris

Here’s the Left of Lansing “Friday Short” for September 27, 2024. A new NBC Poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris enjoying a whopping 21% lead over Dear Leader Trump with women. Why? Because women aren’t backing the weird and warped Christian Nationalist philosophy that believes men are the bosses of women. Please, subscribe to the…

Monday Musing: Old Republicans Can’t Run Away From MAGA Republicans

Here’s the Left of Lansing “Monday Musing” for September 23, 2024. Former New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie levied some harsh words for his former boss, and the extreme MAGA Republican North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson.  Christie blasted Dear Leader Trump for supporting and endorsing Robinson, who’s own extreme past comments, including how he’s a “Black…

Friday Short: Teamsters Damage Own Brand By Not Backing Harris

Here’s the Left of Lansing Friday Short for September 20, 2024. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is in danger of damaging itself into perpetuity because of its fear of the possibility of either another Dear Leader Trump administration, or that the next President of the United States will be a black woman. Or both. The…

Episode 103: Dr. Josh Cowen on Billionaire School Voucher Scheme

Here’s Episode 103 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-14:28: Huckabee-Sanders Weirdness/Abortion & IVF/Yard Signs We begin this week criticizing Arkansas MAGA Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders’s attack on Vice President Kamala Harris for not having biological kids while attending a Dear Leader Trump rally in Flint, MI. Pat then exposes the hypocrisy of the White Christian…