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Left of Lansing

An insight into Michigan's progressive political and pop cultural scene. Pat Johnston highlights how the progressive movement is helping shape Michigan's political landscape with opinion and interviews. It's time to make Michigan's political machine work for the people!

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#445
Monday · 6 min
445: Monday Musing: "Florida" Mike Rogers' Football Attacks On Abdul El-Sayed Are An Incomplete Pass
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for September 14, 2026. In a last-ditch "Hail Mary Pass" to help save his fledgling campaign, MAGA Republican Michigan U.S. Senate candidate, "Florida" Mike Rogers, is attacking the Democratic frontrunner in the race, progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, for not being a real man, or a real American, because Dr. Abdul had the temerity to criticize American football's history of toxic masculinity. No, you read that right. "Florida" Mike Rogers wants you to ignore his record of catering to the Billionaire Big Tech Bros, the Surveillance State, Big Pharma, Defense contractors, Israel's corrupt government, and the entire Epstein Class, and instead focus on... football. LOL's Pat Johnston tackles this issue of football, and why "Florida" Mike Rogers is hoping you'll talk about it rather than his own record. And by the way, Dr. Abdul was the Captain of his high school football team. Just saying. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker? Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #VotingRights #Voting #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MikeRogers #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #CorporateClass #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#444
Friday · 1 hr 4 min
444: Kelli Van Ginhoven For U.P. State Senate; Joanna Whaley For Downriver State House
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #194 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-12:07: Mike Rogers & 9/11 LOL's Pat Johnston starts the show by talking about the MAGA Republican hypocrisy around 9/11, and he highlights how Michigan MAGA Republican, and Trump boot-licker, U.S. Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers voted against helping the heroes on that tragic day. 12:08-40:00: KVG For State Senate! Kelli Van Ginhoven, progressive and anti-establishment state Senate candidate for the 38th District in the Upper Peninsula, stops-by to share her thoughts on her campaign, how the political establishment has damaged the working class in the U.P., and why her MAGA Republican opponent, which includes his corporate backers, fear having someone like KVG representing the working class in Lansing. KVG also explains why she's fighting against the Copperwood Mine project in The Porkies. Visit KVG's Campaign: https://www.kvgforsenate2026.com/ Visit KVG's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/kelli.vanginhoven 40:20-62:30: Joanna Whaley For State House Joanna Whaley, progressive candidate for Michigan's second State House seat in Downriver Detroit, talks with Pat about her historic campaign. Joanna's vying to become the first transgender woman in Michigan's House, and she plans on taking the fight on behalf of the working class in her district against the corporate interests, such as DTE. Joanna also shares opinions on why Christian Nationalism is an existential threat to the future of this state and the country. Visit Joanna Whaley's campaign: https://www.joannawhaley.com/ Visit Joanna Whaley's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficial 62:01- 64:40: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Before Mike Rogers invoked 9/11 against Abdul El-Sayed, he voted against care for sick responders." By Steve Neavling of Detroit Metro Times "Telecom industry gave Mike Rogers nearly $100K while he pushed to deepen government data sharing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Pro-Rogers Super PAC funded by ardent Christian Nationalist." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Former Michigan Strategic Fund board member blasts decision to fund UP’s Copperwood Mine." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #JoannaWhaley #LGBTQ #DTE #MopUpMichigan #KelliVanGinhoven #UpperPeninsula #CopperwoodMine #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MikeRogers #JaredKushner#DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #911 #Israel #Line5 #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism ChristianNationalism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#443
September 4 · 5 min
443: Friday Short: MAGA Michigan Voter Suppression "Show Your Papers" Drive Blocked By MAGA SCOTUS
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for September 4, 2026. The MAGA Supreme Court blocked an effort to hear an appeal to get a strict citizens-only "show your papers" voting suppression law on Michigan's ballot. The Court dealt a major defeat to the MAGA Republican effort to make voting more difficult for the working class in this country. The so-called "Americans For Citizens Voting-Michigan" tried to get the initiative on the ballot this November. However, the group failed to gather enough VALID signatures to qualify for the ballot, which is funny considering how the group claims to fight against voter fraud. As Pat Johnston explains, this was another effort to institute a modern-day poll tax on voters, and thankfully, it lost. But don't be fooled. MAGA Republicans and The Epstein Class will return with a renewed effort to block as many American citizens voting as possible. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker? Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Citizenship voting proposal denied ballot access by US, Michigan Supreme Courts." By Bridge Michigan Staff in Bridge Michigan "US Supreme Court declines to hear application on Michigan citizens-only voting ballot measure." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Michigan election fraud cited in Trump speech had no impact on votes." By Jacob Knutson of Democracy Docket #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #VotingRights #Voting #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MikeRogers #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #CorporateClass #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#442
August 31 · 6 min
442: Monday Musing: CBS "News" Posts ANOTHER Anti-Abdul El-Sayed "Story"
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 31, 2026. Bari Weiss's "CBS News" posted a story today declaring that some of Michigan's progressive Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's social media postings regarding 9/11 "invites scrutiny." It's nothing but a hit-job by the pro-Big Tech Bro, pro-Epstein Class, and pro-Trump CBS "news division," and it's essentially saying that Michiganders must beware of the Muslim Man! Yet, when one actually reads the so-called controversial tweets, one will realize they aren't controversial at all. Not only that, but they make it appear that once again, Dr. Abdul is with the mainstream of Americans on a host of issues, while MAGA Republicans are on the fringe extreme. LOL's Pat Johnston explains. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker? Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "For Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, Sept. 11 commemoration invites scrutiny of past remarks." By Zak Hudak of CBS News #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #WorkingFamiliesParty #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MikeRogers #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #911 #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#441
August 28 · 5 min
441: Friday Short: J.D. Vance To Visit Michigan And Tell Voters To Ignore Reality
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" on August 28, 2026. The Trump Regime's Vice President J.D. Vance will visit Michigan this coming Monday to campaign on behalf of beta MAGA Michigan Republicans. Those betas are U.S. Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate John James, and congressional candidate Mike Bouchard. LOL's Pat Johnston wonders what exactly is J.D. going to say in his efforts to help these three guys while Michigan suffers from the disastrous Trump Economy. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker? Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "You won’t believe what John James said about submitting penises to the Lord." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "Michigan farmer says Trump beef import plan hurts producers." By James Felton of WNEM-TV5 News "Trump’s MAGA Inc. to host first public event in battleground Michigan." By Jessica Piper of Politico #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #WorkingFamiliesParty #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MikeRogers #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#440
August 27 · 55 min
440: DSA Member Jessica Newman & Why DSA Candidates ARE Winning
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #193 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-17:30: LOL's Pat Johnston pays a brief tribute to Dolly Parton. Then, Pat shares thoughts on Dear Leader Trump's insane tariff war with Canada while his other tariffs continue to hurt an already struggling working class. And he wonders when will Michigan MAGA Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers be held to account on whether or not he agrees with these tariffs, not to mention if he still believes in Trump's economy. Pat wraps-up the segment illustrating how MAGA Republicans call EVERY Democrat either a "socialist" or a member of the far Left. 17:31-41:00: DSA member Jessica Newman Pat talks with Jessica Newman, who's a Metro Detroit Democratic Socialist of America member, campaign director, and Secretary of Ferndale Public Schools in Oakland County. Jessica explains why she chose Democratic Socialism, and why DSA candidates are winning across Michigan and the nation at this time. That includes her work on the winning campaign for DSA state House candidate Chris Gilmer-Hill, who defeated a Democratic incumbent in Metro Detroit. Jessica also shares her outrage over pro-Israel & pro-AIPAC Democrats continue attacking progressive candidates, like Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Visit Metro Detroit Democratic Socialist of America Visit Democratic Socialists of America 41:50-51:13: Last Call: Dems Still Attacking Piker In the "Last Call," establishment Democrats continue to join MAGA Republicans in attacking a progressive podast streamer rather than attacking the Trump Regime and MAGA Republicans. 51:14-55:22: Coffia On Line 5/Ending The episode ends by sharing a clip of working class Michigan Democratic state Rep. Betsy Coffia calling-out Governor Gretchen Whitmer to stand-up for Michigan, and rejoin the fight to shut-down Line 5. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker? Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Telecom industry gave Mike Rogers nearly $100K while he pushed to deepen government data sharing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Scoop: Mike Rogers-AIPAC rupture roils Michigan Senate race." By Alex Isenstadt of Axios "Enbridge Line 5 leaks natural gas in Wisconsin." By Isiah Holmes of Michigan Advance "How Trump Is Destroying Detroit." By Robert Kuttener of The American Prospect "Trump's Tariffs Are About to Make Back-To-School Season Painful— Families Could Spend Nearly $4,000 Per Child, Report Finds." By Tonya Rawat of Yahoo Finance "Canada's tariffs target certain U.S. states. See which regions are most vulnerable." By Megan Cerulla & Aimee Picci of CBS News "Hakeem Jeffries Privately Met with Jared Kushner." By Distill Social "Off-The-Record" episode from August 21, 2026 featuring Jim Runestad on WKAR #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #WorkingFamiliesParty #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #HakeemJeffries #JaredKushner#DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #Line5 #BetsyCoffia #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#439
August 24 · 5 min
439: Monday Musing: Mike Rogers Afraid AIPAC Hurts More Than Helps
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 24, 2026! A new report over the weekend reveals that MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers is afraid AIPAC's involvement in Michigan's Senate race will hurt more than help. AIPAC spent $32 million to defeat the progressive Democratic candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, in the primary, but Dr. Abdul still won the race. He's against Israel's genocide in Gaza, the War on Iran, and continued funding of Israel. As LOL's Pat Johnston explains, The Rogers Campaign is requesting AIPAC to not get too involved in the race, but it still would like AIPAC's big donors, of course! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Scoop: Mike Rogers-AIPAC rupture roils Michigan Senate race." By Alex Isenstadt of Axios #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#438
August 21 · 6 min
438: Friday Short: MAGA Congressman Tom Barrett Tries Hiding His Love For Data Centers
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 21, 2026! MAGA Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett, and MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers, are suddenly, and conveniently, suggesting they'll act tough against the billionaire Big Tech Bros and their data centers. Strange switch for both of them considering Tom Barrett voted to grant the Big Tech Bros $85 Billion in tax cuts to build their data centers across Michigan, and rest of the United States. And Florida Mike Rogers, like Tom Barrett, collect tons of cash from the Billionaire Big Tech Bros, and has been a champion for additional surviellance of American citizens. However, Tom Barrett's challenger in the 7th Congressional District, progressive Democrat William Lawrence, has stood against the data center push in his district, and fought to stop on being built in Lansing. And, progressive Democratic Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, says NO more funding for data centers until safeguards are in place to protect Michiganders and their communities. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "MI-07: Tom Barrett Scrambles to Bury His Data Center Past." By David Dayen of The American Prospect "Michigan gave schools $224M for infrastructure, but they need billions." By Matt Mencarini of Bridge Michigan #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #WorkersRights #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#437
August 20 · 51 min
437: Progressive Economic Populism Is Winning w/ Michigan-WFP's Branden Snyder
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #192 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-17:54: Trump Poll Numbers/Mop Up MI LOL's Pat Johnston reports on Dear Leader Trump's cratering poll numbers, and how it's easy to understand considering how The Trump Regime is mired in its War on Iran, not to mention how the economy is failing the working class. Progressives & Democratic Socialists continue winning primary races across the country, and this week it happened in Florida. The Mop Up Michigan ballot proposal will indeed be on the ballot this November as it aims to ban DTE & Consumers Energy from donating to candidates. Michigan's progressive Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, supports Mop Up Michigan, but MAGA Republican candidate, Florida Mike Rogers, hasn't said yet if he does support it. Pat explains why that is. And will Rogers denounce some of his "faith leaders" who met with an anti-Muslim bigot this week? 17:55-42:58: MI-WFP's Branden Snyder Branden Snyder, Executive Director of Michigan's Working Families Party, talks with Pat about the WFP, its goals to bring a working class agenda to the Democratic Party, and why its agenda is resonating with millions of working class voters in Michigan. The WFP endorsed Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's Senate campaign, William Lawrence's run for the 7th congressional district, and Donovan McKinney's victorious campaign against sitting Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar. To learn more: Michigan Working Families Party 42:59-49:08: Last Call-Win First, Next Battle Later In this week's "Last Call," Pat gives his take on progressives who choose to either work with, or seek the endorsements, of some establishment Democrats. 49:09-51:20: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Christian nationalist protest led by Jan. 6 rioter stokes tensions in Dearborn." By Tyler Scott of Michigan Advance "Bureau of Elections report recommends against approving citizens-only voting measure for the ballot." Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Telecom industry gave Mike Rogers nearly $100K while he pushed to deepen government data sharing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Board of State Canvassers approves ballot language for money out of politics proposal." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Brinks Chosen as Dem LG: Tickets Set for Michigan Governor’s Race." By Sam Robinson of The Michigan Chronicle "Mike Rogers attacks waste and fraud while taking money from donors linked to both." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "The Senate Candidate Who Could Get Rich Off Data Centers." By The Lever #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #WorkingFamiliesParty #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#436
August 17 · 5 min
436: Monday Musing: Trump Declares High Gas Prices Are Worth It
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 17, 2026! Last week, Dear Leader Trump told working class Americans paying over $4 per gallon of gas is worth it because the Iran War is good, or something. That's how little those in the billionaire Epstein Class really care about us, as LOL's Pat Johnston explains. Oh, does Florida Mike Rogers agree that it's "worth it" for working class Michiganders to pay over $4 for gas, so that way we can continue have this unending and unwinnable War on Iran? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism, and how Americans see parties in today's economy." By Anthony Salvanto of CBS News "As gas prices go up in Michigan, president urges people to pay it." By Frank Witsil of The Detroit Free Press #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #MikeRogers #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#435
August 14 · 5 min
435: Friday Short: Primary Election Is Over; Time To Take Battle To "Florida" Mike Rogers
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 14, 2026. A new Fox News poll shows MAGA Republican "Florida" Mike Rogers with a slight lead over the progressive Democratic nominee, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, in Michigan's U.S. Senate race. This ONE POLL has many in the corporate-establishment wing of the Democratic Party claiming that this proves how Dr. Abdul was always the riskier choice in the primary, and that he must pivot his campaign in a number of areas. But as LOL's Pat Johnston explains, the numbers, and the message, are on Dr. Abdul's side. And, when is someone going to ask about "Florida" Mike needing to pivot his campaign message since he's holding Dear Leader Trump close by? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #gasprices #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#434
August 13 · 55 min
434: Kasey Helton--Progressives Win In Michigan, But Now What?
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #191 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-18:08: M4A Works/Senate Race LOL's Pat Johnston highlights a new Yale study showing that a Medicare For All system in the United States would save both money and lives by even larger numbers than previously thought. With Michigan's U.S. Senate race officially starting, MAGA Republican candidate "Florida Mike Rogers" would rather talk about anything other than policies, or how he supports The Trump Economy. 18:19-44:00: Kasey Helton on Senate & House Races Kasey Helton, our good friend and union and progressive activist from Livingston County, joins the show to talk about Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's AND progressive congressional candidate William Lawrence's victories in Livingston County. Kasey gives her thoughts on not only WHY progressives scored victories across the state, but how they'll be able to carry their pro-American, and pro-working class, messages to win in November. Visit Kasey on X Visit Kasey on The Gram 44:01-52:23: Last Call-TV Ads In the "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts, and sadness, that political TV ads still seem to move the needle somewhat. 52:24-55:40: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Yale Study: Medicare for All Would Save Over 114,000 Lives and $1 Trillion a Year." By Jessica Corbett of Common Dreams "Michigan rural hospitals are suffering, here’s what happened." By Nick Monacelli of WDIV-Channel 4 News in Detroit "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gives green light to Line 5 tunnel." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Brink, Maasdam join Lawrence for unity event after splitting moderate vote." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "High turnout shaped Michigan primary, boosting El-Sayed and Lawrence to victory." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Mike Rogers vows to fight drug war, but urged opioid access in Congress." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#433
August 10 · 5 min
433: Monday Musing: MAGA & Media Refuse To Talk Money In Politics
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 10, 2026. Since Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's upset victory to claim the Michigan Democratic Senate's nomination, MAGA Republicans and the corporate media have focused on the specter of "socialism," or Dr. Abdul's stance that the U.S. should no longer provide unconditional aid to Israel's corrupt government. However, they don't want to focus on one of the main reasons why progressives, like Dr. Abdul, or Donavan McKinney, who upset an incumbent Congressman from Detroit, won their races. Because the working class is fighting back against corporate money ruining our political system. LOL's Pat Johnston explains. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "To Mend Fences in Michigan, El-Sayed Should Stop Talking About Israel." By Bill Sher of Washington Monthly #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Jobs #ICE #Freedom #unions #HaleyStevens #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #DonorClass #MoneyInPolitics #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#432
August 7 · 7 min
432: Friday Short: Trump & MAGA Republicans Fear Abdul El-Sayed's Working Class Message
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 8, 2026. Another awful jobs report for July illustrates how The Trump Regime has failed the working class. The working class feels left behind by the corporate and political elites. That's why working class progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed earned one of the greatest upset victories in modern American history. And that's why Trump & MAGA Republicans fear him the most. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "With Primary Wins, Progressives Make Clear That Michigan Is Not for Sale." By Sam Rosenthal of Truthout #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Jobs #ICE #Freedom #unions #HaleyStevens #Race #Minorities #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#431
August 6 · 51 min
431: Progressives Win BIG in Michigan's Primary
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #190 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-25:20: MI Progs Win Across State! LOL's Pat Johnston celebrates several of the working class progressives who won their Democratic Party Primary races this week, including Abdul El-Sayed, William Lawrence, Donavan McKinney, and many more. Pat especially focuses on William Lawrence's blow-out win in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, Donavan McKinney's upset win over incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar. Pat also thanks the progressive fighters who fell short in their campaigns, but helped push forward a strong working class message all across the state. 25:21-40:28: Dr. Abdul's Win Pat spends this time breaking-down Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's close victory against Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate Primary. Make no mistake: the fact that El-Sayed won this race despite being MASSIVELY outspent by backers of Stevens, including the millions AIPAC threw away, makes this one of the most remarkable political victories not just in Michigan, but in the country. And, Pat illustrates how Dr. Abdul is the best candidate to slam-dunk on MAGA Republican Senate nominee, "Florida" Mike Rogers. 40:39-49:20: Last Call: Black Voters Are Not a Monolith! In the "Last Call," Pat takes issue with those political pundits arguing that black voters don't like progressives or Democratic Socialists. 49:21-51:49: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Abdul El-Sayed squeaks out win over Haley Stevens in hotly contested Democratic US Senate primary." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan progressives showed establishment Democrats the door." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "Conyers, Burton, Gilmer-Hill Highlight New Members to Detroit’s Legislative Caucus." By Sam Robinson of The Michigan Chronicle "Donavan McKinney ousts Shri Thanedar, vows to deliver for working people." By Bryce Huffman of Bridge Michigan "Benson amplifies affordability message after El-Sayed primary win." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "How Abdul El-Sayed went from political oblivion to progressive breakthrough in Michigan Senate race." By Joey Cappelletti of The AP #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #Race #Minorities #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#430
August 3 · 5 min
430: Monday Musing: How Will Establishment Democrats React If Progressives Win Michigan Primary?
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 3, 2026! We're one day from the Michigan Primary, and LOL's Pat Johnston wonders how the corporate-establishment Democratic Party will react if progressives score major victories on Tuesday. Will they acknowledge the political reality that the working class is in a populist mood, or will they take their ball and go running closer to MAGA Republicans? It's a serious question! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #AishaFarooqi #KelliVanGinhoven #KyleBlomquist #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#429
July 31 · 4 min
429: Friday Short: Whitmer Abandons Planned Parenthood, and Legacy
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 31, 2026! Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced three more clinic closures in the state on Thursday, making it a total of 14 closures in the last couple of years. While The Trump Regime and the MAGA Republican Congress are to blame for their massive cuts to Planned Parenthood (since punishing women is one of the hallmarks of the White Christian Nationalist agenda), Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer shares some of the blame as well. Whitmer refused to "Fight like Hell" to keep those clinics opened as she refused Planned Parenthood of Michigan's request to unleash emergency funding. It's just another in the long line of betrayal from the former "Big Gretch," who's now just called, Gretchen. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens # AbortionRights #PlannedParenthood #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#428
July 30 · 43 min
428: Michigan Primary Primer: Will Progressives Score Major Victories Across the State?
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #189 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-19:05: AIPAC, DTE, & Data Centers Pat Johnston discusses why working class Michiganders have turned more populist, and why accepting AIPAC, or DTE, or other corporate PAC money is hurting several candidates in different races. Also, working class Michiganders are irate over the rush to build hyper-scale A.I. data centers, and specific Democrats are being rewarded for opposing the Big Tech Bros' data centers. 19:05-31:40: Working Class-America First Populism Progressive candidates, like Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Aisha Farooqi, Kyle Blomquist, Diop Harris II, Donovan McKinney, Ivan Diaz, or Kelli Van Ginhoven, are resonating with voters in different areas across Michigan because they present a strong, working class and America First agenda. It's an agenda that pushes to revitalize a forgotten working class by focusing on a people-centered over a profit-centered campaign. It's an agenda that aims to strengthen unions, expand opportunities, make housing affordable, advocating for our farmers, Abolishing ICE, taxing the rich, ending costly wars, making the Epstein Class face more accountability, and fighting back against The Trump Regime. 31:41-39:10: Electability If Abdul El-Sayed, and other Michigan progressive candidates, win the primary, and then goes on to win the general election, doesn't that end the corporate-establishment Democratic Party argument that progressives can only win in blue cities? 39:11-43:43: Quicksand Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Three licks and a question: Who is Gretchen Whitmer governing for?" By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Quicksand: How Gen X Was Right All Along." By Sarah Kendzior in Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter "Fact check: Ads take El-Sayed out of context to claim he ‘disrespects women.’" By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan "State canvassers finds Michigan’s ‘Money out of Politics’ effort has sufficient valid signatures." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "New report slams Michigan for slowest power restoration nationwide." By WDIV-Channel 4 News in Detroit #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #AishaFarooqi #KelliVanGinhoven #KyleBlomquist #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #Line5 #FossilFuels #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#427
July 27 · 6 min
427: Monday Musing: Whitmer Endorses Stevens, and Why
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 27, 2026. LOL's Pat Johnston's take on why Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is endorsing Congresswoman and Ms. AIPAC Haley Stevens over working class candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Establishment's gonna establishment! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Gretchen Whitmer endorses Haley Stevens in Michigan’s contentious Democratic U.S. Senate battle." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance #podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #Line5 #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
#426
July 24 · 6 min
426: Friday Short: Vote Blue No Matter Who...Unless Progressives Win?
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 24, 2026. A couple of Michigan Democratic Party establishment members either announced they can't support a more progressive nominee, or that a progressive candidate is misogynist. LOL's Pat Johnston illustrates how Democratic "centrist" Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, and former Democratic Attorney General candidate, Karen McDonald, are showing all of us that the entire "Vote Blue No Matter Who" mantra was completely one-sided. To hear the complete episode featuring LOL's "Show Voice" Jessica Shepherd: https://audioboom.com/posts/8931343-pat-johnston-w-the-lol-show-voice-jessica-shepherd Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join NOTES: "Michigan Democrat Refuses to Say She’ll Support El-Sayed If He Wins His Primary In Blistering Interview." By Alex Griffing of Mediaite "Karen McDonald sounds off state Democratic Party, needs clearer understanding of where party is heading." By Charlie Langton & Jack Nisson of Fox 2 Detroit News #podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #PeteHegseth #Election #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #JessicaShepherd #HaleyStevens #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #EliSavit#CitizensUnited #Line5 #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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