Left of Lansing
Left of Lansing
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!
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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 31
6 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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 28
5 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/joinHere'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 NewmanPat 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 AmericaVisit Democratic Socialists of America41:50-51:13: Last Call: Dems Still Attacking PikerIn 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/EndingThe 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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 27
55 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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 24
5 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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 21
6 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/joinHere's Episode #192 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-17:54: Trump Poll Numbers/Mop Up MILOL'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 SnyderBranden 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 Party42:59-49:08: Last Call-Win First, Next Battle LaterIn 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: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 20
51 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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 17
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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick 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
Aug 14
5 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/joinHere's Episode #191 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-18:08: M4A Works/Senate RaceLOL'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 RacesKasey 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 XVisit Kasey on The Gram44:01-52:23: Last Call-TV AdsIn the "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts, and sadness, that political TV ads still seem to move the needle somewhat. 52:24-55:40: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 13
55 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/joinHere'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 [email protected] 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/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"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
Aug 10
5 min
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