#podcast #politics #Progressive #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Budget #WorkingClass #Medicaid #HealthCare #DanaNessel #GretchenWhitmer #Detroit #KarenWhitsett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Gaza #Israel #Election #Fascism #LeftOfLansing

Here's Episode 145 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-17:23: MAGA MI Republican Budget

Pat Johnston breaks down the MAGA Michigan Republican budget, which state House Speaker Matt Hall unveiled this week after delaying and delaying all summer long. Only one Democrat in the State House voted with Republicans, and it was none other than Detroit's Karen Whitsett. She's running for a Detroit City Council seat, but she's facing a young and energetic Democratic Socialist in Denzel McCampbell. That race is happening this November.

17:24-36:57: Whitmer Special Election Folly

Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer continues to delay calling a special election for a state Senate seat that was last held by a Democrat. And by delaying this election, Whitmer is costing Democrats more than possibly losing the seat. Pat wishes Gov. Whitmer could be as bold and inspirational as other Democratic governors, like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. We applaud MI Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky for trying to limit The Trump Regime's authoritarianism. And the Democratic National Committee remains miles apart from Democratic & Independent voters on Gaza.

36:58-41:37: Bought & Paid For Influencers

A recent story by Taylor Lorenz in Wired details how a dark money Democratic group is paying liberal podcasters and influencers to push the Democratic Party line. Pat promises you that he'll never make such a move, and explains why.

41:38-43:36: Football/Ending

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Michigan residents show support for Gaza aid, according to recent poll." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Trump raises questions with move to fire Cook over unproven accusations of mortgage fraud." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Michigan House passes full budget as talk of government shutdown hit a fever pitch." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Legislative extortion is happening in Lansing: Distill's Crazy Day At The Capitol." By Distill Social

"Michigan Democrats take aim at use of National Guard troops." By Colin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio

"Michigan House GOP budget cuts spending, workers and DEI to pave way for roads.' By Simon D. Schuester in Bridge Michigan

"GOP state budget plan includes billions in cuts. Here's what would get axed." By Paul Egan of The Detroit Free Press

"DNC panel rejects Israel-Gaza resolutions; chair instead calls for task force." By Michelle Griffith of The Maine Morning Star

"Gov. Whitmer on calling a special election to fill Michigan Senate seat: 'Stay tuned.'" By Clara Hendrickson of The Detroit Free Press