#podcast #politics #economy #workingclass #HigherEducation #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Democrats #FreeSpeech #InternationalStudents #Michigan #Whitmer #RickSnyder #Tariffs #Jobs #Authoritarianism #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for September 5, 2025.

A story in Bridge Michigan today explained how The Trump Regime's policies in blocking international students from attending Michigan higher education institutions is having devastating economic effects on both our higher education system, but also Michigan's overall economy.

Combine that with the MAGA Murder Budget, Dear Leader's insane tariff scheme, and The Regime's overall attacks on higher education, Michigan is bearing the brutal brunt of the failed Trump economy that's leaving the working class behind.

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NOTES:

"Michigan may lose millions as universities see drop in international students." By Kim Kozlowski of Bridge Michigan

"Employers added 22,000 jobs in August, falling short of forecasts, as labor market cools." By Aimee Picchi of CBS News

"Michigan manufacturer warns Trump tariffs threaten small business survival." By Dan Louallen of ABC News

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #DemocraticSocialist #Republicans #Michigan #Detroit #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentGreed #DenzelMcCampbell #WorkingClass #Authoritarianism #GovernorWhitmer #Vaccines #HealthCare #Trump #MAGA #KarenWhitsett #RashidaTlaib #LeftOfLansing

Here's Episode 146 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-12:20: Haley Stevens Senate Campaign Fails

Pat Johnston opens the show by highlighting a very bad and embarrassing week for Establishment Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens. It shows again how corporate Democrats find progressive candidates more of a threat than the Trump Regime's authoritarianism. Pat talks about how MAGA "Democratic" State Rep. Karen Whitsett proudly voted for the MAGA Michigan House budget that'll hurt Detroiters, and all of Michigan. And now, she's running for the Detroit City Council District 7 seat. But, Detroiters have an alternative to Whitsett. A working class alternative.

12:21-36:30 Denzel McCampbell Interview

Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell earned a surprising primary victory over Karen Whitsett for the Detroit City Council District 7 seat. McCampbell and Whitsett will face-off again in the general election in November. Denzel joins Pat on the show this week to talk about his run for the Council seat, and why his campaign is resonating with so many working class Detroiters. Click here to check-out Denzel McCampbell's campaign. And visit his Facebook page.

36:31-46:37: RFK Jr. anti-vax insanity

In the "Last Call," Pat covers how Health & Human Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. is creating a national security emergency by restricting the COVID vaccine, and by defunding vaccine research.

46:38-49:15: Ending/Lions

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!

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NOTES:

"How a Democratic Socialist Won a Detroit City Council Primary." By Sam Robinson of Michigan Chronical

"Is Denzel McCampbell Detroit’s Zohran Mamdani?" By Malachi Barrett of Bridge Detroit

"See who’s funding Detroit City Council candidates." By Malachi Barrett of Bridge Michigan

"Southeast Michigan pediatrician offers insight as FDA restricts COVID-19 vaccine eligibility." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Michigan physician builds coalition to counter RFK Jr.'s 'dire' vaccine restrictions." By Kristen Jordan Shamus of The Detroit Free Press

"DeSantis and Ladapo aim to make Florida first in US to end all vaccine mandates." By Kirby Wilson & Romy Ellenbogan of The Miami Herald

"Outbreaks of rabies seem to be rising across the U.S., CDC surveillance shows." By NBC News

"GOP-authored Michigan bill would legalize discriminating against women who receive abortions." By Richard Eberwein of Heartland Signal

#podcast #politics #progressives #workingclass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Unions #Medicaid #Michigan #Economy #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Democrats #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for September 1, 2025.

On this Labor Day 2025, Pat Johnston reviews how the Trump Regime has enacted the most anti-worker, anti-union, pro-corporate greed and corruption agenda in recent memory. 

Whether it's the insane tariff scheme, the gutting of the National Labor Relations Board, or the MAGA Murder Budget, Dear Leader Trump's "economics" is hurting workers across the country, and especially in Michigan.

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!

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NOTES:

"Labor Day report: Michigan has fourth-highest unemployment rate in U.S., wage disparities persist." By Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Labor Day Report: A Snapshot of Michigan's Workforce." By Michigan League For Public Policy

"Labor Day Spotlight: Trump promised to revive manufacturing. Will he deliver?" By Kelena Thomhave of Michigan Advance

"The UAW at 90: Still fighting for the middle class—and its own future." By Rick Haglund of Michigan Advance

"Trump’s shock-and-awe tariffs haven’t fueled a manufacturing jobs boom." By Matt Egan of CNN

"Trump Celebrates Labor Day as the Most Anti-Union President Ever." By Harold Meyerson of American Prospect

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #Guns #GunViolence #SchoolShootings #ToxicMasculinity #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 29, 2025.

MAGA Republicans are trying to blame the entire Transgender community for the school shooting at a Catholic Church in Minneapolis this week in which two children were killed while 17 others were injured. The shooter, if reports are accurate, was a transgender female. 

But as Pat Johnston explains, by directing their bigoted ire towards transgender Americans, MAGA Republicans and influencers are trying to get you to ignore the real culprit behind America's gun violence epidemic: Guns.

Well, guns combined with men appears to be the main culprit behind this uniquely American problem. And much could be done to fix it, but MAGA Republicans are more beholden to the gun than they are to the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of others. 

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!

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NOTES:

"Ex-husband, alleged accomplice charged in killing of woman inside Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit." By Brandon Carr of WDIV-TV, Channel 4 News in Detroit

"Mass Shooters Are Not Disproportionately Transgender." By Abby Vesoulis of Mother Jones

"Mario Green charged in fatal shooting of ex-wife; Records show victim sought help." By Nushrat Rahman, Andrea May Sahouri, and Kristen Jordan Shamus of The Detroit Free Press

#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!

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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

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Authoritarianism #GretchenWhitmer #Rural #HealthCare #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Immigration #Labor #Inflation #WorkingClass #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 25, 2025.

Dear Leader Trump forgot Governor Gretchen Whitmer's name today. And while it serves as a reminder of Trump's obvious mental decline, let it serve as a reminder to Governor Whitmer that for all of her graveling to Dear Leader this year, he's hurting Michigan's working class in both urban and rural areas... let alone forgetting who she is.

Whether it's health care, worker rights, environmental and economic security, the taking over of the free marketplace, and also immigration, The Trump Regime's policies--aided and abetted by MAGA Republicans in Congress, are leading to dire consequences to every working class Michigander. 

My only question is does Gov. Whitmer understand that reality yet?

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

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NOTES:

"Health insurance will cost more for millions of Americans — especially rural residents." By Shalina Chatlani of Michigan Advance

"Whitmer appeals FEMA denials for disaster aid for Northern Michigan ice storms." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"'Kristi' Whitmer? Trump misidentifies Michigan governor during Oval Office ceremony." By Jalen Williams of The Detroit Free Press

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Detroit #MikeDuggan #Democrats #Republicans #Progressives #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Crime #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #WorkingClass #Moderates #LeftofLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 22, 2025.

Today, The Trump Regime's FBI raided the home of The Regime's former national security advisor John Bolton over classified documents, or something like that. 

While no fan of Mr. Bolton's, Pat Johnston explains how this move is another authoritarian step by the Trump Regime, and it shows why we need strong political leaders to combat this kind of corporate authoritarianism combined with White Christian Nationalism from gaining more of a grip on the country. 

Sadly, in Michigan, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running a pro-corporatist campaign to become Michigan's next governor, and is signaling how much he'd like to work with Trump.

When you've got a choice to fight-back against authoritarianism, or to join it, Mike Duggan's choosing to join it. 

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!

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NOTES:

"Republican megadonors are bankrolling Mike Duggan’s independent Michigan gubernatorial race." By Richard Eberwein of The Heartland Signal

"No, Mayor Duggan, Trump gets no credit for Detroit violent crime reduction | Opinion." By Alia Harvey-Quinn of The Detroit Free Press

#politics #podcast #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #Lansing #KellivanGinhoven #Republicans #MAGA #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #RuralVoters #DirtRoadDems #Escanaba #Democracy #WorkingClass #MikeDuggan #Detroit #GavinNewsom #MAGAMurderBudget #PublicSchools #unions #Voting #RankedChoiceVoting #LeftofLansing

00:00-16:46: Detroit Politics/Gavin Newsom/MI MAGA Defunding Schools

Pat Johnston opens the show discussing some Detroit politics, and he wonders if corporate "independent" gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan will back Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell's campaign to win Detroit's 7th District on the City Council. Don't hold your breath! Pat takes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to task for refusing to call an election for a state senate opening. And Pat explains how Michigan MAGA House Republicans are working to defund public schools.

16:47-46:52: Kelli van Ginhoven Interview

Democratic state Senate candidate Kelli van Ginhoven talks with Pat about her decision to run for the open seat in 2026. Ms. van Ginhoven's currently the Delta County Commission's vice-chair after she helped spearhead an effort to defeat the commission's MAGA majority. Kelli's a former preschool teacher and a former small business owner. She's been involved in several governmental boards and charities both in Escanaba and Delta County, and now wants to use her experience, expertise, and passion to push a working class agenda for the 38th Senate District. If you'd like to help Kelli van Ginhoven out, visit her Act Blue page.

46:53-52:00: Last Call on Corporate Mike Duggan

The "Last Call" continues highlighting how Detroit Mayor, and "independent" gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan, is a pure corporatist politician. He has no working class agenda, and that's why he's receiving lots of MAGA donor support.

52:01-56:31: Ending/Betsy Coffia

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NOTES:

"Entering The Race: Escanaba Woman Runs For State Senate." By Daily Mining Gazette

"They Can't See What I See." By Jess Piper in The View From Rural Missouri

"Fentanyl came to a tiny UP town. Then the funerals began." By Ron French in Bridge Michigan

"Republicans push ranked choice voting through Michigan House along party lines." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Is Denzel McCampbell Detroit’s Zohran Mamdani?" By Malachi Barrett of Bridge Detroit

"Republican megadonors are bankrolling Mike Duggan’s independent Michigan gubernatorial race." By Richard Eberwein of Heartland Signal

"Michigan residents sue Whitmer for failing to call special election in state Senate district." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #energy #CleanEnergy #Democracy #Democrats #Progressives #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #BillHuizenga #FossilFuel #Pollution #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #Michigan #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for August 18 2025.

The Trump Regime's energy department ordered the antiquated J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Ottawa County to remain open despite the plant-owner Consumers' Energy's decision to shut it down for good last May. 

The Regime cited some unknown "energy emergency" for its decision.

But as Pat Johnston explains, there is no "free hand of the marketplace" with The Trump Regime. Our economy is directed by Dear Leader's (tiny) hand of the marketplace, and it's having devastating effects on the working class.

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!

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NOTES:

"Protestors rally in Holland, call for Campbell coal plant to close." By Sarah Leach of The Ottawa News Network

"Study: Electricity costs would rise more than $3 billion if DOE keeps more coal plants running." By Tracey Samilton of Michigan Public Radio

"How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will increase Michigan power costs." By Brian Allnutt of Bridge Detroit

"When L’État C’est Trump, the U.S. Goes in for State Capitalism." By Harold Meyerson of The American Prospect

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Michigan #Economy #WorkingClass #MAGAMurderBudget #Medicaid #Jobs #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #MAGA #Republicans #MattHall #Trump #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for August 15, 2025.

MAGA Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall is proudly joining his Dear Leader Donald Trump in punching the state's working class in the gut. 

Hall hailed the MAGA Murder Budget is a "win" for Michigan, even though hundreds of thousands will lose their Medicaid and food assistance. Even more, thousands of jobs are getting slashed due to The Regime's war on clean energy. 

Hall and his MAGA supporters in the Michigan House are willing to shutdown the state government unless Democrats agree to slash spending for schools, health care, and jobs so that the corporate donor base receives another tax cut. 

Hall's been described as the "Trump before Trump."

Judging how Trump's so-called economic policies are damaging Michigan to no end, it's imperative that Democrats re-take the state House to stop Hall.

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

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NOTES:

"Matt Hall storms Lansing: Insulting, unapologetic and 'winning every week.'" By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan

"Citizens Research Council: Trump tax, spending plan will mean $1.1B hit to Michigan budget." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Trump admin cancels $156M Michigan solar program as coal plant decision looms." By Kelly House & Jordyn Harmani of Bridge Michigan