In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Democratic candidate Mel Hyman outlines his campaign for South Carolina's solidly Republican 7th congressional district.

With a focus on Common Sense for the Common Good, Hyman aims to unseat one-term incumbent Russell Frye. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including jobs, healthcare, education, reproductive rights, and the environment.

Hyman shares his history as a public school and university teacher, his blue-collar work experience, and his critical views on Donald Trump, especially in light of recent criminal charges.

The conversation also delves into immigration reform, gun control, campaign finance reform, social security, Medicare, and climate change. Hyman emphasizes the need for significant legislative efforts to protect democracy and improve the lives of working families.

He ends the interview by advocating for a children's bill of rights and making education more affordable while highlighting the importance of returning to civility in political discourse.

00:00 Introduction to Mel Hyman's Campaign 00:38 Mel Hyman's Background and Values

01:27 Thoughts on Donald Trump and His Legal Issues

04:31 The Threat of Another Trump Administration

06:05 Economic Improvements Under Biden 09:06 Abortion and Reproductive Rights

11:53 Gun Control and School Safety

14:45 Immigration Policy and Challenges

18:47 Campaign Finance Reform

21:11 Social Security and Medicare

26:32 Environmental Protection and Climate Change

29:56 Children's Bill of Rights and Education

33:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

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Explore the insightful analysis of veteran diplomat Stuart E. Eizenstat on ending Wars in Gaza & Ukraine as he shares the keys to peace and diplomacy from his long experience as an international negotiator.

In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Eisenstadt about his latest book, which includes interviews with dozens of U.S. and global leaders such as Presidents Clinton, Carter, and others.

Eisenstat offers reflections on key diplomatic skills, current geopolitical issues like the Ukraine War and Gaza conflict, and provides advice for U.S. military strategy. He also shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive negotiations experience, including his work on Holocaust issues and economic peace processes.

Eizenstat said the eventual resolution of the Ukraine conflict will hinge on a strategic stalemate on the battlefield. 

"This war in Ukraine will ultimately end when both sides believe they can't get anything further on the battlefield in terms of their political goals," he said.

Eizenstat advocated for the U.S. to continue providing critical military aid to Ukraine, comparing the potential outcomes to the armistice that concluded the Korean War, rather than a direct peace agreement.

The long time diplomat said the US. must "give Israel the means to defeat and disable Hamas as a governing and military structure, But, we have to also, as the administration is trying to do, combine diplomacy with military force."

Eizenstat cautioned that Hamas will not be defeated alone by military force. and that the US. must "look at Gaza as part of a broader conflict. And that broader regional conflict involves Iran on the one hand, which has been the military supplier for Hamas, with its so called, and they call it this, their axis of resistance with Hamas, with Hezbollah, with the Houthis, with Syria."

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:32 Purpose of the Book

01:40 Key Skills for Successful Diplomacy

03:01 Stamina in Diplomacy

04:36 Lessons from Past Negotiations

04:58 Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Military Role

10:26 Gaza Conflict and Diplomatic Strategies

15:51 Holocaust Negotiations and Personal Reflections

16:42 Trump's Foreign Policy and Biden's Age

21:28 Importance of U.S. International Engagement

22:27 Personal Anecdotes and Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Join the Dixie Dams—Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and the host from South Carolina—as they dive into current political issues on the Lean to the Left podcast.

The episode covers a range of hot topics including Trump's New York hush money trial, a new initiative to energize young voters called TOGETHER!, Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering and other impactful rulings, and heated debates over DEI funding.

Discussions also address the controversies surrounding political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and analyze the changing political landscapes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Whether it's local legislation on masks and development or national electoral implications, this episode provides an in-depth look at America's political atmosphere.

00:00 Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast

01:29 Diving into the Trump Hush Money Trial

04:09 Political Climate and Voter Sentiments

09:00 Nationwide Initiative to Unite and Mobilize Young Voters

10:47 The Curious Case of RFK Jr.'s Brain Worm

12:54 Supreme Court's Controversial Decision on Gerrymandering

16:46 State Politics: Mask Laws and DEI Funding

32:35 Election Integrity and the Fulton County Court Clerk Race

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we delve into the critical issue of teenage depression and the alarming rates of youth suicide.

Host Bob Gatty welcomes Dr. Scott Kolbaba, an Internal Medicine Physician from Chicago, who shares his poignant experiences and insights. Dr. Kolbaba, an Amazon bestselling author, highlights his children's book 'Clara's Magic Garden,' which addresses themes of depression and self-worth.

Through powerful anecdotes and a deep understanding of mental health, Dr. Kolbaba explores the importance of finding purpose as a potential solution to combating teenage depression.

He also discusses the role of parents and significant others in identifying and nurturing the passions of young people to help them overcome depression.

Don't miss this compelling conversation that offers hope and actionable advice for parents and caregivers.

00:00 Introduction to Teenage Depression and Suicide Rates

00:31 Dr. Kolbaba's Journey and Insights on Teenage Depression

02:53 The Power of Purpose: Dr. Kolbaba's Approach to Battling Depression

07:49 Personal Stories and the Impact of Finding Purpose

14:39 Adoption Stories and Addressing Bullying

19:12 Advice for Parents on Recognizing and Addressing Depression

22:14 The Role of Schools and Society in Supporting Mental Health

25:55 Exploring Miraculous Experiences: Physicians Untold Stories

28:48 Closing Thoughts and the Importance of Purpo 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Bringing Civility and Innovation to Politics: Together's Vision for the Future

Lean to the Left podcast hosts an insightful discussion with Jason Palmer, Debra Perry Piscione, and Kwame Jackson, co-founders of Together, a new organization aimed at reducing political polarization by mobilizing young voters and endorsing a new generation of leaders.

Aiming for inclusivity, civility, and entrepreneurship, Together seeks to transform American politics by endorsing candidates who represent common sense and bipartisan values.

The podcast delves into the founders' backgrounds, the mission and structure of Together, and their plans to engage and rally young Americans for a profound political impact.

The Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Lean to the Left Podcast and Jason Palmer's Political Journey

01:05 Launching 'Together': A New Organization for Political Change

01:47 Meet the Co-Founders: Their Roles and Visions for 'Together'

07:29 Jason Palmer's Reflections on His Presidential Run and Future Plans

08:57 'Together's' Strategy: Endorsing Candidates and Mobilizing Young Voters

14:11 Addressing Political Divisions and Fostering Civility

20:45 'Together's' Approach to Political Issues and Candidate Endorsements

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On the Lean to the Left podcast, author Matthew Stevenson credits our show with providing a forum for meaningful intellectual discussion about the key political and social issues of our time. Stevenson made his comments at the close of an interview for our show during which he discussed the conundrum faced by many voters who must choose between President Biden and Donald Trump in November. That episode is now streaming.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by author Matthew Stevenson, who discusses his book 'Donald Trump's Circus Maximus and Joe Biden's Excellent Adventure,' detailing his firsthand experiences following the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections.

Stevenson shares insights into the personalities of key political figures like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton, and the political carnival atmosphere of campaigns.

The discussion explores the broader implications of these elections on American democracy, Trump's impact on the Republican Party, and the potential future of political parties in the U.S. Stevenson also delves into the impeachment trials following the January 6th insurrection, Trump's legal troubles, and offers a critique of the current state and direction of both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Finally, Stevenson provides his personal perspective on the future of American politics and the significance of political engagement and advocacy. Trump, he says, is virtually ruining the Republican Party.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Matthew Stevenson

02:00 Matthew Stevenson's Background and Political Insights

04:53 Deep Dive into Trump's and Biden's Political Campaigns

08:18 Reflections on Trump's Impeachment Trials and Political Consequences

12:44 Trump's Legal Battles and Supreme Court Dynamics

22:29 The Future of American Politics and the Republican Party

32:12 Where to Find Matthew Stevenson's Work

33:48 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews Gerald Epstein, author of 'Busting the Bankers Club,' and a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Epstein discusses how powerful interests within the 'Bankers Club,' including big banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America, federal institutions like the Federal Reserve, financial regulators, and others, have maintained a financial system that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the majority.

He explores the dualities of the financial system, its manipulation by powerful interests, the adverse impact of current banking practices on the average person, and the potential for reform.

Epstein argues for the break-up of the Bankers Club to create a more equitable and functional financial system that serves broader societal needs, including those of marginalized communities and the push for a greener economy.

He also addresses the challenges of making such transformations and highlights the efforts of activists, public officials, and reform-minded groups working towards these goals.

The conversation delves into specifics such as the destructive influence of credit card interest rates, the legacy of economic policies that have exacerbated racial inequalities, and the potential for public banks to fulfill social missions.

Epstein emphasizes the importance of democratizing financial institutions, like the Federal Reserve, and the need for wide-ranging reforms to address issues of inequality and to harness finance as a force for good in society.

He calls for passage of federal legislation to create public banks that serve marginalized communities, communities of color, small businesses, and funds "green" environmental initiatives.

00:00 Introduction: The Cycle of Bank Bailouts

01:48 Unveiling the Bankers Club: Allies and Operations

04:56 The Dual Faces of Finance: Necessity and Destructiveness

11:03 The Federal Reserve's Role and Influence

20:25 Addressing Inequality and the Power of Public Banks

24:17 Racial Inequality and Financial Systems

27:16 The Fight for Financial Reform and Public Banks

33:06 The Political Landscape and Economic Implications

39:30 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Find the Book 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Lori Alhadeff shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Alyssa in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on Valentine's Day, 2018.

Lori discusses the founding of the Make Our Schools Safe organization, dedicated to preventing such tragedies through initiatives like Alyssa's Law, which mandates panic buttons in schools. Lori, also a school board member, highlights the importance of community involvement in school safety, detailing her organization's efforts in passing Alyssa's Law in several states and advocating for its national adoption.

The podcast dives into the establishment of Make Our Schools Safe clubs (MOSS Clubs) and various fundraising and awareness events aimed at enhancing school security and involving students and parents in the safety dialogue.

00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left: A Story of Tragedy and Action

00:42 Remembering Alyssa: A Life Full of Light

01:21 From Grief to Action: Founding Make Our Schools Safe

03:08 The Mission of Make Our Schools Safe and Alyssa's Law

04:39 Lori's Journey: School Board Member and Advocate

05:50 Alyssa's Law: A Nationwide Push for Safer Schools

09:26 Engaging the Community: MOSS Clubs and Fundraising Efforts

15:05 The Challenge of Legislative Action and Continuing the Fight

18:08 A Call to Action: Making Schools Safer for Everyone

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The script discusses the challenges President Biden faces in his reelection campaign, including concerns over his age and a desire among some Democrats for an alternative candidate.

The conversation includes insights from Edward Segal, a political strategist and historian, who suggests that Biden could benefit from conducting a whistle stop campaign tour, a strategy that has historical significance in American politics.

Segal, who has recently published a book titled 'Whistle Stop Politics, Campaign Trains and Reporters Who Covered Them', shares his expertise on the impact of whistle stop tours. He draws parallels between Biden and President Harry Truman, who successfully used such tours to connect with voters.

The discussion also touches on modern campaign strategies, the potential role of social media in revitalizing whistle stop tours, and Siegel's own experiences in political campaigning. The conversation concludes with details about Segal's book and his plans to propose the idea of a whistle stop tour to the Biden campaign.

00:00 Biden's Reelection Challenges and the Potential of a Whistle Stop Campaign

00:40 Introducing Edward Siegel: A Political Strategist with a Unique Perspective01:36 Edward's New Book: A Deep Dive into Whistle Stop Politics

02:35 The Strategic Advantage of a Biden Whistle Stop Tour

04:56 Historical Success Stories of Whistle Stop Campaigning

06:51 The Power of Social Media in Modern Campaigning

07:19 Biden's Missteps with TikTok and Opportunities for Improvement

08:43 Edward's Personal Experience and Insights on Campaign Trains

11:49 The Impact of Campaign Trains in American Political History

16:06 Final Thoughts and the Future of Whistle Stop Campaigning 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.