Is the South really as “red” as it seems—or is something shifting beneath the surface? Can Democrats actually win in red states with the right strategy?

In this powerful episode of Dixie Dems, host Bob Gatty is joined by co-hosts Arthur Hill (North Carolina Democratic Party leader) and Robert Thompson (Georgia-based podcaster) to explore the evolving political landscape across the South.

🎙️ Special Guest: Grace Cowan

Founder, organizer, and co-host of the Frogmore Stew podcast, Grace shares how grassroots efforts in South Carolina are challenging the status quo—even in heavily gerrymandered districts.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Democrats are running candidates in every single South Carolina state legislative district—even the toughest ones--for the first time in many years.

How gerrymandering has shaped Southern politics—and how activists are pushing back

The strategy behind forcing “safe seat” politicians to actually compete

Why grassroots organizing could reshape the South’s political future

The importance of messaging, identity, and voter engagement

What’s next for South Carolina and the broader Southern political landscape

💡 Key Takeaway:

Progress doesn’t only come from winning elections—it comes from showing up, organizing, and refusing to concede entire communities.

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Your voice matters—especially in the South.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Dixie Dems

01:23 Hair Talk Cold Open

02:46 Run Every Seat Strategy

04:57 North Carolina Playbook

06:45 Expose Gerrymandering

08:44 Voting Rights Crackdown

10:43 Disruptor Ads Approach

11:37 Annie Andrews vs Graham

14:52 Democrats Need Branding

19:44 Sanford and Mace Drama

21:04 South Carolina Governor Race

22:00 Candidate Scandal Fallout

22:47 Jermaine Johnson Stays In

24:00 Building the Party Bench

25:08 Name Recognition Matters

28:16 Training Candidates Basics

29:30 Gerrymandering Workarounds

31:17 Straight Ticket Voting Tricks

33:38 Trump Mail Voting Hypocrisy

36:20 MAGA Media Silo Explained

37:34 Voting by Class Debate

41:03 Frogmore Stew Podcast Plug

43:52 Wrap Up and Thanks

Millions of Americans are marching in “No Kings” rallies across the country—and for good reason.

In this commentary, Bob Gatty breaks down the growing gap between Donald Trump’s campaign promises and today’s reality, including a new conflict with Iran that has already cost American lives.

This isn’t just politics—it’s about accountability, democracy, and the future of the country.

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#NoKings #Trump #Politics #Democracy #Protests

Richard Nixon came within a gnats eyelash of being impeached over the

Watergate scandal, but ended up resigning instead. Despite some of his positive achievements, he is generally considered a bad president. But what about Trump? Is he worse?

In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty is joined by novelist and podcaster Laura VanWormer, creator of the serialized audio fiction podcast Class of ’74.

The conversation explores the dynamics of political power through a compelling comparison of Donald Trump and Richard Nixon, with VanWormer offering a provocative take on why Nixon—despite his flaws—represented a more functional form of leadership.

Laura also shares her deeply personal journey following a devastating car accident that forced her to step away from writing novels—and how that loss unexpectedly gave rise to Class of ’74, a podcast that blends 1970s nostalgia, political backdrop, and soap-opera storytelling into a modern audio experience enjoyed by listeners around the world.

This episode is a reflection on:

• Political leadership and historical perspective

• Resilience after personal tragedy

• Podcasting as a new literary frontier

• Humor as a survival tool in dark political times

Thoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this conversation is a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling—and the importance of laughter when confronting history and the present moment.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on politics, culture, and the people shaping how we understand them.

👉 Like & share if you believe stories still matter.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Lean To the Left

00:29 Comparing Trump and Nixon

01:00 Introducing Laura VanWormer

01:13 Laura's High School Reunion and Podcast

01:55 Weather and Small Talk

03:13 Details About the Class of 74 Podcast

09:00 Laura's Personal Story and Accident

11:45 The Impact of Laura's Podcast

13:20 Writing and Voices

13:38 Trump vs. Nixon

14:12 Nixon's Environmental and Media Policies

15:21 Nixon's Downfall and Resignation

16:33 Personal Reflections on Nixon Era

17:09 Nixon's Draft and Popularity

20:32 Comparing Nixon and Trump

21:25 High School Memories and Politics

23:34 Teenagers and Social Media

25:26 Books and Writing Career

26:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guantanamo Bay was once described as housing the “worst of the worst.” But what if that's a lie?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by human rights attorney Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, special counsel at Human Rights First and author of "Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay".

Joshua has spent more than two decades challenging the injustices of Guantanamo Bay. He explains how fear-driven narratives allowed indefinite detention, torture, and the erosion of due process—and why those same tactics are now being repurposed in immigration policy.

We discuss:

• The true legacy of Guantanamo Bay

• How demagoguery targets immigrants and minorities

• The use of cruelty as political theater

• Parallels to Japanese American internment

• Why empathy and the rule of law still matter

This conversation is a sobering reminder of what happens when executive power goes unchecked—and why human stories are essential to defending democracy.

📘 Through the Gates of Hell is available through major retailers and local bookstores.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation at Lean to the Left.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Trump's Immigration Policies and Guantanamo Bay

01:03 Guest Introduction: Joshua Colangelo Bryan

01:21 The Legal Battle and Personal Bond

16:28 Current State of Guantanamo and Immigration Policies

19:21 Broader Implications and Political Commentary

22:30 Discussion on Venezuela and Foreign Policy

29:01 Closing Thoughts and Book Information

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty talks with environmental health lawyer, professor, and author Susan Kaplan about how states are leading the way on environmental health policy. Drawing from her book, A Healthy Union: How States Can Lead on Environmental Health, Kaplan explains how state-level innovation has produced effective, evidence-based policies that protect public health while reducing costs.

🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why federal environmental protections have eroded — and what states are doing instead

• How states act as “laboratories of innovation” for environmental health

• The growing role of local governments, school boards, and city councils

• How everyday environmental choices affect public health

• Why collective community action can drive lasting change

Kaplan highlights successful policies from states like Massachusetts, New York, and Texas, along with regional collaborations that prove environmental protection and economic efficiency can go hand in hand.

🌱 This conversation is a hopeful reminder that progress is possible — and often starts close to home.

📘 Learn more about Susan Kaplan’s work and her book A Healthy Union

🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for more conversations on progressive politics, climate, and social justice

👍 Like, comment, and share to support independent progressive media

Amazon book Link: https://amzn.to/4acwEsy

NOTE: Susan Kaplan is offering listeners ands viewers of this podcast a 20% discount on the price of her book. To obtain that discount visit www.islandpress.org and use the code word: UNION.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast

00:20 Meet Susan Kaplan: Environmental Health Expert

01:34 The History of Environmental Protection in the US

03:46 State-Level Environmental Health Policies

05:16 Challenges and Solutions in Environmental Protection

08:17 Local Government's Role in Environmental Health

09:31 Practical Tips for Individuals

11:43 Encouraging Local Government Action

15:03 Best Practices and Case Studies

17:03 Susan Kaplan's Career Journey

19:12 Current Issues and Final Thoughts

20:40 Where to Find Susan's Book

22:12 Conclusion and Optimism for the Future

Welcome to Dixie Dems, the monthly roundtable from the Lean to the Left Podcast focused on progressive politics across the South.

Host Bob Gatty (South Carolina) is joined by Arthur Hill, Vice Chair of the Brunswick County (NC) Democratic Party, and Robert Thompson, a bold progressive voice from Georgia.

Our special guest this episode is Robin Biro—a South Carolina native, Army Ranger veteran, former campaign director for the Barack Obama campaign, and longtime political commentator on Fox News and Newsmax.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Trump’s influence on U.S. military and foreign policy, including Venezuela and oil politics

• Concerns about political retaliation within the armed forces

• Georgia’s evolving political landscape, including the Senate race and figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene

• South Carolina’s gubernatorial race, featuring Mullins McLeod and Dr. Jermaine Johnson

• Fractures inside Southern Republican parties—and opportunities for Democrats

• Veterans’ voices in politics and the risks facing democratic institutions

• Social justice, ICE accountability, systemic racism, and protest movements

• A powerful firsthand story exposing healthcare inequities in Georgia

As Trump looms over upcoming elections and Southern politics continue to shift, Dixie Dems remains committed to honest conversation, accountability, and progressive action.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Dixie Dems

00:39 Meet Our Special Guest: Robin Biro

01:57 Venezuela and US Military Strategy

06:56 Political Climate in Georgia

08:20 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Upcoming Elections

12:26 South Carolina Political Landscape

15:21 Balancing Life and Politics

15:56 Campaign Strategies and Fundraising

17:18 Political Landscape in South Carolina

18:37 Republican Party Fractures

20:01 Trump's Controversial Election Ideas

22:18 Protests and Police Shootings

27:14 Healthcare System Failures

28:43 Closing Remarks and Farewells

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🎧 Listen to more episodes at LeanToTheLeft.net

South Carolina is a hotbed of political corruption, but Mullins McCleod, Democratic candidate for governor, says he's fighting against it and the Palmetto State could be on the brink of transformation.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, McLeod, a Charleston attorney, also addresses his May disturbing the peace arrest when he was found walking the streets at night shirtless, and police say, in his boxer shorts.

McLeod says he did nothing wrong, that his behavior resulted from the stress of preparing for his campaign and the affect of taking Adderall for a long period of time. His attorneys are seeking to have the charges dropped.

A fourth-generation public servant, McLeod lays out a bold vision in the interview for a government that works for the people — not wealthy donors or corporate interests.

🔥 What We Cover:

• The fight against corruption and donor-driven politics

• Why South Carolina still has no minimum wage

• The economic and ethical risks of unchecked AI expansion

• The dangers of for-profit decision-making in healthcare and housing

• His commitment to transparency — including upcoming disclosure about his arrest

• How grassroots donors can reshape political leadership

McLeod argues that South Carolina deserves servant leadership, fair wages, and an accountable public system — and he’s ready to take on entrenched interests to make that happen.

🎧 Listen now and decide if Mullins McLeod is the voice of change South Carolina has been waiting for.

👉 Subscribe for more interviews, commentary, and perspectives on politics and democracy.

#SouthCarolina #SCPolitics #MullinsMcLeod #LeanToTheLeft #Democracy #PoliticalCorruption #MinimumWage #GrassrootsPower #BobGatty

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:14 Mullins McLeod's Background and Legal Career

00:46 The Arrest Incident and Campaign Transparency

01:33 Motivation for Running for Governor

01:59 Addressing Political Corruption in South Carolina

03:13 Servant Leadership and Legal Achievements

05:12 Economic Issues and Livable Wage

07:09 Political Corruption and Power Companies

09:47 Family Legacy and Public Service

11:31 Housing Market and AI Concerns

21:44 Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion

24:22 Republican Candidates and Trump

26:33 Political Corruption and Oil Exploitation

28:23 Trump and Political Blame Game

29:55 Economic Inequality and Political Corruption

34:58 The Arrest Incident and Legal Battle

45:36 Campaign Vision and Funding

48:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Michael Brownstein, co-author of "Somebody Should Do Something", to explore how individual actions—often dismissed as insignificant—can ignite meaningful, systemic social change.

At a time when Americans feel overwhelmed by climate change, racial injustice, economic inequality, and threats to democracy, Brownstein challenges the idea that only institutions or powerful leaders can make a difference. Instead, he introduces “both-and” thinking: the idea that personal choices and collective action are not opposites—but partners.

From voting and social influence to community organizing and combating misinformation, this conversation digs into how small, visible actions can ripple outward, shaping norms, inspiring others, and building momentum for real reform. Brownstein also addresses political polarization, loyalty to authoritarian figures, and how despair can be broken through connection and shared purpose.

This episode is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t start “somewhere else”—it starts with people who decide to act -- and that's especially important in this era of Donald Trump and his apparent desire to be dictator of the world.

📘 "Somebody Should Do Something" is available via Amazon at https://amzn.to/499oO2p and independent bookstores, with an audio edition coming soon.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction: The Urgency of Social Change

00:31 Meet the Author: Michael Brownstein

01:12 The Motivation Behind the Book

02:34 From Scholarly Work to Public Engagement

04:49 The Need for Structural Change

08:07 Individual Actions and Social Influence

14:45 Challenges in American Politics

18:29 Loyalty to Trump: Analyzing the Phenomenon

25:54 Trump's Impact on Climate Change Efforts

28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What is the impact of the USAID shutdown as thee United States abruptly walked away from global humanitarian aid?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty speaks with former senior USAID official Clifford Brown about the far-reaching consequences of the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Brown, who left a lucrative legal career to serve in public service, shares firsthand accounts from his work in Kenya, Guatemala, Honduras, West Africa, and post-Soviet states. He explains how USAID programs provided food security, healthcare, and economic opportunity—and how their abrupt termination has contributed to increased suffering, instability, and migration pressures.

The conversation explores:

• Why the shutdown of USAID was celebrated by some Trump administration officials who enjoyed a big sheet cake—and devastating for millions who because of their actions would have very little to eat

• The real-world consequences of ending global health and development programs

• The moral and political challenges of democracy-building abroad

• Corruption, cultural conflict, and the limits of foreign intervention

• Why restoring USAID matters for America’s global credibility

Brown also discusses his book, Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance, a deeply personal account of the triumphs and failures of U.S. foreign aid.

🎙️ Subscribe to Lean to the Left for in-depth conversations on politics, policy, and the real human impact of government decisions.

👉 Stay informed. Speak up. Join the conversation.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction: The Heinous Act of Defunding USAID

01:09 Guest Introduction: Clifford Brown's Journey

02:16 The Impact of USAID's Elimination

02:52 Clifford's Career and Experiences

06:45 Global Consequences of Defunding USAID

10:17 Humanitarian Crises and USAID's Role

18:35 Challenges in Promoting Democracy

20:48 Controversial Topics and Personal Stories

26:04 Clifford's Book and Final Thoughts

As the holidays approach, the Dixie Dems take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that’s shifting in surprising ways.

In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season’s greetings while digging into what’s ahead for Democrats in the South as 2026 comes into view.

🎄 In this episode, we discuss:

• Georgia’s increasingly competitive governor’s race and growing Democratic momentum
• North Carolina’s political crossroads and the lasting legacy of Democratic leadership
• Surprising new polling in South Carolina that could spell trouble for longtime GOP incumbents
• Why Democrats must reclaim their history of progress, fairness, and opportunity

The holidays may be a time for reflection—but the Dixie Dems are clear: the South has a voice, and it’s getting bluer.