Podcast
Left of Lansing
Hosted by Left of Lansing · EN
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!
40episodes
Episodes
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401: Friday Short: Why Mike Duggan's "Centrist" Campaign Failed In Michigan
3d ago00:05:57Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 22, 2026.Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his "independent" run to become Michigan's next Governor this week. Duggan cited poor polling numbers, the struggle to raise money against the Democratic and MAGA Republican Parties, and strong momentum for the Democrats this year as to why his campaign couldn't catch fire. But Pat Johnston explains the real reason Mike Duggan's campaign fell flat.It might've had something to do with how he refused to show how he'd stick-up for working class Michiganders while ensuring business as usual in Lansing's toxic corporate culture. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on this week's "LOL Web Poll!"Notes:"Duggan drops independent bid for governor, remapping 2026 Michigan gubernatorial landscape." By Ben Solis and Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "How Mike Duggan’s independent campaign for governor fell apart." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times #podcast #Politics #Michigan #Progressive #WorkingClass #DemocraticSocialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovenrmentCorruption #Unions #Detroit #Lansing #DTE #DataCenters #TechBro #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Election2026 #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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400: Haley Stevens & AIPAC; Trump Hurting Republicans; Joe Spaulding on Michigan Senate Race
4d ago00:57:53Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #179 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-16:51: Campbell Plant/AIPAC & Haley StevensPat Johnston immediately wonders how MAGA Michigan Republicans believe they will win in the midterms as working class Michiganders are heavily disapproving of Dear Leader Trump and the Trump Regime. And, Pat talks about how Democratic Party establishment types keep backing Congresswoman Haley Stevens despite her hearty embrace of corporate donations and AIPAC donations. 16:52-47:40: Joe Spaulding InterviewOttawa County progressive activist Joe Spaulding returns to the show. They talk about how Michigan isn't part of this gerrymandering battle thanks to the anti-gerrymandering ballot proposal that passed in 2018. Pat and Joe also share their disagreements and concerns regarding the Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Race. Pat's already announced his support for progressive-populist Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, but Joe shares his worries and reservations if El-Sayed wins the primary. 47:41-55:30: Last Call-Spaulding Interview ReaxIn the "Last Call," Pat shares his reaction to his interview with Joe Spaulding.55:31-57:53: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on this week's "LOL Web Poll!"Notes:"Appeals court weighs legality of orders extending Michigan coal plant life." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Feds renew order to keep J.H. Campbell coal plant open." By Dustin Dweyer of Michigan Public Radio"AIPAC has become a dirty word in Michigan's U.S. Senate race." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Jennifer Granholm backs Haley Stevens in Michigan US Senate battle." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan "Opinion | Keeping coal plant online isn’t just costly, it risks Michiganders’ health." By Teresa Hamsi & Alexander Rabin from Bridge Michigan "What EPA’s PFAS rollback means for contaminated Michigan drinking water." By Nina Misuraca Ignaczak of Planet Detroit "Hormuz traffic doubles; Israel lobby takes down Thomas Massie; Nigerian military claims joint U.S. strikes killed 175." By Drop Site News "Police officers who guarded Capitol sue to block Trump's $1.8 billion 'slush fund.'" By Jan Wolfe of Bridge Michigan #podcast #politics #Election #Election2026 #Michigan #Progressive #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Economy #WorkingClass #FossilFuels #Coal #Energy #Affordability #ClimateChange #CleanEnergy #GasPrices #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #MalloryMcMorrow #MikeRogers #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence #SCOTUS #ExpandThe Court #AIPAC #Gaza #Palestinians #Israel #IranWar #CorporateDonors #Populism #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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399: Monday Musing: Why Worry About Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race?
1w ago00:07:04Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 18, 2026.The "electability" word is being used during the heated Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary race. It's a word being used by corporate-establishment Democratic Party officials, who also happen to support AIPAC's choice, Congresswoman Haley Stevens. Establishment types are freaking-out that progressive-populist candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, is leading in the polls over Stevens and state Senator Mallory McMorrow. Those backing Stevens say she can win in Michigan, and she's the only one who can defeat the presumptive MAGA Republican nominee, "Florida" Mike Rogers, who lost against Elissa Slotkin in their 2024 Senate showdown. Pat Johnston explains why he doesn't fear "Florida" Mike, and neither should you this coming November... as long as Democrats pick the right person.Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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:"Poll: Trump’s Michigan approval plunges, undermining GOP hopes for key Senate Seat." BY Brad LaPlant of WLNS in Lansing "Clinton takes lead over Obama in national poll." By NBC News
Transcribe →398: Friday Short: Whitmer Loses Will To Fight For Abortion Rights... Everything Else
1w ago00:05:54Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 15, 2026.Planned Parenthood of Michigan is asking Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to use her executive powers by directing much-needed $5 million to fill a funding gap caused by the Trump Regime.But rather than "fight like Hell," and push-back against the White Christian MAGA Nationalist extremists, Whitmer told Planned Parenthood of Michigan that she can't do anything. So much for "That Woman From Michigan."Pat Johnston examines Whitmer's transformation from a Trump Regime Resister to someone who seems interested in not being governor anymore. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on the LOL Weekly Web Poll!NOTES:"Planned Parenthood once had a fighter in Gov. Whitmer. This time she folded." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Planned Parenthood of MI asks Whitmer for $5M to prevent clinic closures, she defers to Legislature." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance
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397: The Energy Is With Michigan Progressives? Senate Race Polls. Data Center Rejection
2w ago00:48:42Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #178 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-14:59: Iran War, Ballrooms, and Gas PricesPat Johnston opens this week's show highlighting how Dear Leader Trump's price tag for his precious White House ballroom has doubled, and taxpayers will fund it! Meanwhile, thanks to The Trump Regime's and Israel's illegal Iran War, gas prices keep hovering around $5, and fertilizer costs are decimating Michigan farmers. Working class Michiganders continue to suffer thanks to a this war as inflation is outdoing any wage gains, but Dear Leader Trump says he doesn't really think about the financial situations of the working class. 15:00-37:25: MI Senate Race Polls/AIPAC & StevensNew polling shows progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed leading by NINE-POINTS over Democratic establishment choice (and Ms. AIPAC) Congresswoman Haley Stevens, and a 10-Point lead over State Senator Mallory McMorrow in the Democratic Primary for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. And with poll numbers showing progressive William Lawrence going toe-to-toe with Democratic establishment candidates in the state's 7th Congressional District, it's leading some observers to conclude the electoral energy right now is with Michigan progressives. 37:26-45:00: Last Call...Data Center RejectionA new Gallup Poll reveals 7 of 10 Americans are against Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, and Pat explains why this is the case. 44:01-48:42: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick Here to Vote on the Weekly "LOL" Poll on The Supreme CourtNotes: "Polling shows it. Progressive energy is real." By Kyle Melinn of The City Pulse "New poll shows surging El-Sayed leading Senate nomination race." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Lawrence gets thumbs up from Tlaib in race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Democratic U.S. Senate candidates escalate attacks as Michigan primary intensifies." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance (via Michigan Public Radio)"Mysterious pro-Israel-linked group spends $5.3M to boost Haley Stevens." By Steve Neavling of Detroit Metro Times "Michigan farms ‘losing money on every acre’ as war spikes costs." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan "AIPAC-backed Stevens ousts Levin in race seen as bellwether on US-Israel politics." By Andrew Lapin of Times of Israel "Not in my backyard: Most Americans oppose AI data centers, Gallup finds." By Chris Williams of FOX 2 TV in Detroit "Trump calls MS NOW reporter ‘dumb’ for pointing out ballooning ballroom cost." By Julianne McShane of MS Now #podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Senate #Michigan #Election2026 #Election #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DataCenters #BigTech #Greed #DemocraticSocialism #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #MalloryMcMorrow #LisaMcClain #IranWar #Israel #AIPAC #Ballrooms #Inflation #WorkingClass #Unions #Farmers #WilliamLawrence #Congress #MikeJohnson #CorporateWelfare #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #Leftof Lansing
Transcribe →396: Monday Musing: Republican Clueless On Democrats' Michigan State Senate Blowout Win
2w ago00:06:14Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 11, 2026.According to Michigan Advance, Michigan MAGA Republican State Rep. Angela Rigas of Kent County complained on Facebook as to how Marine veteran and retired Saginaw Fire Chief, Chedrick Greene, could serve this country while also being a Democrat.Greene trounced his MAGA Republican opponent in that special election for the state Senate race in the 35th District, which comprises of Saginaw, Bay, and Midland Counties. Even more, Rep. Rigas liked a response to her comment which read, "“Or claim to be Christian and be demoncrat.”These comments reveal a true intellectual void within the MAGA movement and ideology, which really doesn't hold any true ideology except to show loyalty to Dear Leader Trump, and inflicting harm on marginalized Americans. But as Pat explains, the evidence is clear as day as to why Chedrick Greene's politics and commitment to community are more in-line with Christianity than the extreme White Christian Nationalist cult that makes up MAGA Republicanism. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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
Transcribe →395: Friday Short: MAGA Always Uses Racism To Divide Working Class
2w ago00:08:11Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 8, 2026.The recent Supreme Court decision to gut the Voting Rights Act, and the subsequent moves in southern states, like Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas, proves how dismantling any efforts at racial equality in this country has been the main motivating factor of MAGA Republicanism, and especially for the billionaire oligarchy class, or better known now as The Epstein Class. Pat Johnston gives his two cents. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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
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394: MI State Senate Reaction; AIPAC Doubles-Down on Haley Stevens; Taxpayers Fund Trump Ballroom
3w ago00:41:56Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #177 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-21:52: Trump Ballroom/AIPAC Backs Haley StevensPat Johnston's sinus infection may have knocked him down, but he's not out this week! It turns out the working class will indeed pay for The Trump Regime's $1billion ballroom at the White House. Surprised? Also this week, AIPAC announced it's doubling-down on Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic Primary Race for the state's open Senate seat. AIPAC is holding a fundraiser for Stevens because it views progressive-populist candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, to be a threat to the U.S.-Israel "relationship." 22:53-31:24: State Senate ReaxMichigan Democrats earned a blowout victory in a crucial race for an open state Senate seat this week. Saginaw firefighter Chedrick Greene earned 60% of the vote over the MAGA Republican candidate for the 35th state senate district, which includes Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties. It was another race where Democrats outperformed their 2024 numbers, and Pat explains what that could mean for the primary and general election races later this year. 31:25-39:00: Last Call--We're In a Populist MoodIn this week's "Last Call," Pat comments on some statements and conclusions made by pollster Richard Czuba during a recent edition of "Off The Record with Tim Skubick" on WKAR in Lansing. 39:01-41:56: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on the LOL Weekly Web Poll!NOTES:Mop Up Michigan Ballot Initiative: https://mopupmichigan.org/"Bernie Sanders stumps for El-Sayed, McKinney while continuing push against oligarchy." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan gas this week: Prices climb as ‘highly fluid’ outlook remains." By Justin P. Hicks of MLive.com "Michigan farms ‘losing money on every acre’ as war spikes costs." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan "AIPAC-backed Stevens ousts Levin in race seen as bellwether on US-Israel politics." By Andrew Lapin of Times of Israel "Debbie Stabenow Backs Stevens Over Progressive Democrats in Michigan Senate Race." By Sam Robinson of Michigan Chronicle "Greene wins Michigan Senate special election, Democrats retain control of chamber." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance Richard Czuba from the May 1, 2026 edition of Off The Record with Tim Skubick on WKAR#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Election #Election2026 #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #AIPAC #Senate #ChedrickGreene #StateSenate #Israel #AIPAC #IranWar #GasPrices #Trump #Ballroom #WorkingClass #Affordablity #Economy #Democracy #Fascism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #EpsteinClass #Farmers #Costs #Inflation #Authoritarianism #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →393: Friday Short: "Moderate" Kristen McDonald-Rivet Capitulates To Trump Regime, MAGA
3w ago00:07:05Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 1, 2026!Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Kristen McDonald-Rivet from the 8th District in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Genesee Counties won her election despite Trump winning her district in 2024.But despite Trump's falling poll numbers, and a majority of working class Democratic base voters begging congressional Democrats to grow a spine and oppose the Trump Regime's constant corruption, McDonald-Rivet keeps making some puzzling votes in her first term in office. She's voted in favor of giving the regime broad surveillance powers, of passing a pro-corporate farm bill, and for MAGA anti-immigration and pro-ICE bills. And McDonald-Rivet released a statement critical of how delegates acted and voted at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention, in which her sister lost party's attorney general nominating race. Pat Johnston talks about McDonald-Rivet's record, and why it's a stark example of what working class voters don't want from their representatives in this day of The Trump Regime. In this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's MAGA majority's decision to essentially eradicate the Voting Rights Act. 48:38-50:46: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on the LOL Weekly Web Poll!NOTES:"‘Dangerous and Shameful’: 42 House Democrats Help GOP Send Trump Spying Bill to Senate." By Jessica Corbett of Common Dreams "McDonald Rivet defends vote for Laken Riley Act during swearing-in ceremony in Flint." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Kristen McDonald-Rivet statement on the Michigan Democratic Party Convention
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392: Senate Race, Gas Prices, Voting Rights, Ballrooms, and Progressive Ivan Diaz for Michigan State Senate
4w ago00:50:46Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #176 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast00:00-17:05: MI Senate Race/Gas Prices & BallroomsPat Johnston opens the show talking about The Trump Regime's push to make taxpayers fund Dear Leader's precious little ballroom. The economy is cratering for the working class, gas prices are nearing record highs, we've spent around $50 Billion so far for Trump's & Israel's unconstitutional War on Iran, inflation is getting worse, and we can't afford health insurance, but we have to pay for a $400 million ballroom to wine & dine The Epstein Class? Then, Pat gives some of the latest news surrounding the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race, and it appears progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is the new leader.17:06-40:05: Ivan Diaz For MI State Senate 29 InterviewProgressive Ivan Diaz, Democratic candidate for Michigan's State Senate 29 District, talks about his campaign and the working class vision he wants to bring the state Senate. Mr. Diaz is a former Kent County Commissioner, and has been involved in his community for his adult life. He's a believer in a decent minimum wage, in a single payer system in Michigan, and in bringing a passionate voice for the working class in his district and throughout the state. Visit Ivan Diaz's campaign: https://voteivandiaz.com/Visit Ivan Diaz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078727971393Visit Ivan Diaz on Instagram40:06--48:37: Last Call-SCOTUS Kills VRAIn this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's MAGA majority's decision to essentially eradicate the Voting Rights Act. 48:38-50:46: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!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/joinClick here to vote on the LOL Weekly Web Poll!NOTES:"As McMorrow X posts resurface with complaints about Michigan, California love — opponents pounce." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "The New Democratic Machine — And The Billionaires Behind It." By Luke Goldstein & Katya Schwenk of The Lever "Turnaround: New poll shows Haley Stevens with slim U.S. Senate lead." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Leaked records show Democrats lined up behind UM board challenger." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News (via AOL News)"As Michigan preps for new Medicaid requirements, leaders and advocates push for dedicated funding." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Over half of Americans say their finances are worsening, Gallup poll finds." By Aimee Picci of CBS News "Congressional Republicans are split on using taxpayer funds to build Trump's ballroom." By Sahil Kapur, Scott Wong, and Frank Thorp V of NBC News "Supreme Court guts Voting Rights Act, greenlights GOP gerrymanders." By Jim Saska of Democracy Docket #podcast #politics #progressives #DemocraticSocialist #DemocraticSocialism #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #AbdulElSayed #Election2026 #MalloryMcMorrow #HaleyStevens #War #IranWar #Israel #GasPrices #Affordability #Economy #WorkingClass #EpsteinClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovenrmentCorruption #TrumpCorruption #Ballroom #SCOTUS #VotingRights #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing
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