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The Lean to the Left Podcast
Hosted by Bob Gatty · EN
Welcome, Thoughtful Americans
If you're concerned about the future of our democracy, social justice, human rights, the environment, healthcare, or political extremism, you belong here at Lean to the Left.
Hosted by veteran journalist and political commentator Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left delivers sharp progressive commentary, timely political analysis, engaging interviews, and conversations with fascinating guests — from authors, activists, and political insiders to everyday people with extraordinary stories.
No scripts. No corporate spin. No sugarcoating.
Just independent journalism, honest discussion, a little humor, and the occasional dose of sarcasm.
Now in its sixth year, the Lean to the Left podcast grew out of the LeantotheLeft.net blog, launched in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions, the mainstream press, and basic political norms. Since then, the show has continued to challenge misinformation, expose political hypocrisy, and speak out against extremism and division in American politics.
Bob Gatty brings decades of experience to the microphone as a journalist, communications executive, and former congressional chief of staff and press secretary for both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. He is also co-author of the three-volume series, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness.
Whether you're looking for expert insight, progressive perspectives, political commentary, or thought-provoking conversations, Lean to the Left offers smart, independent content for listeners who care about what’s happening in America — and what we can do about it.
Subscribe today and join the conversation.
Visit us at leantotheleft.net
Lean to the Left Podcast: podcast.leantotheleft.net
44episodes
Episodes
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TikTok Trump
Dec 16, 202400:35:35Tap to summarizeTikTok TrumpJoin us for an engaging conversation covering a breadth of topics shaping the future political landscape.In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, we dive into a discussion on young voters and the 2024 election with Sam Raus, a young, nationally published political analyst and public relations professional. Sam shares his insights on why the youth vote has shifted more towards Trump compared to 2020, the potential influences of social media platforms like TikTok and X, and the concerns about misinformation and foreign influence. Sam sheds light on the activities of Young Voices, an organization focused on supporting young talent, and discusses the intricacies of student debt, economic policies, and the role of AI in modern politics. CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:41 Young Voices and Sam's Role02:12 AI and Technology in Politics09:19 TikTok and National Security Concerns13:23 Election Influence and Youth Vote19:12 Student Debt and Economic Challenges30:10 Race, Sexism, and Political Influence33:09 Encouraging Youth Political Participation34:42 Conclusion and Future PlansAbout Bob Gatty A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.Bob is considering making changes to Lean to the Left in 2025, and is asking for your input. Please take a moment to complete two quick 4-question polls here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft/communityDISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.
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Reagan vs. Trump: the Myth, the Cult, the Reality
Dec 9, 202400:35:29Tap to summarizeReagan vs. Trump: the Myth, the Cult, the RealityCheck out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version also available. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZIn this episode, Reagan vs. Trump, we explore the anticipated policies of the Trump administration and their parallels to Ronald Reagan's era. Our guest, Ed Oswald, a legal and tax expert and author, discusses his book 'From Ronald to Donald: How the Myth of Reagan Became the Cult of Trump.' We delve into Reaganomics, the trickle-down theory, GOP strategies, and the potential economic impacts and the reality of Trump's tax cuts and tariffs. We also touch on the 2021 Capitol attack and its aftermath. Join us for an insightful discussion on the evolution of U.S. economic and political policies and the influence of Ronald Reagan on Donald Trump's campaign and key policy positions. Oswald says Trump really is the second MAGA president.Meanwhile, here is a direct link for Oswald's book: https://amzn.to/49B7OAQCHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: Comparing Trump to Reagan00:29 Guest Introduction: Ed Oswald01:08 Initial Thoughts on Trump's Presidency02:29 The Myth of Reagan and the Cult of Trump06:42 Reagan's Economic Policies and Their Impact16:13 Trump's Economic Policies and Their Consequences21:18 The Role of Tariffs in the Economy26:22 Stock Market Reactions and Future Speculations29:07 Conclusion: Reflecting on Reagan and TrumpAbout Bob Gatty A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Bob is considering significant changes for Lean to the Left in 2025, and is asking for your input. Please take a moment to complete two quick 4-question polls here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft/communityDISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.Thanks!
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Racism, Sexism & Targeted Marketing Key Trump's Win
Nov 29, 202400:45:03Tap to summarizeTranscribe →
Ranking the Presidents: What About Trump?
Nov 24, 202400:31:40Tap to summarizeRanking the PresidentsIn this episode, the host discusses the concerns and expectations surrounding the new Donald Trump administration. The guest, Talmadge Boston, a renowned presidential leadership historian and author of 'How the Best Did It,' delves into the timeless lessons of leadership from America's top eight presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Reagan. Boston shares his rationale behind his selection of these presidents, influenced by the C-SPAN presidential ranking poll and historical precedents. He also provides insights into how Presidents Obama, Biden, and Trump are being assessed in terms of their historical significance and leadership qualities. The conversation wraps up with Boston’s experiences with his book tour and additional resources available on his website. You can obtain Boston's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z2WdFMCHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to the New Trump Administration00:38 Guest Introduction: Talmadge Boston01:28 Overview of 'How the Best Did It'02:19 Discussion on Presidential Rankings04:49 Evaluating Obama and Biden07:39 Trump's First Term and Future Prospects10:10 Cabinet Choices and Controversies17:15 Deep Dive into Top Presidents28:10 Where to Find the Book30:00 Closing RemarksAbout Bob Gatty A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version also available. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZDISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.
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