Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing
  • 5.0 (11)
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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!

  1. Monday Musing: Why This Sudden Call To End Michigan Nominating Conventions?

    1D AGO

    Monday Musing: Why This Sudden Call To End Michigan Nominating Conventions?

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 25, 2026. Some longtime Michigan Democratic Party insiders are suddenly calling for an end to party nominating conventions.  They'd rather see all statewide office races be primary elections rather than being nominated at these conventions. It's interesting how many establishment and corporate forces inside the Michigan Democratic Party are calling for this switch in the nominating process after the shallacking their candidates received at last month's convention. Pat Johnston explains how it's always about gaming the system for the establishment-corporate types inside The Party.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left 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 NOTES:  "Ex-Michigan party leaders: Time to ditch nominating conventions." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan #podcast #Politics #Michigan #Progressive #WorkingClass #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovenrmentCorruption #Unions #Detroit #Lansing #DTE #CorporateDonors #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Election2026 #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    5 min
  2. Friday Short: Why Mike Duggan's "Centrist" Campaign Failed In Michigan

    4D AGO

    Friday Short: Why Mike Duggan's "Centrist" Campaign Failed In Michigan

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here'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.com Left 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

    6 min
  3. Haley Stevens & AIPAC; Trump Hurting Republicans; Joe Spaulding on Michigan Senate Race

    5D AGO

    Haley Stevens & AIPAC; Trump Hurting Republicans; Joe Spaulding on Michigan Senate Race

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #179 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-16:51: Campbell Plant/AIPAC & Haley Stevens Pat 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 Interview Ottawa 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 Reax In the "Last Call," Pat shares his reaction to his interview with Joe Spaulding. 55:31-57:53: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left 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

    58 min
  4. Monday Musing: Why Worry About Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race?

    MAY 18

    Monday Musing: Why Worry About Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race?

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here'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.com Left 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

    7 min
  5. Friday Short: Whitmer Loses Will To Fight For Abortion Rights... Everything Else

    MAY 15

    Friday Short: Whitmer Loses Will To Fight For Abortion Rights... Everything Else

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here'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.com Left 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

    6 min
  6. The Energy Is With Michigan Progressives? Senate Race Polls. Data Center Rejection

    MAY 14

    The Energy Is With Michigan Progressives? Senate Race Polls. Data Center Rejection

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #178 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-14:59: Iran War, Ballrooms, and Gas Prices Pat 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 & Stevens New 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 Rejection A 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: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left 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

    49 min
  7. Monday Musing: Republican Clueless On Democrats' Michigan State Senate Blowout Win

    MAY 11

    Monday Musing: Republican Clueless On Democrats' Michigan State Senate Blowout Win

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here'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.com Left 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

    6 min
  8. Friday Short: MAGA Always Uses Racism To Divide Working Class

    MAY 8

    Friday Short: MAGA Always Uses Racism To Divide Working Class

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here'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.com Left 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

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Left of Lansing
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    402
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Left of Lansing

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