Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing
  • 5.0 (13)
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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. 1d ago

    Progressive Economic Populism Is Winning w/ Michigan-WFP's Branden Snyder

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #192 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-17:54: Trump Poll Numbers/Mop Up MI LOL's Pat Johnston reports on Dear Leader Trump's cratering poll numbers, and how it's easy to understand considering how The Trump Regime is mired in its War on Iran, not to mention how the economy is failing the working class. Progressives & Democratic Socialists continue winning primary races across the country, and this week it happened in Florida. The Mop Up Michigan ballot proposal will indeed be on the ballot this November as it aims to ban DTE & Consumers Energy from donating to candidates. Michigan's progressive Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, supports Mop Up Michigan, but MAGA Republican candidate, Florida Mike Rogers, hasn't said yet if he does support it. Pat explains why that is. And will Rogers denounce some of his "faith leaders" who met with an anti-Muslim bigot this week? 17:55-42:58: MI-WFP's Branden Snyder Branden Snyder, Executive Director of Michigan's Working Families Party, talks with Pat about the WFP, its goals to bring a working class agenda to the Democratic Party, and why its agenda is resonating with millions of working class voters in Michigan. The WFP endorsed Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's Senate campaign, William Lawrence's run for the 7th congressional district, and Donovan McKinney's victorious campaign against sitting Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar. To learn more: Michigan Working Families Party 42:59-49:08: Last Call-Win First, Next Battle Later In this week's "Last Call," Pat gives his take on progressives who choose to either work with, or seek the endorsements, of some establishment Democrats.  49:09-51:20: 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! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads!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: "Christian nationalist protest led by Jan. 6 rioter stokes tensions in Dearborn." By Tyler Scott of Michigan Advance "Bureau of Elections report recommends against approving citizens-only voting measure for the ballot." Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Telecom industry gave Mike Rogers nearly $100K while he pushed to deepen government data sharing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Board of State Canvassers approves ballot language for money out of politics proposal." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Brinks Chosen as Dem LG: Tickets Set for Michigan Governor’s Race." By Sam Robinson of The Michigan Chronicle "Mike Rogers attacks waste and fraud while taking money from donors linked to both." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "The Senate Candidate Who Could Get Rich Off Data Centers." By The Lever #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary  #WorkingFamiliesParty  #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Progressive Economic Populism Is Winning w/ Michigan-WFP's Branden Snyder

  2. 3d ago

    Monday Musing: Trump Declares High Gas Prices Are Worth It

    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 August 17, 2026! Last week, Dear Leader Trump told working class Americans paying over $4 per gallon of gas is worth it because the Iran War is good, or something.  That's how little those in the billionaire Epstein Class really care about us, as LOL's Pat Johnston explains.  Oh, does Florida Mike Rogers agree that it's "worth it" for working class Michiganders to pay over $4 for gas, so that way we can continue have this unending and unwinnable War on Iran? 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! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads!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: "CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism, and how Americans see parties in today's economy." By Anthony Salvanto of CBS News "As gas prices go up in Michigan, president urges people to pay it." By Frank Witsil of The Detroit Free Press #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #MikeRogers #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel  #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Monday Musing: Trump Declares High Gas Prices Are Worth It

  3. Aug 14

    Friday Short: Primary Election Is Over; Time To Take Battle To "Florida" Mike Rogers

    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 August 14, 2026. A new Fox News poll shows MAGA Republican "Florida" Mike Rogers with a slight lead over the progressive Democratic nominee, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, in Michigan's U.S. Senate race. This ONE POLL has many in the corporate-establishment wing of the Democratic Party claiming that this proves how Dr. Abdul was always the riskier choice in the primary, and that he must pivot his campaign in a number of areas. But as LOL's Pat Johnston explains, the numbers, and the message, are on Dr. Abdul's side.  And, when is someone going to ask about "Florida" Mike needing to pivot his campaign message since he's holding Dear Leader Trump close by? 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! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads!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#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #gasprices #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Friday Short: Primary Election Is Over; Time To Take Battle To "Florida" Mike Rogers

  4. Aug 13

    Kasey Helton--Progressives Win In Michigan, But Now What?

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #191 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-18:08: M4A Works/Senate Race LOL's Pat Johnston highlights a new Yale study showing that a Medicare For All system in the United States would save both money and lives by even larger numbers than previously thought. With Michigan's U.S. Senate race officially starting, MAGA Republican candidate "Florida Mike Rogers" would rather talk about anything other than policies, or how he supports The Trump Economy. 18:19-44:00: Kasey Helton on Senate & House Races Kasey Helton, our good friend and union and progressive activist from Livingston County, joins the show to talk about Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's AND progressive congressional candidate William Lawrence's victories in Livingston County. Kasey gives her thoughts on not only WHY progressives scored victories across the state, but how they'll be able to carry their pro-American, and pro-working class, messages to win in November. Visit Kasey on XVisit Kasey on The Gram 44:01-52:23: Last Call-TV Ads In the "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts, and sadness, that political TV ads still seem to move the needle somewhat.  52:24-55:40: 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! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll on TV ads! 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: "Yale Study: Medicare for All Would Save Over 114,000 Lives and $1 Trillion a Year." By Jessica Corbett of Common Dreams "Michigan rural hospitals are suffering, here’s what happened." By Nick Monacelli of WDIV-Channel 4 News in Detroit"U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gives green light to Line 5 tunnel." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Brink, Maasdam join Lawrence for unity event after splitting moderate vote." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "High turnout shaped Michigan primary, boosting El-Sayed and Lawrence to victory." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Mike Rogers vows to fight drug war, but urged opioid access in Congress." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #MedicareForAll #Medicaid #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Kasey Helton--Progressives Win In Michigan, But Now What?

  5. Aug 10

    Monday Musing: MAGA & Media Refuse To Talk Money In Politics

    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 August 10, 2026. Since Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's upset victory to claim the Michigan Democratic Senate's nomination, MAGA Republicans and the corporate media have focused on the specter of "socialism," or Dr. Abdul's stance that the U.S. should no longer provide unconditional aid to Israel's corrupt government.  However, they don't want to focus on one of the main reasons why progressives, like Dr. Abdul, or Donavan McKinney, who upset an incumbent Congressman from Detroit, won their races. Because the working class is fighting back against corporate money ruining our political system.  LOL's Pat Johnston explains.  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! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!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: "To Mend Fences in Michigan, El-Sayed Should Stop Talking About Israel." By Bill Sher of Washington Monthly #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Jobs #ICE #Freedom #unions #HaleyStevens  #DataCenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #DonorClass #MoneyInPolitics #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Monday Musing: MAGA & Media Refuse To Talk Money In Politics

  6. Aug 7

    Friday Short: Trump & MAGA Republicans Fear Abdul El-Sayed's Working Class Message

    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 August 8, 2026. Another awful jobs report for July illustrates how The Trump Regime has failed the working class.  The working class feels left behind by the corporate and political elites.  That's why working class progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed earned one of the greatest upset victories in modern American history.  And that's why Trump & MAGA Republicans fear him the most.  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! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!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: "With Primary Wins, Progressives Make Clear That Michigan Is Not for Sale." By Sam Rosenthal of Truthout #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Jobs #ICE #Freedom #unions #HaleyStevens #Race #Minorities #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Friday Short: Trump & MAGA Republicans Fear Abdul El-Sayed's Working Class Message

  7. Aug 6

    Progressives Win BIG in Michigan's Primary

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #190 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-25:20: MI Progs Win Across State! LOL's Pat Johnston celebrates several of the working class progressives who won their Democratic Party Primary races this week, including Abdul El-Sayed, William Lawrence, Donavan McKinney, and many more. Pat especially focuses on William Lawrence's blow-out win in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, Donavan McKinney's upset win over incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar. Pat also thanks the progressive fighters who fell short in their campaigns, but helped push forward a strong working class message all across the state. 25:21-40:28: Dr. Abdul's Win Pat spends this time breaking-down Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's close victory against Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate Primary. Make no mistake: the fact that El-Sayed won this race despite being MASSIVELY outspent by backers of Stevens, including the millions AIPAC threw away, makes this one of the most remarkable political victories not just in Michigan, but in the country. And, Pat illustrates how Dr. Abdul is the best candidate to slam-dunk on MAGA Republican Senate nominee, "Florida" Mike Rogers. 40:39-49:20: Last Call: Black Voters Are Not a Monolith! In the "Last Call," Pat takes issue with those political pundits arguing that black voters don't like progressives or Democratic Socialists. 49:21-51:49: 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! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!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: "Abdul El-Sayed squeaks out win over Haley Stevens in hotly contested Democratic US Senate primary." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan progressives showed establishment Democrats the door." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "Conyers, Burton, Gilmer-Hill Highlight New Members to Detroit’s Legislative Caucus." By Sam Robinson of The Michigan Chronicle"Donavan McKinney ousts Shri Thanedar, vows to deliver for working people." By Bryce Huffman of Bridge Michigan "Benson amplifies affordability message after El-Sayed primary win." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "How Abdul El-Sayed went from political oblivion to progressive breakthrough in Michigan Senate race." By Joey Cappelletti of The AP #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #Race #Minorities #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Progressives Win BIG in Michigan's Primary

  8. Aug 3

    Monday Musing: How Will Establishment Democrats React If Progressives Win Michigan Primary?

    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 August 3, 2026! We're one day from the Michigan Primary, and LOL's Pat Johnston wonders how the corporate-establishment Democratic Party will react if progressives score major victories on Tuesday. Will they acknowledge the political reality that the working class is in a populist mood, or will they take their ball and go running closer to MAGA Republicans? It's a serious question! 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! Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!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#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #AishaFarooqi #KelliVanGinhoven #KyleBlomquist #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Monday Musing: How Will Establishment Democrats React If Progressives Win Michigan Primary?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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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
    437
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Left of Lansing

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