The Lean to the Left Podcast

Bob Gatty
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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 Twitter x.com/leantotheleft1 Facebook facebook.com/notfakenews.2 Instagram instagram.com/leantotheleft1 Tik Tok tiktok.com/@leantotheleft

  1. 21h ago

    Why Democrats Lose the Message War—and How They Can Win It Back | David Fenton

    Why do Democrats so often lose the message war and allow Republicans to dominate the political conversation—even when Democrats and progressives have popular policies? Legendary progressive strategist and activist David Fenton says Democrats are practicing what amounts to “unilateral disarmament” in today’s information war. After more than 50 years helping movements win public support, he believes progressives must simplify their language, repeat compelling messages, reconnect with working people and build mass movements capable of defeating concentrated wealth and political corruption. In this wide-ranging Lean to the Left interview, Fenton explains why good policies do not sell themselves—and why Democrats must stop relying on academic language, insider terminology and messages that ordinary voters do not understand. Fenton discusses: • Why Republicans have become better at framing political issues • How simple language and repetition influence voters • Why Democrats must speak to affordability and working-class concerns • The danger of allowing specialized identity language to divide potential allies • Why the central struggle is not simply left versus right—but top versus bottom • How Democrats should connect climate change to higher costs and political corruption • Why effective metaphors such as “Make Polluters Pay” can move public opinion • How mass movements have changed America—and can do so again • What today’s activists can learn from Abbie Hoffman, the antiwar movement and decades of progressive organizing Fenton also shares hilarious stories from an extraordinary career that included the No Nukes concerts, the campaign to free Nelson Mandela, efforts to reform marijuana laws, environmental campaigns and work with activists, political leaders and cultural figures including his mentor, Abbie Hoffman, and Jane Fonda, Jesse Jackson, John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen. His message is blunt: Democrats and progressives cannot win merely by being correct. They must learn how to communicate, reach a mass audience and give people a reason to join something bigger than themselves. David Fenton is the author of The Activist’s Media Handbook, available here https://amzn.to/4gDYmSH, and host of The Fenton Forecast podcast. Watch the full conversation, then tell us in the comments: What is the single biggest change Democrats should make in the way they communicate with voters? Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent progressive commentary, political analysis and conversations with the people documenting—and shaping—America at a crossroads. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet David Fenton 02:00 Dropping Out Into Activism 02:46 Underground Press Days 04:13 Abbie Hoffman Lessons 07:37 John Sinclair Freedom Concert 08:49 Ann Arbor Human Rights Party 10:53 High Times To Rolling Stone 11:52 No Nukes And Starting Fenton 13:05 Why Progressives Lose Media Wars 14:24 Framing And Simple Messages 17:20 Climate Language That Works 19:40 Woke Sectarianism Debate 20:40 Stop Divisive Messaging 22:00 Socialism Label Problem 22:30 Woke Pitfalls and Attacks 23:16 Plainspoken Progressives 25:58 Climate as Cost and Corruption 27:32 Senate Map and Party Future 29:04 AOC Versus Old Guard 30:37 Fixing Disinformation Platforms 33:58 Trump Costs and Vance Threat 37:24 Podcast Book and Farewell

    Why Democrats Lose the Message War—and How They Can Win It Back | David Fenton

  2. 22h ago

    Voter Roll Purges: What You Can Do Right Now

    What if you arrived at your polling place on Election Day and discovered your name was no longer on the voter rolls? Investigative journalist Alison Greene returns to Lean to the Left to explain why that scenario may be more common than many Americans realize—and, more importantly, what voters can do now to protect themselves before the 2026 midterm elections. In this follow-up conversation, Greene discusses her ongoing investigation into voter roll irregularities, explains how voters can verify their registration, why provisional ballots matter, and how volunteers across the country are working to identify voters who may have been removed from registration lists. Whether you agree with Greene's conclusions or simply want to better understand how voter registration systems work, this conversation offers practical steps every voter should consider before heading to the polls. In this episode: ✅ What to do if your name is missing from the voter rolls ✅ Why checking your voter registration now matters ✅ How provisional ballots work—and their limitations ✅ Greene's nationwide volunteer effort to monitor voter rolls ✅ How citizens can help protect election integrity before the midterms If you believe every eligible American deserves the opportunity to vote, please Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode. Previous episodes in our Democracy & Election Integrity Series: • Marcel Reid: They Want Us Silent — Why protecting journalists, whistleblowers, and truth-tellers is essential to defending democracy. • Lilli McGregor: Can We Trust the Vote? — The Election Truth Alliance examines alleged election irregularities and why they deserve closer scrutiny. • Alison Greene (Part 1): Ghost Voters? What Florida Investigators Found — Greene discusses her investigation into alleged voter-roll irregularities and explains why she believes they warrant further investigation. 🎙️ Lean to the Left with Bob Gatty features in-depth interviews and commentary on politics, democracy, healthcare, social justice, and the issues shaping America's future. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: What You Can Do Before the Midterms 02:01 Why "Cleaning the Voter Rolls" Can Mean Different Things 05:28 Ghost Voters vs. "Ghosted" Voters Explained 07:09 What Happens If Your Name Is Missing on Election Day? 10:03 Why Registered Voters Couldn't Be Found in Florida 13:02 Should You Bring Proof of Registration? 15:34 Building a National Voter Registration Database 16:39 How Citizens Can Volunteer to Help 18:17 Reviewing the "Ghost Voter" Investigation 19:12 Michigan Case and Other Election Investigations 23:21 Election Fraud Claims and Public Confidence 25:19 Funding the Technology to Protect Voters 27:14 The Plan to Restore Eligible Voters to the Rolls 30:19 Final Thoughts

    Voter Roll Purges: What You Can Do Right Now

  3. Jul 3

    How Two Supreme Court Decisions Could Change American Democracy

    Two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions may have far greater consequences than most Americans realize. One gives presidents significantly more authority over independent federal agencies. The other removes limits on coordinated campaign spending, allowing political parties and candidates to work together with far fewer restrictions. Individually, each ruling is important. Taken together, they may create new opportunities for wealthy donors to influence government policy and for presidents to reward political allies after taking office. In this commentary, Bob Gatty explains why these two cases should be viewed together—and why they could reshape American democracy for years to come. Do you agree? Or am I connecting dots that don't belong together? Let me know in the comments. 👍 Please Like 📺 Subscribe 🔔 Click the notification bell For more independent political analysis, visit: https://LeanToTheLeft.net CHAPTERS 00:00 Why these two Supreme Court decisions matter 00:53 Decision #1: Expanding presidential power 02:05 Decision #2: More money in politics 02:57 Why the two rulings belong together 03:01 The FTC example 03:57 What this could mean for American democracy 04:29 Final thoughts

    How Two Supreme Court Decisions Could Change American Democracy

  4. Jun 30

    Jermaine Johnson's Plan for South Carolina | 4-Minute Highlights

    What does South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Jermaine Johnson want to do if elected governor? In this 4-minute highlight reel, Johnson outlines his plans to improve roads, strengthen public schools, expand healthcare access, reform taxes, address affordable housing, regulate AI data centers, and tackle other key issues facing South Carolina. 🎥 Hear the full exclusive interview on the Lean to the Left channel. Do you think Jermaine Johnson's plan would move South Carolina in the right direction? Let us know in the comments. #SouthCarolina #JermaineJohnson #GovernorRace #Politics #Election2026 #LeanToTheLeft

    Jermaine Johnson's Plan for South Carolina | 4-Minute Highlights

  5. Jun 29

    Jermaine Johnson, SC Dem Candidate for Governor, Discusses His Plan for Addressing State's Needs

    South Carolina Democratic nominee for governor Dr. Jermaine Johnson discusses his plans for addressing key issues, including roads, schools, healthcare, taxes and more, in an exclusive interview with Lean to the Left. To bring voters into the discussion, this conversation is driven by questions submitted through social media, giving South Carolina citizens a chance to ask Johnson about the issues they care about most. Johnson says decades of one-party Republican control have left South Carolina with some of the nation's worst roads, struggling schools, limited healthcare access, and too many working families falling behind. His goal? To help bring South Carolina out of the political dark ages—and into a future with better roads, stronger schools, affordable healthcare, and greater opportunity. In this interview, Johnson discusses: ✅ Repairing South Carolina's crumbling roads and bridges ✅ Improving public education and supporting teachers ✅ Expanding Medicaid and increasing access to healthcare ✅ Reforming state taxes without hurting working families ✅ Increasing affordable housing and helping veterans ✅ Reducing gun violence through responsible firearm policies ✅ Protecting women's reproductive freedom ✅ Regulating AI data centers while protecting South Carolina's natural resources ✅ Increasing voter participation and restoring confidence in state government Johnson stresses the need for political candidates to tell the truth about what's realistically possible to solve problems, and not make unrealistic promises rather than make promises that can't be kept -- like eliminating the state income tax, which provides 50% of funding for the state's budget. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or simply concerned about South Carolina's future, this conversation offers an in-depth look at one of the state's most important elections. What do you think? Can a Democrat win South Carolina? Let us know in the comments below. 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it. 🔔 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for thoughtful conversations with political leaders, investigative journalists, authors, and policy experts. 📤 Share this interview with friends and family across South Carolina. About Lean to the Left Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left features independent journalism, insightful interviews, and progressive commentary on the issues shaping America today. Substance. Not Sensationalism. Visit LeanToTheLeft.net for more podcasts, articles, and commentary. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Can a Democrat Win South Carolina? 01:02 Why Jermaine Johnson Is Running for Governor 03:00 Can a Democrat Win in a Red State? 03:45 Winning Independent Voters 05:05 Is Trump's Grip on South Carolina Slipping? 06:15 Tax Reform & The Income Tax Debate 09:25 Fixing South Carolina's Roads & Bridges 11:45 Education, Schools & Infant Mortality 14:05 AI Data Centers & "Bring Your Own Energy" 15:55 Abortion & Reproductive Rights 17:55 Gun Violence & Responsible Gun Ownership 19:45 Increasing Voter Participation 21:30 Helping Veterans & Affordable Housing 22:55 His Choice for Lieutenant Governor? 23:45 How to Support the Campaign 25:05 Final Thoughts #SouthCarolina #JermaineJohnson #SouthCarolinaGovernor #SouthCarolinaPolitics #Election2026 #Healthcare #Education #Infrastructure #MedicaidExpansion #LeanToTheLeft #BobGatty This interview was recorded in South Carolina as part of Lean to the Left's continuing coverage of the 2026 South Carolina governor's race.Jereymy Johnson Inter

    Jermaine Johnson, SC Dem Candidate for Governor, Discusses His Plan for Addressing State's Needs

  6. Jun 22

    How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business

    In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty talks with podcasting expert Michelle Glogovac, founder of MLG Collective, author of How to Get on Podcasts, and host of multiple successful podcasts including Read the Damn Book, Kitchen Briefs, and Beyond the Campaign. Michelle explains why podcasting continues to grow despite intense competition, how independent podcasters can compete with major media personalities, and why trust is the secret ingredient that makes podcasts such a powerful marketing and communications tool. She also shares her remarkable journey from selling jet fuel to becoming one of the industry's leading podcast publicists. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, author, activist, or aspiring podcaster, Michelle offers practical advice on launching a show, finding your audience, creating compelling content, and using storytelling to build meaningful connections. She also discusses the success of her fast-growing Kitchen Briefs news series and reveals how she manages multiple podcasts while helping clients secure guest appearances on shows around the world. In this episode: ✅ Why podcast listeners trust podcast hosts ✅ How podcasting can help grow a business ✅ The real costs of starting a podcast ✅ Competing against celebrity and corporate podcasts ✅ How Michelle built a successful podcast PR business ✅ Why storytelling is the key to audience growth ✅ Tips for entrepreneurs and authors seeking podcast exposure ✅ How short-form content is helping Michelle reach new audiences If you've ever thought about starting a podcast—or using podcasts to grow your brand—this conversation is packed with valuable insights. New to Lean to the Left? Subscribe for conversations with authors, journalists, activists, thought leaders, and newsmakers discussing politics, democracy, media, culture, and the issues shaping America.Can a successful podcast create a loyal audience, help grow your business, build trust with customers, and establish you as a thought leader? 👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to support independent journalism and thoughtful conversations. And, to check out the three episodes in our Truth Under Attack series, here are the links: ✅ Lilli McGregor -- Can We Trust Our Elections? https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/election-watchdog-republicans-benefited-voting-irregularities/ ✅ Alison Greene -- Uncovering Ghost Voters -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/ghost-voters-florida-investigation-raises-alarm-even-beyond-the-sunshine-state/ ✅ Marcel Reid -- Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/they-want-us-silent-marcel-reid-on-why-democracy-needs-whistleblowers-and-a-free-pressmarcel-reid-whistleblowers-free-press-democracy-under-attack/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction & Meet Michelle Glogovac 02:42 Why Podcasting Exploded During COVID 04:10 Why Podcast Listeners Trust Their Hosts 06:22 Competing Against Celebrity & Network Podcasts 08:15 Why Independent Podcasters Have an Advantage 09:25 From Selling Jet Fuel to Podcast Matchmaker 11:15 Building a Podcast PR Business 12:05 Beyond the Campaign & Kitchen Briefs Success 13:35 Michelle's Take on Politics, Trump & UFC 15:20 How Podcasts Help Small Businesses Gain Customers 17:10 Turning a Podcast into a Marketing Tool 18:00 The Pizza Shop Podcast Example 20:25 What You Need to Start a Podcast 21:15 Starting a Podcast for Less Than $100 a Month 22:20 How Michelle Produces Four Podcasts 24:15 Michelle's Book: How to Get on Podcasts 25:30 Repurposing Podcast Content for Growth 26:20 Why Every Creator Should Own Their Domain Name 27:45 Using Substack and Websites Together 28:45 Do You Need Guests on Your Podcast? 29:45 Bob's Famous UFO Reporting Story 32:20 Audio vs. Video Podcasts: Which Is Better? 33:30 Do You Need B-Roll, Graphics & Fancy Effects? 34:40 Music, Copyright & Podcast Production Tips 35:25 Can You Actually Make Money Podcasting? 36:25 SEO Tips for Podcasters 37:15 Michelle's Pod

    How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business

  7. Jun 14

    They Want Us Silent: Marcel Reid on Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack

    With the free press and democracy under attack, Marcel Reid has spent years fighting to protect whistleblowers, journalists, and the public's right to know the truth. A former ACORN whistleblower, Reid now organizes the annual Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights and advocates for those who risk everything to expose corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse. In this powerful conversation, Reid explains why attacks on journalists and whistleblowers threaten democracy itself, how whistleblowers help reporters uncover the truth, and why Americans should be concerned about growing efforts to silence dissent. She also discusses the hidden dangers facing vulnerable citizens under guardianship systems and why speaking truth to power has become increasingly difficult in today's political climate. One of her most powerful warnings: "Democracies don't last if people don't know the truth." — Marcel Reid Topics include: ✅ Freedom of the press ✅ Whistleblower protections ✅ Donald Trump's attacks on journalists ✅ The role of investigative reporting ✅ Guardianship and conservatorship abuse ✅ Government accountability ✅ Civil rights and democracy ✅ The Whistleblower Summit If you believe truth matters, this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent progressive commentary, in-depth interviews, and analysis that cuts through the noise. Part of our continuing "Truth Under Attack" series: Lilli McGregor: Can we trust our elections? Alison Greene: Who uncovers the truth? Marcel Reid: Who protects those brave enough to tell it? Because democracy survives only when truth survives. #Whistleblowers #FreePress #MarcelReid #Democracy #Journalism #Trump #CivilRights #GovernmentAccountability #investigativejournalism CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Why Press Freedom Matters 01:35 Marcel Reid's Warning About Democracy 03:00 When Facts Become "Just Opinions" 04:10 Why Journalists Need Whistleblowers 06:00 How Marcel Reid Became an ACORN Whistleblower 08:00 Organizing America's Whistleblower Community 09:00 The Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival 11:00 Guardianship Abuse and Vulnerable Americans 13:00 Alzheimer's, Conservatorships, and Family Rights 16:00 Protecting Society's Most Vulnerable 17:00 Epstein Victims and Speaking Out 18:00 Why Fewer Americans Are Reporting Wrongdoing 20:00 Why Whistleblowers Often Stand Alone 21:00 Fighting for Justice Without Financial Reward 22:00 Journalists and Whistleblowers: Democracy's Defenders 23:00 Chilling Free Speech and Public Dissent 24:00 What Really Happens When You Blow the Whistle 26:00 Advice for Future Whistleblowers 27:00 Resources for Whistleblowers 28:00 The Pillar Award and Courage in Public Life 29:00 Final Thoughts on Truth, Courage, and Democracy 30:00 Whistleblower Summit Information

    They Want Us Silent: Marcel Reid on Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack

  8. Jun 11

    Ghost Voters. Florida Investigation Raises Alarm Even Beyond the Sunshine State

    Alarming questions about the security of U.S. elections involving so-called "ghost voters" and allegations of Russian interference are raised in this episode of Lean to the Left. Investigative journalist Alison Greene discusses her work examining Florida voter registration records and explains why the evidence she uncovered deserves immediate public attention and further independent review. Greene assisted the Election Truth Alliance (ETA) investigation featured in our previous episode with Executive Director Lilli McGregor. View that episode here: https://youtu.be/qu0jqq3CikA But in this conversation, she takes viewers deeper into what she found in Florida, including claims involving so-called "ghost voters," missing voter records, unusual registration patterns, and public records that she argues raise troubling questions about election transparency and voter roll integrity. Among the topics discussed: • Why St. Lucie County became the focal point of her investigation • Claims involving thousands of missing voter records • The discovery of what Greene calls "ghost voters" in public databases • Questions about voter registration anomalies and election oversight • Why she believes these concerns extend beyond Florida • What citizens can do now to verify their voter registration before the next election This interview is Part 2 of Lean to the Left's examination of election integrity concerns raised by the Election Truth Alliance. Part 1: Lilli McGregor discusses investigations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina that she says uncovered statistical anomalies warranting independent review. Part 2: Alison Greene provides a deeper look into Florida and explains why voters across America should pay attention. Watch the interview. Examine the evidence presented. And decide for yourself. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent journalism, political commentary, and conversations that challenge conventional wisdom. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Election Questions in Florida 01:00 Meet Investigative Journalist Alison Greene 02:26 How Greene Became Involved in the Florida Investigation 05:24 Registration Numbers That "Didn't Add Up" 07:36 Voters Registering After the Deadline? 09:27 Missing Voters and the "Ghosting" Theory 11:02 Bob Woodward, Russia, and St. Lucie County 14:13 The Missing 25,000 Voter Records 17:05 Why St. Lucie County Matters 19:29 Patterns Emerging Across Florida 20:47 Introducing the "Ghost Voters" 23:14 Who Benefits? Following the Evidence 24:01 Jack Smith, Mar-a-Lago, and Voting Rights Allegations 30:31 Jamie Raskin's Question to Jack Smith 36:03 Looking for "Found Votes" 37:18 Invisible Houses and Phantom Addresses 39:26 Beyond Florida: Similar Patterns Elsewhere? 41:00 Trump's Fraud Claims Revisited 42:28 Responding to Critics 43:12 Why Greene Says This Matters Before the Midterms 46:22 What Voters Can Do Now 47:18 The "Ghost Catchers" Initiative 49:26 How Viewers Can Get Involved 50:28 Final Thoughts: Democracy and Courage #GhostVoters #ElectionIntegrity #FloridaPolitics #VotingRights #ElectionTruthAlliance #AlisonGreene #Democracy #Politics #LeanToTheLeft

    Ghost Voters. Florida Investigation Raises Alarm Even Beyond the Sunshine State
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About

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 Twitter x.com/leantotheleft1 Facebook facebook.com/notfakenews.2 Instagram instagram.com/leantotheleft1 Tik Tok tiktok.com/@leantotheleft

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