Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing
  • 5.0 (13)
  • News
  • 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. 3d ago

    Monday Musing: CBS "News" Posts ANOTHER Anti-Abdul El-Sayed "Story"

    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 31, 2026. Bari Weiss's "CBS News" posted a story today declaring that some of Michigan's progressive Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's social media postings regarding 9/11 "invites scrutiny." It's nothing but a hit-job by the pro-Big Tech Bro, pro-Epstein Class, and pro-Trump CBS "news division," and it's essentially saying that Michiganders must beware of the Muslim Man! Yet, when one actually reads the so-called controversial tweets, one will realize they aren't controversial at all. Not only that, but they make it appear that once again, Dr. Abdul is with the mainstream of Americans on a host of issues, while MAGA Republicans are on the fringe extreme.  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! Click here to vote on this week's LOL Poll who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker?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: "For Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, Sept. 11 commemoration invites scrutiny of past remarks." By Zak Hudak of CBS News #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary  #WorkingFamiliesParty  #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights  #MikeRogers  #DataCenters  #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #911 #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Monday Musing: CBS "News" Posts ANOTHER Anti-Abdul El-Sayed "Story"

  2. 6d ago

    Friday Short: J.D. Vance To Visit Michigan And Tell Voters To Ignore Reality

    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" on August 28, 2026. The Trump Regime's Vice President J.D. Vance will visit Michigan this coming Monday to campaign on behalf of beta MAGA Michigan Republicans. Those betas are U.S. Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate John James, and congressional candidate Mike Bouchard.  LOL's Pat Johnston wonders what exactly is J.D. going to say in his efforts to help these three guys while Michigan suffers from the disastrous Trump Economy.  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 who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker?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: "You won’t believe what John James said about submitting penises to the Lord." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "Michigan farmer says Trump beef import plan hurts producers." By James Felton of WNEM-TV5 News "Trump’s MAGA Inc. to host first public event in battleground Michigan." By Jessica Piper of Politico#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #JDVance #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary  #WorkingFamiliesParty  #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights  #MikeRogers  #DataCenters  #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Friday Short: J.D. Vance To Visit Michigan And Tell Voters To Ignore Reality

  3. Aug 27

    DSA Member Jessica Newman & Why DSA Candidates ARE Winning

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #193 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-17:30: LOL's Pat Johnston pays a brief tribute to Dolly Parton. Then, Pat shares thoughts on Dear Leader Trump's insane tariff war with Canada while his other tariffs continue to hurt an already struggling working class. And he wonders when will Michigan MAGA Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers be held to account on whether or not he agrees with these tariffs, not to mention if he still believes in Trump's economy. Pat wraps-up the segment illustrating how MAGA Republicans call EVERY Democrat either a "socialist" or a member of the far Left.  17:31-41:00: DSA member Jessica Newman Pat talks with Jessica Newman, who's a Metro Detroit Democratic Socialist of America member, campaign director, and Secretary of Ferndale Public Schools in Oakland County. Jessica explains why she chose Democratic Socialism, and why DSA candidates are winning across Michigan and the nation at this time. That includes her work on the winning campaign for DSA state House candidate Chris Gilmer-Hill, who defeated a Democratic incumbent in Metro Detroit. Jessica also shares her outrage over pro-Israel & pro-AIPAC Democrats continue attacking progressive candidates, like Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Visit Metro Detroit Democratic Socialist of AmericaVisit Democratic Socialists of America 41:50-51:13: Last Call: Dems Still Attacking Piker In the "Last Call," establishment Democrats continue to join MAGA Republicans in attacking a progressive podast streamer rather than attacking the Trump Regime and MAGA Republicans.  51:14-55:22: Coffia On Line 5/Ending The episode ends by sharing a clip of working class Michigan Democratic state Rep. Betsy Coffia calling-out Governor Gretchen Whitmer to stand-up for Michigan, and rejoin the fight to shut-down Line 5. 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 who should Democrats condemn: AIPAC or Hasan Piker?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: "Telecom industry gave Mike Rogers nearly $100K while he pushed to deepen government data sharing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Scoop: Mike Rogers-AIPAC rupture roils Michigan Senate race." By Alex Isenstadt of Axios "Enbridge Line 5 leaks natural gas in Wisconsin." By Isiah Holmes of Michigan Advance "How Trump Is Destroying Detroit." By Robert Kuttener of The American Prospect "Trump's Tariffs Are About to Make Back-To-School Season Painful— Families Could Spend Nearly $4,000 Per Child, Report Finds." By Tonya Rawat of Yahoo Finance "Canada's tariffs target certain U.S. states. See which regions are most vulnerable." By Megan Cerulla & Aimee Picci of CBS News "Hakeem Jeffries Privately Met with Jared Kushner." By Distill Social "Off-The-Record" episode from August 21, 2026 featuring Jim Runestad on WKAR#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary  #WorkingFamiliesParty  #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #WorkersRights #WilliamLawrence #DonavanMcKinney #MikeRogers #HakeemJeffries #JaredKushner#DataCenters  #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #Line5 #BetsyCoffia #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    DSA Member Jessica Newman & Why DSA Candidates ARE Winning

  4. Aug 24

    Monday Musing: Mike Rogers Afraid AIPAC Hurts More Than Helps

    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 24, 2026! A new report over the weekend reveals that MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers is afraid AIPAC's involvement in Michigan's Senate race will hurt more than help. AIPAC spent $32 million to defeat the progressive Democratic candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, in the primary, but Dr. Abdul still won the race. He's against Israel's genocide in Gaza, the War on Iran, and continued funding of Israel. As LOL's Pat Johnston explains, The Rogers Campaign is requesting AIPAC to not get too involved in the race, but it still would like AIPAC's big donors, of course! 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: "Scoop: Mike Rogers-AIPAC rupture roils Michigan Senate race." By Alex Isenstadt of Axios #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary    #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #CorporateClass #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Monday Musing: Mike Rogers Afraid AIPAC Hurts More Than Helps

  5. Aug 21

    Friday Short: MAGA Congressman Tom Barrett Tries Hiding His Love For Data Centers

    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 21, 2026! MAGA Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett, and MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers, are suddenly, and conveniently, suggesting they'll act tough against the billionaire Big Tech Bros and their data centers. Strange switch for both of them considering Tom Barrett voted to grant the Big Tech Bros $85 Billion in tax cuts to build their data centers across Michigan, and rest of the United States. And Florida Mike Rogers, like Tom Barrett, collect tons of cash from the Billionaire Big Tech Bros, and has been a champion for additional surviellance of American citizens. However, Tom Barrett's challenger in the 7th Congressional District, progressive Democrat William Lawrence, has stood against the data center push in his district, and fought to stop on being built in Lansing. And, progressive Democratic Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, says NO more funding for data centers until safeguards are in place to protect Michiganders and their communities.  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: "MI-07: Tom Barrett Scrambles to Bury His Data Center Past." By David Dayen of The American Prospect "Michigan gave schools $224M for infrastructure, but they need billions." By Matt Mencarini of Bridge Michigan #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #WorkersRights  #BigBeautifulBill #WilliamLawrence #MikeRogers #DataCenters #AI #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Friday Short: MAGA Congressman Tom Barrett Tries Hiding His Love For Data Centers

  6. Aug 20

    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

  7. Aug 17

    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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 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
    442
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Left of Lansing

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