The Lean to the Left Podcast

Bob Gatty
  • 4.3 (16)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

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. 6d ago

    Lean to the Left Podcast Signing Off After Nearly 850 Episodes

    After nearly 850 episodes, I’ve made the difficult decision to bring the Lean to the Left podcast to a close, at least for the foreseeable future. My wife, Jackie, passed away on August 15 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, I’ve found it difficult to give the podcast the focus and energy needed to produce the kind of program my guests and audience deserve. At 83, and after producing just short of 850 episodes, I’ve decided it is time to step away and consider what comes next. Please view this short video for more information about what might come next. But, to everyone who has watched, listened, subscribed, shared our programs, appeared as a guest, or supported Lean to the Left over the years: thank you. For now, this is Bob Gatty, signing off for Lean to the Left. #LeanToTheLeft #BobGatty #PodcastFarewell

    Lean to the Left Podcast Signing Off After Nearly 850 Episodes

  2. Sep 15

    Why Trump’s Energy Policies Could Be Driving Your Electric Bill Higher

    Largely due to Donald Trump's energy policies, electricity bills are climbing across the country. But according to conservative energy advocate David Jenkins, much of what Americans are being told about renewable energy in order to protect the fossil fuel industry simply doesn’t hold up. In this episode of Lean to the Left, Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, challenges some of the most common myths surrounding solar, wind, fossil fuels, and the reliability of America’s power grid. He argues that renewable energy is no longer the expensive, unreliable alternative critics often portray—and that in many cases, it is now cheaper than coal and natural gas. Jenkins also sharply criticizes Trump administration energy policies, including the cancellation of offshore wind projects and efforts to keep aging coal plants operating. He says those decisions can force utilities to rely on electricity that costs far more to produce, with the added expense ultimately landing on customers. The discussion also explores: Why wind and solar helped stabilize the Texas grid during extreme weather; How battery storage has changed the renewable-energy equation; Why some utility commissions may be protecting corporate profits instead of consumers; How fossil-fuel interests help fuel misinformation about renewables and electric vehicles; Why Jenkins believes conservation and responsible energy policy are fundamentally conservative values; What consumers can do when utility rates keep rising. Jenkins argues that the energy debate should not be about ideology. “There is no red or blue or right or left energy. Energy’s just energy.” And right now, he says, renewables often make the most economic sense. Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship works on energy, conservation, public lands, and wildlife issues. Learn more at ConservativeStewards.org. Chapters 00:00 Energy Bills and Renewables 01:28 Meet David Jenkins 01:36 Conservative Stewardship Roots 02:48 Myths About Reliability 05:07 Climate Change Reality Check 07:35 Trump Cancels Wind Projects 10:03 Coal Orders Raise Costs 13:31 Utility Commissions and Rate Hikes 15:27 Renewables Now Cheaper 17:32 Fossil Fuel Misinformation Machine 18:33 How Conservatives Fight Back 21:32 Get Involved and Closing Thoughts Subscribe to Lean to the Left for conversations that challenge political spin and dig into the issues affecting our lives, our democracy, and our wallets.

    Why Trump’s Energy Policies Could Be Driving Your Electric Bill Higher

  3. Sep 8

    Socialism or Capitalism? Chuck Marvin Says There’s a Better Way

    America is deeply divided politically and economically, and the debate increasingly seems to come down to two choices: capitalism or socialism. Chuck Marvin believes that’s the wrong choice. Marvin, a longtime construction-industry consultant and author of America 5.0: The Principled Revolution Ending Division, joins Bob Gatty on Lean to the Left to explain his Prosperity Through Equality proposal—a plan he believes could appeal to both progressives and principled conservatives. At the heart of Marvin’s contention is the belief that America’s economic system has been distorted by a complicated tax code filled with deductions, privileges and special treatment. His proposal would replace that with a single rate, eliminate deductions and special tax status, provide an income floor, establish universal healthcare, and require a balanced federal budget. Marvin describes himself as a committed capitalist, but argues that the United States no longer operates under genuine free-market capitalism because government tax policies create economic winners and losers. He says the goal should not be equality of outcomes, but equality of opportunity and equal treatment under the law. In this episode, Bob and Chuck discuss Marvin’s case for overhauling the tax system, his proposal for universal healthcare with no premiums, an $18,000 income floor, the impact of healthcare costs on entrepreneurs and small businesses, and why he believes both socialists and capitalists could find common ground in his approach. Marvin also explains how his experiences in the military, living in South Korea, working with immigrant construction crews and building a successful national business shaped his thinking about inequality, opportunity and the sources of America’s divisions. And while Marvin would like to see his ideas reach Washington, he acknowledges that entrenched political and special interests make that difficult. He believes meaningful change may ultimately depend on activists willing to push the issue from outside the political establishment. 📘 America 5.0: The Principled Revolution Ending Division is available on Amazon. Link: https://amzn.to/46beiFG 🌐 Learn more about Chuck Marvin’s work at ThePrincipledCapitalist.org. What do you think? Is America’s problem capitalism itself—or the way the system has been structured? Let us know in the comments. CHAPTERS: 00:54 Meet Chuck Marvin 02:36 Prosperity Through Equality 04:14 Tax Code Roots 06:22 Selling Both Sides 08:50 Healthcare And Income Floor 13:28 Nonprofit Distortions 16:59 Balanced Budget Revolution 21:24 Personal Journey To Tax Code 26:09 Book Profits And Where To Buy 27:52 Activists And Closing Thoughts #ChuckMarvin #Capitalism #Socialism #TaxReform #LeanToTheLeft

    Socialism or Capitalism? Chuck Marvin Says There’s a Better Way

  4. Aug 31

    Child Abuse Has Lifelong Costs. Why Aren't We Doing More?

    Child abuse doesn't end when childhood does. A child abuse survivor, Sheryl Hauk knows that firsthand. A retired educator, survivor of childhood sexual abuse and author of Piece by Piece: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity, Sheryl spent decades keeping her own trauma private. Today, she is using her experience to fight for stronger protections, greater accountability and better support for abused children. In this powerful Lean to the Left conversation, Sheryl explains how childhood trauma can affect learning, relationships, physical and mental health, homelessness and a survivor's ability to function decades later. She also argues that America is failing abused children by underfunding prevention, early intervention and Child Advocacy Centers—and by maintaining statutes of limitations that can prevent survivors from ever holding their abusers accountable. Sheryl discusses her own extraordinary story, including the abuse she endured until age 18, how she finally stopped it, and why she eventually decided to speak publicly after years of silence. We also discuss: • Why many survivors do not disclose abuse until years or even decades later • The fight to reform statutes of limitations • How trauma can interfere with a child's ability to learn • Why perpetrators are often people children already know and trust • The critical role of Child Advocacy Centers • The shortage of resources for abused children • Why Sheryl believes prevention and early intervention make fiscal as well as moral sense • How creativity and music helped her survive • Her memoir, Piece by Piece, and the resources she now provides for other survivors Sheryl's message is ultimately one of both urgency and hope: childhood trauma can have lifelong consequences, but timely intervention, support and accountability can change lives. Learn more about Sheryl Hauk and her work at SherylHauk.com. Here's a link to her book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qCNck0 CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Sheryl Hauk 00:37 Survivor to Advocate 02:23 Hidden Trauma Costs 03:02 Prevention and Accountability 05:46 Statute Limits Fight 08:09 Trauma and Learning 09:47 Who Abuses Children 12:23 CAC Funding Crisis 15:03 Policy Priorities Debate 17:47 CACs and Recovery Support 20:18 How She Stopped It 23:33 Book and Resources 25:31 Closing Call to Action Subscribe to Lean to the Left for conversations about politics, public policy, social justice and the issues shaping American life. #ChildAbuse #ChildhoodTrauma #SherylHauk #ChildAdvocacy #SexualAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #LeanToTheLeft

    Child Abuse Has Lifelong Costs. Why Aren't We Doing More?

  5. Aug 11

    VA Claims Vanishing? Veteran Sounds Alarm

    Veterans are filing claims for benefits they earned — but some of those claims may be disappearing into what veteran advocate Steve Miller describes as a VA “black hole.” Miller, a former member of the 82nd Airborne Division and president of Wellness for Veterans, says claims submitted through veterans service organizations are being transmitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs but are not always being entered into the VA system. He says the result is that veterans are left waiting, sometimes for months, without knowing what happened to their claims. Miller says he learned about the problem from a VA representative and was told the system issue had been going on for at least four months. He also says veterans affected by the problem have not been notified. That matters because these claims can determine access to disability compensation, medical care, and other benefits for veterans injured or made ill during their military service. Miller has helped more than 800 veterans pursue service-connected benefits and says his work has helped secure more than $1.5 million annually for veterans — all without charging them for his assistance. In this Lean to the Left interview, Miller explains what he believes is happening, why he says veterans are being left in limbo, and why he wants Congress and the VA to act. Watch the full conversation and tell us what you think. Have you or someone you know experienced unexplained delays or missing VA claims? Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent interviews, political commentary, and conversations about the issues affecting Americans. #Veterans #VeteransAffairs #VAClaims #VeteransBenefits #MilitaryVeterans #VA #LeanToTheLeft CHAPTERS: 00:00 VA Claims Scandal Intro 00:45 Claims Lost in Limbo 01:53 Who Knows and Who Was Told 02:55 Why These Benefits Matter 03:58 Taking It to the Media 05:22 Politics and Accountability 06:12 Congressional Staff Should Help 07:12 Hotlines and No Resolution 07:37 Wellness for Veterans Mission 08:21 800 Vets Helped for Free 10:35 Beyond Claims Gear and Housing 11:16 Wrap Up and Next Steps

    VA Claims Vanishing? Veteran Sounds Alarm

  6. Aug 2

    Mathew Toro Plans to Run for President in 2036. Will He and America be Ready?

    Mathew Toro is 32 years old—and says he is already preparing to run for president of the United States in 2036. Toro says this is not a sudden ambition, but a 16-year effort he began planning in 2020, when he was just 26 years old. He is building that effort around what he calls an “Economic Justice Revolution,” a proposal designed to return more corporate profits to the workers who helped create them. But will Toro develop the experience, organization, and credibility required to become a serious presidential contender? And by 2036, will an America battered by economic inequality, corporate power, political division, and distrust be ready for the kind of revolution he proposes? In this Lean to the Left interview, host Bob Gatty presses Toro about his background, qualifications, political philosophy, economic proposals, campaign strategy, education, foreign policy views, and the enormous challenge of building a credible national campaign. Toro explains his proposal to require highly profitable corporations to return 36 percent of their net income above $1 billion to their employees. Using Apple as an example, he argues that workers could receive substantial annual payments representing what he calls the true value of their labor. The discussion includes: • Why Toro began planning his presidential run in 2020 • His experiences with homelessness and economic hardship • Why he believes corporate greed and political corruption are connected • His plan to build a grassroots campaign through social media • Whether he would seek another elected office before running for president • His support for universal preventive healthcare • His views on labor unions and working-class power • The current Democratic Party and political polarization • How he would confront opposition from Congress and corporate interests • What he still must accomplish before voters should consider him qualified Toro acknowledges that he currently lacks the staff, funding, national organization, and political infrastructure required for a presidential campaign. But he insists the years ahead give him time to build a movement and establish credibility. “I’m barely half the man I’ll be in 2036,” he says, describing that election year as “a date with American history.” Will Mathew Toro be ready by then? And after another decade of economic and political upheaval, will America be ready for him? Watch the interview and decide for yourself. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for interviews, political commentary, and independent reporting focused on democracy, economic fairness, government accountability, and the issues affecting working Americans. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:28 Meet Matthew Toro 01:46 Origins of His Mission 03:59 Homelessness and Solutions 05:55 Why Aim for 2036 08:37 Corruption and Bipartisanship 09:40 Economic Justice Plan Explained 13:18 Is It Socialism 14:59 Unions Healthcare Housing 16:31 Building a Real Campaign 18:10 Books and Fundraising Online 20:09 Democrats and Misinformation 23:13 Getting Congress Onboard 27:10 Foreign Policy and Trump 28:24 Background and Weaknesses 30:05 How Voters Should Judge 31:32 Closing Thoughts and Farewell #MathewToro #Election2036 #EconomicJustice #WorkingClass #PresidentialElection #ProgressivePolitics #CorporateGreed #LaborRights #PoliticalInterview #LeanToTheLeft

    Mathew Toro Plans to Run for President in 2036. Will He and America be Ready?

  7. Jul 26

    Democrats Must Get Tough to Win Congress and Defeat Trump

    Democrats must get tough to win Congress and defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies in the House and Senate, says longtime activist Patrick Reynolds. Watch four killer ads he produced to hammer Trump and his MAGA allies in the key House and Senate races that could determine control of Congress. The grandson of tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds, Patrick became nationally known when he turned against the industry that made his family wealthy and spent decades fighting Big Tobacco -- largely because RJR's products caused his father's death. Now, he's taken on a new political battle: helping Democrats regain control of Congress. As leader of the Congress Majority PAC, Reynolds argues that Democrats must fight harder, sharpen their message, and directly confront Trump and the Republican Party as a whole—not simply rely on traditional candidate-versus-candidate advertising. In this Lean to the Left interview, Reynolds explains what Democrats must do to win the critical House and Senate races that will determine control of Congress. You will also see four killer political ads Reynolds produced for use in key races across the country. The ads target: Donald Trump and his MAGA allies Republican policies on climate change The economy and cost of living Disaffected voters who no longer feel loyal to the Democratic Party Reynolds intends to place these hard-hitting, nationally relevant messages in the battleground races where they could make the greatest difference. Can Democrats finally stop playing defense, get tough, and win back Congress? Watch the interview, see the four ads, and share your reaction in the comments. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent political commentary, interviews, and analysis. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Trump Party Cold Open 00:11 Meet Patrick Reynolds 01:39 Why Start a Super PAC 03:30 Vote Democrat Ad Strategy 05:23 Privilege and Family Fallout 07:28 Tobacco Legacy and Disinheritance 09:58 Introducing the Ad Lineup 10:43 Ad 1 Anti Trump Message 11:50 Ad 2 Climate Change and Big Oil 14:07 Ad 3 Economy and Cost of Living 16:02 Ad 4 Disaffected Democrats 17:27 Whats at Stake and Call to Action 21:11 Closing Thanks and Support

    Democrats Must Get Tough to Win Congress and Defeat Trump

  8. Jul 20

    Lindsey Graham Political Aftermath: Can Democrats Break Through in the South?

    The political aftermath of Lindsey Graham’s death sees South Carolina politics suddenly thrown wide open—but the political consequences could extend far beyond one Senate seat. In this special summer edition of Dixie Dems, Bob Gatty of South Carolina, Arthur Hill of North Carolina, and Robert Thompson of Georgia examine the fight to replace Graham, Donald Trump’s endorsement of Graham’s sister, and the Democrats hoping to capitalize on a rapidly changing political landscape. The discussion also covers: • Whether Democrats can pull off major upsets in South Carolina • Republican efforts to restrict early and Sunday voting in North Carolina • Growing election controversy and FBI involvement in Georgia • The campaigns of Roy Cooper, Jon Ossoff, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jermaine Johnson, John Vincent, and Dr. Annie Andrews • Allegations involving voter-roll manipulation and so-called “ghost voters” • Why voters throughout the South should check their registration before the midterms Could Lindsey Graham’s death help trigger a political transformation in the South—or will Republicans tighten their grip on elections to protect their power? Join the conversation in the comments. Dixie Dems: The South has a voice—and it’s blue. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for progressive news, interviews, and political commentary from across the South. #DixieDems #LindseyGraham #SouthCarolinaPolitics #SouthernPolitics #Democrats #ElectionIntegrity #VoterSuppression #LeanToTheLeft CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to Dixie Dems 00:35 Graham Death Fallout 01:11 Trump Endorsement Talk 04:09 GOP Field Opens Up 05:18 North Carolina Race Update 07:56 Election Board Power Grab 10:17 Turnout and Registration Surge 11:09 Georgia Election Fiasco Claims 15:00 Ossoff Humor and Debate Talk 17:13 Georgia Senate Stakes 18:36 Downballot Races Spotlight 19:19 Voter Roll Purges Warning 20:49 Martha Zoller Backstory 22:29 South Carolina Fry vs Vincent 24:03 Haley Talk and Upset Scenarios 26:01 Ghost Voters Investigation 28:50 How to Volunteer and Wrap-Up

    Lindsey Graham Political Aftermath: Can Democrats Break Through in the South?
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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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