Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing
  • 5.0 (10)
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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. Friday Short: "Moderate" Kristen McDonald-Rivet Capitulates To Trump Regime, MAGA

    19H AGO

    Friday Short: "Moderate" Kristen McDonald-Rivet Capitulates To Trump Regime, MAGA

    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 1, 2026! Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Kristen McDonald-Rivet from the 8th District in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Genesee Counties won her election despite Trump winning her district in 2024. But despite Trump's falling poll numbers, and a majority of working class Democratic base voters begging congressional Democrats to grow a spine and oppose the Trump Regime's constant corruption, McDonald-Rivet keeps making some puzzling votes in her first term in office.  She's voted in favor of giving the regime broad surveillance powers, of passing a pro-corporate farm bill, and for MAGA anti-immigration and pro-ICE bills. And McDonald-Rivet released a statement critical of how delegates acted and voted at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention, in which her sister lost party's attorney general nominating race.  Pat Johnston talks about McDonald-Rivet's record, and why it's a stark example of what working class voters don't want from their representatives in this day of The Trump Regime.  In this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's MAGA majority's decision to essentially eradicate the Voting Rights Act.  48:38-50:46: 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 LOL Weekly Web Poll! NOTES: "‘Dangerous and Shameful’: 42 House Democrats Help GOP Send Trump Spying Bill to Senate." By Jessica Corbett of Common Dreams "McDonald Rivet defends vote for Laken Riley Act during swearing-in ceremony in Flint." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Kristen McDonald-Rivet statement on the Michigan Democratic Party Convention

    7 min
  2. Senate Race, Gas Prices, Voting Rights, Ballrooms, and Progressive Ivan Diaz for Michigan State Senate

    1D AGO

    Senate Race, Gas Prices, Voting Rights, Ballrooms, and Progressive Ivan Diaz for Michigan State Senate

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #176 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast 00:00-17:05: MI Senate Race/Gas Prices & Ballrooms Pat Johnston opens the show talking about The Trump Regime's push to make taxpayers fund Dear Leader's precious little ballroom. The economy is cratering for the working class, gas prices are nearing record highs, we've spent around $50 Billion so far for Trump's & Israel's unconstitutional War on Iran, inflation is getting worse, and we can't afford health insurance, but we have to pay for a $400 million ballroom to wine & dine The Epstein Class? Then, Pat gives some of the latest news surrounding the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race, and it appears progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is the new leader. 17:06-40:05: Ivan Diaz For MI State Senate 29 Interview Progressive Ivan Diaz, Democratic candidate for Michigan's State Senate 29 District, talks about his campaign and the working class vision he wants to bring the state Senate. Mr. Diaz is a former Kent County Commissioner, and has been involved in his community for his adult life. He's a believer in a decent minimum wage, in a single payer system in Michigan, and in bringing a passionate voice for the working class in his district and throughout the state. Visit Ivan Diaz's campaign: https://voteivandiaz.com/Visit Ivan Diaz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078727971393Visit Ivan Diaz on Instagram 40:06--48:37: Last Call-SCOTUS Kills VRA In this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's MAGA majority's decision to essentially eradicate the Voting Rights Act.  48:38-50:46: 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 LOL Weekly Web Poll! NOTES: "As McMorrow X posts resurface with complaints about Michigan, California love — opponents pounce." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "The New Democratic Machine — And The Billionaires Behind It." By Luke Goldstein & Katya Schwenk of The Lever "Turnaround: New poll shows Haley Stevens with slim U.S. Senate lead." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Leaked records show Democrats lined up behind UM board challenger." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News (via AOL News)"As Michigan preps for new Medicaid requirements, leaders and advocates push for dedicated funding." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Over half of Americans say their finances are worsening, Gallup poll finds." By Aimee Picci of CBS News "Congressional Republicans are split on using taxpayer funds to build Trump's ballroom." By Sahil Kapur, Scott Wong, and Frank Thorp V of NBC News "Supreme Court guts Voting Rights Act, greenlights GOP gerrymanders." By Jim Saska of Democracy Docket #podcast #politics #progressives #DemocraticSocialist #DemocraticSocialism #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #AbdulElSayed #Election2026 #MalloryMcMorrow #HaleyStevens #War #IranWar #Israel #GasPrices #Affordability #Economy #WorkingClass #EpsteinClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovenrmentCorruption #TrumpCorruption #Ballroom #SCOTUS #VotingRights #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

    51 min
  3. Monday Musing: Trump Uses Assassination Attempt For Ballroom Push, Silencing Dissent

    4D AGO

    Monday Musing: Trump Uses Assassination Attempt For Ballroom Push, Silencing Dissent

    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 April 27, 2026. LOL's Pat Johnston shares why he, and so many millions of Americans, couldn't react normally to the alleged assassination attempt on Dear Leader Trump during the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. The Regime makes it impossible for Americans to take anything at face value. And thanks to how The Regime used the incident to push for its billionaire Epstein Class-backed White House ballroom, as well as a way to silence dissent, the working class is responding with one giant shoulder shrug.  Perhaps it's the constant corruption, and corporate corruption coveted by The Regime, as well as the constant gaslighting, that Americans aren't as moved as they used to be whenever any previous attempts against an American president's life were made. And maybe it's also how Dear Leader Trump reacted when opponents of his passed away. 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

    7 min
  4. Amplifying Michigan's Working Class Voice w/ Aisha Farooqi For Congress

    APR 23

    Amplifying Michigan's Working Class Voice w/ Aisha Farooqi For Congress

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #175 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-18:03: MSU & RxKids/Tone Deaf Dems Pat Johnston covers how MAGA Michigan Republican House Speaker Matt Hall, along with MAGA House Republicans, are proposing a 62% cut to MSU & UofM in their 2027 budget. One reason Hall is attacking MSU is because the university is a sponsor to the popular Rx Kids program, which is a direct cash for parents program throughou the state. Then, establishment Michigan Democrats brought New Jersey Senator Cory Booker to speak just before the the party's endorsement convention last weekend. It's strange to have Senator Booker chide those who couldn't vote for Kamala Harris while he couldn't support fellow Democrat and NYC Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.  18:04-35:14: Aisha Farooqi For Congress Interview Progressive Democratic Congressional candidate for Michigan's 11th District, Aisha Farooqi, talks with Pat about her campaign to represent and amplify Michigan's working class voice in Congress. Ms. Farooqi shares her story, including how she's the daughter of immigrants, how she used her law degree to fight for the underdog, and why we need more of a Democratic spine to push-back against the Trump Regime in Congress. More than that, she wants to push for policies to benefit the working class, including Medicare For All. Visit Aisha Farooqi's Campaign: https://aishaforcongress.com/Visit Aisha Farooqi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aisha_for_congress/Visit Aisha Farooqi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aishaforcongress 35:15-49:52: Last Call on MDP Convention Fallout In this week's "Last Call," Pat covers how establishment-corporate Michigan Democrats handled their losses at the Michigan Democratic Party's Endorsement Convention. Cries of "antisemitism" are being thrown-out there by the establishment even though the delegates nominated a Jewish candidate for Attorney General! 49:53-52:56: 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/joinNOTES:Aisha Farooqi For Congress: https://aishaforcongress.com/ "Opinion: Michigan deserves Medicare for All." By Aisha Farooqi in Detroit Metro Times "Michigan Dems back Garlin Gilchrist and Eli Savit, oust U-M’s Jordan Acker." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan "Michigan Democrats endorse Gilchrist for secretary of state, Savit for attorney general." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "UPDATE: Whitmer signs bipartisan deal on tipped wage and sick time hours." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Cory Booker Faces Backlash After Voting for Jared Kushner’s Father." By Newsweek "‘A Storm in Our Nation!’ Cory Booker Turns the Volume up to 11 in Call for ‘Foot Soldiers’ to Fight Back Against Trump." By Jennifer Bowers Bahney of Mediate (via Yahoo News)"Amir Makled defeats regent Jordan Acker at Democratic convention, to run alongside incumbent Paul Brown." By Glenn Hedin, Alexa Cheaney, and Brady Middlebrooke of Michigan Daily "Higher ed appropriations bill cutting over half of funding to MSU, U-M passes House subcommittee." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "The media blackout of Jared Kushner’s historic, ongoing corruption scandal." By Judd Legum of Popular Information #podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Michigan #EliSavit #JordanAcker #Election #Election2026 #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #MattHall #RxKids #WorkingClass #FreeSpeech #Israel #Gaza #IranWar #MedicareForAll #AishaFarooqi #Immigration #ICE #Parents #HealthCare #Economy #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #PartyPolitics #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #Congress #LeftofLansing

    53 min
  5. Monday Musing: Major Progressive Victories At Michigan Democratic Party Convention

    APR 20

    Monday Musing: Major Progressive Victories At Michigan Democratic Party Convention

    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 April 20, 2026. Progressives scored some major victories at the Michigan Democratic Party's nominating convention over the weekend, including the upset of the weekend where progressive Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit defeated the establishment's choice of Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald to be the party's Attorney General nominee.  Progressives also ousted a sitting member on the University of Michigan's Board of Regents, who attacked pro-Palestinian protesters on UofM's campus, and who also allegedly made sexually explicit texts regarding a Democratic Party official, and a UofM student.  Some pro-Israel types are proclaiming the convention's results show how there's no room for Jewish Democrats, anymore. Yet, Eli Savit, who Democratic Party delegates selected to be the party's nominee for AG, is Jewish.  Pat Johnston explains what's really irking some establishment party leaders after these progressive victories.  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: "Progressives flex muscles at Michigan Democrats' endorsement convention." By Collin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio via WKAR "Michigan Dems back Garlin Gilchrist and Eli Savit, oust U-M’s Jordan Acker." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan "Lewd messages linked to University of Michigan regent who led campaign against pro-Palestinian students." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian "Utility lawyers’ donations to Michigan AG candidate raise conflict-of-interest concerns." By Tom Perkins of Michigan Advance

    6 min
  6. Friday Short: Democratic Primaries Are Crucial For Real Working Class Change

    APR 17

    Friday Short: Democratic Primaries Are Crucial For Real Working Class Change

    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 April 17, 2026. We've got some big Democratic Party Primary races coming up in August that'll give America a good idea of where Michigan wants to go. We've got the crucial Democratic U.S. Senate primary where the progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is leading the two other establishment candidates. And we've got progressive working class activist, community-fighter, and pro-democracy congressional candidate William Lawrence, who's running against an establishment party candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, currently being held by the weak MAGA Republican Tom Barrett. Pat Johnston explains how that race, and others like it, can help point the Democratic Party towards a real Democratic social and economic change for the working class. That's why the primaries are just as important as the general election this year. To hear the complete interview with William Lawrence, visit:https://audioboom.com/posts/8890669-mi-progressive-william-lawrence-for-congress-trump-s-failing-economy-new-mi-senate-poll Or: https://youtu.be/Ltp-amaaHa4?si=8bXB785Bf3RafFvh Visit William Lawrence's CampaignVisit William Lawrence on InstagramVisit William Lawrence on FacebookPlease, 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

    5 min
  7. MI Progressive William Lawrence For Congress, Trump's Failing Economy, New MI Senate Poll

    APR 16

    MI Progressive William Lawrence For Congress, Trump's Failing Economy, New MI Senate Poll

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #174 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-19:17: Joke John James/Trump Tax Cuts/Bridget Brink MAGA Republican Michigan Congressman John James not only refuses to campaign in his run for Governor, or show-up to do his job in Congress, but he couldn't even be bothered to co-sponsor a resolution celebrating UofM's basketball team's national championship? We're in the Trump Regime's second year, and the economy is cratering for working class Americans. And, Pat highlights how the Democratic Party establishment is putting its might behind another supposed "moderate" over a progressive, working class candidate in the primary race for Michigan's 7th Congressional District. 19:18-46:59: William Lawrence Interview Pat Johnston talks with William Lawrence, progressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 7th congressional district. The district is currently held by MAGA Republican Tom Barrett, who continues to support The Trump Regime's anti-America First agenda in what is viewed as a toss-up district. Mr. Lawrence talks about his support for popular progressive policies, such as Medicare For All, opposing billionaire tech bro data centers, taxing the Epstein Class while ending Trump's War On Iran, and refusing to spend millions on Israel over the working class in America. Visit William Lawrence's CampaignVisit William Lawrence on InstagramVisit William Lawrence on Facebook 47:00-54:17: Last Call MI Dem Senate Race In the "Last Call," Pat shares a new poll showing a three-way statistical tie in the Democratic Senate Primary race between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, and "Ms. AIPAC" Haley Stevens. 54:18-56:24: 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/joinNOTES: "Working Families Party bets on organizing to reshape Michigan politics." By Tom Perkins in Michigan Advance "In Barrett’s backyard, Democratic candidates make their case to be his next challenger." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Demystifying Deep Green’s proposed data center near downtown Lansing." By Kyle Davidson and Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Barrett Campaign FOIAs High School Teacher's Email Over ICE Protest." By MIRS News "Michigan lawmakers strike deal on wages and tips — but not sick leave, yet." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan (story on how Democratic State Senator Sam Singh spearheaded role to cut wage raises) "Former Michigan House Speaker gives Bridget Brink his seal of approval in 7th District race." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Brink: The fight for quality, affordable health care is personal." By Bridget Brink in The Lansing State Journal "EXCLUSIVE POLL: Michigan’s Dem Senate Race Is Wide Open, AIPAC Is Toxic, Hasan Piker Is Not." By Andrew Perez of Zeteo "The 'bare bones' cost of raising a child has spiked: Here's why." By Chris Williams of Fox LIVE Now "Soaring gas prices leads to biggest monthly inflation spike in four years in March." By Christopher Rugaber of The AP "New from ITEP: Trump Tax Policies Raise Costs for Most Americans While Delivering Trillion-Dollar Benefits to the Wealthy." By The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Photo of William Lawrence speaking at Michigan Capitol courtesy William Lawrence For Congress #podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Election2026 #WilliamLawrence #Michigan #TomBarrett #BridgetBrink #WorkingClass #Republicans #MAGA #EpsteinClass #JohnJames #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DonorClass #Oligarchy #BigTech #DataCenters #Economy #BigBeautifulBill #MAGAMurderBudget #MedicareForAll #Israel #AIPAC #Gaza #Genocide #IranWar #Congress #SenateRace #AbdulElSayed #MalloryMcMorrow #HaleyStevens #AmericaFirst #Authoritarianism #Fascism #AbolishICE #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    56 min
  8. Monday Musing: Working Class Americans Can't Afford Kids!

    APR 13

    Monday Musing: Working Class Americans Can't Afford Kids!

    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 April 13, 2026. The Centers For Disease Control reports that birth rates in the United States continued to drop for another year. There's a few reasons why this is the case, including women wanting to focus on careers and have kids later on, and that less teenagers are getting pregnant (thankfully!). But one MAIN reason why adults are choosing to have fewer kids, or no kids at all, is because we live in a country that's rigged the game for the billionaire Epstein Class against the working class. 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! 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: "CDC’s 2025 data shows birth rates continuing to slide." By Kelsie Moseley-Morris of Michigan Advance "Urgent care clinics move to fill abortion care gaps in rural areas." By Kathy Wells of KFF News (Via Michigan Advance)"Conservatives want to increase birth rates. These moms are terrified to have more kids."  By Kelsie Moseley-Morris of Idaho Capital News #podcast #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #childcare #WealthInequality #Medicare #HealthCare #Children #Medicaid #MedicareForAll #WorkingClass #Populism #RiggedCapitalism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AbortionCare #GenZ #Economy #Fasicsm #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 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
    393
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Left of Lansing

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