The Loyal Opposition

Len Assante
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Loyal Opposition: Where you hear the other half of the story. News, Interviews, and Commentary from Sumner County's Most Controversial Radio Personality | Live on WQKR 101.7 FM/AM/.Com and online at theloyalopposition.online

  1. MAY 3

    TLO Episode 0413

    S04 E13 Loyal Opposition: Portland Strawberry Festival Preview and Democratic Candidate Spotlight Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin welcome Kristen from the Portland Chamber of Commerce to preview Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival events and resources, and directs listeners to the festival website and Facebook for schedules, vendors, lodging info, and parade details. The show then features Democratic candidates Chaney Mosley (TN-6) and Mandy Cook (TN House District 45), promoting a May 13 co-hosted voter event at The Co-Lab in Hendersonville, key issues including affordability, education/workforce, agriculture/rural investment, and democracy reforms. They also highlight early voting deadlines, and the May 5 election. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. Chaney Mosley for TN 6 Congressional District chaneymosley.com Mandy Cook for TN House District 45 Mandycook4TN.com Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  2. APR 25

    TLO Episode 0412

    S04 E12 The Loyal Opposition: Local Election Turnout, Sumner County Democrats, and Maria Brewer for U.S. Senate Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin open The Loyal Opposition highlighting very low local-election turnout and urge voters to get to the polls, noting 16 Democrats are running for office. They welcome guest Maria Brewer, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, who explains she entered the race after seeing a lack of strong Democratic challengers and argues Tennessee needs an organized, grassroots movement to hold leaders like Sen. Bill Hagerty accountable. Brewer discusses campaign motivations rooted in ordinary working-family experience, healthcare and motherhood, and stresses issues including high cost of living, tax fairness for billionaires and corporations, Citizens United, and opposition to war with Iran and defense-contractor influence. She encourages in-person conversations across political divides, volunteering, donating, and voting in upcoming May, August, and November elections, and shares her site MariaBrewerForSenate. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. Maria Brewer for Senate https://linktr.ee/mariabrewerforsenate Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  3. APR 12

    TLO Episode 0411

    S0411 The Loyal Opposition: Lore Bergman on Running for Tennessee’s 6th District, Rural Struggles, and GOP Fundraising Pay-to-Speak Host Len Assante opens The Loyal Opposition and discusses recent elections including Democratic swings in Georgia and a liberal win in Wisconsin. Len criticizes Sumner County Republicans’ “Reagan Day” fundraiser for requiring candidates to buy costly sponsorships to speak, and cites Millersville’s credit downgrade tied to prior management, warning about local far-right groups seeking power. Democrat Lore Bergman, running again for U.S. House in Tennessee’s 6th District, describes the district’s 19 counties, her in-person rural campaigning, and issues facing farmers and small businesses including tariffs, fertilizer disruptions, and high gas prices. She condemns proposed federal budget cuts to social programs, highlights disability and VA delays, supports universal healthcare, and opposes deregulation and voting changes. Bergman asks for donations, volunteers, and campaign help, and the show previews upcoming guests Sumner Votes and Senate candidate Maria Brewer. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. Lore Bergman for Congress 6th District https://lorebergman.org/ Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  4. APR 7

    TLO Episode 0410

    S04 E10 No Kings Rally Recap, Why To Be Concerned About the Iran War, and Tennessee’s Fight Over Tenure and Accreditation Host Len Assante opens The Loyal Opposition and notes a record 16 Sumner County Democratic candidates for 2026 local offices and discusses the recent No Kings rally, Iran war and academic tenure with guests Cole Shepherd and TSU professor Dr. Cynthia George. Guest Cole Shepherd recaps the Gallatin “No Kings” rally at the courthouse, estimating about 500 attendees, no counter protesters, many supportive honks, no arrests, and praise for Gallatin PD and event organization; he says the national events drew 8–9 million across 3,000+ rallies and discusses rally topics including Iran, immigration, healthcare, gender issues, and women’s health. Shepherd, a 30-year DOD veteran, argues citizens must question leaders’ war planning and criticizes President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, also raising concerns about morale and ICE actions affecting military families. Cynthia George, a tenured associate professor and AAUP/United Campus Workers leader, explains Tennessee legislative threats to tenure, academic freedom, shared governance, and accreditation, noting SB 1838 to end tenure died while HB 2194 may pass. The episode ends with George discussing her band Dr. Cyn and the Graduates Rise and her disability-access advocacy project. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. Dr Cyn and Graduates Rise http://www.graduatesrise.com/ American Association of University Professors https://www.aaup.org/ Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  5. MAR 22

    TLO Episode 0409

    S04 E09 The Loyal Opposition: Bad Bills, Housing Costs, and a Big Democratic Candidate Kickoff in Sumner County Len Assante and Michele Harbin open with Tennessee political news, criticizing Rep. Johnny Garrett for using his state House campaign account to mail constituent flyers while running for Congress, and flagging multiple bills: SB1585 reducing voucher accountability, SB2445 ending teacher “collaborative conferencing,” and SB1741 (“Charlie Kirk” free speech bill) restricting campus protest activity. Michelle gives a real estate and legislative update, including a proposed landlord registry for large REITs, impact-fee debates, proposed rental-property registration with the Secretary of State, a bill limiting landlords from restricting tenants’ firearm rights, and a proposed guns/ammunition sales-tax holiday. Len notes the resignation of counterterrorism director Joe Kent over Iran policy. Megan Lange joins to discuss a record number of Sumner County Democrats running, a “Pints for Progress”/campaign kickoff at Tailgate in Hendersonville, party staffing improvements, upcoming events, and fundraising for candidate support tools. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website: www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/ Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  6. MAR 8

    TLO Episode 0407

    S04 E06 The Loyal Opposition: War Powers Debate, Tennessee Preemption, Library Book Policy, and Immigrant Advocacy in Sumner County Host Len Assante opens The Loyal Opposition by discussing the latest news impacting Sumner County including Congress’s sole constitutional power to declare war versus presidents using military force without declarations, a state Senate vote on SB 1708 to effectively ban community bail funds by capping nonprofit bonds and imposing civil liability; state efforts to control Elon Musk’s Boring Company tunnel project in Nashville, including a proposed $5 million oversight division; and renewed state attempts to seize control of Nashville’s airport board. Guests Lindsey Doss (Public School Strong) and Theta Murray (SOCM) discuss public-school advocacy and a contested library collections policy, including removing ALA guidance and banning transgender-related materials. Trey Primrose explains Sumner Advocates for Immigrant Dignity (Sumner AID) immigrant-rights work, ICE activity concerns, petitions to end a 287(g) contract, and HB 793 amendments shifting from tuition/records to counting undocumented students. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. Sumner Advocates for Immigrant Dignity (Sumner AID) Instagram: @sumneraid_TN Bluesky: SumnerAID Statewide Organizing For Community eMpowerment (SOCM) https://www.socm.org/ Sumner Indivisible Instagram: @indivisiblesumnercounty Facebook: Indivisible Sumner County Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  7. MAR 1

    TLO Episode 0406

    Host Michele Harbin opens The Loyal Opposition with a discussion about a loaded gun brought to Station Camp Middle School and argues for stronger firearm storage accountability, notes increased Democratic candidate participation in Sumner and surrounding counties, and cites a Tennessee bill proposing murder charges for women who have abortions as an example of extremism. Former intern Carolina Kelly joins with Vanderbilt Student Government’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) co-chairs Manu and Jake to describe prevention work, including distributing drink-spike testers and condoms, pursuing funding for Nightcap drink covers, and hosting a sold-out campus talk by Epstein survivor and advocate Jess Michaels. Michele then interviews Lindsey Patrick-Wright, a former librarian running for Tennessee State Senate District 17, who describes fighting book bans, opposing policies targeting trans students, organizing against a proposed ICE detention facility in Lebanon that was ultimately stopped, and outlines campaign needs, website, and upcoming events. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website: www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org Lindsey Patrick-Wright for State Senate District 17 https://www.lindseyfortn.com/ Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/ https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min

  8. FEB 15

    TLO Episode 0405

    S04 E05 The Loyal Opposition: Tennessee Politics, Rights, and Organizing Everywhere with Luis Mata and Megan Lange - A Don’t Miss Show Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin welcomes Sumner County Democratic Party chair Megan Lange and Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata. Len starts off with a recap of last week’s political news including criticism of Rep. Johnny Garrett’s HB 2036, which would bar naturalized citizens from running for federal office; the hosts call it unconstitutional and describe it as attention-seeking and aimed at gaining favor with Trump. The conversation covers several Tennessee bills: HB 5 proposing fines up to $5 million related to harming an unborn fetus via abortion pills and raising concerns about legal precedent; a Senate bill ending tenure for new higher-education faculty starting July 1 and creating uncertainty for current tenure-track contracts; and HB 884 expanding restrictions on drag performances by placing them under adult-oriented establishment definitions. The hosts argue lawmakers should focus on core issues like education, healthcare, wages, unemployment, and transportation infrastructure rather than culture-war legislation. Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata joins, sharing his background immigrating from Mexico in 2000, growing up in East Tennessee, and being drawn into organizing due to barriers faced as a non-citizen (including in-state tuition and financial aid restrictions). He describes his organizing philosophy, the importance of inclusion, and the idea of bringing “a folding chair” if there’s no seat at the table. The panel discusses fear among Democratic voters and candidates about openly expressing support, and Luis emphasizes varied “spectrum of engagement” entry points for participation. Megan reports on a Sumner County Library Board meeting prompted by Secretary of State Trey Hargett’s letter urging review/removal of books; she notes 53 titles were submitted for reconsideration, including a children’s book about an elderly tortoise processing grief. Luis outlines Tennessee Democratic Party priorities under Chair Rachel Campbell’s leadership, emphasizing “organize everywhere so we can compete and win everywhere,” noting all 95 counties now have organized and active local Democratic parties. Candidate recruitment and support are highlighted, with instructions for prospective candidates to contact stillblue@sumnerdems.org (Sumner County) or comms@tndp.org (elsewhere) and to identify a strong personal “why” for running. SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website. To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website: www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org Tennessee Democratic Party TNDP.org Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/ Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

    46 min
See All (73)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Loyal Opposition: Where you hear the other half of the story. News, Interviews, and Commentary from Sumner County's Most Controversial Radio Personality | Live on WQKR 101.7 FM/AM/.Com and online at theloyalopposition.online

Information

  • Creator
    Len Assante
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023, Leonard Assante. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Loyal Opposition