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Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 31, 2026!

Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced three more clinic closures in the state on Thursday, making it a total of 14 closures in the last couple of years.

While The Trump Regime and the MAGA Republican Congress are to blame for their massive cuts to Planned Parenthood (since punishing women is one of the hallmarks of the White Christian Nationalist agenda), Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer shares some of the blame as well.

Whitmer refused to "Fight like Hell" to keep those clinics opened as she refused Planned Parenthood of Michigan's request to unleash emergency funding.

It's just another in the long line of betrayal from the former "Big Gretch," who's now just called, Gretchen.

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Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

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#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens # AbortionRights #PlannedParenthood #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's Episode #189 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-19:05: AIPAC, DTE, & Data Centers

Pat Johnston discusses why working class Michiganders have turned more populist, and why accepting AIPAC, or DTE, or other corporate PAC money is hurting several candidates in different races. Also, working class Michiganders are irate over the rush to build hyper-scale A.I. data centers, and specific Democrats are being rewarded for opposing the Big Tech Bros' data centers. 

19:05-31:40: Working Class-America First Populism

Progressive candidates, like Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Aisha Farooqi, Kyle Blomquist, Diop Harris II, Donovan McKinney, Ivan Diaz, or Kelli Van Ginhoven, are resonating with voters in different areas across Michigan because they present a strong, working class and America First agenda. It's an agenda that pushes to revitalize a forgotten working class by focusing on a people-centered over a profit-centered campaign. It's an agenda that aims to strengthen unions, expand opportunities, make housing affordable, advocating for our farmers, Abolishing ICE, taxing the rich, ending costly wars, making the Epstein Class face more accountability, and fighting back against The Trump Regime. 

31:41-39:10: Electability

If Abdul El-Sayed, and other Michigan progressive candidates, win the primary, and then goes on to win the general election, doesn't that end the corporate-establishment Democratic Party argument that progressives can only win in blue cities?

39:11-43:43: Quicksand Ending

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Vote on this week's LOL Poll!!!

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Three licks and a question: Who is Gretchen Whitmer governing for?" By Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Quicksand: How Gen X Was Right All Along." By Sarah Kendzior in Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter

"Fact check: Ads take El-Sayed out of context to claim he ‘disrespects women.’" By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan

"State canvassers finds Michigan’s ‘Money out of Politics’ effort has sufficient valid signatures." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"New report slams Michigan for slowest power restoration nationwide." By WDIV-Channel 4 News in Detroit

#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Primary #DemocraticSocialism #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #AishaFarooqi #KelliVanGinhoven #KyleBlomquist #DataCenters #TomBarrett #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Populism #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #CitizensUnited #Line5 #FossilFuels #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 27, 2026.

LOL's Pat Johnston's take on why Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is endorsing Congresswoman and Ms. AIPAC Haley Stevens over working class candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. 

Establishment's gonna establishment!

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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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Gretchen Whitmer endorses Haley Stevens in Michigan’s contentious Democratic U.S. Senate battle." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Election #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #HaleyStevens #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel  #Line5 #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 24, 2026.

A couple of Michigan Democratic Party establishment members either announced they can't support a more progressive nominee, or that a progressive candidate is misogynist. 

LOL's Pat Johnston illustrates how Democratic "centrist" Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, and former Democratic Attorney General candidate, Karen McDonald, are showing all of us that the entire "Vote Blue No Matter Who" mantra was completely one-sided. 

To hear the complete episode featuring LOL's "Show Voice" Jessica Shepherd:
https://audioboom.com/posts/8931343-pat-johnston-w-the-lol-show-voice-jessica-shepherd

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Michigan Democrat Refuses to Say She’ll Support El-Sayed If He Wins His Primary In Blistering Interview." By Alex Griffing of Mediaite

"Karen McDonald sounds off state Democratic Party, needs clearer understanding of where party is heading." By Charlie Langton & Jack Nisson of Fox 2 Detroit News

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #PeteHegseth #Election #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #JessicaShepherd #HaleyStevens #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #EliSavit#CitizensUnited #Line5  #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's Episode #188 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-9:48: Low "T" MAGA/MI Dem Won't Back Nominee

Left of Lansing's Pat Johnston opens the show with Secretary of Defense...er... sorry... Secretary of WAR, Pete Hegseth, wants more testosterone in the military. But Pat thought we were against gender-affirming care? Also, Pat laments how a member of the Michigan Democratic Party Establishment refuses to endorse a Democrat! Karen McDonald lost against the more progressive Eli Savit in the Michigan Democratic Party's Attorney General nominee. But McDonald refuses to support Savit's campaign. What happened to Vote Blue No Matter Who?

9:49-47:00: Show Voice Jessica Shepherd

Left of Lansing's "Show Voice," Jessica Shepherd, is in Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast's luxurious studio in Pat's mid-Michigan attic! Jessica and Pat talk about her decision to volunteer for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's U.S. Senate campaign in Michigan's Democratic Primary race. They talk about what led to her decision to lend her hand in the campaign, why she believes Dr. Abdul could truly represent the working class in the Senate, and why he is the more electable choice to take on MAGA Republican "Florida" Mike Rogers in the general election.
https://abdulforsenate.com/

48:30-53:35: Last Call--Whitmer's Line 5 Betrayal

Pat goes-off on Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's latest betrayal, which is allowing a tunnel to be constructed around the Line 5 oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. 

53:36-55:54: Ending

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Three licks and a question: Who is Gretchen Whitmer governing for?" By Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Tribes, environmental advocates decry Michigan’s approval of Line 5 permits." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Canadian hockey sticks, wine and cement subject to new Trump tariffs." By Ashley Murray of Michigan Advance

"Hegseth directs troops over 30 to have testosterone checked." By Steven Beynon & Sony Salzman of ABC News

"Karen McDonald sounds off state Democratic Party, needs clearer understanding of where party is heading." By Charlie Langton & Jack Nisson of Fox 2 Detroit News

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #PeteHegseth #Election #Senate #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #unions #JessicaShepherd #HaleyStevens #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AIPAC #IranWar #Israel #EliSavit#CitizensUnited #Line5 #FossilFuels #GretchenWhitmer #CorporateClass #DemocraticSocialism #Fascism #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 20, 2026.

Democratic Party leaders in the U.S. House endorsed cryptocurrency & AIPAC Congressman Shri Thanedar of Detroit over his working class progressive candidate, State Rep. Donovan McKinney.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claims that Rep. Thanedar will fight for the affordability of all Michiganders, and take-on the Trump Regime.

Yet, all evidence points to the contrary when it comes to Thanedar's record.

Pat Johnston explains why this endorsement shows how Democratic Party leaders still are not getting the working class anger spreading across Michigan, and the country.

Click here to help State Rep. Donovan McKinney's campaign!!!

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Two-Thirds of Shri Thanedar’s Campaign Cash Came Through AIPAC as He Lost Over $600K." By Akela Lacy of The Intercept

#podcast #politics #progressive #WorkingClass #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Michigan #ShriThanedar #DonovanMcKinney #Cypytocurrency #Trump #Israel #WarPowers #Detroit #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #HakeemJeffries #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing #MondayMusing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 17, 2026!

Michigan is the epicenter of the Cyclosporiasis outbreak, where over a thousand Michiganders are sick after ingesting a small parasite that causes explosive diarrhea.

This outbreak has hit over 2,000 people in Michigan and 17 other states.

State and federal health officials are investigating the source of this outbreak, but they're investigating with one hand tied behind their backs.

That's thanks to The Trump Regime's CDC scaling back efforts to investigate and control foodborne outbreaks, like Cyclosporiasis.

Pat Johnston explains how moves like this by The Regime is in line with what this Regime is all about: Protecting the corporate class, otherwise known as The Epstein Class.

Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

[email protected]

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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"What experts say you should do during Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak." By Kristen Jordan Shamus of The Detroit Free Press

"Trump’s CDC Stopped Monitoring Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Before Outbreak." By Marni Rose McFall of Newsweek

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Cyclosporiasis #Health #Government #GovernmentCorruption #CDC #RKFJr #MAHA #MAGA #Democrats #Trump #Republicans #EpsteinClass #DonorClass #CorporateCorruption #Musk #PFAS #Fascist #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's Episode #187 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-16:18: Abdul & Prop Tax; Michigan Accent

LOL's Pat Johnston is befuddled by Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed brought-up the idea of eliminating the property taxes for senior citizens. Pat's also befuddled by the accent of the other Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens. But then, people don't think Pat's got a real Michigan accent either, so...

16:19: 43:00: Ben Ambrose Interview

Democratic candidate for Michigan's 2nd Congressional District, Ben Ambrose, talks with Pat about his campaign to defeat incumbent MAGA Republican Congressman John Moolenaar. They talk about his life story living in Oceana County, enlisting and serving in the Marine Corps, and then how he was personally affected by the Trump Regime's DOGE. They also cover Mr. Ambrose's economic and education ideas, as well as his thoughts on data centers, immigration, John Moolenaar's devotion to the donor class, and how he's running on a "people representing people" campaign.
Visit Ben Ambrose's campaign: https://ambrose4congress.com/
Donate to Ben Ambrose's Campaign:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/benjamin-ambrose-2

43:01-52:32: Last Call-Stevens Disaster

In the "Last Call," Pat covers some baffling attacks by the Haley Stevens campaign against Abdul El-Sayed while AIPAC continues to pour millions into the race on behalf of Stevens.

52:33-54:53: Ending

Vote on this week's poll if you approve of Democratic congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries!

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Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Program aims to eliminate $700M in medical debt for Wayne County residents." By Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Fact check: Abdul El-Sayed overstates claim he erased $700M in medical debt." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan

"Stevens or El-Sayed? Latest polls show who leads in US Senate primary." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press

"Michigan House passes property tax cut bills, holds off on tax increases to fill budget hole." By Colin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio

"US House votes to advance bill to sanction ICC over Israel arrest warrants." By Al Jezeerra 

"Did Rx Kids lose $20M in Michigan budget deal? Depends who you ask." By Jordyn Harmani & Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan

#podcast #progressive #politics #Michigan #Democrats #WorkingClass #EpsteinClass #BenAmbrose #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #JohnMoolenaar #WealthInequality #Israel #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #datacenters #Education #Economy #MidMichigan #ICE #DetentionCamp #GeoGroup #Affordability #Unions #Farmers #Election #MedicareForAll #AIPAC #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #BigTech #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 13, 2026.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed nine bills that were passed when Democrats held the government trifecta back in 2024. 

But Michigan MAGA Republican House Speaker Matt Hall blocked those bills from reaching Whitmer's desk once Republicans took control of the state House.

However, Democrats took Republicans to court, and won, and those bills finally reached Whitmer's desk this past Friday... only to have Whitmer veto these working class bills. 

Pat Johnston explains why Whitmer's veto shows not only how much she's sold-out her "Big Gretch" credentials, but how it shows exactly why Democratic base voters are hungry for new blood in the Democratic Party. 

Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Michigan Supreme Court sends bills to Whitmer, who stuns with surprise vetoes." By Rick Pluta and Rick Brewer of Michigan Public Radio

#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #Whitmer #MAGA #Republicans #MattHall #Trump #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #BigTech #DataCenters #Corrections #Unions #UAW #Teachers #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 10, 2026.

The Trump Regime's ICE Gestapo is hurting Michigan's farming community, which is hurting our state's overall economy. 

And with another incident of ICE killing another person, this time in Texas, it proves ICE offers nothing of value to our democracy. It serves only to terrorize marginalized communities, and that's why it must be abolished!

Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Immigration turmoil sparks workforce worries for many Michigan industries." By John Gallagher of Crains Business Detroit

#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Immigration #Farmers #Agriculture #workingclass #ICE #Fascism #Economy #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Democrats #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

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Here's Episode #186 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-19:44: Sen.Debate/Platner Out

The Dear Leader Trump Sports Curse continues, this time he helped lead to the demise of the U.S. Men's Soccer team in the World Cup. Pat covers a bit of the debate between Abdul El Sayed and Haley Stevens for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, and how Stevens represents establishment Democrats who count on corporate bribes while refusing to fight for the working class. And, Pat gives his reaction to progressive Graham Platner dropping-out of Maine's Senate race, and how corporate-establishment Democrats are using Platner's demise to sink the entire progressive movement.

19:45-48:40: Diop Harris II Interview

Diop Harris II joins the show to talk about his progressive campaign for Michigan's 4th Congressional District where MAGA Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga is running again. Diop and Pat talk about his campaign, his progressive roots, his work in progressive politics in Michigan & Washington D.C., and why he's better suited to face Huizenga than the other Democrats in the race. They cover ICE and immigration, farmers, data centers, Medicare For All, corporate corruption, and more.
Visit: https://www.diop4mi.com/
Diop Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diop4mi/
Diop Harris on Twitter: https://x.com/Diop4MI
Diop Harris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diop4mi
Follow The Money: 

48:41-52:53: Last Call

In the Last Call, a new AP Poll shows that a significant number of Jewish Americans oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.

50:01-54:31: Ending

Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

[email protected]

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/@SpaceLeopard

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!


NOTES:

"Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year." By Nada Hassanein of Michigan Advance

"Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race after sexual assault claim." By Kimberlee Kruesi and Meg Kinnard of AP

"AP-NORC poll: About 3 in 10 US adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians." By Steve Peoples and Linley Sanders of AP

"El-Sayed, Stevens trade pointed barbs in Democratic U.S. Senate debate." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press

#podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #MAGA #Republicans #BillHuizenga #Michigan #Fascism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorrution #CorporatePACS #GovernmentCorrutpion #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Obamacare #DataCenters #AIPAC #EpsteinClass #WealthInequality #DiopHarris #Congress #GrahamPlatner #Donors #Israel #Trump #Authoritarianism #AI #Democracy #LeftofLansing