Left Of Lansing

In this week's episode, Pat Johnston covers how Democrats are fixing what Republicans destroyed during their 40 years of power in Lansing. He covers how Republicans across the nation are working to erase American history, ban books, silence their opponents, and destroy the public school system. Pat also gives another shoutout to Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela for introducing a bill stopping police from lying to minors to obtain a false confession. leftoflansing@gmail.com

This week, I discuss how young people showed-up at the polls in a big way in Michigan, which helped Democrats pull-off the trifecta in state government. But despite the Generation Z breaking for Democrats in the last few elections, Democrats must continue showing that they are helping keep that critical voting bloc on their side. Then, State Representative Dylan Wegela joins me. He represents District 26, which comprises of Garden City, Inkster, Romulus and Westland.  In the "Last Call," I explain how Michigan Democrats continue helping Michiganders while Republicans continue to act... weird. Hope you enjoy this week's podcast. Show notes are located on leftoflansing.com

Michigan Democrats are banking on Gov. Whitmer's slogan that "Bigotry Is Bad For Business." Pat Johnston explains why being the anti-Indiana, the anti-Ohio, and the anti-Florida is the best strategic move for Michigan--both morally and economically. By becoming a more welcoming state for women who want to make their own medical decisions, and a more LGBTQ-friendly state, Michigan Democrats are illustrating that our state is best for businesses and workers because Michigan believes in freedom. And Pat highlights how there are now 13 Starbucks stores in Michigan that voted to unionize!

LOL's Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Democrats are giving state Democratic parties across the nation a blueprint for electoral success. If Democrats succeed in showing how they will improve the lives of their constituents, they will remain in power. But we must always take the battle to the right-wing forces. 

LOL's Pat Johnston highlights how Michigan Democrats are using their legislative majority to enact real change when it comes to curbing gun violence. It's a start. 

Pat is back with a new episode! He goes after Michigan's GOP as it tried to steal the election from Joe Biden. He offers a counterpoint on why the "AOC WING" of the Democratic Party is indeed changing things for the better. And more!

Pat's back and ready to call-out Michigan's right-wing forces that did nothing to help Gov. Whitmer's efforts to combat COVID-19, and how the right-wing remains tone-deaf on race issues. Then, Jody LaMacchia joins Pat to discuss her run for the state house in the 46th District. Finally, Pat shows how Michigan's Republican Party remains in the past while Michigan pushes ahead on LGBTQ issues. 

Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Republicans rely on The Trump Cult to stop Gov. Whitmer from protecting the state against this pandemic. 

Pat is geeked that Michigan will play a crucial role in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Candidates should know about the Blue Wave of 2018 in Michigan, partially because we know the Devos family! Dave Wagner from Indivisible Michigan is the guest this week. And Pat reminds everyone how Democratic Presidents used to fight for Medicare 4 All. 

Pat Johnston says Michigan Democrats Must put Republicans on defense regarding health care and treatment of women. Pat wonders why some Michigan Democrats are backing Michael Bloomberg for president despite his obvious flaws. And Pat argues why Democrats taking-on Democrats in other primary races is democracy in action!

Julia Pulver talks with Pat Johnston about her quest for the state house seat in Michigan's 39th district. Ms. Pulver also covers health care, charter schools, and more. Pat describes why the 2020 state races are just as important as the Presidential election. And Pat talks about that green ooze on I-696 last month, and how it's the perfect metaphor for Republican environmental policies. 

The 24th episode of The LOL Podcast features Pat Johnston with an epic rant about how progressives can no longer afford to be "civil" anymore. They must Fight Back against 40-years of radical right-wing activism. Christine Barry from Michigan Policast joins Pat to discuss that topic, and other issues affecting Michigan. And then, Pat highlights how young people are shying away from the teaching profession in Michigan. leftoflansing@gmail.com

Hello fellow LOLers! Pat's back with a new podcast. This week, Pat hails Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for being one of the first voices to call for Trump's impeachment! Anna Clark is Pat's guest this week. She wrote: "The Poisoned City: Flint Water and the Urban Tragedy." And a district judge places a temporary injunction on Michigan AG Dana Nessel's rule that adoption agencies receiving state contracts can't discriminate against LGBTQ couples hoping to adopt. 

Pat goes solo this week to share his thoughts on how the Koch-DeVos Libertarian Utopia has been an unmitigated disaster for everyone., He then explains Michigan's fights to fix our roads, schools, and environment is all about ending years of Republicans Running Michigan On The Cheap. And Pat highlights how the right wing is fighting to stop Michigan's new redistricting committee from ever forming. 

On the 21st episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast, Pat highlights how "cruelty" is the top priority for the right wing. Democratic State Rep. Jon Hoadley talks with Pat about why he's running for U.S. Congress in 2020! And Pat praises Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib!

Pat Interviews Emily Durbin from the Michigan chapter for Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America. Pat also explains why the right wing points to "mental illness" whenever a right wing terrorist attacks America. Plus, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow provides a rallying call to fight for real gun reform in Michigan. 

Pat Johnston speaks with former Michigan DNC Chair Mark Brewer on Rick Snyder turning down Harvard appointment; voting rights; Whitmer & GOP budget fight; and the direction of Michigan's Democratic Party. Plus, Pat attacks anti-democratic Republicans. And, Pat criticizes national Democratic leaders for voting for Mitch McConnell's border bill. 

Pat Johnston talks with Sharon Dolente, who is the Voting Rights Strategist with the ACLU of Michigan. Sharon played a pivotal role in helping get the Promote The Vote initiative on the 2018 ballot, which won by overwhelming numbers. Pat talks about why Michigan Republicans are trying to stifle the vote rather than WIN votes. And Pat rants about how Medicaid Work Requirements are doing exactly what conservatives wanted by hurting working families. 

Pat brings more progressive insight with an edge this week as he rails against Michigan GOP efforts to disenfranchise young voters, and Democratic voters, general. He delves into the reasons why charges have been dropped in the Flint Water Crisis. And he praises a couple of Michigan Congressional Democrats for finally joining the fight to impeach Trump!

Julia Pulver is this week's guest. Julia is an RN, political activist, and former Michigan State Senate candidate, barely losing in the 15th district. She shares her experience running a progressive campaign in a red district. And she doesn't hold back on her opposition to the recently signed auto insurance reform bill. I remind everyone about how Rick Snyder took part in the biggest political scandal--The Flint Water Crisis. And I praise Governor Whitmer for (so far) sticking to her promise to close Line 5!