19 MAY 2024 · On the Lean to the Left podcast, author Matthew Stevenson credits our show with providing a forum for meaningful intellectual discussion about the key political and social issues of our time. Stevenson made his comments at the close of an interview for our show during which he discussed the conundrum faced by many voters who must choose between President Biden and Donald Trump in November. That episode is now streaming.

17 MAY 2024 · In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by author Matthew Stevenson, who discusses his book 'Donald Trump's Circus Maximus and Joe Biden's Excellent Adventure,' detailing his firsthand experiences following the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections. Stevenson shares insights into the personalities of key political figures like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton, and the political carnival atmosphere of campaigns. The discussion explores the broader implications of these elections on American democracy, Trump's impact on the Republican Party, and the potential future of political parties in the U.S. Stevenson also delves into the impeachment trials following the January 6th insurrection, Trump's legal troubles, and offers a critique of the current state and direction of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Finally, Stevenson provides his personal perspective on the future of American politics and the significance of political engagement and advocacy. Trump, he says, is virtually ruining the Republican Party. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Matthew Stevenson 02:00 Matthew Stevenson's Background and Political Insights 04:53 Deep Dive into Trump's and Biden's Political Campaigns 08:18 Reflections on Trump's Impeachment Trials and Political Consequences 12:44 Trump's Legal Battles and Supreme Court Dynamics 22:29 The Future of American Politics and the Republican Party 32:12 Where to Find Matthew Stevenson's Work 33:48 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

12 MAY 2024 · In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews Gerald Epstein, author of 'Busting the Bankers Club,' and a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Epstein discusses how powerful interests within the 'Bankers Club,' including big banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America, federal institutions like the Federal Reserve, financial regulators, and others, have maintained a financial system that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the majority. He explores the dualities of the financial system, its manipulation by powerful interests, the adverse impact of current banking practices on the average person, and the potential for reform. Epstein argues for the break-up of the Bankers Club to create a more equitable and functional financial system that serves broader societal needs, including those of marginalized communities and the push for a greener economy. He also addresses the challenges of making such transformations and highlights the efforts of activists, public officials, and reform-minded groups working towards these goals. The conversation delves into specifics such as the destructive influence of credit card interest rates, the legacy of economic policies that have exacerbated racial inequalities, and the potential for public banks to fulfill social missions. Epstein emphasizes the importance of democratizing financial institutions, like the Federal Reserve, and the need for wide-ranging reforms to address issues of inequality and to harness finance as a force for good in society. He calls for passage of federal legislation to create public banks that serve marginalized communities, communities of color, small businesses, and funds "green" environmental initiatives. 00:00 Introduction: The Cycle of Bank Bailouts 01:48 Unveiling the Bankers Club: Allies and Operations 04:56 The Dual Faces of Finance: Necessity and Destructiveness 11:03 The Federal Reserve's Role and Influence 20:25 Addressing Inequality and the Power of Public Banks 24:17 Racial Inequality and Financial Systems 27:16 The Fight for Financial Reform and Public Banks 33:06 The Political Landscape and Economic Implications 39:30 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Find the Book 

9 MAY 2024 · In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Lori Alhadeff shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Alyssa in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on Valentine's Day, 2018. Lori discusses the founding of the Make Our Schools Safe organization, dedicated to preventing such tragedies through initiatives like Alyssa's Law, which mandates panic buttons in schools. Lori, also a school board member, highlights the importance of community involvement in school safety, detailing her organization's efforts in passing Alyssa's Law in several states and advocating for its national adoption. The podcast dives into the establishment of Make Our Schools Safe clubs (MOSS Clubs) and various fundraising and awareness events aimed at enhancing school security and involving students and parents in the safety dialogue. 00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left: A Story of Tragedy and Action 00:42 Remembering Alyssa: A Life Full of Light 01:21 From Grief to Action: Founding Make Our Schools Safe 03:08 The Mission of Make Our Schools Safe and Alyssa's Law 04:39 Lori's Journey: School Board Member and Advocate 05:50 Alyssa's Law: A Nationwide Push for Safer Schools 09:26 Engaging the Community: MOSS Clubs and Fundraising Efforts 15:05 The Challenge of Legislative Action and Continuing the Fight 18:08 A Call to Action: Making Schools Safer for Everyone

4 MAY 2024 · The script discusses the challenges President Biden faces in his reelection campaign, including concerns over his age and a desire among some Democrats for an alternative candidate. The conversation includes insights from Edward Segal, a political strategist and historian, who suggests that Biden could benefit from conducting a whistle stop campaign tour, a strategy that has historical significance in American politics. Segal, who has recently published a book titled 'Whistle Stop Politics, Campaign Trains and Reporters Who Covered Them', shares his expertise on the impact of whistle stop tours. He draws parallels between Biden and President Harry Truman, who successfully used such tours to connect with voters. The discussion also touches on modern campaign strategies, the potential role of social media in revitalizing whistle stop tours, and Siegel's own experiences in political campaigning. The conversation concludes with details about Segal's book and his plans to propose the idea of a whistle stop tour to the Biden campaign. 00:00 Biden's Reelection Challenges and the Potential of a Whistle Stop Campaign 00:40 Introducing Edward Siegel: A Political Strategist with a Unique Perspective01:36 Edward's New Book: A Deep Dive into Whistle Stop Politics 02:35 The Strategic Advantage of a Biden Whistle Stop Tour 04:56 Historical Success Stories of Whistle Stop Campaigning 06:51 The Power of Social Media in Modern Campaigning 07:19 Biden's Missteps with TikTok and Opportunities for Improvement 08:43 Edward's Personal Experience and Insights on Campaign Trains 11:49 The Impact of Campaign Trains in American Political History 16:06 Final Thoughts and the Future of Whistle Stop Campaigning 

28 APR 2024 · In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Dick Batchelor, a former Florida House Representative and influential business consultant with a 50-year career in public service. The discussion delves into the current divisiveness in American society, touching on political polarization, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the challenges of achieving consensus in such a climate. Batchelor shares his experiences and insights from his long career, including his shift from supporting the Vietnam War to becoming an anti-war activist and his efforts in various civil and human rights commissions. The podcast covers strategies from Batchelor's book 'Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times, a Roadmap for Community Leaders,' aimed at finding common ground and fostering dialogue. Key strategies include prioritizing human aspects over politics, leveraging influence, effective communication, and creativity in addressing complex social issues. Batchelor also comments on contemporary political figures and the effects of pivotal Supreme Court decisions, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the role individuals play in bridging divides. 00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left: Tackling Divisiveness in America 00:28 Introducing Dick Batchelor: A Life of Public Service 01:54 Exploring the Depths of Political Divisiveness 04:09 Finding Common Ground in a Polarized Society 08:33 Strategies for Bridging Divides: Dick Batchelor's Insights 21:17 The Power of Communication and Creativity in Conflict Resolution 29:26 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Find the Book 

25 APR 2024 · In this episode of the 'Lean to the Left' podcast, the Dixie Dems, composed of Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and the host, engage in a lively discussion on current political happenings amid Donald Trump's hush money trial and its implications. Topics include the Republicans' challenges, Marjorie Taylor Greene's push against House Speaker Mike Johnson, and the Democrats' prospects in upcoming elections. They explore serious issues like abortion, immigration, and the influence of social media on political narratives. The episode also covers local politics, including controversial statements by political candidates and significant investments in North Carolina. Additionally, there's talk about the effectiveness of campaigning tactics, like stamping money with political messages. The conversation concludes with personal anecdotes and reflections on how these complex political matters impact their lives and communities. 00:00 Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast! 00:40 Turbulent Times in Politics: Trump's Trial and GOP Chaos 02:15 Diving into the Hush Money Trial: A Comedic Take 04:25 Serious Politics: Upcoming Primaries and Candidate Spotlights 05:25 The Border Wall Debate and Immigration Insights 07:14 Electric Cars and Environmental Moves 19:16 Abortion and Immigration: Election Game Changers? 30:09 Wrapping Up: Orioles' Victory and Final Thoughts

21 APR 2024 · Uncover the truth behind 'The Kecksburg UFO: The Story of the Century' with UFO investigator Stan Gordon. Explore the mysterious events of 1965 and beyond. It was in the early evening of Thursday, December 9, 1965 that the night editor of the Greensburg, PA, Tribune-Review sent me to the little rural community of Kecksburg, PA, to cover the reported landing of an unidentified flying object in the woods near a farmer’s field. When I arrived, armed soldiers blocked access to what was the reported landing site and I was told that if I ventured into that field, I would be arrested. Yet, the soldier in charge told me that “nothing” had happened. Fast forward to today. We have with us on the Lean to the Left podcast UFO investigator Stan Gordon, a Pennsylvanian who for these past 59 years has been searching for the truth about what really happened that night. Stan has been researching UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other mysterious events in Pennsylvania since 1959, so when the Kecksburg incident occurred, it was right in his wheelhouse.  He is a former Pennsylvania state director for the Mutual UFO Network and produced the UFO video documentary, “Kecksburg the Untold Story.” He’s written four books, including his latest, “Creepy Cryptids and Strange UFO Encounters of Pennsylvania.” Back in 2017, Stan invited me to speak at the annual Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department’s UFO Festival, to recount my experience as a reporter that night. Now, it’s my turn to have him on my show. Here are questions we discussed with Stan:  Q. So, Stan, tell us what your investigation into the Kecksburg UFO incident has revealed. Q. What do you believe happened that night? Q. Eye witnesses said the object appeared to be steered – it just didn’t shoot down from the sky. Do you believe those reports? If it was guided somehow, what does that tell you? Q. There have been suggestions that this was some sort of military device that might even have been radioactive. Do you believe that? Q. There’s a replica of the object, which looks like a giant acorn, on display at the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department’s grounds. It’s complete with strange markings that some eyewitnesses said they saw. What do you make of that? Q. Since then, you’ve expanded your research to include other UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and then, of course, you wrote this latest book about “creepy cryptids.” First of all, what is a cryptid? Q. What’s this research produced in terms of solid information? Q. You make a lot of public appearances to discuss Kecksburg and these other unexplained happenings. What’s that experience been like? Have people come forward with more info for you? Q. In fact, you established a UFO hot-line for the public to report UFO sightings so you could investigate them. Is that hotline still in use? What is it? What’s it produced? Q. How did the Kecksburg UFO incident lead you to expand your work from UFOs to Bigfoot and cryptids? Q. How can people find your books? How can they reach out to you to discuss or provide information?

17 APR 2024 · Businessman Michael B. Moore is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose MAGA Republican Nancy Mace in the 1st CD in South Carolina. Discover how Moore is carrying the family legacy in South Carolina, seeking to follow in the footsteps of his pioneering great-great-grandfather in Congress 150 years ago. In 2020, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina’s First Congressional District, edged out Democratic incumbent Rep. Joe Cunningham…who had been the first Democrat to flip a House seat in South Carolina in 30 years. Mace won by just 5,400 votes, or one percent. Then, two years ago, following redistricting, Mace won reelection by 14 percent. Since then, Mace was critical of Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021 MAGA attack on the U.S. Capitol, but she’s endorsed Trump – despite the many criminal charges against him and his conviction for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Now, Moore, a forward-thinking business executive, is one of two Democrats running in the June 11 SC primary for the chance to oppose Mace in November. As he focuses on carrying the family legacy, his opponent in the primary is attorney Mac Deford, whose interview on this podcast is now streaming. We’re pleased to have Moore with us on the Lean to the Left podcast, but before we get to that, please visit podcast.leantotheleft.net, where you'll find thumbnails and links to all of our episodes. You can subscribe there too. And don't forget to give us a rating wherever you listen. Five stars would be super cool.  Here are some questions we addressed with Moore, who is carrying the family legacy in SC: Q. Michael, you come from a long line of pioneering public servants, including your great-great-grandfather, Civil War hero and Reconstruction Era Congressman Robert Smalls. In 1862, Smalls commandeered a Confederate ship in Charleston harbor, carrying his family and 15 other enslaved people to freedom. He went on to become one of the first African Americans to serve in Congress, and now you’re seeking the same House seat held by your great-great-grandfather almost 150 years ago. That’s quite a legacy, Michael. But can you give us a quick summary of your background and why it qualifies you to serve in Congress? Q. Late last month a federal court ruled that the South Carolina elections will be held under a map already deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory against Black voters by the same three-judge panel that found that the state used race as a proxy for partisan affiliation, a violation of the 14th amendment to the Constitution. Your thoughts about that. Q. What are your thoughts about Congresswoman Mace supporting Trump after criticizing him for the Jan. 6 insurrection? Q. What are your top priorities for Congressional action in the next two years? Q. Your district, District 1, is dependent on tourism, sensitive to climate issues, in need of affordable housing. It’s comprised of varied communities with different needs. If elected, how will you deal with those issues and meet those needs? Q. How will you address the challenges of healthcare accessibility and affordability? Q. How do you plan to engage with and represent underrepresented or marginalized groups in our district? Q. Trump and the Republicans are talking about Social Security and Medicare cuts. Your thoughts? Q. Where do you stand on the issue of reproductive rights? Q. What about immigration? Q. Many voters are frustrated by the inability of Congress to pass legislation in recent years. Some members, including numerous Republicans, are leaving Congress because of their frustration. Why do you believe it will be any different for you? Q. Why did you decide to take on this challenge? South Carolina isn’t exactly Democrat friendly! And why are you the best candidate to take on Congresswoman Mace? 

14 APR 2024 · Women are 51 percent of the U.S. population, but only 33 percent of state legislators across the country are women, and the way things are, it could take more than 200 years to reach parity.  That’s where the organization https://voterunlead.org/ comes in. Its goal is to close that gap, and so has launched an initiative called “Charting a Path to Women’s Majority,” to help achieve that. Vote Run Lead offers training and even financial help for female candidates for local and state offices, and even U.S. Congress, who support progressive initiatives like fighting restrictions on abortion and contraception and other liberal causes. The organization's chief political officer, is our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast. "It's the fact that when you line up the actual population of this country and pretend that the elected representatives we have are actually fully representing those folks. It feels like a joke, right? How can you say that in a state like ... South Carolina, less than 20 percent women [are] speaking on behalf of policies that impact a population that is 51 percent women, is somehow reflective and representative. It just means that, the policymaking and the decision making in government is not actually taking into account the lived experiences and the needs and the values of the full population adequately," Shulman says. She points out that in Southeastern states that have the fewest women in political, policymaking positions "it is a pocket of some of the most restrictive laws related to women's health care, abortion access, contraceptive access. There's an absolute correlation there of who's making the laws and who those policies are actually serving or not serving." Vote Run Lead provides both on-line and in-person training for female candidates and campaign management personnel, helping them with every aspect of campaigning for public office, according to Shulman. "We are a training institute," she explains. "We recruit, we support women once they're running. We are really focusing in on one of our key initiatives is called https://voterunlead.org/impact/run-51/. And that has become our largest focus. It is the initiative that is aimed at women's majorities in state legislatures specifically. We're still the political home for any values-aligned woman who is interested in running, but Run/51 is really where we are putting most of our resources to recruit women to run specifically for state legislatures, giving them the training and the confidence and the tools to run a successful campaign and to be with them throughout their political journey." For more info about Vote Run Lead, Run/51, and the many services provided by the organization, please check out this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, "Calling Female Candidates."