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."

11 APR 2024 · In 2020, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina’s First Congressional District, edged out Democratic incumbent Rep. Joe Cunningham. He was 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-inspired attack on the U.S. Capitol, but she’s endorsed Trump – despite the many criminal charges against him and despite his conviction for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Now, attorney Mac Deford is one of two Democrats running in the June 11 SC primary for the chance to oppose Mace in November. His opponent in the primary is business executive Michael Moore. We’re pleased to have Deford with us on the Lean to the Left podcast. Here are questions we discussed with Mac: 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. You’re an attorney, a former Coast Guard Police Officer, and you’ve worked for a software company. You’ve also served as an attorney for Mount Pleasant and Hilton Head Island. If you should win the election, how would this experience inform your service in the House of Representatives? 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!

8 APR 2024 · Uncover the truth behind 'Greenwashing Lies' and how they mislead consumers. Join the fight against climate change with John Pabon's eye-opening insights. "Greenwashing" lies by governments, businesses, international organizations, and even celebrities mislead consumers and weakens efforts to take meaningful, effective action in the fight against climate change. That's the message from John Pabon, a Melbourne, Australia climate author and business advisor, who has just published a new book, “The Great Greenwashing: How Corporations, Governments, and Influencers Are Lying to You,” in an interview for The Lean to the Left Podcast. In fact, says Pabon, "greenspeak", misdirection, and "green scamming" are now more prevalent than ever as even businesses, organizations, and celebrities, who claim to support efforts to protect our environment actually are taking actions that contribute to the climate crisis that we all face. "Those are the three tried and true ways that greenwashing happens," Pabon says. "So the first is all this marketing speak around being eco friendly, being green. So you'll see green packaging. They love to do that as if that means anything or saying, we, we care about the earth, but not backing it up with any real meaningful statistics." That's "greenspeak." "Misdirection is another," he says. "So look over here, not over here. Look at this cute picture of kids on the front of our sustainability report, but not the child labor we have going on in Bangladesh, right? Don't look at that part. So then that's another way they love to do that." "And the final way is green scamming. And this is the most insidious and probably the scariest part of greenwashing that I didn't even know was going on, but big cashed up organizations, usually the big dinosaurs like oil and gas, they'll actually fund front groups that on the surface look like they're doing something good for the planet, but really they're lobbying groups to throw people off the scent." Such groups, he says, discredit climate change, "posing as if they are scientists and expecting nobody to actually do the research and realize these aren't scientists. These are marketing teams pushing out BS statistics," he says. Here are some surprising conclusions shared by Pabon during the interview: The climate crisis is too serious for "kumbaya", "feel-good" claims about progress being made. "Converting people to actual action is the missing piece." He's disappointed in climate efforts of the Biden administration, saying "they've not had a strong a performance as one would assume those from the left hand side of the political spectrum would actually have had." To uncover greenwashing lies, consumers should research "green" claims before purchasing related products or supporting candidates. Consumers can make a big difference in the choices they make. "We're not talking about having to do everything all at once. You don't have to be a perfect environmentalist, just making these actions that move the needle in the right direction. That's good enough. There's plenty, there's billions of other people doing the right thing. You don't have to do it all." Some major car companies, which he declined to identify, are looking to the future and considering how they can diversify so they are not exclusively reliant on selling motor vehicles. Responsible businesses will do more than government to effectively combat global warming. 

3 APR 2024 · Get the inside scoop on the race to replace Mitch McConnell and the odds of Trump vs Biden in this intriguing political post.  What are the odds?  Long-time Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985, has announced that he’ll step down from his leadership post in November. And so, the race is on to replace him, making for one of the most intriguing political stories of the year – aside from the presidential election and the battle for control of Congress itself. What’s going to happen? Who better to ask than a veteran professional political gambler, oddsmaker and analyst? Check out our interview with Paul Krishnamurty, political oddsmaker and analyst for www.BetOnline.ag. Paul began betting on politics in the UK in 2001 and in the U.S. in 2008. He’s been an analyst for Betfair, the world’s largest betting exchange, and since 2020 has been the political oddsmaker for BetOnline.ag. On the show, Krishnamurty says the odds favor Sen. John Thune (SD) and John Cornyn (TX) each have about a 46 percent chance of succeeding McConnell, depending on what happens between now and the election. On the presidential front, this veteran oddsmaker puts Biden ahead of Trump as of now, saying that the Democrat's chances are improving, although third party candidates could cost him votes. He predicts that the criminal cases against Trump will result in at least one conviction, but that the twice-impeached former President will not serve prison time. What does he have to say about Trump selling $400 sneakers and $60 Bibles to raise money? Who will he pick as his vice presidential running mate? What about Congress? What are the odds that the Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives and maintain their edge in the Senate? Check out the episode to find out. By the way, here are some questions we discussed with Paul: Q. Since we opened with the tease about Mitch McConnell, let’s talk about that. Looks like we have three Johns – all white guys in their 60s – leading the race to succeed him. What are the odds of that? Q. Now I know you don’t actually lay down bets on such races, but if you WERE to bet on this one, who would you pick – and why? Q. Let’s go to Trump. He lucked out the other day when that judge in New York cut the fraud bond that he must pay from $464 million to $175 million, and gave him an extra 10 days to come up with the cash. Until that happened, there was talk Trump might be forced to declare bankruptcy. Have those odds changed? Q. What about the Georgia case, which has been tainted by the scandal involving Fulton County prosecutor Fani T. Willis hiring her lover to help lead the Georgia election meddling case against Trump. What are the odds that Trump will be convicted there? Q. How about the federal case involving the Jan. 6 insurrection that’s being led by special prosecutor Jack Smith? Will Trump be convicted there? Will he go to prison? Q. OK, let’s turn to the presidential election. How do you see that shaking out? What are the odds that either Trump or Biden – or both – will be replaced as their party’s nominee? Q. If Trump is convicted in any of these cases, will that doom his chances for election? Q. Is Nikki Haley still viable as a candidate to replace Trump? Maybe at the GOP convention? Q. What about Trump VP picks? Who’s really in play? Q. The Supreme Court is considering whether to ban an abortion drug in the latest challenge to women’s rights. Will abortion be a deciding factor in the election? Q. How about age and overall health of the candidates? It’s a problem for Biden, but he’s trying to turn that against Trump as well? Could it be a deciding factor in the election? Who has the edge on this one? Q. What about the House of Representatives? Do the Democrats have a realistic shot at taking control? Q. How about the Senate? Can the Democrats hold on there? What races should we be watching? Q. What’s your overall prediction as to where we’ll stand politically after election day? Q. Tell us about Betonline.ag. Can people bet on politics there?