Championing Change in Education

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In this episode, we discuss the upcoming November 5th elections in the United States, focusing on the critical role of school board elections with candidate Michelle Green from Horry County, South Carolina, who is championing change in education locally and across the nation.

Green, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, shares her vision for Horry County Schools and her motivations for running, emphasizing the need for educational expertise on school boards.

The conversation delves into national educational challenges, the significance of qualified decision-makers, and the controversial topics of arming teachers and resource allocation.

Michelle Green advocates for keeping children's education at the forefront, regardless of school board members' political affiliations.

About Bob Gatty

A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Watch for Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, coming soon.

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Prefer to listen instead of watching our Podcast? Go to https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

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Our thanks to our guest, Michelle Green, for sharing her insight with us about the state of public education in the U.S. and steps she believes need to be taken. She believes that school boards should include members who actually have experience in education. What a novel idea!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Election Day Overview

00:28 Importance of School Board Elections

01:04 Introducing Michelle Green

01:52 Michelle's Motivation for Running

04:05 Challenges in Education

06:33 Project 2025 and Its Implications

07:46 Public Money for Private Schools

09:11 Book Banning Controversy

12:51 School Safety Concerns

18:57 Political Landscape and Election Chances

22:42 Teacher Recruitment and Retention

25:54 Michelle's Vision for Education

28:33 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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Bob Gatty😊

A Prescription to Fix Mental Health in the U.S.

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In this episode our guest is clinical psychiatrist Dr. Alice Feller, author of 'American Madness: Fighting for Patients in a Broken Mental Health System'.

Dr. Feller shares her insights from decades of experience in psychiatric hospitals and private practice, discussing the effects of mental illness on patients and society, and offering a 10-point prescription to fix mental health in the US.

She also addresses the history and impact of legislation on mental health treatment, the rise of substance abuse, and the urgent need for systemic reform. Through her personal journey and professional expertise, Dr. Feller offers practical solutions to improve mental health care in America.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Understanding the Prevalence of Mental Illness in the US

00:31 Introducing Dr. Alice Feller: A Life Shaped by Mental Illness

01:40 Personal Stories: The Impact of Mental Illness on Families

03:14 The Shift from Psychiatric Hospitals to Prisons

03:39 Historical and Political Factors Affecting Mental Health Care

07:00 Challenges and Solutions for Mental Health Treatment

08:41 The Experience of Living with Serious Mental Illness

10:25 The Burden on Families and Caregivers

12:01 Addiction and Mental Illness: A Complex Relationship

13:29 The Importance of Early Intervention

17:37 Proposed Solutions for Improving Mental Health Care

21:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

Empowering Women in Politics

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ABOUT THIS VIDEO:

Erin Vilardi, founder and CEO of Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action, discusses women's representation in politics and challenges that they face as candidates.

Vilardi explains how her organization, now 10 years old, trains and supports female candidates, particularly those in underrepresented communities. The goal is to gain a majority of seats for women in state legislatures across the country.

Vilardi, as she explains Vote Run Lead Action's dedication to empowering women in politics, also comments about the impact of Donald Trump's record involving women and his claim that women like him, despite polling that shows Democrat Kamala Harris with a commanding lead among female voters.

The conversation covers the impact of Trump's recent comments, the dynamics at political conventions, and the strategies implemented by Vote Run Lead to improve women's representation. Vilardi sheds light on the barriers women face in entering politics and how the organization is paving the way for a more inclusive democratic process.

Tune in to gain insight into the importance of female leadership and the initiatives driving change ahead of the upcoming elections.

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About Bob Gatty

A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time.

Our thanks to our guest, Erin Vilardi, for sharing her insight with us. We strongly support her efforts at Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action. For more information, please visit https://vrlhq.org.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Trump's Struggle with Women Voters

00:27 Introducing Erin Vilardi and Vote Run Lead

01:34 Trump's Comments on Women and Feminism

04:48 The Democratic National Convention Experience

07:33 Vote Run Lead's Mission and Achievements

10:10 Challenges and Strategies for Women in Politics

12:37 Supporting Women Candidates and Overcoming Barriers

19:24 Voter Suppression and Election Integrity

25:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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⛾ If you enjoy our videos, please be kind enough to let us know, by buying us a cup of coffee. You can do this by clicking on the THANKS button below. This will help keep this channel providing great political news and commentary. Thank you for your support.

Bob Gatty😊

Trump on the Defense: Harris Gains Momentum

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If the election were today, Vice President Kamala Harris would defeat former President Donald Trump by about five points, according to Doug Kaplan, president of the national polling and political consulting firm, Kaplan Strategies.

On the Lean to the Left podcast, Kaplan said Trump is on the defense as Harris gains momentum coming out of the September 10 debate.

"If the election were today, Harris would win," said Kaplan, on the Lean to the Left podcast, recorded following the September 10 presidential debate, "However, two months is a long time in politics."

When asked about the enduring impact of the debate performances, Doug Kaplan said that without more debates, this singular encounter may dominate the narrative and that Harris’s significant fundraising and the Republicans’ chaotic strategy underscore a potential advantage for the vice-president.

Kaplan cautioned that Harris needs to win nationally by four to five points and win the swing states by at least two points if she is to secure the election.

""Each day the election focuses on Trump is a win for Harris," said Kaplan. "Trump needs to make it about her, but he has struggled." Trump's on the defense, he added.

Kaplan pointed out Trump's vulnerability on the issue of reproductive rights, saying, "if reproductive rights inspire a high voter turnout among women, it could be a decisive factor."

Young voters could also help turn the tide for Harris, noted Kaplan, who pointed out that Barack Obama was able to capture strong support from those voters, and the question now is whether Harris can do the same.

Both immigration and the economy also will continue to be major factors, added Kaplan, as they continue to evolve.

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A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time.

Prefer to listen instead of watching our Podcast? Please visit https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

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Our thanks to our guest, Doug Kaplan, president of Kaplan Strategies. We appreciate his insight and expertise.

For info about Kaplan and his work, please visit https://kaplanstrategies.com.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: Debate Recap

00:20 Polls and Public Perception

01:01 Defining Kamala Harris

01:08 Interview with Doug Kaplan

01:17 Debate Performances Analyzed

01:46 Impact on Polling and Election

02:02 Public Reactions and Personal Anecdotes

02:55 Historical Debate Comparisons

03:48 Campaign Strategies and Challenges

04:08 Swing States and Key Issues

05:51 Economic Concerns and Inflation

08:08 Immigration and Border Policies

09:12 Reproductive Rights Debate

10:19 Running Mate Choices

13:07 Youth Voters and Social Media Influence

14:08 Endorsements and Their Impact

14:58 Election Predictions and Polling Insights

16:04 Kaplan Strategies: Behind the Scenes

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⛾ If you enjoy our videos, please be kind enough to let us know, by buying us a cup of coffee by clicking on the THANKS button. This will help keep this channel providing great political news and commentary. Thank you for your support.

Bob Gatty

😊 Please note that this video may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue providing free and affordable information

The Harris-Trump Debate

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Join the Dixie Dems as they analyze the fiery Harris-Trump debate on the Lean to the Left podcast.

Bob Gatty of South Carolina, Robert Thompson of Georgia, and Arthur Hill of North Carolina, discuss key moments from the debate, including Trump's controversial comments on immigration and Harris's sharp responses.

They also reflect on Harris's effective debate tactics, Trump's recurring themes, and the broader political implications.

The conversation touches on key issues in the election, including Trump's history and criminal convictions, the economy, immigration, the environment, and the contrasting approaches of both candidates.

Don't miss this in-depth discussion on the latest political showdown.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Debate Overview

00:40 Arthur's Analysis and Expert Opinions

02:15 Republican Reactions and Missed Opportunities

03:34 Robert's Reaction and Gerrymandering Calls

06:12 Trump's Fear Mongering and Harris's Composure

09:10 Fracking Debate and Pennsylvania's Importance

11:40 Abortion Claims and Taylor Swift's Endorsement

15:51 Trump's Immigration Rhetoric and Polling Concerns

19:12 Trump's Legal Troubles and Justice Department Accusations

20:45 January 6th and Peaceful Transfer of Power

23:52 Trump's Views on Ukraine and Putin

27:25 Economic and Immigration Issues

29:32 Climate Change and Global Perception

31:33 Debate Performance and Polls

35:52 Reflections on September 11th

37:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding the 9/11 Generation

Commemorating the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, we discuss its impact on Gen Z with Matt Warshauer, author of 'Creating and Failing the 9/11 Generation, available at https://amzn.to/3XnBDPH.

Warshauer, a history professor at Central Connecticut State University, delves into how 9/11 influenced America's youth, U.S. policies, and international relations.

We explore the notion of the '9/11 Generation,' the consequences of the Iraq War, and the evolving mindset of today's young people. Additionally, we discuss the differences between patriotism and nationalism, the role of youth activism, and the future implications for America's global standing.

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of 9/11's continuing impact on our world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe! We have many more thought-provoking discussions lined up that you won't want to miss."

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction: The Lasting Impact of 9/11

00:59 Defining the 9/11 Generation

01:51 The Cultural Shift Post-9/11

04:37 Teaching the 9/11 Generation

06:27 The Iraq War and Its Global Impact

08:03 Understanding the Real Story of 9/11

13:35 Youth Activism and Civic Engagement

18:33 Patriotism and Nationalism Post-9/11

26:16 Personal Reflections and Global Reactions

33:44 Conclusion: Lessons and Reflections

Dixie Dems discuss the Georgia school shooting tragedy, gun control, and Kamala Harris' surge. If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe! We have many more thought-provoking discussions lined up that you won't want to miss.

In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, hosts Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and Bob Gatty delve into the tragic Appalachee High School shooting in Georgia.

They discuss the broader implications of gun control in the U.S., examine political responses, and propose potential solutions to curb gun violence.

The Dixie Dems also touch on Kamala Harris' rising popularity in the presidential race, her campaign's substantial fundraising efforts, and critique Donald Trump's ongoing rhetoric.

Tune in for a deep dive into pressing political issues, personal stories from those affected by gun violence, and an innovative proposal for change -- one that both Republicans and Democrats should be able to support.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast

00:48 Tragic Georgia School Shooting

04:32 Gun Control Debate and Proposals

09:07 Political Landscape and Campaigns

18:04 North Carolina Politics and Controversies

21:55 Introduction of New Billboards

23:26 Mad Dog's Billboard Campaign

24:20 Trump's Donations to Kamala Harris

25:34 Federal Investigation into Robinson

27:20 Russian Propaganda and Media Influence

28:18 Trump's One-Minute Videos

30:38 Kamala Harris's Fundraising Success

33:40 Tim Scott's Marriage and Political Implications

35:31 Call to Action on Gun Control

36:41 Conclusion and Upcoming Debate

Understanding Project 2025, A Threat to American Democracy

Let's keep the conversation going! What are your thoughts on the issues discussed in this episode? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments. And, if you enjoy our content, please subscribe to the Lean to the Left podcast.

In this episode, our goal is to increase understanding of 'Project 2025,' a threat to American democracy and a controversial roadmap for a potential new Trump administration.

Designed by the Heritage Foundation and backed by Trump and his allies, Project 2025 would give Trump, if elected, massive new powers that would benefit the wealthy and provide unimaginable harm to most Americans.

Featuring insights from Lean to the Left contributors C. J. Waldron and Susan V. Hutchinson, we explore the potential impacts on American society, from healthcare and education to federal governance and women's rights.

Learn about the implications for democracy, national policies, and the possible future that Project 2025 could shape. Don't miss this comprehensive analysis and discussion.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Project 2025

00:57 Meet the Contributors: C.J. Waldron and Susan V. Hutchinson

01:14 The Dangerous Blueprint of Project 2025

01:40 Impact on Government and Education

04:14 The Threat to Rule of Law

05:19 Beneficiaries and Victims of Project 2025

08:05 Republican Manipulation and Corporate Greed

11:25 The Attack on Women's Rights

14:45 Healthcare Under Project 2025

19:03 Abortion and the Life at Conception Act

23:24 White Christian Nationalism and Education

27:00 Conclusion and Call to Action