The Lean to the Left Podcast

Today, Not Fake News writer Susan Hutchinson imagines what might have happened if in 2016 Hilary Clinton had defeated Donald Trump, instead of the other way around.What would have been Trump’s reaction back then? How would events have been changed? It’s fascinating commentary, but remember, as you listen to my narration, that it’s all conjecture, based on Susan’s imagination. But it’s worth considering.But before we get to that, I have a special announcement to make.My old buddy Scott Ramminger and I are cooking up a new podcast that explores the intersection of music, art, and popular culture with news and politics. Scott and I are finalizing contract negotiations with the "Not Fake News Network" and so we are prohibited by an ironclad non-disclosure agreement from providing further details.However, I can say that it is going to be both interesting and entertaining.I can also reveal that we've lined up some very cool and interesting guests, for our show, which is planned to stream weekly as a companion to this podcast, which was launched a few months ago.Our new effort to get into trouble will launch early in March. So, stay tuned...Meanwhile, here’s Susan’s commentary. Take a listen to “The Parallel Universe Version of the 2016 Election”, from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Wondering if you guys watch the TV show, “Bull,” based on a jury analyst who figures out which potential jury members would be more favorable to his firm’s clients, and which would be most unfavorable.They figure this out with a series of questions to potential members of the jury panel, and if it looks like they would not be friendly, or if they have some sort of conflict of interest, the attorney uses a preemptory challenge and those members are dismissed.Well, the Senate is holding a trial on the impeachment of former President Donald Trump on charges of inciting an insurrection that resulted in a mob attack on Congress. No, there are no standards for jury selection in this case. Anybody who’s a senator gets to sit in judgement.But what if a senator actually participated in the insurrection, or at least helped make it possible? Should that senator be on that jury?Take a listen to “The Tainted Senate Jury”, from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial opened today and it’s clear what we’re in for.The Trump attorneys spent their time obfuscating and misdirecting, and the first guy, lead counsel Bruce Castor Jr. simply wandered all over the place, seemed to talk to hear himself talk, although he did take time to pander to members of the Senate.Meanwhile, the House impeachment managers, anticipating the Trump defense, ripped it to shreds even before it began.But will any of that matter when the dust settles and they vote when the trial is over? Probably not.Take a listen to “The Faulty Trump Defense”, from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The news media is filled with pundits asking the weighty question of exactly what has the Republican party become these days.Is it still the party of Donald Trump, even after his disastrous presidency and becoming the first president in history to be impeached TWICE, the second time coming after he incited a violent attack on Congress, trying to disrupt certification Joe Biden’s election.Is it the party of right-wing crazies who embrace conspiracy theories and the wacko QAnon cult? People like Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene?Or is it still the party of conservative values that seeks to adhere to the Constitution? Is it a party that has any ideas of its own to advance as our nation confronts the devastating coronavirus pandemic? Or is it simply the “party of No”?That’s the question that we address in today’s podcast. Take a listen to “The GOP: The Party of Q&No”, from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With Donald Trump silenced by social media and apparently hiding out at Mar-a-Lago, we no longer are subjected to his childish name-calling. At least for now.To me, and I’m sure a lot of people, that was one of the most irritating tactics Trump used to demean those who opposed him. He used so many, in fact, that Wikipedia now has a comprehensive list organized in various categories.“Crooked Hillary” was one of his favorites for Hillary Clinton. He loved to call Joe Biden “Sleepy Joe.” Mike Bloomburg was “Mini Mike.” And that was just for starters.But Trump hated Republicans who had the courage to stand up to him, who opposed him on anything. For them, he had a special name: “RINO.”Take a listen to “The Real RINOs”, written by Chris Waldron from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Early on when the coronavirus pandemic first struck, men were reported to be adversely affected more than women, and a variety of reasons was given. But now, things have changed and, at least in the Americas, it’s women who are now feeling the impact more than their male counterparts.Take a listen to “Sex & the Coronavirus” , with comments by Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, director of the Pan American World Health Organization, from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The U.S. Senate will put former president Donald Trump on trial following his impeachment by the House of Representatives on charges of insurrection, stemming from his inciting the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6.Trump has been pushing his lawyers, who keep bailing on him, by the way, to use as his defense his claims that the election was stolen from him, that it was filled with fraud.If the lawyers cave into those demands by Trump, his own campaign has just issued a report flatly stating that those claims are false. It was his mishandling of Covid that cost Trump, not chicanery by Democratic voters.Take a listen to “Covid, Not Fraud, Defeated Trump” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It amazes me that Republicans are now saying the rest of the nation should simply forgive and forget the fact that Donald Trump practically ended our democracy as we know it.They say we should just move on.Well, I don’t think so.Take a listen to “Come on, Man! Can’t We Just Move On?” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

When the mob was attacking the Capitol building in Washington DC on January 6, we kept hearing their supporters call them “patriots.” We heard them call themselves “patriots.” And, we heard Donald Trump, as he exhorted the crowd to go to the Capitol, call them “patriots.”That made my skin crawl. Those people were not American patriots, they were criminals. And, it turns out, at least one or more of them was a murder, because a Capitol Hill police officer was killed in the melee.Patriots! It made me want to vomit.My colleague from Not Fake News, Susan Hutchinson, wrote about that today. She actually beat me to the punch! But I’ll narrate her commentary here for you now. Take a listen to “What is an American Patriot” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We finally have a president who is taking action to combat the climate change crisis that threatens our world.Having been in office only days, President Biden has already taken concrete action and the naysayers and industry dirtballs are already acting like the world is coming to an end.That’s funny, really, because just yesterday the people who set the “Doomsday Clock” issued another warning.Take a listen to “Climate Change Deniers-Denied” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today I read a story that former Vice President Pence is afraid for his life, all because rabid Trump supporters are still angry that he would not do the impossible and overturn the election results to keep their hero in office.It’s no wonder, as they were yelling “Hang Mike Pence” on January 6 when they broke into the U.S. Capitol, having erected an actual gallows complete with a noose outside.There is no sign that this hate and division that caused all of this is going to go away any time soon, and now we have a warning from the federal government that we could be in for renewed terrorist attacks – from our own citizens.And, I shudder to think what they will do if the Senate, unlikely as it seems, convicts Trump for inciting the insurrection and bans him from ever holding public office again.Take a listen to “Warning: Possible Terrorist Attacks—by Americans” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Last night when the House of Representatives formally delivered the articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, I began to wonder what young school children must be thinking. Here we have a president of the United States who actually tried to attack our own government, really, our own country.Obviously, that’s not what children of die-hard Trump supporters will be told, unlike those kids whose parents really understand what Trump was trying to do, and who explain that to their children.That brought me to considering what children of future generations will be taught, and what they will think. So I wrote about that.Take a listen to “An Attack on America from Within” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today I’ve got two pieces of commentary for you, both related to the Trump impeachment and issues surrounding it.First, we’ll talk about the upcoming impeachment trial and how Senate Republicans are faced with deciding whether to get rid of Trump by convicting him of inciting insurrection or let him off and then be stuck with him as the supposed leader of a splintered party.There’s a lot at stake. In fact, some might say it’s a watershed moment for the GOP.Then, after a quick break, I’ll narrate commentary by Chris Waldron of Not Fake News.biz, who cautions against the temptation that we all feel to get things back to normal. He covers a lot of ground in this one, including Trump’s supposed plan to start his own political party, the Patriot Party, to compete with the Republican Party. That would likely spell doom for the GOP, at least until Trump fades from the scene.So let’s get at it. First, “Will Republicans Abandon Trump?” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today our guest is Scott Ramminger, who for many years was the CEO of a Washington, DC industry lobbying organization and is a Nashville-based songwriter and musician. When Scott was in DC, he performed at clubs maybe three nights a week, but now is a fulltime writer and musician.Scott’s published five blues and roots albums and is working on his sixth. He performs solo and with a band..and on top of all that is a hell of an interesting guy.Scott’s music is down-to-earth, reaches into your soul. Scott…thanks for joining us today. It must be tough doing what you do in the middle of this Covid situation…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With Donald Trump now hiding away as a private citizen at his swanky resort in South Florida, and the new Biden administration now underway, Not Fake News writer Chris Waldron offers a brief “autopsy” of this failed presidency. As we all know, the picture isn’t pretty.So take a listen to “End of Trump Administration: An Autopsy” from Not Fake News.biz. I’ll narrate.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Thanks for connecting with NFN Radio News brought to you by Not Fake News.biz. I’m Bob Gatty, founder and editor of Not Fake News. A new day filled with hope has arrived, but America's new president, Joseph R. Biden, now must confront twin pandemics that threaten our nation, and the extent to which he succeeds will largely determine the well-being of every single one of us.That’s our topic for today as we take a look at the historic inauguration and what may lie ahead.Take a listen to “A New Day, but Twin Pandemics Await” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Finally, the end of the Trump presidency is at hand. Take a listen to “An Ignominious but Fitting End” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

There’s a lot of blame to go around when it comes to Trump and his misguided and illegal effort to overturn his defeat by Joe Biden.Yea, the guy probably would have done all of this on his own because he simply can’t abide the fact that 7 million fewer people voted for him than Biden. Remember when he said he might have to leave country if Biden beat him, it would be that embarrassing?But the fact that so many political lowlifes and hangers on encouraged him certainly didn’t help any. And the end result of all of this was a violent coup attempt at the Capitol that has cost the lives of at least five people.In my opinion, those politicians who encouraged Trump need to share the blame – and the punishment.One way they are being punished is in the pocketbook as a bunch of major donors have said they’re not going to ante up to those Congress people who refused to certify Biden’s election. That’s great news, and that’s what we talk about in today’s podcast.So take a listen to “Defunding the Insurrectionists” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump is known for a lot of things. Being loyal to people who support him, people who willingly do his bidding, is not one of those things.In fact, he has a history of screwing over people who have done everything on his behalf, people who have sacrificed their careers, their reputations, and have even gone to jail in his name.Now, a number of those lunatics who attacked the Capitol and Congress January 6 feel like they’re on that list of people Trump screwed. In fact, they’re so angry with Trump that some have even said he should be executed, or that he should just rot in jail.Wow! And those are his supporters! Those people, many of whom have or will be arrested and charged with criminal actions, who have lived the Trump dream, were sucked in with his lies and false promises, and who did exactly what he told them to do – go to the Capitol and “fight like hell.”So that’s Part 1 of our podcast tonight.Part 2 is from Chris Waldron of Not Fake News.biz, who wrote a blog today about the oath of office. For president, the oath promises to uphold the constitution, but says nothing about protecting the nation against “all enemies, foreign or domestic,” like the oath does for Senators.Guess there is a reason the founding fathers included that in the Congressional oath. So Chris talks about that in his piece.So take a listen, first to “A Trump Double-cross?” and then, “Enemies, Foreign and Domestic” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

There are all sorts of rumblings now that some members of law enforcement as well as some Republican members of Congress could have helped that mob attack the U.S. Capitol January 6 when the vote to make Joe Biden’s election official was being taken.That’s an incredible thing. Imagine what it must have been like with these mobsters smashing windows and breaking down doors to get in as you’re hiding under a desk.How would you feel if you knew you were an actual target, like Vice President Mike Pence who refused Trump’s illegal request to simply declare him the winner? There were people out there calling for you to be hung, and they actually had built a gallows for that purpose!But the idea that some of your colleagues might have been involved in this? And some of the police who are supposed to protect you?Apparently that’s part of the story, though, and I guess we’ll know more soon enough. So take a listen to “Was the U.S. Capitol Attack an Inside Job?” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Finally, we are getting rid of Donald J. TrumpBut as Chris Waldron of Not Fake News points out in a blog published today, our nation is still “under siege” and that’s not going to dissipate any time soon as even as they were leaving Washington last week, rioters and insurrectionists were planning a return.What could lie ahead is chilling to think of, especially with the Biden-Harris inauguration coming in just a few days and then the impeachment trial set to begin.On that score, I’ve got some thoughts about how the walls are closing in on Trump. Impeached by the House of Representatives, even with 10 Republicans voting with all of the Democrats, Trump’s life seems to be falling apart.The man who told us four years ago that we’d get tired of so much winning seems about to lose everything.Take a listen, first “One Nation Under Siege,” and then, “For Trump, the Walls are Closing In”. It’s all from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I just read that Cumulus Media has ordered its right-leaning talk-show hosts to stop suggesting that the election was stolen from Donald Trump, or face termination if they fail to comply.That was great news, shutting down an important source of vitriol that helped fuel last Wednesday’s mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.Trump and the Republicans are also getting hit where it hurts. Corporate donors are pulling their support and the PGA has pulled the U.S. Open golf tournament from his Bedminster, NJ golf course. All of that is good news, but, of course, it’s the old story about shutting the barn door after the horse escaped.Today is my 78th birthday, a day that brings great sadness as I consider all that has happened during my 77th year, but it also brings great hope, as I consider what can be in the year ahead.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “Confessions of an Obsession” from Not Fake News.biz.(In the photo, I am shown with Sen. Kamala Harris during a 2019 campaign tour in South Carolina.)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Right wing extremists – read that domestic terrorists – are planning even more violence, more attacks on the Capitol during the January 20 inauguration and at every state capital across the country.The Washington Post detailed much of this today, and those warnings had better be heeded.In the meantime, there is much hand wringing in Washington about what to do about Trump. Democrats want him out, and so do a few Republicans like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who said she’s thinking of dumping the GOP altogether.But all of this BS by Republicans, including the two cabinet members who so far have resigned, is simply hypocrisy. They’ve enabled this man for the past four years and now our entire country is paying the price.And, it’s not over. Not by a long shot.That’s the topic of today’s podcast written by Susan Hutchinson of Not Fake News. Take a listen to “Republican Hypocrisy on Steroids” from Not Fake News.biz. I’ll be narrating.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The flames of hate and distrust that Donald Trump has stoked among his true believers are still burning and America had best be braced for more violence when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are inaugurated January 20.I just hope that all of the law enforcement agencies involved, from the Secret Service to the FBI and everything in between will be ready to deal with everything from snipers and would-be assassins to bombs and whatever.The foolish and gullible people who Trump has convinced that he is their God and the savior of our nation can be expected to return to Washington, probably in even larger numbers than on January 6 when they ransacked the capitol causing the death of five people, including one of their own rioters and a police officer.Democrats and some Republicans are working now to get rid of Trump even before inauguration day, fearful that he might do something dangerous as his mood worsens and as he grows ever more bitter at his loss.But as that happens, many of his supporters are blatantly warning on social media that they’ve only begun. The lunatic fringe is planning a civil war, and we’d better take it seriously.Yes, they are wacko. And yes, they are dangerous. Take a listen to “The Crisis is Far from Over. Be Prepared”, my commentary from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

And so today there were two significant developments that coincidentally occurred at the same time, one in the halls of Congress in Washington, DC, and the other in Delaware, where President-elect Joe Biden has his headquarters.In Washington, momentum began to get rid of Donald Trump – either by invoking the 25th amendment or rushing through impeachment. It was all because of yesterdays’ riots, which he incited, that resulted in an attack on our Capitol, and in effect, on democracy itself.In Wilmington, Biden announced his new attorney general and others who will play critical roles at the Justice Department, as Biden seeks to restore that department to its rightful place as an independent entity whose loyalty is to the rule of law and the Constitution, not to any one person or political party.Taken together, it was a significant occurrence, so that’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “From Trump Chaos to the Rule of Law” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today has been a dark day in the history of our nation as the effort by Donald Trump to hang on to the presidency turned into violence, at least one death, and disruption of a constitutionally required joint session of Congress.Many people must share the blame for this tragedy – Trump, for inciting an insurrection and Congresspeople and Senators for aiding and abetting him by going on with his effort to overturn the election.It was a tragedy of historic proportions, but there is the hope that the new administration brings, bolstered now with a fully Democratic Congress.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “Insurrection, Sedition but Reason for Hope” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump’s desperation to hang on to power is almost embarrassing – almost. I don’t know about you, but I kind of enjoy seeing him grovel and beg…such a loser.Remember when he said America would get tired of winning? That was a crock then and it’s a bigger crock now.The phone call the other day that he made to the Georgia secretary of state was classic Trump. He just can’t help himself. Just find those 12,000 votes. Come on. Gimme a break. You can recalculate, it’s OK. Pretty please? And if you don’t do it, you’re committing a crime, and I’m the president and you’ll be in big trouble.Reminded me when my 10 year-old son begged me not to make him play Little League. Only problem is, this crap from Trump is dangerous and harmful and could have a lasting impact on our country.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “Pence to Declare Trump a Loser” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I’m wondering today how it has come about that so many of the people whom we’ve elected have become so self-focused, so blind to anything except their own ambition, that they’ll do just about anything to succeed.Yea, Trump’s that way – probably the champion of that attitude. But he’s got a lot of company in the United States Congress when it comes to “blind ambition,” and we’re going to see a nasty example of that January 6 when Congress officially counts the electoral college votes and makes Joe Biden’s election official.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “GOP Arsonists Prepare to Strike” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What’s it like being the chair of the Democratic Party in a South Carolina county that’s been dominated by Republicans for years?Why would a soft-spoken retired corporate executive from New Jersey want to use retirement time to buck those odds.Our guest today is Don Kohn, who heads the Horry County, South Carolina Democratic Party and he’s going to provide us with some answers. This is a guy who doesn’t get paid and is working his tail off to elect Democrats in an area where even finding candidates to run is a huge challenge.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Isn’t it amazing that all of a sudden Republicans in Congress are suddenly getting religion when it comes to deficit spending?That didn’t happen, of course, when it was time to pass that gazillion dollar tax boondoggle for the rich, but now that millions of Americans are in desperate financial straits from the coronavirus pandemic, worries about deficit spending are rearing their ugly head.Typical. What else would we expect from the likes of Mitch McConnell and company?Take a listen to “The GOP & Budget Deficit Religion” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

There’s just one more hurdle before the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can be written in stone, and that’s the January 6 session of Congress when lawmakers officially tabulate the electoral college results by state.While that usually is just a routine exercise that attracts little attention, this year that session is expected to be yet another chapter in Donald Trump’s sordid effort to overturn the election so he can remain as president – even though he lost the election.Take a listen to “Traitor Trump’s Coup d’etat Con” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

President Trump’s behavior is getting increasingly unhinged and now it’s jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.That’s the subject of today’s podcast. Take a listen to Madman Trump from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Audio Corrections: Our guest today is former New Jersey Congressman and Governor James J. Florio, for whom I worked for two years as chief of staff during his years in the U.S. House of Representatives.Jim Florio was a high school dropout who joined the Navy as a teenager, went on to become an attorney, a state assemblyman, a congressman, and finally a governor, serving his state in that post from 1990 to 1994.A passionate defender of the environment, Florio played a crucial role in the enactment of 1980s-era Superfund laws, which helped to clean up toxic waste sites in his home state and around the country.As governor, he fought for the groundbreaking Clean Water Enforcement Act, but his reforms came at a cost – a big political cost. He was forced to raise state taxes to balance the state budget. He did what he had to do, and the Republicans pounced making him a one term governor.Jim Florio is the author of the book “Standing on Principle,” a memoir that reflects upon the challenges that he faced throughout his political career. I can tell you from personal experience, that this man did, indeed, “stand on principle.” He was tough, hard working, hard charging, and demanding. But he did not ask more from his staff than what he was willing to deliver, himself.Now retired from politics, the governor maintains a law practice, writes, and teaches. Today, we will talk with him about the political climate today, get his take on Donald Trump, his actions since the election, and his thoughts about what lies ahead.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our guest today is former New Jersey Congressman and Governor James J. Florio, for whom I worked for two years as chief of staff during his years in the U.S. House of Representatives.Jim Florio was a high school dropout who joined the Navy as a teenager, went on to become an attorney, a state assemblyman, a congressman, and finally a governor, serving his state in that post from 1990 to 1994.A passionate defender of the environment, Florio played a crucial role in the enactment of 1980s-era Superfund laws, which helped to clean up toxic waste sites in his home state and around the country.As governor, he fought for the groundbreaking Clean Water Enforcement Act, but his reforms came at a cost – a big political cost. He was forced to raise state taxes to balance the state budget. He did what he had to do, and the Republicans pounced making him a one term governor.Jim Florio is the author of the book “Standing on Principle,” a memoir that reflects upon the challenges that he faced throughout his political career. I can tell you from personal experience, that this man did, indeed, “stand on principle.” He was tough, hard working, hard charging, and demanding. But he did not ask more from his staff than what he was willing to deliver, himself.Now retired from politics, the governor maintains a law practice, writes, and teaches. Today, we will talk with him about the political climate today, get his take on Donald Trump, his actions since the election, and his thoughts about what lies ahead.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump keeps acting crazier and crazier, coming up with hairbrained schemes to try to hang on the presidency, which seems like a job he really doesn’t like – except for the TV exposure and the adoration of his die-hard fans.But the way he’s been acting recently have made me wonder if maybe some of those mental health experts who have warned about his mental state might be right. Is the president of the United States really off his rocker?Increasingly, he reminds me of King George III – Mad King George – who ranted and raved and was treated for mental illness. Of course back then, in the 18th century, those treatments weren’t exactly what we’d consider “scientific” today.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “The Mad King” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Will Donald Trump become a “shadow president” and use that perch as a way to maintain power?Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican, thinks so, and he should know. He’s become one of Trump’s closest friends – if Trump actually has such a thing as a friend.But what if that happens? What if Trump sets himself up as a fake president in Mar-a-Lago, holds court, invites supplicants in to kiss his ring, and continues to stir up opposition to Joe Biden’s every move?Take a listen to “Will Trump be a Shadow President?” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It took more than 40 days for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to acknowledge the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively, compared to only one day when Donald Trump won in 2016.Why did it take so long?Well, McConnell, not wanting to get in Trump’s crosshairs, waited until the Electoral College officially declared Biden and Harris the winners on December 14.Now, he has to deal with the possibility of a revolt among Republicans in Congress, some of whom want to drag this out even further. That could be a challenge for McConnell, who still has to tread softly as long as Trump has power.We’ll cover that in today’s podcast, “Wily, Old Mitch & the Sore Loser” From Not Fake News.biz. Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Historians will mark December 14, 2020, as one of the most consequential days in the history of our country. On that day, the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States became official, and even reluctant Republican senators said it's time to accept that fact.On that day, the first inoculations of the Covid 19 vaccine were administered.Indeed, it was a day that will long be remembered.So, take a listen to “A Good Day for America” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In my last podcast, I asked this question:Did the 106 Republican representatives who are asking the Supreme Court to invalidate the election run for Congress simply to demolish our democracy?Now I have a followup. Did that action amount to the crime of sedition? Should they be kicked out of Congress? And oh, by the way, that 106 number rose to 126 before that brief was finally submitted to the Supreme Court.So, take a listen to “Republican Sedition?” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

There’s a hashtag trending today on Twitter that perfectly summarizes today’s podcast. It’s #SeditiousGOP. In my blog on today’s Not Fake News.biz, I ask this question: Did the 106 Republican representatives who are asking the Supreme Court to invalidate the election run for Congress simply to demolish our democracy?That is the crux of it.So, take a listen to “Trump’s Coup: Demolishing our Democracy.” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our guest today is Howard Friedman, a Boston civil rights attorney, who talks about police misconduct and racism, what needs to be done about it, the impact of Trump’s stacking of the Supreme Court, and much more.It’s a fascinating conversation with a top attorney who has dedicated his career to combatting police misconduct and representing defendants who have suffered at the hands of the police. So, take a listen to “Reforming the Cops.” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Here’s a heads up for tomorrow when I’ll be doing an exclusive interview with Howard Friedman, a Boston civil rights attorney, who will be talking about police misconduct and racism, what needs to be done about it, the impact of Trump’s stacking of the Supreme Court, and much more.Watch for it on this podcast channel. It will be a fascinating and enlightening discussion.Meanwhile, take a listen to “On His Way Out, Trump Plays Dirty.” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It obviously is impossible for Donald Trump to reconcile the fact that he lost the election to Joe Biden, but somebody needs to set him straight and tell him, flat out, "Get over it, pal. You lost."Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Republican party needs to retire its elephant and get a new mascot. The Grim Reaper Party (GRP) would be a better choice as its current platform appears to now include massive death and destruction.That’s the view of writer Susan Hutchinson, as she wrote today on Not Fake News.biz. Take a listen to “GOP Now the GRP – The Grim Reaper Party” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

A fool and his money are soon parted. It says so in the Bible, so it must be true. You would think Trump's supporters, many of them Evangelical Christians, would understand that and not be taken in by his latest election fraud scam. But no…they’ve sent him upwards of $175 million and counting.Take a listen to “Trump’s Con of All Cons” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Calls for martial law and for a fired election official to be shot for affirming election accuracy, and a possible GOP coup. Lunacy reigns, but shows no signs of going away any time soon.But, you say, the Electoral College vote comes December 14, and everything will be settled. Not exactly, if some Repubicans have their way. Take a listen to “Lunacy Reigns in Trumpland” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump is having a hissy fit at the few Republican officials who have the courage to stand up to him and refuse to violate the law to help him overturn the presidential election.Take a listen to “Donald Trump’s Continuing Hissy Fit” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It’s been remarkable to see how the many judges, some who are Republicans and even appointed by Trump, and other state officials are following the rule of law and rejecting Donald Trump’s phony charges of election fraud and funny business.That will be our discussion on today’s podcast.But first, I want to tell you that just in time for the holidays, we've slashed the price of our book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, which is now available at Amazon.com, where it has received 5-star reviews.Digital Edition -- Now just $4.99 (was $9.99) Paperback Vol. 1 -- Now $10.99 (was $14.99) Paperback Vol. 2 -- Now $10.99 (was $14.99) "Hijacked Nation" is a virtual play-by-play of the tragedy of the Donald Trump presidency, with daily blogs since September 2017 offering a running account of important developments shaping our nation with the perspective of "just a little lean to the left." The digital edition as well as the two-volume paperback set is based on Not Fake News blogs running through June 2020. The final volume, in what will become a trilogy that tracks much of the Trump presidency, is now underway and is expected to be published soon after President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris take office on January 20.So, take advantage of these new, reduced prices on the current digital edition and both paperback editions -- more than 600 pages of insight by a team of Not Fake News writers, "from the outside, looking in."We're honored at all of the 5-star reviews that our book has garnered, both on Amazon.com and on Goodreads.com.So now, on with the podcast. Take a listen to “Integrity Trumping Trump” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

This morning I saw a piece on MSNBC about some nurses who were caring for Covid-19 patients who took the time to present a patient, who had been hospitalized for more than a month, with a Happy Birthday song and a special cupcake.It was an act of kindness on an incredibly busy day for these nurses, all of whom along with all other healthcare workers, cannot be appreciated enough.Today’s podcast focuses on that and includes the story of one nurse, an Air Force veteran, who simply has had enough of the stress, the heartache, the bone weariness that she’s been dealing with since the pandemic began.So, take a listen to “Thanking Our Healthcare Heroes” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.