The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, we dive into the Trump administration's continuing assault on American democracy and institutions.We start with our "News Roundup," covering the DOGE cuts, government firings, and acts of resistance within federal agencies. We also discuss Trump's controversial "Gold Card" citizenship program, the shocking U.S. vote against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the purge of top military leadership, and the numerous legal challenges to the administration's actions.We then turn our attention to media capitulation, examining MSNBC's firing of on-air personalities of color and The Washington Post's transformation under Jeff Bezos into what we describe as "the Amazon corporation house organ."We also critique "Independent Centrists" and their failed attempts to create movements based on the fallacy of "extremes on both sides." We argue that these efforts are marketing solutions to ideological problems that can never succeed.We conclude with a thoughtful discussion of effective messaging strategies for Democrats. We weigh approaches that focus on democracy versus kitchen table issues and emphasize the importance of being proud Democrats with a clear vision.Content Warning: Contains explicit language and direct, ahem, political commentary.Support the show

Sorry folks, DG is getting over a sniffle and is coughing too much to podcast today.  See you Thursday! Support the show

Episode 878 of The Professional Left Podcast examines how the Republican party built a "democracy-destroying machine" over 50 years, and why attempts by Never Trumpers to reform it from within consistently fail. The hosts analyze a recent Bari Weiss column as a case study of how conservative critics must attack Democrats and marginalized groups to establish credibility with the MAGA base. They discuss recent developments including Trump's attacks on Zelenskyy, Nikki Haley's "evolving" (revolving) stance on Trump, and Kash Patel as FBI director. The episode includes commentary on Senate #FAIL, astronauts pushing back against Elon Musk's claims, and concludes with a brand new "Thursdays with Royko". Note: This podcast contains explicit language and is not safe for work.Support the show

It's time to explore "Resistance Theater" through two powerful World War II-era films: "Passage to Marseilles" (1944) and "Pimpernel Smith" (1941). These classic propaganda films draw fascinating parallels to current events, and it's worth examining how MAGA forces are attempting to erase and rewrite history through modern tactics. From book banning at military bases to corporate attempts to appease Trump, this episode analyzes how resistance to fascism remains relevant today. The episode includes discussions of historic films while tying them to contemporary threats to democracy, media manipulation, and the importance of preserving historical truth. This wide-ranging conversation also covers notable news, including Wisconsin voting rights, DeJoy's departure from USPS, Trump's Ukraine plans, and Musk's invasion of YOUR Social Security data. This podcast is not safe for work.Support the show

Content warning: Contains strong language and adult themes. Not safe for work or children.In this spicy episode, Blue Gal and Driftglass explore the history and strategic importance of profanity in political discourse. They particularly focus on how the mainstream media's obsession with "civility" has been weaponized against progressives. They trace this phenomenon from David Broder's pearl-clutching about "vituperative" liberal bloggers to today's both-sides coverage of Trump's attacks on the press.The hosts examine how the media rushed to defend Fox News when Obama questioned their legitimacy while remaining largely silent as Trump systematically excluded mainstream outlets from coverage. They also cover significant developments, including Trump's lawsuit against CBS, mass firings of inspectors general, devastating proposed Medicaid cuts, and Elon Musk's expanding influence over federal agencies.The Professional Left is recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. You can  support the podcast at proleftpod.com.Support the show

In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, hosts Blue Gal and Driftglass discuss the impact of Trump's recent federal funding freeze on American farmers, particularly those who supported him in the 2024 election. They examine multiple news reports from across the country showing how farmers are facing financial hardship after Trump halted various USDA programs, including conservation projects and foreign food aid initiatives.The hosts analyze the viral story of Skylar Holden, a young Trump-supporting cattle farmer whose TikTok video about potentially losing his farm garnered significant attention, along with the measured response from veteran farmer Will Westmoreland. They explore the broader themes of accountability, political narratives, and the persistent "both sides" rhetoric that enables voters to avoid confronting the consequences of their choices.The episode concludes with an extensive news roundup covering recent actions by the Trump administration, including changes to military academy oversight, foreign policy decisions, and various executive orders. The hosts also discuss local politics in Illinois and share ways listeners can take action through initiatives like the 5 Calls app and postcard writing campaigns.Episode artwork by Bluegal with an assist from StableDiffusionWeb.comSubscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute.Become a Patreon at patreon.com/proleftpodRecorded February 11, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.Support the showContent warning: Not safe for work.Support the show

The Professional Left Podcast #874: Federal jobs and local economies are in chaos as Trump and Musk wreak havoc at USAID and beyond. Driftglass and Blue Gal break down how Republican propaganda keeps winning despite their awful job creation record, and why some Never Trumpers can't quit bashing Democrats. The hosts dig into research showing Dems are way better at creating jobs (shocking, right?), while Republicans excel at... lying about it. From Trump's whiplash-inducing tariff decisions to his sketchy State Department picks, and from NASA scrubbing diversity mentions to protests at USAID - it's been quite a week at the Cornfield Resistance.Links for this episode: Pew Research on jobs:  https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/07/what-the-data-says-about-federal-workers/Driftglass and Digby on the Bradcast 2/5/2025  https://bradblog.com/?p=15297Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Cliff Schecter Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tb0TkDaY3M Episode artwork by BluegalSubscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts or check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute.Recorded February 6, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.Support the show

The hosts dive into the GOP's use of 'DEI madness' as a distraction from their failures, critiquing Trump’s administration's chaotic response to a tragic midair collision. They explore the stark differences in leadership styles between Republicans and Democrats, particularly the effective actions by governors. The discussion reveals the complexities of voting against one’s self-interest, especially highlighted by a Trump voter's reliance on food stamps. The episode also features a delightful distraction with an internet kitty, bringing humor amidst serious discussions.

In this episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal tackle claims that "the resistance is over" by drawing powerful parallels between current "resistance fatigue" narratives and similar premature declarations during the Bush era. They discuss Paul Krugman's revelatory piece about his departure from The New York Times, explore the real-world evidence of continued grassroots resistance, and explain why simplistic "everything button" solutions to defeating fascism don't exist. We also cover the latest developments in the Trump "administration."Special announcement: Instead of our regular Thursday show, catch the hosts live on the Cliff Schecter show this Thursday, and on Progress Pondcast with Martin Longman and Brendan Skwire early next week. Note: This episode contains adult language and is not safe for work.More at proleftpod.com Link for this episode:  Paul Krugman, "Departing The New York Times" https://contrarian.substack.com/p/departing-the-new-york-times Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod. Write us via the USPS! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield IL 62791Cover artwork by bluegal.bsky.social/BingAI  Support the show

Three badass women—Jasmine Crockett, AOC, and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde—speak truth to power.Then we're on to Trump's unconscionable January 6th pardons, dissecting the psychology of "I'm, an independent!" voters and marveling at the mind-bending mental gymnastics of the MAGA world. From there, to media cowardice and Project 2025 nightmares.Big love to our ride-or-die listeners who keep this podcast alive through your support. Your monthly Patreon pledges and virtual espresso shots fuel our show. And spreading the word also helps us keep fighting the good fight.Not safe for work. Buckle up.LINKS: DG and BG on The Bob Cesca Show: https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-bluegal-day/  Driftglass on The BradCast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bradcast-1-22-2025-guests-heather-digby-parton-of/id803467610?i=1000685101556More at proleftpod.com Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod. Write us via the USPS! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield IL 62791Cover artwork via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao.  Support the show