The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

In this fiery episode, we turn the tables on the right-wing outrage machine by exploring what actual cancel culture looks like under the current administration. We dive into the Pentagon's removal of webpages about minorities who served in the military, including Ira Hayes, the Native American Marine who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima.We play a game of "Do You Remember?" highlighting the hypocrisy of those who decried "cancel culture" just a few years ago but are now actively erasing history that doesn't fit their narrative. We examine the shocking DEI purges happening across government agencies, particularly in the National Archives and Department of Defense.From historical monuments to classic films and music, we explore what American culture would look like if we truly followed through on current efforts to erase "DEI" from our collective memory - everything from Johnny Cash's music to "To Kill a Mockingbird" would be on the chopping block.We connect contemporary deportation policies to Bush-era "black sites" and examine how the current administration learned its playbook from previous Republican administrations.Recorded March 20, 2025. Contains explicit language.Support the show

Happy 20th Blogiversary to Driftglass!  We celebrate by bringing on board a new fake sponsor.  Cryptocurrency that is modeled on our chatty, slightly annoying cat, Bosco.  $Bosco will make all your dreams come true! Glitter paws and crypto minds$Bosco’s here leaving doubts behindCash your dreams in feline flair$Bosco Coin taking you everywhere!!![Chorus]$Bosco Coin boogie, let’s igniteDancing through the blockchain nightPurrs of fortune in the air$Bosco’s groove is beyond compare!!! We also cover Chuck Schumer, Glenn Greenwald (did you know he's a conservative pundit now?), and a very much alive man declared dead by Social Security under Trump.  More at proleftpod.com where you can also contribute to this podcast via PayPal or at patreon.com/proleftpod  or mail contributions to The Professional Left PodcastPO Box 9133Springfield, Illinois, 62791Thanks for supporting our podcast work!Support the show

We're back with a fresh episode exploring what we call the media's "favorite drug" - their addiction to centrism and both-siderism! We'll take you behind the scenes of Chuck Todd's bitter departure from NBC, examine the rehabilitation tour of certain political figures, and discuss why MSNBC is hemorrhaging viewers.Plus, we'll dive into some troubling developments in the early months of Trump's second administration and share our thoughts on politicians desperately courting that mythical "middle voter" ahead of 2028.Not safe for work - explicit language.More at proleftpod.com, where you can also contribute to this podcast via PayPal or at patreon.com/proleftpod  or mail contributions to The Professional Left PodcastPO Box 9133Springfield, Illinois, 62791.Thanks for supporting our podcast work! Support the show

We're back with our latest episode, examining how the rope of crony corruption binds our politics asymmetrically - a pattern we've been observing for over twenty years in American politics and media.The heart of our conversation explores how right-wing media continues to dominate local airwaves while progressive voices face constant scrutiny and advertising challenges. I'll take you back to 2005 to show how little has changed - or how much worse it's gotten.In other news, FAFO hits federal workers as their own MAGA families fail to sympathize.  And some surprising resistance (and huge audiences) are forming in expected quarters. (Hi, Bernie!)Join us for this not-safe-for-work discussion as we continue broadcasting from the Cornfield Resistance on March 11, 2025.More at proleftpod.com, where you can also contribute to this podcast via PayPal or at patreon.com/proleftpod  or mail contributions to The Professional Left PodcastPO Box 9133Springfield, Illinois, 62791.Not safe for work!Support the show

The hosts delve into Peter Navarro's fantastical claims about Canada, sparking laughter and disbelief. They discuss Elon Musk's intriguing government email address and the absurdities surrounding his influence on politics. Missouri's wild tax incentives for crisis pregnancy centers get critiqued, hinting at larger issues in governance. A fascinating comparison emerges between L. Ron Hubbard's writing tactics and the struggle to engage audiences on democracy's significance. Plus, there's a whimsical tale of friendship between a sheep and a horse, adding some lighthearted fun!

In our latest episode, we dissect how prominent news outlets like the Associated Press are sanitizing Trump's increasingly unhinged behavior, literally editing out his most bizarre moments from official transcripts. From the shocking Oval Office encounter with Zelensky to the ongoing media capitulation, we show how journalism is failing in real time.We explore the deep shame many Americans feel as our country becomes increasingly aligned with authoritarian regimes, sharing insights from unexpected sources like David Brooks (yes, THAT David Brooks), who describes a profound moral injury to the nation. We discuss the continued spinelessness of Republican lawmakers and the systemic failures that have brought us to this moment.Our news roundup covers the devastating cuts to scientific research, the purge of federal workers, and the ongoing assault on democratic institutions. We examine how Trump's administration is dismantling everything from social services to international aid, with a particular focus on the impact on research, USAID programs, and endangered TREES. (As if we could hate him more than we do.) As always, we bring our trademark blend of righteous anger, dark humor, and unflinching analysis, asking the hard questions about how we got here and what we can do to resist.Content Warning: Contains explicit language and, you know, "direct" political commentary.More at proleftpod.com.Support the show, please!  patreon.com/proleftpod.Support the show

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