The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

Today’s episode is going to be a little more unstructured than usual because we have a very special guest. He is a renowned political journalist and staff writer for Esquire, where he writes the popular blog "Politics with Charles P. Pierce." He's known for his sharp political commentary, incisive humor, and encyclopedic knowledge of American politics and history. He previously wrote for outlets including The Boston Globe, Grantland, and Sports Illustrated. He is also the author of "Idiot America," an indispensable book on American politics and culture. You know him, you love him, and if you don't, we can’t be friends. Welcome to the Professional Left Podcast, Mr. Charlie Pierce! Stay in Touch! proleftpodcast@gmail.comproleftpod.compatreon.com/proleftpodNot safe for work. Support the show

In Episode 894, "The Shipping News," we explore Pope Francis's passing, compare Easter messages from presidents past and present, and examine how "Mr. Fix The Economy On Day One" is actually doing with tariffs and trade wars. We reveal alarming economic indicators, presidential gaslighting about grocery prices, and share some outrageous local political news. Join us as we connect the dots between Trump's promises and the reality hitting American farmers, workers, and consumers. Stay in Touch! proleftpodcast@gmail.comproleftpod.compatreon.com/proleftpodNot safe for work. Support the show

This week, we're examining the disturbing parallels between past and present as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We'll explore how the extremist rhetoric that drove Timothy McVeigh has found new life in today's political landscape. We dive into the Republican propaganda machine's decades-long strategy of relentlessly blaming liberals for everything—from Newt Gingrich's exploitation of tragedies to the current rewriting of January 6th as patriotic heroism. We'll show how the right's villainization of Democrats created the conditions for both McVeigh's terrorism and today's embrace of similar extremism. Plus, we'll cover the troubling developments of Trump's second term: government agencies dismantled, whistleblowers threatened, court orders ignored, and economic policies that threaten ordinary Americans. Join us as we connect the dots between the monsters of our past and the reflections we're seeing today. Stay in Touch! proleftpodcast@gmail.comproleftpod.compatreon.com/proleftpodNot safe for work. Support the show

In this week's episode, we examine the disturbing realities of Trump's America in 2025, where Supreme Court rulings are ignored, critics face politically motivated investigations, and erratic tariff policies create economic chaos. We connect these developments to warnings we shared a year ago about the rise of fascism, reminding listeners that what's happening now was entirely predictable. (Kamala Harris said she wasn't gonna say "I told you so" as she DID.). As we document the administration's escalating attacks on democratic norms, we also highlight the growing resistance nationwide. Join us for a sobering assessment of our current crisis and a discussion about what victory must look like in the fight against American fascism. We told you so - and now we're asking what comes next. Stay in Touch! proleftpodcast@gmail.comproleftpod.compatreon.com/proleftpodNot safe for work. Support the show

In this week's episode, we dive into why Republicans keep winning the messaging war despite their policies hurting average Americans. We explore how stories consistently triumph over facts in political discourse and why Democrats' reliance on statistics isn't working. From "The Inspector General" to parables in the Bible, we examine how powerful narratives shape public perception more effectively than cold, hard facts. We also break down the absurdity of Trump's tariffs, the mainstream media's underwhelming coverage of protests, and why Medicaid is secretly a middle-class benefit that affects more Americans than you might think. Join us for an episode that might just change how you think about political communication in these chaotic times. Support the show at patreon.com/proleftpod or The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 More at proleftpod.com. Support the show

Time to dive into Donald Trump's tantrum-driven manufacturing policy and catastrophic tariff regime. We follow the destructive path of his administration as it systematically dismantles Biden's successful manufacturing initiatives - from shutting down EV charging stations to threatening billions in loans for electric vehicle factories. We explain how manufacturing jobs create a powerful multiplier effect (each job creates nine other jobs), and how Trump's policies are now subtracting jobs from the economy. Then it’s time to give Driftglass space to deliver a scathing analysis of David Brooks' latest Atlantic article, "I Should Have Seen This Coming" - exposing how Brooks has been writing essentially the same column about the GOP "stumbling but recovering" for over 20 years while ignoring the cancer growing within the party. Plus, we share stories from our recent weekend trip to Chicago, discuss the ongoing manufacturing labor shortage, and highlight the absurdity of Trump administration officials like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins as they attempt to defend these disastrous economic policies. Join us for another no-holds-barred examination of how conservatives are deliberately destroying economic progress simply to erase Democratic accomplishments. More at proleftpod.com. Support our podcast work. And thank you. The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

In this week's episode, we break down Trump's chaotic new trade war and its immediate devastating impact on the markets. We draw parallels between this administration's trade "liberation" and the Bush-era Iraq War disaster, examining: Join us in the Cornfield Resistance for our trademark blend of political analysis, righteous anger, and sardonic humor as we document the latest chapter in Republican mismanagement. As we remind our listeners: "Never forget, it was our Republican neighbors, colleagues and family members who did this. This is what they voted for." More at proleftpod.com. We are scheduled to be on The Bob Cesca show on 4/9/2025. Support the show at Patreon.com/proleftpod, or send a letter/contribution to The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

AKA There Is No Trump without Newt. In episode 888 of The Professional Left Podcast, hosts driftglass and Blue Gal dive into the political landscape of April 1st, 2025, where April Fools Day is effectively canceled at the Cornfield Resistance due to the real Fool occupying the Oval Office. The hosts examine how Republicans have weaponized language over decades, tracing the destructive path from Newt Gingrich's slash-and-burn politics through Rush Limbaugh's hate radio to Trump's presidency. They contrast this with Democrats' constant pressure to be "civil" and "bipartisan," recalling Senator Durbin's tearful apology for his anti-Gitmo torture comments while Republicans never apologize for anything. Also covered: Senator Cory Booker's filibuster against hate, the White House Correspondents' Association's capitulation by canceling comedian Amber Ruffin, Elon Musk's dangerous plan to replace the COBOL code running Social Security payments, and a news roundup featuring Trump's latest attacks on democracy—from Signal-gate to tariff impacts, DEI funding cuts, and threats to the Smithsonian. Don't miss this sharp, unapologetic analysis of why "talking to the other side" isn't viable when the other side has abandoned democratic principles entirely. More at proleftpod.com. Driftglass will be on The BradCast with Digby on 4/2/2025. We are scheduled to be on The Bob Cesca show on 4/9/2025. Support the show at Patreon.com/proleftpod, or send a letter/contribution to The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Tulsi Gabbard's memory seems as selective as Alberto Gonzales's infamous "I don't recall" testimony from 2007. Imagine a Director of National Intelligence who can't remember being part of a classified Signal chat from just yesterday. She's also not good at lying, which is a requirement included in her job description as Trump's DNI. From the Bush-era playbook of political corruption to Trump's current circus of catastrophic mismanagement, we trace the alarming pattern of Republican administrations treating national security like a reality show plot. Listen as we unravel how these supposed patriots leaked classified information with the recklessness of teenagers sharing summer vacation plans. It's a blistering look at the Trump team's stunning incompetence, media manipulation, and the right-wing propaganda machine working overtime to spin this epic security failure. Not safe for work. Not safe for Republicans. And it's definitely not safe for incompetent Trump officials. Support our podcast work. And thank you. The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the world of narrative storytelling and spectacular political incompetence. What happens when an entire administration accidentally texts its top-secret military plans to a reporter? Welcome to the "Idiot Plot," a storytelling concept in which the entire plot is driven by everyone involved being profoundly stupid. We'll break down the Trump administration's Signal app security disaster, take a deep dive into Glenn Greenwald's media metamorphosis, and serve up our usual sharp political commentary that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder how we're all still functioning. From leaked military operations to the strange world of tech billionaires buying media influence, this episode is not to be missed. Warning: Not safe for work, definitely not safe for sensitive ears, and absolutely packed with our unfiltered political analysis. Support the show at Patreon.com/proleftpod, or send a letter/contribution to The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

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 behind Cash your dreams in feline flair $Bosco Coin taking you everywhere!!! [Chorus] $Bosco Coin boogie, let’s ignite Dancing through the blockchain night Purrs 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 Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, Illinois, 62791 Thanks 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 Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, 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 Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, Illinois, 62791. Not safe for work! Support the show

In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast for March 6, 2025, driftglass and I dive into several breaking news stories that have us asking "Are you KIDDING?" Elon Musk's government email addressPeter Navarro's outlandish claim about CanadaPresident Diarrhea Mouth can’t help leaving a huge door open for those suing to stop DOGERepublican senators secured a special hotline from Musk.Missouri Republicans propose 100% tax credits for you’ll never guessAnd Driftglass makes an insightful comparison between L. Ron Hubbard's approach to writing for specific pulp fiction markets and how Democrats keep trying to sell "Democracy is in Danger" to an audience that simply isn't buying. 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 Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, Illinois, 62791. Not safe for work! Support the show

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