Here’s Episode 93 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast!
00:00-17:10: Pat’s talks about the debate within Michigan’s Democratic Party on whether or not President Joe Biden should step aside in the 2024 campaign. He repeats his take that Biden should step aside for the good of democracy. If he doesn’t, he hopes Joe proves him wrong! But what Pat really wants the most is for Democrats to go on offense this election! They can do that by using Governor Whitmer’s role in the Biden-Harris campaign to illustrate how Michigan Democrats have controlled the narrative by passing many popular policies that voters like! And talk more about the right-wing Christian Nationalist “Project 2025” wishlist if Trump gets back into power.
17:43-40:13: Pat’s interview with Democratic State Representative Carrie Rheingans from the 47th House District, which contains parts of Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County to the eastern parts of Jackson County. They talk about her unique district, and how growing-up in rural Michigan helps her connect with many of her constituents in both the cities and rural areas. She also talks about her push to lower high housing and renting costs. They also discuss her work on getting Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. And Rep. Rheingans shares her thoughts on how Democrats can retain their majority in the state House.
Click here to learn more and donate to Representative Rheingans’ 2024 campaign!
41:00-47:07: The Left of Lansing “Last Call” covers a new government report on how pharmacy middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM’s) a destroying competition in the pharmacy sector, leading to higher drug prices. PBM’s decide which drugs are covered, and decide how much they reimburse pharmacies. And thanks to this anti-capitalist practice, pharmacies are shuttering their doors across the country, especially in rural areas.
47:31-49:33: Conclusion
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NOTES:
“Cracks continue to surface in Michigan Dem support for Biden as the nominee.” By Jon King of Michigan Advance
“Trump led in Michigan poll before debate.” By Carmela Guaglianone of The Detroit Free Press
“Whitmer’s lead over Dixon in Michigan governor race holding steady, latest poll shows.” Paul Egan of The Detroit Free Press
How EPIC-MRA did in final poll compared to election results?
“Trump trails Biden by 7 points in final Free Press poll as race narrows.” By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press in 2020
“Republicans call Trump’s move to distance himself from Project 2025 ‘preposterous.‘” By Robert Tait of The Guardian
“Whitmer signs bills on election safety, clean energy and increased tribal input in foster care.” By Jon King of Michigan Advance
“Michigan HOAs can’t ban solar panels under newly passed bill.” By Gabrielle Nelson of Bridge Michigan
“National Popular Vote Could Soon Be Up For a Vote.” By MIRS
“Michigan would decide next president by national popular vote under proposed legislation; bills up for vote.” By Zachariah Wheaton of TV6 in Negaunee, MI
“Bills could address lack of affordable housing.” Amanda Porter of Wood TV in Grand Rapids
“Detroit block party mass shooting was the state’s worst since at least 2013.” By Kristi Tanner and Andrea May Sahouri of The Detroit Free Press
“Federal regulator: Pharmacy middlemen appear to be raising prices, hurting patients.” By Marty Schladen of Ohio Capital Journal (via Michigan Advance)
“Rite Aid to close all Michigan stores, transfer prescriptions to Walgreens, workers say.” By Georgea Kovanis of The Detroit Free Press
“Rheingans announces legislation aimed at reducing prescription costs for Michiganders.” By Lily Guiney of Michigan Advance
Project 2025 goal to end free public school meals. (Thanks to Rachel Bitecofer)
“What is Project 2025? And what would it mean for Michigan?” By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Magazine
“Police largely use Michigan’s new red flag law to confiscate guns in 25 counties.” By Beth LaBlanc of The Detroit News
“Police still investigating Michigan lawmaker on sexual assault and weapons charges.” By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance
