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=15297

Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Cliff Schecter Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tb0TkDaY3M

Episode artwork by Bluegal

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Recorded February 6, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.

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An exploration of how the “DEI madness” conspiracy is really just the GOP’s latest excuse to scapegoat diversity while distracting from their own failures.

In this week's Professional Left Podcast, Driftglass and Blue Gal dive into the aftermath of a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., and the farcical responses from Trump’s administration. From blaming DEI hires to pointing fingers at everyone but himself, the fallout from the crash reveals the dangerous incompetence of Sean Duffy, Trump’s unqualified Transportation Secretary.

As the hosts dissect the chaotic response and Trump’s penchant for politicizing tragedy, they explore the contrast between Republican and Democratic leadership styles, with special attention to the powerful pushback from Democratic governors against Trump’s agenda. They also reflect on the moral and strategic challenges facing the Democratic Party as they navigate a long fight ahead—one that demands clarity, decisive action, and a refusal to compromise with fascists.

Plus, there's an appearance by a certain internet kitty with a love for forklifts!

Episode artwork by Bluegal via Bing AI

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Warning: This episode is not safe for work!

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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.

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PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

Cover artwork by bluegal.bsky.social/BingAI

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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=1000685101556

More 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 62791

Cover artwork via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao.

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Tune in Wednesday 1/22-- we're on the Bob Cesca Show and Driftglass will be on the BradCast! And we'll have more politics on Thursday, not that this show isn't political!

A dive into propaganda in science fiction, particularly those instances where aliens take over the world to the advantage of the privileged. What?

Links for this episode:

Ray Nelson, "Eight O'Clock In the Morning" available via the Internet Archive (free registration required) https://archive.org/details/sciencefictioncl0000unse_z5i2

Images of Arthur C. Clarke's "I Remember Babylon" https://imgur.com/gallery/i-remember-babylon-by-arthur-c-clark-2BX7I6R

Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Frances Langum via BingAI.

Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.

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The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

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We all know something has died. It's time for a wake, and then... onward toward life.

More at proleftpod.com

Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Driftglass.

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 62791

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Have you noticed that truly independent liberal blogs have maintained their integrity while other "upstart" media ventures often drift toward centrism and "both-sides" reporting? We have!

In this week's episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal examine the current media landscape and the rise of self-proclaimed "contrarian" outlets. They also examine The Contrarian, a new media venture launched by Jennifer Rubin and Norm Eisen.

Also: President Biden's historic job creation record, Pete Hegseth's absurd confirmation hearing, and Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report.

Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Bluegal via Bing AI.

Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.

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It's been fifteen YEARS of podcasting at The Professional Left!

Our hearts go out to the victims of the Palisades fire.

Why can't we talk to conservatives not to inform or persuade or even get them to accept reality? Sad! A history. Ahem.

More at proleftpod.com.

Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@flangum

Our podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft

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The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield, IL 62791

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