Americas Political Divide
In this episode of the Lean to Live Podcast, Bob Gatty engages with Dr. Craig Wiener, a seasoned psychologist from Worcester, Massachusetts, to explore Americas political and social divide in the United States as political polarization seems to be worsening nearly every day.
With over 40 years in private practice and a wealth of experience in teaching and clinical direction, Dr. Wiener breaks down the roots of these divisions, drawing parallels between Family dynamics and societal conflicts as he explores the psychological roots of politics and the conservative vs. liberal debate.
The discussion delves into themes from Dr. Wiener’s book ‘Backyard Politics,’ examining capitalism, racism, sexism, and child rearing through the lens of political perspectives labeled as ‘protectors’ and ‘promoters’ and explores the issue of family dynamics in politics. His book is available here: https://amzn.to/4dKTN5y.
The conversation also tackles the controversial impact of former President Trump on political discourse and the ramifications of his policy decisions on family budgets and social cohesion. He answers, in detail, the question "Can’t we all get along?"
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction: Political Divisions in America
00:39 Guest Introduction: Dr. Craig B. Wiener
01:26 Understanding the Political and Social Divide
03:37 Key Areas of Heated Political Debate
05:11 Political Perspectives: Protectors vs. Promoters
14:01 The Role of Identity and Group Focus in Politics
15:43 Alternative Facts and Their Impact
23:51 Trump’s Policies and Public Perception
30:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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About Bob Gatty
Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.
He’s co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump’s attack on America’s greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.
Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.
If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!
For many years, Bob Gatty worked as a writer, editor, and communications consultant, based on the Washington, DC area with a focus on government and politics. He began at The Pittsburgh Courier, an African American weekly, covering crime and the courts. His salary was $55 per week before moving on to two local Pennsylvania dailies. At age 24, he began reporting for United Press International covering state politics in Pennsylvania and then New Jersey, where he was UPI’s state capitol bureau in Trenton.
Tempted by the allure of Washington, DC and big-time politics, at age 29 Bob became press secretary and chief of staff for two Congressmen – first Republican Edwin B. Forsythe, and then Democrat James J. Florio, who later became governor of New Jersey and until his recent death was a frequent podcast guest and co-host of Bob’s NFN Radio News podcast (now called Lean to the Left).
After seven years on Capitol Hill, Bob opened a communications business in Washington, first providing political media consulting to candidates and then freelance Washington coverage for business and trade magazines, plus creative communications services for trade and professional associations, including social media. This work involved articles and analyses of key governmental developments affecting businesses, such as the food and Health industries, retailing, and the environment.
His work as a communications consultant to trade and professional associations included launching and editing association publications, providing website content and social media assistance, and covering conferences and conventions.
Bob retired from G-Net Strategic Communications in 2016 and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC, where he launched his blog site, first called Not Fake News, now known as Lean to the Left.
Hijacked Nation
In August, 2020, Bob and co-author Chris Waldron, one of Lean to the Left's most loyal and prolific contributor, published "Hijacked Nation-Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness," a two-volume compilation of blogs regarding Trump's presidency and the consequences for our nation. A followup volume was published by Luna Global Media in September 2024. It is available at https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7 .
In all three volumes, blogs from Not Fake News and Lean to the Left create a virtual play-by-play of key actions of the Trump administration and Congress. For more information, please visit https://leantotheleft.net/books/, and visit Bob's Author's Page on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bob-Gatty/author/B08C7HWXZ5?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=4e603563-7251-4074-b54d-40800c4ce40a.
The Lean to the Left Podcast
The Lean to the Left podcast provides commentary and interviews with newsmakers and others with interesting stories to tell. Video and audio podcasts stream twice weekly on major channels. More info at https://podcast.leantotheleft.net.
The Lean to the Left YouTube Channel
You'll find all of the audio tracks for the Lean to the Left Podcast here plus original videos, including complete video versions of each podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft.
