In this powerful episode of the Dixie Dems Podcast, part of the Lean to the Left network, Carole Bellacera — Air Force veteran, author, and unapologetic Southern Democrat — shares her story of resilience, activism, and the fight for fair representation in a deep-red state.
Carole recounts the shocking moment she was escorted out of a Nancy Mace town hall, simply for being a Democrat, and the broader challenges progressives face in conservative regions. From her service during the Vietnam era to her lifelong dedication to social justice and writing, Carole embodies the indomitable spirit of grassroots activism.
🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:
The reality of being a Democrat in a Republican stronghold
How Carole turned political exclusion into fuel for activism
The ongoing battle for democracy and representation in the South
Her insights as an Air Force veteran and author of Incense and Peppermints
If you believe in democracy, equal representation, and the power of one voice to make a difference, this episode is for you.
#DixieDems #LeanToTheLeft #SouthernDemocrat #MAGA #GrassrootsActivism #CaroleBellacera
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction
01:26 Carole’s Background and Achievements
01:54 Carole’s Music Endeavors
03:11 Discussion on Nancy Mace
05:15 Trump and Epstein Controversy
06:20 Impact of Trump on Personal Relationships
08:35 Nancy Mace Town Hall Incident
14:53 Carolel’s Activism and Political Views
21:13 Confrontation with a Doctor
21:50 Trump’s COVID Treatment and Inequities
22:52 Veterans and Trump’s Policies
24:14 Military and Public Opinion
26:41 Corporate America’s Response to DEI
28:22 Desserts and Small Talk
32:40 Trump’s Health Speculations
35:59 Vietnam War and Combat Nurses
38:04 Conclusion and Farewell
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.
