Independent political analysis. No noise. Just accountability and clarity when it matters most.
by Bob Gatty
Due to Family Health challenges, I was forced to pause Lean to the Left for the past few weeks. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary.
During that time, I’m especially grateful to loyal contributors Mark M. Bello and C.J. Waldron, who continued to provide timely and thoughtful blogs. Their support helped keep the site active even as the podcast and Substack went quiet.
But now, it’s time to move forward.
And this next chapter requires strength, determination — and independence.
I invite you to be part of what comes next.
Why This Matters Now
Independent media matters more than ever.
At a time when Donald Trump continues his attacks on the press, and right-wing influence is reshaping parts of the media landscape, the need for a clear, honest, and accountable progressive voice has never been greater.
Lean to the Left intends to meet that need.
Our mission is simple:
To provide substance — not sensationalism — and to hold power accountable.
What Will Not Change
Since 2017, and through more than 800 podcast episodes, Lean to the Left has:
- Challenged power
- Amplified progressive voices
- Asked the questions others won’t
That will not change.
What Lean to the Left Is Becoming
Lean to the Left is more than a blog or a podcast.
It is an independent political media platform — bringing together this blog, our podcast, and our Substack — to deliver clear, informed, and principled analysis of American politics.
We place a special focus on the Southern battleground states through our Dixie Dems monthly feature. There political change is underway and the future of national elections will be shaped.
Through interviews, commentary, and upcoming exclusive subscriber briefings, Lean to the Left will help engaged citizens understand what is happening, why it matters, and what can be done about it.
Who We Are
We are not corporate media.
We are not partisan operatives.
We are not outrage merchants.
We are independent, experienced, and unafraid.
Why Support Matters
Independent media does not survive on passion alone.
To remain strong, sustainable, and truly independent, Lean to the Left must now be supported by the people who value it — our listeners and readers.
If you believe in what we do, I hope you’ll stand with us.
In the coming days, I’ll be sharing more about what’s ahead and how you can be part of it.
A Simple Way to Help Right Now
If you’d like to support Lean to the Left today, you can leave a tip.
Recent legislation has made tips tax-free, and independent media platforms like this one are eligible. If you’d like to help keep Lean to the Left going strong, just click here and leave a tip.
Every bit of support helps.
Looking Ahead
The bottom line is this:
Lean to the Left is back — more focused, more determined, and ready to hold power accountable.
And, with your support, we will be stronger than ever.
Stay tuned.
— Bob Gatty
The post Lean to the Left Is Back — Relaunching as a Listener-Supported Media Platform appeared first on Lean to the Left.
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.
