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Lean to the Left is a progressive media platform offering political commentary, fact-based news analysis, and expert interviews that expose threats to democracy and hold leaders accountable. Lean to the Left is an independent, evolving media platform. Member benefits will grow and adapt over time. Founded in 2017 as Not Fake News and rebranded in 2021, Lean to the Left brings together the work of journalist and author Bob Gatty and a talented team of contributing writers who deliver sharp, insightful content on the issues affecting Americans today. 

Our podcast—launched as NFN Radio News before becoming The Lean to the Left Podcast—features weekly interviews with authors, activists, experts, and political insiders, with hard-hitting commentary on the challenges facing our nation. What began as a podcast has grown into a community of listeners and readers who care deeply about democracy, accountability, and civic engagement.

Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation.

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

Progressive Commentary, Independent Voices, and Truth in a Time of Turmoil

Lean to the Left is an independent media platform dedicated to fact-based political commentary, progressive news analysis, and interviews with the experts and newsmakers shaping America’s future. Originally founded in 2017 as Not Fake News, the site was created to confront misinformation head-on during a time when truth itself was under attack.

In 2021, the platform evolved into Lean to the Left, expanding its mission, broadening its audience, and bringing together a team of talented contributing writers who add depth, diversity, and perspective to the commentary and reporting we deliver.

Today, Lean to the Left includes:
✔ A widely-read political blog with contributions from multiple writers
✔ The Lean to the Left Podcast with more than 800 episodes
✔ A growing YouTube channel featuring video interviews and commentary
✔ The Lean to the Left Book Club highlighting authors and thought leaders (pending)
✔ The Dixie Dems series, focusing on Southern politics

Our Story: From “Not Fake News” to Lean to the Left

Lean to the Left began as Not Fake News, launched by journalist Bob Gatty to counter the rise of political disinformation and media manipulation. The goal was simple: provide honest, factual, and courageous commentary without fear or spin.

As the audience grew and the political landscape shifted, it became clear that the platform needed a name that reflected both its values and its identity. In 2021, the site officially became Lean to the Left—a banner that proudly signals its commitment to truth, democracy, and progressive values.

A Team of Writers with a Shared Mission

While Lean to the Left is led by Bob Gatty, it is not a solo operation. The platform includes a team of skilled contributing writers, each bringing unique expertise, voice, and passion to the issues that matter most:

  • C.J. Waldron– social justice, democracy, authoritarianism
  • Mark M. Bello – law, justice, civil rights, politics
  • Arthur Hill – southern politics, policy impacts, activism 
  • Robert Thompson — southern politics, policy impacts, activism
  • Stacy Fitzgerald — Equal rights, women’s issues, racism
  • And other regular contributors who help shape the conversation

This collaborative model strengthens the platform, expands its reach, and ensures readers receive a wide range of viewpoints—all grounded in fact, clarity, and progressive values.

The Lean to the Left Podcast

Launched five years ago as NFN Radio News, the podcast later adopted the Lean to the Left identity to align with the core brand. It has released more than 803 episodes, featuring authors, journalists, activists, veterans, social issue experts, and political insiders.

Topics include:
• Democracy and voting rights
• Threats of authoritarianism
• Veterans’ issues
• Women’s rights and reproductive freedom
• Climate justice
• Southern politics (Dixie Dems series)
• Government dysfunction and policy analysis
• Media manipulation and disinformation
• Social justice and equality

With 8.5 million audio clips played, 209,000+ downloads, and a fast-growing YouTube audience with nearly 9,000 subscribers, the Lean to the Left Podcast has become a trusted voice in political commentary.

Our Mission

Lean to the Left exists to:
✔ Expose political corruption
✔ Challenge misinformation
✔ Protect democracy
✔ Defend the free press
✔ Amplify progressive voices
✔ Inspire informed engagement

We speak plainly.
We speak truth.
We speak for those fighting to protect democracy.

Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation.

HIJACKED NATION

About the Author

In August, 2020, Gatty and co-author Chris Waldron, one of Lean to the Left’s most loyal and prolific contributors, published “Hijacked Nation-Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness,” a diary of Trump’s failed presidency and the tragic consequences for our nation. 

Blogs from Not Fake News organized chronologically and by issue create a virtual play-by-play of the key actions of the Trump administration and Congress.

Then, in October 2024, the third edition of Hijacked Nation was published, focusing on developments that followed the Jan. 6, 2021 Trump-inspired attack on the U.S. Capitol.

For more information, please click here, and visit Bob’s Author’s Page on Amazon, here.

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. Podcasts stream on major channels every Tuesday, with commentary episodes on Thursday. More info here.

You’ll find all of our Lean to the Left Podcast episodes here. Take a moment to subscribe today!

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