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.
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June 24, 2025
Calling Out Trump: Insights from Spike Dolomite & Bob Gatty
Dive into an insightful discussion on how Trump’s past actions are shaping the present.
Calling Out Trump
Welcome to a candid exploration of the insightful discussion between Bob Gatty and Spike Dolomite on the “Lean to the Left Podcast.” With both having published compelling books dissecting the tumultuous tenure of Donald Trump — Bob, with co-author CJ Waldron — they discuss their motivations, methodologies, and the wider implications of Trump’s actions.
Here’s a closer look at what inspired their writings and why these narratives are crucial in today’s socio-political landscape.
“Hijacked Nation”, by Bob Gatty and CJ Waldron, and Spike Dolomite’s “Trumped Up: Trump’s First Term and the Beginning of America’s End” emerged from a shared sense of urgency to document Donald Trump’s controversial actions. Both books encapsulate real-time blogs that continuously tracked Trump’s developments, offering a visceral, in-the-moment perspective.
Spike recounts how countless blogs she wrote since shortly after Trump’s inauguration formed a timeline that’s invaluable in cutting through the noise of fluctuating news cycles. This chronology, she hopes, offers a “treasure” of clarity and context amid confusion. Bob’s collaboration with CJ Waldron followed a similar narrative path, hanging onto the rich repository of blogs to eventually compile it into three volumes, with an updated third edition prompted by a publisher.
Combatting Historical Manipulation
Bob and Spike candidly discuss the disturbing parallelism between Trump’s America and historical authoritarian regimes, notably Nazi Germany. The attempt to rewrite history, wear down democratic institutions, and marginalize dissent bears grim semblance to tactics witnessed in darker episodes of history. Spike juxtaposes today’s struggles with those known by America’s founding fathers, drawing cautionary tales.
A through-line connecting Trump’s past actions to today’s political climate becomes evident in their dialogue. Spike argues that understanding the foundations laid during Trump’s first term is vital. From handling Russia to burgeoning authoritarianism, the progression is evidently dangerous when juxtaposed with today’s climate. This insight lays bare the continuation and escalation of methods seen in Trump’s initial years.
Analyzing the Economic Impact
Amidst plenty of issues discussed, economic policies under Trump, specifically tariffs and immigration, are hotly debated. Spike and Bob unravel the detrimental effects tariffs have on everyday Americans, inflating prices on essentials like vehicles. Such pricing dynamics, mired further by corporate fear or complicity, spotlight the real people carrying the policy burdens.
Facing Militarization and State Control
The conversation also touches upon the disturbing mobilization of military forces like the National Guard and ICE for enforcement in civilian contexts. Spike expresses horror at the use of Marines, whose training is geared for combat, in civilian law enforcement roles. The impracticalities and dangers of this militarization reflect a broader tendency towards authoritarian governance.
A Call to Awareness
Bob and Spike issue a compelling call to action—education through reading. Their books aren’t just chronicles of a past presidency, but foundational texts that offer context and understanding essential for navigating the present. While geared towards a broad audience, Spike notes their value as a learning tool for younger generations, ensuring they are well-equipped to analyze political happenings.
Where to Find the Books
If you’re intrigued by this dive into Trump’s controversial term or just wish to gain a broader historical and present-day political context, both authors offer gateways in their respective works, available on platforms like Amazon. Here are links:
Calling Out Trump: Insights from Spike Dolomite & Bob Gatty
Show Notes
Calling Out Trump
Welcome to a candid exploration of the insightful discussion between Bob Gatty and Spike Dolomite on the “Lean to the Left Podcast.” With both having published compelling books dissecting the tumultuous tenure of Donald Trump — Bob, with co-author CJ Waldron — they discuss their motivations, methodologies, and the wider implications of Trump’s actions.
Here’s a closer look at what inspired their writings and why these narratives are crucial in today’s socio-political landscape.
Video
Audio
The Birth of Two Chronicles
“Hijacked Nation”, by Bob Gatty and CJ Waldron, and Spike Dolomite’s “Trumped Up: Trump’s First Term and the Beginning of America’s End” emerged from a shared sense of urgency to document Donald Trump’s controversial actions. Both books encapsulate real-time blogs that continuously tracked Trump’s developments, offering a visceral, in-the-moment perspective.
Spike recounts how countless blogs she wrote since shortly after Trump’s inauguration formed a timeline that’s invaluable in cutting through the noise of fluctuating news cycles. This chronology, she hopes, offers a “treasure” of clarity and context amid confusion. Bob’s collaboration with CJ Waldron followed a similar narrative path, hanging onto the rich repository of blogs to eventually compile it into three volumes, with an updated third edition prompted by a publisher.
Combatting Historical Manipulation
Bob and Spike candidly discuss the disturbing parallelism between Trump’s America and historical authoritarian regimes, notably Nazi Germany. The attempt to rewrite history, wear down democratic institutions, and marginalize dissent bears grim semblance to tactics witnessed in darker episodes of history. Spike juxtaposes today’s struggles with those known by America’s founding fathers, drawing cautionary tales.
A through-line connecting Trump’s past actions to today’s political climate becomes evident in their dialogue. Spike argues that understanding the foundations laid during Trump’s first term is vital. From handling Russia to burgeoning authoritarianism, the progression is evidently dangerous when juxtaposed with today’s climate. This insight lays bare the continuation and escalation of methods seen in Trump’s initial years.
Analyzing the Economic Impact
Amidst plenty of issues discussed, economic policies under Trump, specifically tariffs and immigration, are hotly debated. Spike and Bob unravel the detrimental effects tariffs have on everyday Americans, inflating prices on essentials like vehicles. Such pricing dynamics, mired further by corporate fear or complicity, spotlight the real people carrying the policy burdens.
Facing Militarization and State Control
The conversation also touches upon the disturbing mobilization of military forces like the National Guard and ICE for enforcement in civilian contexts. Spike expresses horror at the use of Marines, whose training is geared for combat, in civilian law enforcement roles. The impracticalities and dangers of this militarization reflect a broader tendency towards authoritarian governance.
A Call to Awareness
Bob and Spike issue a compelling call to action—education through reading. Their books aren’t just chronicles of a past presidency, but foundational texts that offer context and understanding essential for navigating the present. While geared towards a broad audience, Spike notes their value as a learning tool for younger generations, ensuring they are well-equipped to analyze political happenings.
Where to Find the Books
If you’re intrigued by this dive into Trump’s controversial term or just wish to gain a broader historical and present-day political context, both authors offer gateways in their respective works, available on platforms like Amazon. Here are links:
Hijacked Nation, Vols. 1 and 2
Hijacked Nation, Vol. 3
Trumped Up, by Spike Dolomite
Engage with these narratives and broaden your understanding—because in today’s world, informed perspectives are more crucial than ever.