As the holidays approach, the Dixie Dems take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that’s shifting in surprising ways.

In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season’s greetings while digging into what’s ahead for Democrats in the South as 2026 comes into view.

🎄 In this episode, we discuss:

• Georgia’s increasingly competitive governor’s race and growing Democratic momentum
• North Carolina’s political crossroads and the lasting legacy of Democratic leadership
• Surprising new polling in South Carolina that could spell trouble for longtime GOP incumbents
• Why Democrats must reclaim their history of progress, fairness, and opportunity

The holidays may be a time for reflection—but the Dixie Dems are clear: the South has a voice, and it’s getting bluer.

What makes a lifelong conservative rethink everything—and cross the political divide from Republican to Democrat? Why would a Marine switch from being a life-long Republican to join the Democrats and dump Trump's GOP?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Carl Able, retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, founder of Crayon Box Politics, and co-host of the Crayon Box Weekly podcast, to explore his powerful journey from Republican to Democrat.

Carl explains how a deep review of party platforms—and a reckoning with human rights issues like healthcare, reproductive freedom, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights—led him to conclude that the modern Republican Party no longer reflected his values. What followed was not just a change in party registration, but a complete political realignment grounded in principle and clarity -- to the point where Able plans to run for Congress from North Carolina, as a Democrat.

Drawing on his Marine Corps experience, Carl discusses leadership, critical thinking, and the danger of political tribalism. He also explains the mission behind Crayon Box Politics, an initiative designed to cut through political noise and make government processes understandable for everyday Americans.

Commenting on the current controversy over Defense Secretary Hegseth reportedly ordering a second strike to kill two sailers clutching to their bombed out fishing boat, Abel says the order was illegal and that he would not have followed it.

Looking ahead, Carl shares his plans for an AI-powered civic education tool and his goal of running for Congress in North Carolina’s 3rd District in 2028, focused on veterans’ issues, coastal protection, and economic opportunity.

This conversation is a call to engagement, courage, and honest dialogue—proof that political growth is possible, and necessary, in a polarized America.

🎙️ Subscribe to Lean to the Left for more conversations that challenge assumptions and spark progress.

🌐 Podcast.LeanToTheLeft.net

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left Podcast

00:09 Meet Carl Able: From Marine to Political Advocate

00:46 Carl's Political Journey: From Republican to Democrat

01:52 Challenges and Realizations in Political Alignment

04:55 Reception in Democratic Circles

07:42 Key Issues: Human Rights and Healthcare

12:49 Military Service and Its Impact on Views

16:45 Controversial Orders and Military Ethics

20:35 Political Fractures and Future Aspirations

25:02 Crayon Box Politics: Mission and Vision

28:50 Carl's Political Ambitions and Future Plans

31:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with filmmakers Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg to discuss their searing documentary, Running for the Mountains.

Filmed over 15 years, Running for the Mountains exposes the deep entanglement between greed, politics, and environmental sacrifice in West Virginia, revealing how extractive industries have shaped public policy at the expense of human health and democratic accountability. Hogan and Eisenberg share firsthand stories of resistance, risk, and resilience—from arrests and threats to building trust within communities often ignored by the national media.

The conversation digs into:

• How corporate power influences environmental and energy policy

• The weaponization of patriotism to justify environmental harm

• The outsized political role of West Virginia figures like Joe Manchin

• The personal and political cost of documenting environmental injustice

This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about climate justice, political accountability, and the real human cost of deregulation. Running for the Mountains is currently available on Amazon Prime and Kanopy.

👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for in-depth conversations that challenge power, expose injustice, and inspire action.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast

00:18 Meet the Filmmakers: Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg

01:52 The Story Behind 'Running for the Mountains'

02:34 Challenges and Risks in Filmmaking

07:51 Political Landscape and Environmental Impact

09:43 The Role of Patriotism and National Politics

12:19 Joe Manchin's Influence and National Implications

16:23 Environmental Devastation in West Virginia

20:32 Film Distribution and Accessibility

21:45 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

25:26 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts