Left in Texas

LiT goes in depth on the SNOVID blackout with our resident energy expert and discuss GOP's performance art

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:45:14 -0600

In this episode, we spend much of our time talking to our resident energy expert Carrie Collier-Brown about what actually happened with the blackout. She gives an in-depth explanation beyond who ERCOT is and what went wrong and why we were so close to a weeks-long reboot of the power grid.

We also discuss the state of COVID and vaccine distribution and the awful voter suppression bills going through the state legislature right now, HB6 and SB7.

The "Other Green New Deal" with Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:50:36 -0600

We got together a bit early on Super Bowl Sunday and caught up on the haps of Texas politics and the upcoming legislative session. We discussed a new poll that shows Texans want Ted Cruz to resign, who might challenge Greg Abbott in 2022, why Allen West wants Texas to secede, and the fining of Louie Gohmert.

We wrap with a conversation with newly elected Senator Roland Gutierrez. He walks us through what it will take for the two parties to work together, his documentary on legalizing cannabis, and his bill that would make it a reality. We dubbed his bill the "Other Green New Deal" because its focus is both economic and environmental. Have a listen, enjoy and please share! We love your feedback so keep it coming.

Texas Post-Mortem and what happens next

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:01:52 -0600

The full crew assembled in Chris' backyard to drown our Blue Texas dream in beer foam.

We discussed what happened and didn't happen in Texas and where Texas Democrats go from here.

Trump visits Texas, Gun Violence at Austin Protests, and Nate Ryan Talks Poll Working

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:28:52 -0600

The full crew got together (virtually) with our good friend Nathan Ryan from Good Politics to talk about his experience as a poll worker and how folks can get involved in the General Election. We tried some new things with Zoom so check out the video pod on Facebook and as always hit us up on the Twitters: @LeftinTexasPod. Show notes and topics:

Trump visits Texas
- He'll pull in up to $100,000 a person at a roundtable with supporters.
- Biden by 2 in Morning Consult Poll

Texas 2020 Presidential Election Polls: Biden vs. Trump

Corona News:

Black Lives Matter:

November Election:

Texas Supreme Court Justice plans to retire after August deadline for special election, enabling Governor to appoint a replacement

Culture:

Gov Abbott follows Trump into the COVID abyss, Texas GOP to hold in person Convention

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 11:33:10 -0600

Hey y'all, we've got good news and bad news. The bad news is we're publishing this episode a few days behind, the good news is its because we also have a series of interviews with primary runoff candidates including for US Senate. You can find the episodes with Sen. Royce West and MJ Hegar and others on our Facebook page. As always thanks for listening! Trump behind Biden 1 in Texas Fox News Poll

Trump behind in every battleground state

Supreme Court denies mail-in ballots

Pence in Dallas mega church Abbott’s mishandling of COVID-19 following Trump blueprint

GOP Convention Houston July 16-18

Biden tied in Texas as Racists Facebook Posts shake GOP Leaders

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 21:03:05 -0600

The whole crew got together in Taylor for a social distancing pint and podcast. We had a lot to catch up on and plenty to cover.

Please subscribe, share and follow us on Twitter at @LeftinTexaspod.

National
- GOP Convention considering Texas (Dallas)
  - State GOP?? Convention
- Poll -
  - Biden Trump tied
  - Cornyn at 37%
- GW Bush won’t support Trump
- Run off Election
  - Royce and Hegar debate
  - LiT candidate interviews

Texas
- TDP Convention - Pelosi, Biden
- Racists facebook posts - Bexar, Harris, Nueces
  - Calls for resignation
  - LIT A dozen Texas GOP chairs share racist or anti-Semitic posts | The Texas Tribune
- Gov Abbott: Easing COVID 19 restrictions
  - Covid tracker
- Dan Patrick on racism: Turn to God
Local
- Calls to cut budget of police department
- Militant group co-ops BLM rally
- Rally in Vidor
- Mayor says women can’t lead public prayer

Texans trust the experts on COVID

Sat, 16 May 2020 13:08:33 -0600

Wow, what a long strange trip its been. We've been a little social distant on the pod but we've finally got together in Chris' backyard.

We catch up a bit and discuss the new polls, and the new attacks on voting rights and experts of all kinds.

Check out a few of the topics below

Topics

Covid response:
- outbreak prison and nursing homes
- testing
Vote by mail lawsuit
Abbott reverses order after PR stunt by Salon owner
- Dan Patrick pays her fine as she raises $500K
State opens
- Except Governor’s mansion
Poll:
- Texans want Democrats to run the State House
- Biden tied in Texas with Trump
- Texans want vote by mail
Rainy Day Fund use in January
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, received Paycheck Protection Program money — he won’t say how much — to support his car dealership in Weatherford, west of Fort Worth

Super Tuesday Texas, Corona Virus, and Rank Choice voting

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:39:09 -0600

The Full crew got together and discussed the latest in Texas politics...especially what happened on Super Tuesday with some surprising results from top to bottom. Pat yourselves on the back Texans, over 2 million of you showed up to vote in the Democratic Party primary. We also discuss the local and statewide impact of the corona virus like the cancelation of SXSW and the decision to continue with Houston Rodeo.

Interview with Beto O'Rourke: "Concede Nothing, Fight Everywhere"

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 23:24:08 -0600

So we finally got our long-awaited interview with Beto O'Rouke! Carrie shared a beer with the former Congressman to talk about his thoughts on the US Senate race, his new PAC Powered x People and what he thinks it's going to take to flip the state. He talked about what inspires him, like stories from everyday Texans who just want to improve our state to his support for candidates that are considered longshots but are doing interesting non-convention things to turn out the vote.

He also gives a shout out to the HDCC, Flip the Texas House and other allied groups in the fight to win a majority in the state legislature for Democrats. Have a listen, apparently, Beto does too ;)

Interview with Senate Candidate Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez & Legal Weed and Texans Impeaching Trump

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:19:42 -0600

The crew met again sans JD this time at Friends and Allies brew company in East Austin. Listen to the end for an interview with US Senate candidate Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez. Check out the other topics we discussed below, hit us up on social and don't forget to subscribe!

Texas, police chief on marijuana: Arrests will continue | The Texas Tribune

Will the end of straight-ticket voting stifle the Democratic wave in Texas? | The Texas Signal

Certified Progressive 2020: Our list of Texas progressives running in flippable districts | Progress Texas

ACLU says Wimberley ISD legal threat over logo violates freedom of speech

U.S. Navy To Name Aircraft Carrier After Pearl Harbor Hero From Waco

A man paid $200 to ship dirt to Italy so his son would be born over Texas soil

This MLK weekend, Texas will again recognize Confederate Heroes Day

Interview with Senate Candidate MJ Hegar and Manny Garcia of the Texas Democratic Party

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 23:28:16 -0600

New Year New Format! Chris and Joe met up at Workhorse in Austin's North Loop neighborhood (one of the last OG keepin' weird bar scenes) to catch up with Manny Garcia, the Executive Director for the Texas Democratic Party. We talked everything 2020, the path to victory, our candidates, the message and what we do when we win. Lots of talk around the state legislature, the Governor's coordinated attack on cities and the current scandal surrounding the Speaker of the House.

We end the episode with Carrie and Chris interviewing MJ Hegar, candidate for U.S. Senate vs. John Cornyn. She talks about what it takes to win and how she sees her path to victory.

This is just the beginning of many more interviews with our candidates up and down the ballot this season.

As always subscribe, share and connect with us on social media. Cheers!

GOP finds new target in homeless population & a look at key Texas races in 2020

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 15:45:41 -0600

Well folks we made it to 2020...We take a look back and a few of the biggest stories of 2019 and how they'll shape the new year going forward... Please subscribe to the pod, share and join the conversation online:@leftintexaspod on twitter and Left in Texas Podcast on the Facebooks. Episode 2: Recap of 2019 and Look ahead to 2020: 2019:

Bonnen scandal
Poncho Navarez scandal
Trump comes to Dallas and Austin
Congressional retirements
Greg Abbott vs Steve Adler

2020:

Ballot set
Flipping Texas House
Candidates fighting for Texas delegates (Warren Texas campaign)
John Cornyn and Senate candidates
Women’s March

GOP's Assault on Cities & Everyone Wants to Flip the Texas House

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 16:04:27 -0600

The crew met sans JD at Pinthouse Pizza for the last episode of 2019...We discuss the Dems vote on impeachment, and the parallels between Trump's scandal and the fall of Speaker Bonnen. It seems everyone has joined the party to flip the Texas House and that includes Beto O'Rourke who hosted a phone bank in his home for Special Election House candidate Dr. Eliz Markowitz.

Hit us up on Twitter at @LeftinTexaspod or on Facebook and check out the show notes below:

National:

Three Texas Democrats were noncommittal on Trump impeachment: Reps. Cuellar, Allred and Fletcher

WASHINGTON – Ten of the 13 Texas Democrats in the House solidly favor impeachment. The other three have yet to make up their minds or declare how they...

State of Democratic Primary
Trump Spins at Windmills

Texas:

Attorney General’s office not setting TPC investigation timeline - Port Arthur News

There is no set timeline for the Texas attorney general’s office to complete their investigation of TPC Group following two Nov. 27 plant explosions i...

Industry air emissions in Texas more than doubled last year

Industrial companies in Texas produced more than 135 million pounds of air emissions beyond what regulators expected last year.

Plastic bags are killing horses and cows across the state. What's Texas to do?

A year after the Texas Supreme Court dealt a death blow to municipal bans on plastic bags, legislative efforts to revive them have fallen flat, and ra...

George P. Bush has led Republicans in condemning racism. Is he the future of the party in Texas? AUSTIN -- As a navy officer who fought in Afghanistan, George P. Bush saw the lengths to which radical Islamic terrorists went to spread their hateful...
Beto Focuses on Flipping Texas House

Kicked off with Tweet on Sunday after Thanksgiving to help Texas Blue Action Dems’ campaign @flipthetexashouse.com
In Dec, announced a new PAC, Powered by People
Special Election Runoff in HD 28 (Eliz Markowitz) is a dead heat
Beto hosting phonebank at his house today (capped at 40 people)

Local:

Dallas is the rudest city in Texas, according to a new survey

Everything you need to know about homelessness in Texas

Man charged with criminal trespassing dies in Bexar County Jail, unable to pay $40 bond

Misc.

Trump disses Texas, Speaker disses cities and counties, GOP fears Democratic takeover

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 18:30:46 -0600

WOW, so much has happened since the crew last convened and we're hear to breathlessly talk it out over a few cold ones. We assembled at 4th Tap in North Austin. It's a cool spot with tons of video games, board games and "butt rock."

Don't forget there's an election that just started! Besure to vote NO on Prop 4 (it's a TRAP) and give some dough to Eliz Markowitz in her very important special election in Fort Bend County. It's a chance to flip a seat and get one step closer to electing a Dem House Speaker. Listen to the pod and find out why that's so critical...

Latest debate
Perry to resign “3 Amigos”
Congressman 1 - Pete Sessions
Bi partisan rebuke on actions in Syria including by Texas GOP delegation
Admiral Mcraven
Trump in Texas
- Texas “made a fortune” on Harvey
- No to Coastal Barrier
Greg Abbott
- TxDoT homeless camps under 35
- State foster system
Bonnghazi
- Tape released…Texas Rangers investigating, Bonnen also under investigation in Brazoria County
- What was said on the recording
  - worst session on record for cities and counties, “any mayor dumbass enough to meet with me”

“He’s killing us in urban and suburban districts.”

- - Homophobic jokes, target members who would not oppose government lobbyists
- Rs had caucus meeting released statement
  - Individual members release statements soon resignation, 19 SREC members call for resignation
  - MQS, David Jennings release statements,
- Ds caucus meeting released No statement
Ds are 9 seats short of majority
- Eliz Makowitz Special election TX 28
  - Forward majority, HDCC, TDP,
Propositions

LiT with Lizz Winstead: Abortion, Guns and the Texas Legislature

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:44:18 -0600

We met up with Lizz Winstead at Austin Beer Garden on her comedy tour for Abortion AF. She's co-creator of The Daily Show and Abortion Access Front and we covered the ABCs of Texas politics from Abortion to Briscoe Cain. Check it out and find out more about her tour and dates here.

Show notes:

Dem Presidential Debate @ TSU

Elizabeth Warren endorses Texas U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar's Democratic primary challenger

The Democratic presidential candidate backed Jessica Cisneros, the immigration lawyer running to unseat Cuellar.

Biden emphasizes unity at Beaumont campaign stop

Biden is the second presidential candidate Mohammed Tahir Javed, CEO and President of Riceland Healthcare, has hosted at his southwest Beaumont home.

'I'm fulfilling the legacy of Barack Obama and you're not': Julian Castro comes out swinging at Biden over healthcare in Democratic debate

Biden shot back, "That'll be a surprise to him." This was part of a larger debate about health care plans from the Democratic candidates.

Texas has the highest health care markup | The Texas Signal

Texas has the highest health care markup Health Care - The Texas Signal is a progressive media company. Our mission is to build a first-of-its kind me...

Texas has the most people without health insurance in the nation — again

For the second year in a row, the number of Texans without health insurance increased, and fewer people enrolled in Medicaid.

News Laws, Old Tropes, Bonnghazi Update and new evidence of Texas as a Battleground

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 13:05:00 -0600

The crew assembled at Nomatic Beerworks in South Austin to share some tasty beverages while we talking the nasty stuff that has become Texas politics. We go over the new laws hitting the books September 1st, why the Governor's roundtable on guns was a dog and pony show and the latest in the Bonnghazi scandal. Thanks for the increased engagement online we love hearing from you! Please share the pod with a friend and add a few more to the Facebook page!

Topics:

Debate in Texas on the 12th DNC still not treating like Texas like a battleground New laws come into effect in Texas Sept 1st Abbott tweets and roundtable

Bonngahzi update

Headlines: Politico: Texas Republicans brace for 2020 drubbing (8/12/19) Real Clear Politics: Yes, the GOP should worry about Texas (8/8/19) The Washington Post: ‘Take Texas seriously’: GOP anxiety spikes after retirements, Democratic gains (8/2/19)

National politics
- Debate in Texas 10 qualify at TSU in Houston Dept 10th
- Court agreement to indefinitely hold migrant families
- Texas still not treated like Battleground by DNC
  - Convention should have been in Houston
  - DNC Hotels in Illinois

Abbott
- Tweets...Guns and immigration
  - Guns
    - El Paso reps tweeting
  - Immigration/ school kids
- Gun roundtable - rally outside
Bonnghazi: letter circulating -
- GOP goes for inner peace
- Letter on calls for release including Duston Burrows who resigned as GOP chair
Redistricting
- Konni Burton and the Rural Elite - Tweets
New Laws:
- Guns allowed without permit during a disaster..Today is.Anniversary of Harvey
- 18- to 21 to buy cigarettes
- Property tax caps lead to higher taxes

Interviews with Wendy Davis, Gilberto Hinojosa and Erin Zwiener

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:14:17 -0600

This is a very special edition of the Left in Texas Podcast from ground zero of eh hem...battleground Texas. It was a packed house in Kyle, Hays County, TX. Seriously just a few cycles ago no one would have thought there were Democrats in these parts let alone that they would turn this rural turned suburban county blue, but alas here we are. Democratic Constables, County Commissioners, a Democratic State Representative and a top tier candidate for congress.

We caught of with Senator Wendy Davis who is now a candidate for US House District 21, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa and State Representative Erin Zwiener. They each gave their insight into their efforts to extend the Hays County effect to other parts of the state and their optimism for Democrats' chances in 2020.

Have a listen and please share!

Bonnghazi: A Texas-Sized Scandal plus Texodus & Another Beto Relaunch?

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 10:07:17 -0600

The crew met up at St. Elmo Brewing to discuss the YUGE scandal rocking the pink done. Normally this time of the year all you hear are crickets coming from the capitol but an GIANT unforced error now threatens the House Speakers' tenure. We break it down... We also discuss Texodus, the recent Texit of GOP members of Congress who don't seem to like there new position as the minority party. Whomp Whomp! Many of these are vulnerable seats and Dems have a great opportunity to flip them. Make no mistake Texas is a battleground.

Bonnghazi
- Lawsuit
- Hooks Texas Monthly
- Implication for Democrats
- House Committee investigation
Presidential
- Beto
- Julian
- Joaquin posting Trump donors
- Biden over Beto in Texas?
- Next debate at TSU - 9/12 - *13
  - Beto Qualifies, Juian still needs one more poll
Texas 2020
- Texas Senate Race
  - Lots of candidates
    - Senator Royce West
    - Amanda Edwards
    - MJ Hegar
- Retiring Congressman
  - Kenny Marchant
  - Will Hurd
  - Pete Olsen
  - Mike Conaway John Ratcliff
- GOP prep
  - Hiring 150 field staff vs 8 in 2016
  - New org for $10M to register new voters
- Changing demos: Since John Cornyn first ran for the Senate in 2002, the share of the Texas vote coming from outside the large counties has dropped by a quarter.
- Mail in Ballot: Federal lawsuit claims Texas' mail-in ballot procedures are unconstitutional
- Redistricting

Conversation with Ed Scruggs of Texas Gun Sense

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:30:17 -0600

Our man Ed Scruggs of Texas Gun Sense joins the full crew for a rundown of the state of the state's gun policies in the aftermath of the El Paso shooting incident. The full podcast will be up soon.

The Left In Texas Podcast records LIVE in quality brewpubs and watering holes all across Central Texas with the latest on Texas politics! Check us out here: https://apple.co/2YWZt4h

Austin Councilman Greg Casar Joins us to talk immigration & local politics

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 14:59:45 -0600

The crew assembled sans JD at legendary blues spot at 12 and Chicon now called King Bee. The cocktails and pizza here are worth the trip and if you're lucky you'll catch some good tunes.

We're proud to have our special guest host Austin City Councilmen Greg Casar. He's got a full plate of progressive policies he's been working on while fighting the Trump administration on immigration policy. We didn't let him slip out before getting his quick take on 2020 either...Check out the other topics we covered below and hit us on social media. Cheers! Special Guest Austin Councilman Greg Casar

Council unanimously supports ending ‘West Austin Tax Haven' Luxury yacht buyers in Texas get big tax break Council Bites the Bullet, Helps the Homeless Unlocking affordability

BIG week at Council this week📣! I'm sponsoring and supporting actions to:

🏘👍Purchase a new homeless shelter space on Ben White

⚖️⛺️Decriminalize the mere status of being homeless

🚣‍♂️‼️Repeal the decades old tax haven on Lake Austin

💰👩🏾‍👧🏾‍👦🏾Direct new funding from eliminating the tax break towards homeless services and early childhood education

👨🏿‍🏫🤓Set up a City partnership with UT to work wit

2020 Talk New polls point to Texas as swing state in 2020

Fear of a blue Texas: New GOP group to spend millions registering Republicans Perspective | The ‘Wife Guys’ of the 2020 presidential race

Will Dallas' Royce West challenge MJ Hegar for the chance to unseat Senate incumbent John Cornyn? Border/Immigration Trump Suspends ICE Raids, Demands Swift Legislative Action The Unimaginable Reality of American Concentration Camps Gov. Abbott Orders 1,000 Additional National Guard Troops to Texas Border Texas

Criminal case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton remains threatened after court upholds…

Report: Texas Ranks Last In U.S. In Health Care Access And Affordability | Houston Public Media

Local Stuff

Luxury yacht buyers in Texas get big tax break

Council unanimously supports ending ‘West Austin Tax Haven' Council Bites the Bullet, Helps the Homeless

Texas Original

How To Prepare for Flat Earth Conference Coming to North Texas in November