Ep 1028: Here Come The Bribes!

Episode 1028: We open with a surprising local story: former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin endorsing Democrat JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey, exposing deep cracks in the state party even as MAGA loyalists like Mary Miller double down. Then we trace Trump's escalating bribery strategy as the midterms approach, from $5,000 promises at a half-empty Dallas rally to $500 Obamacare rebate checks mysteriously concentrated in battleground states to surprise $90 Medicare payments raided from a fund meant for something else entirely. The episode also spotlights a local TV personality's dubious rise to assistant White House press secretary, built on a resignation story the station disputes and a degree she never finished. It's about fear, greed, and why a cornered con man reaches for the checkbook when the scare tactics stop working.

Thanks for listening!  Driftglass and Blue Gal 

Links for this episode: 

The New Yorker, Donald Trump's Pardon Economy  https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/donald-trumps-pardon-economy

Stay in Touch! 

Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com 

Website: proleftpod.com 

Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod 

or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpod

Mail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791

Support the show