Hey folks, Cliff here.
And I’ll tell you right off the bat—this one was special. Today,
and I had the great honor of talking with Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor , a guy I’ve known for nearly two decades, back from our days at Brave New Films.Even then, you could tell he was someone built for leadership, for problem-solving, for building things that matter. He had that special “it factor” you hear about, but can’t fully define.
And sure enough, Garlin’s gone from tech visionary—a real one, not a tubby, pale Apartheid baby cavorting blubber-free on yachts when not Heiling Hitler or polluting our planet with his 47th kid—to public servant.
And now Garlin—unlike the ketamine kid, above—is running to be the next Governor of Michigan. And I’m quite ready to say I endorse him.
Why?
Because Garlin has both the brains and backbone, the charisma and courage we need to defend democracy. When I asked why he was running his immediate answer was like sweet music. (Or, the very opposite of whatever is that squealing, screeching crap Ted Nugent produces).
Garlin’s “running to fight Trump,” Trump’s attacks on good policy, decency, taste, his entire persona and his piss cotton candy hair.
Ok, I added that last one myself.
Garlin won’t send stern letters to a Trumpian wrecking crew hellbent on tearing Michigan—and America—apart. He’ll be where the fight is—in person.
But he’s also not a dour sort. He has a smile that lights up a room, he’s a warrior, but he’s a happy warrior. And not a soundbite politician either—he’s an engineer, literally, and he approaches government like a system that can and must be fixed.
Garlin’s stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Gretchen Whitmer, helping deliver record education funding, repeal Michigan’s right-to-work law, and restore dignity to working people across his state.
And now he’s running to finish the job—to protect progress, expand opportunity. And stand up to the billionaire bullies who’ve turned public policy into their personal playground.
Go see for yourself what he’s about—and if you can, chip in a few bucks at GarlinGilchrist.com. The average donation to his campaign is just $24. That’s how real movements get built.
David, as always, brought the thunder—this time not just with sharp questions, but also a reminder that he recently rewrote Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven as a searing takedown of Trump’s grotesque reign.
It’s up on our Substack, and if you haven’t read it yet, trust me—you’re missing brilliance.
And if you’ve been following Amped Up, you know this conversation with Garlin builds on our momentum from last week’s powerful interviews.
We talked with author and essayist Nina Burleigh about the deep rot and corruption that enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s empire of abuse.
And with Dana DuBois of genXy about the fight to preserve truth, equity, and sanity in a world that seems hell-bent on losing all three like it’s Kristi Noem explaining habeas corpus.
These conversations aren’t random—they’re the building blocks of what Blue Amp Media is and what we’re trying to build: a platform for truth, courage, and resistance against the rising tide of fascism, so we can get rid of this putz.
Because here’s the deal, friends. We’re not just producing a show—we’re building a movement.
One that connects people who won’t give up on democracy, and still believe character and compassion matter, understand that decency isn’t a weakness—it’s strength.
And get that if something’s worth fighting for, it’s worth doing what it takes to win—whether it’s an election, policy dispute, legal battle, protest…or just embarrassing Trump lackeys by sending them knee pads.
So if you can, become a Paid Subscriber to Blue Amp Media (Use this link and save 10%!) It keeps the lights on, it funds the work, and it helps us keep conversations like this alive. But even if you can’t, hit that free subscribe button. Join us. Be part of something real, something lasting.
Because democracy doesn’t save itself—it takes all of us.
Stay loud, stay proud, and as always, stay amped up.
—Cliff
