Podcasts about chicago politics

Ben & Dr D talk all the big political news of the week. But first--a word about basketball. Bulls, my goodness, what are you doing with the draft? Are you trying to lose? Sorry about that sports interlude. Now back to politics. The Young Turk makes a compelling point about Trump and creditors. Everyone thinks Dan Biss will win in the 9th. But don't count out Bushra Amiwala. Why do Evanstonians think they're better than Skokieans? Hint--money has something to do with it. Speaking of money...Governor Pritzker announces he's running for re-election. Apparently, he thinks being governor enhances his chance of getting elected president. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm continues his rhetorical war against the left. Apparently, he thinks hating Democratic voters is the best way to win the Democratic presidential nomination. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As soon as Trump drops bombs on Iran, the "no-war" wing of MAGA falls into line--just like we knew they would. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns! Talking about the Trump shit show--shoulda voted for Kamala, people. And America's fear and hatred of Black women. And why we never run out of money to bomb people, but call money spent on schools a waste. And how Mayor Johnson is doing a better job. And her opposition to snap curfews. Also--a shoutout to Jay Travis and a nice word about Alderman Hopkins. Welcome back, JT!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump bombs Iran. Ben riffs. Sara Haghdoosti describes the stakes with a personal touch. She has friends and or family in Iran and Israel. She explains the absurdity of the moment. Trump says he'll cut a new deal having ripped up the old deal. People still listen to Netanyahu as though he has any credibility. And armchair analysts act as though the innocent Iranians killed by bombs aren't real humans. Sara also cautions Democrats against cynicism. Sara is the executive director of Win Without War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Craig Dellimore, now retired City Hall reporter for WBBM News Radio 780. Craig reflects on his 25-year career covering Chicago politics, sharing his experiences from growing up in Jamaica, Queens, to his time working as a copy boy at The New York Times. He also recalls his memories of significant events, such as Harold Washington's rise to mayor of Chicago and his harrowing experience during a police shooting in Harlem. Craig discusses his contributions to journalism, his pride in mentoring young reporters, and his thoughts on the changing political landscape.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In his debate with Ted Cruz over Iran, Tucker Carlson discovers logic. Ben riffs. Skokie School Board Member Bushra Amiwala explains why she's running in the Democratic Primary for congress in the 9th congressional district. At age 27, she's one of youngest elected officials in the country. She talks about education, religious toleration, and the issues she learned in a very diverse--and proud of it--Niles North High School. She breaks down the district to illustrate why she thinks she can win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D are back from their world travels, which means they're about to take you--oh, lucky listeners--on a political joy ride you'll never forget. Strap on your seat belts, people--it may get bumpy. Follow us as we head to the 9th congressional district. As Ben learns it's not just Evanston versus Wilmette. Then on to budgetville as Governor Pritzker signs a budget. Visit the land of "anticipated revenue". Make bets on who's getting taxed. Finally, over to Chicago, where a new poll shows good, or at least better, news for Mayor Johnson. And the aldermen debate curfews. And Mayor Rahm feeds a scoop to his favorite reporter. Hint--it's not Ben.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the Trump EPA's goals is to boost domestic auto sales. Cause you can't spell Environmental Protection without auto. Oh, wait, you can. Ben riffs. Ellie Hagen explains Trump's war on Environmental Justice. Apparently, he's okay with the word environmental and the word justice. But if you put them together, his MAGA mind explodes cause that's "woke"! Ellie used to be a scientist for the EPA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump throws himself a charade--I mean, parade. Ben riffs. Antonio Correa talks hypocrisy in America. Such as...MAGA's selectivity in enforcing immigration law. Send the Marines to LA, look the other way in Red States. Joe Rogan wimps out out on the Trump-Epstein connection. And the joke of Trump's parade--designed to throw fear into the hearts of Americans. Particularly those of the non-MAGA persuasioin. Also, Antonio and Ben dissect recent news bits.Antonio is a former Marine and The Ben Joravsky Show's Military Affairs correspondent--cause every podcast has to have one. He's also a senior digital strategist for Heartland Signal. Thanks for the audio clips, Heartland.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's own Jasmine Wright asks a pertinent question and Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, goes full MAGA--turns out Jasmine was correct. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks national guard and Marines in LA, Trump's non-existent border "crisis", the Tribune's chronic wimpiness, and how Terry Moran updated the great Lu Palmer's adage. Fascism is enough to turn a mainstreamer into a real journalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's goons tackle and cuff U.S. Senator Alex Padilla for the high crime of trying to ask Kristi Noem a question. Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin explains what Trumps is up to with his wars against Los Angeles, California, Democrats, Mexican-Americans and immigrants in general. How should Democrats respond? Also, a shout out to Governor Gavin Newsom who is at the forefront of the resistance in Cali. Alejandro is a political strategist and founder of the Nineteen Sixty Campaigns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Lock Up The Immigrants shows he has a soft spot for gangsters. Ben riffs. Alvin Tillery explains the politics of pardons, the Kanye-Trump connection, and how Trump embraces anti-Semites while pretending to fight anti-Semitism. And more. Al is the co-founder and CEO of 2040 StrategyGroup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a special Father's Day edition, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by three notable Chicagoans - Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rahm Emanuel, and Congressman Chuy Garcia - to discuss their fathers and how their relationships with them have shaped their own journeys in fatherhood.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump takes a stand for property owners—provided they are white and from South Africa. Ben riffs. Emeline Posner explains the bizarre inequities in Illinois property tax law that allow “investors” to buy control of someone else's property. It's an old and sordid flaw in a system that allows the strong to pray on the weak. It's also unconstitutional in light of a recent ruling by the supremes. Emeline is an investigative reporter for the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. For more information, read the article Emeline co-wrote with Carlos Ballesteros for Injustice Watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Madigan approaches his sentencing date for”corruption”. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner joins the conversation, talking Madigan sentencing, Bears stadium (lots on that), RTA funding, and advice for Gov Pritzker. Also, who he supports in the senate race and a Juliana Stratton trivia contest. Kam is a state rep from Chicago and former offensive lineman for the University of Illinois. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk exits stage MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris sums up the legacy of Musk. Which smells like it sounds. Also, The Big And Beautiful Bill Act. Don't need bill if you have act. But don't tell Trump. And a dissertation on the low-information voter as opposed to the bad-information voter. And the problem with Dems falling in line. David is political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another day, another Trump pardon. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a Trump pardon trivia quiz. Sample question...which pardoned felon was the sheriff who took $75,000 from business men for badges? As opposed to the married couple who defrauded banks into giving them $36 million in personal loans. And so on. The Sun-times says Mayor Johnson "fans flames of political war vs. Trump." Has the Bright One gone MAGA? Monroe deconstructs the headline. And makes a prediction about the next big Trump pardon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Mayor Lightfoot takes to the Hideout stage and find her inner Bernie Sanders. Hey, every ex-mayor has one. Okay, not Rahm. Or Daley. But still. Ben riffs. Gregory Pratt annotates Lightfoot's comments on such subjects as Gavin Newsom, Mayor Rahm, Lincoln Yards, the 2020 summer of disorder and the best way to deal with Trump. Also what did the mayor say to Greg when they ran into each other on the street. Greg is a reporter for the Tribune and the author of the City Is Up For Grabs, a book about Lightfoot's four years as mayor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling for an in-depth and candid conversation. Snelling discusses his journey leading one of the nation's largest police departments, the challenges of public safety in Chicago, and the strategies behind recent reductions in violent crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump bunch at Homeland Security and ICE withhold arrest records from the "Dr. Phil" raids in Chicago. Ben riffs. And Mick Dumke explains what he's doing about it. In this case--tag teaming with Matt Topic, FOIA lawyer extraordinaire, to file a federal suit in an attempt to force the feds to turn over public records. Everything you need to know about ICE, Homeland Security, FOIA law and Dr. Phil. Okay, not him. But all the other stuff. Also, a few words about Bruce Springsteen's stand against Trump. Mick is an investigative reporter and editor for Block Club. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D dissect all the news that's worth dissecting. Including...Round II of Trump v Mayor Johnson. In which the Sun-Times sides with Trump. Man, liberals aren't what they used to be. Also, Mayor Rahm throws Joe Biden under a bus, even though Joe saved what's left of Rahm's career. Just call him Rahm the Ungrateful. Bears learn about TIFs. Hoping Arlington Heights funds their stadium. In election-related news, Raja plays humble. Casten endorses Biss. Kat gets threats. And JB sorta gets an endorsement. And welcome to the show, Aunt Nancy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A New York Times poll shows that the less voters know about Trump, the more they like him. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette talks waste and fraud. He's spent his working life in pursuit of bi-partisan solutions to waste and fraud and what has he received for his efforts as of late? His recommendations get ignored by the Trump administration and he's been vilified and maligned by Musk's cultists, of the human and robot variety. Dylan is vice president of Policy and Government Affairs for the Project on Government Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman converses with Alderman Bennett Lawson of Chicago's 44th Ward, covering a range of topics including signs at Wrigley Field, public safety plans, small business challenges, and legislative achievements. Lawson shares insights from his tenure, learning from former Alderman Tom Tunney, and discusses ongoing projects, including the Wrigley Field security plan. He also touches on broader civic issues, such as the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, short-term rental transparency, and upcoming budget challenges for the city.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Somehow MAGA Chicago took an already horrific hate murder of two Jewish people and made it worse. Ben riffs. Jeff Jenkins talks about federal budget cuts that have threatened the Midnight Circus, which he stages in parks throughout Chicago. Why would Trump cut funding for a circus that brings laughter, joy and kindness to people? It's part of his mindless cuts to The National Endowment for the Arts. Also, Jeff talks about Canines for Kindness, his dog-rescue program. He brings rescued and rehabilitated dogs--many of whom had been trained to kill or be killed--into schools to show children there are other alternatives to hate and cruelty. Finally, a tribute to Bear, the family dog who died the other day. If you want more information about Jeff's program, go to canines4kindness.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump plans a big ol' parade. Ben riffs. Charles Henderson returns to talk the state of America on Memorial Day. Including...Trump's newfound "pacifism". Why Kamala Harris lost. Would Biden have done any better? Royko's Boss. The GI Bill then and now. Congressman John Rankin's not-so-pretty legacy. And Ben's Rhode Island past. Charles is an Army Desert Storm vet and an activist in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D tell you everything you need to know about the week's worth of news. Including...Dolton wants to buy the Pope's house. Call it eminent domain, people. Jake Tapper promotes his book. Is he a salesman or a newsman? Property taxes going up. Trump trolls Mayor Johnson and the mayor trolls Trump. Ben wants too know--why won't MAGA show love for Brandon for bringing NASCAR to Chicago? Also, senate and congressional campaign updates. Is Dan Biss really an Evanstonian just cause he's the mayor of Evanston? Finally, the Doctor tells the story of his Grandpa Joe's words of wisdom about the sudden demise of Barney the St. Bernard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harvard proposes to replace one kind of diversity with another—anything to talk Trump into stop taking away their federal funding. Ben riffs. Monroe explains what Trump really means by diversity. Also, a few words about Original Sin, the new book about a Joe Biden's dementia. How can you cover up something that everyone sees? And why do reporters--like the authors of this book--let sources, who have nothing of significance to lose by being quoted, hide behind anonymous quotes? .See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Fran Spielman sits down with Kristen Reynolds, the new President and CEO of Choose Chicago. They discuss Reynolds' transition from Discover Long Island to leading Chicago's convention and tourism efforts. The conversation addresses the impact of recent world events on tourism, including a tragic incident in Washington DC and former President Trump's tariffs affecting Canadian tourism. Despite these challenges, Reynolds highlights Chicago's recent record-breaking hotel occupancy and the city's strong reliance on domestic visitation. She emphasizes the need for increased investment in marketing Chicago internationally and suggests leveraging social media and tech innovations. The discussion also covers recovery strategies post-COVID, local staycation initiatives, and a controversial tourism improvement district proposal to boost Choose Chicago's budget. Reynolds outlines her vision for maintaining momentum amid economic uncertainties and enhancing Chicago's appeal through diversified, high-return events.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's population went up. Ben riffs. Alden Loury clarifies and explains the demographics. He goes on to annotate and explicate his Sun-Times column about his experience as a homeowner in Auburn Gresham on the South Side. His conclusion? "The tried-and-true beliefs we hold about American capitalism just don't apply quite the same for Black Americans." Alden is a columnist for the Sun-Times and an editor for WBEZ. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The conversation covers a range of political topics, including skepticism surrounding President Biden's cancer diagnosis, the progress and challenges of the budget reconciliation bill, the bipartisan success of the Take It Down Act, expert opinions on Biden's health, issues of racism in Chicago politics, Bernie Sanders' critique of the Democratic Party, and Yuval Noah Harari's philosophical views on purpose and ideology.

Qatar gives Donnie a $400M luxury jet. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon returns! The professor is in the studio--law professor, that is. Take out your pens and notebooks and take notes as the lawyer who took constitutional law from President Obama talks habeas corpus, the emolument clause and ordo amoris. Also, a few words about JD Vance, the pope's MAGA brother and Babe Ruth. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr. D consumed all the news so you don't have to! You're welcome. Let's start with…the new parking meter deal, same as the old parking meter deal. Ben's advice to city hall reporters—call Mick! Mayor Lightfoot returns. Scrapheap Rahm dumps on Biden. The senate race update. Robert Peters wins over Bernie. And it's Wilmette versus Evanston in the race to replace Congresswoman Jan, aka The Big Schakowski. Apologies Coen Brothers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city forces whoever runs Trump Towers to open its sidewalks to the public. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks May Day protests and tariff madness--turns out there is no logic to MAGA's trade policy. And the great trade-off capitalism offers American workers: Lower wages for lower prices. Thanks to Trump there will be lower wages and higher prices. An ode to a four-day work week. Miles is a writer and editor for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Hall of Fame right fielder Andre Dawson, discussing various topics from his illustrious career. They talk about his experiences meeting fans, the recent eligibility of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson for the Hall of Fame, and the evolving nature of baseball. Dawson reflects on his time with the Cubs, his journey to being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and provides insights into the current Cubs team and notable players. The conversation also delves into Dawson's injuries, his post-retirement life, and his advice for young players entering Major League Baseball.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Miner, one of Chicago's great journalists, died this month. Ben pays tribute. Delmarie Cobb explains how the media really works in this town. It isn't always pretty. The blasphemy of Trump. Stephen A Smith asks Trump a question about Harvard. And Trump responds by talking about riots in Harlem. What? In this case, Trump knew what he was doing. Delmarie is a political strategist and media consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, Trump's nominee for surgeon general is not nutty enough for MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris explains MAGA's strange double standard on vaccines. They hate Covid shots but are ok with flu shots. If MAGA hates mandates, why are they so passive about the Real ID? Is there any logic to anything MAGA does? A mea culpa about lefty illogic. Speaking of nutty illogic, Trump's recent pronouncement on tariffs. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his ownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D get biblical. Well, they talk about the new pope. Or more specifically—is he from Chicago or Dolton or Holland, Michigan? Also, since when did Chicagoans get so religious? Fran Spielman asks Mayor Johnson the tough question: Did you lose weight by dieting or taking diet pills? And the Real ID. Is it real or fake? Finally, the update on the senate race. Who's in? Who's sitting on the fence? And what activities did Dick Durbin do in high school?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Mayor Brandon Johnson as he approaches his midterm anniversary. Joined by WBEZ city government reporter Mariah Woelfel, the discussion covers a variety of topics, including the Mayor's personal growth, his approach to governance, and the challenges faced in transforming the city of Chicago. Johnson reflects on his biggest mistakes, the importance of effective communication, and the necessity of being healthy and fit in his role. He also addresses his administration's efforts in public safety, education, housing, and more, while emphasizing his commitment to building a safe and affordable Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA says Trump should be pope. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about the new hate. Out in the open. Even in Glenview. Maybe it's not so new after all. Also a guide to the north shore, including Evanston, Lincolnwood and Northbrook. Why do suburbanites feel entitled to access libraries, parks and beaches in Chicago, while keeping Chicagoans out of their towns? Rummana is a columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump calls Bezos to say--Jeff, old buddy old pal, don't mention the tariffs, if you know what's good for you. Ben riffs. Is a tax a tax if we don't think we're paying it? Sylvia Ewing talks strategies to follow to keep from losing your mind while saving the country. A few words about our the country's way of cutting off its nose to spite its face. A question for older Dems--how can we miss you, if you don't go away? Sylvia is Vice President of Journalism and Media Engagement at Public Narrative.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 100 days in office, Trump puts his conflicts of interest right in our face, almost like he's proud of them. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson asks what if the mainstreams covered Trump with as much as conviction and outrage as they cover Mayor Johnson. Then he asks why they don't. Hint—race and money have something to do with it. Also, teen curfew in Chicago. And Ben and Monroe see Sinners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D take a trip to Hollywood and New Hampshire, following Governor Pritzker wherever he goes in his non-announced campaign for President. Along the way, they stop in Chicago to talk about Mayor Johnson's radio career. Then they go back on the JB beat. Did Pritzker's pals really say bad things about Lauren Underwood? Who fed that story to the press? And does Jimmy Kimmel really think he can out dance JB Travolta?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Chicago's Commissioner of Planning and Development, Ciere Boatright. They discuss the city's development challenges, including high interest rates, tariffs, and capital constraints. They also touch upon issues like the future of major projects like Invest Southwest, LaSalle Street conversions, and the Bally's Casino development.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jerome Powell, "liberation day" tariffs and the Black Mirror episode that sums up our times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and Slate. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Gavin and Mayor Rahm advise Democrats to sign on to just about anything Trump proposes no matter how wretched, if the polls support it. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta explains how many of Trump's policies were previously tried here in Chicago by centrists Dems. Ben apologizes to millennials and makes a promise. Which he soon breaks. Denali is a political strategist and former aldermanic candidate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Rogan tries his hardest to take a stand against Trump. Ben riffs. Achy Obejas talks Rogan, Bill Maher and Larry David--nice to know that one of them is not scared of Trump. Then she talks about "Mami, I'm Scared," her gripping essay in Politico which asks the troubling question: How do you break the news to children that the country they love elected a tyrant who might send them to a prison in El Salvador? Also, a word or two about Marco Rubio. And a poll in The Forward reveals 72 percent of Jewish Americans disapprove of Trump's presidency. Achy is a poet, novelist, translator and journalist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D hop on the bus, Gus with all of the news you need to hear including…Mayor Johnson takes a swipe at Mayor Rahm. What took you so long? And Senator Durbin pulls a classic Illinois hand off. Essentially anointing Juliana Stratton as his running mate. Meaning Raja and Robyn and Robert and (lotsa R here) and Lauren and all the other ambitious electeds have to decide. Do I still dare to run? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Jackie Robinson Day in America, but will Trump allow us to celebrate it? Has Trump cancelled the first Black man to play in the major leagues cause his story is too DEI? Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin dons a Dodgers hat in solidarity with Robinson. And then explains the difference between electing liberal Democratic judges and politicians. Both are tricky to do. And he should know as he's managed successful Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin and Montana. Yes, Montana. Alejandro is the founder and principal of Nineteen Sixty Campaigns, a Democratic political strategy firm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump says the price of eggs fell 87 percent. Ben riffs. Monroe joins in. Also a few words about what just may be the most idiotic comment any MAGA man has offered as defense of Trump. Jesse Watters' Bulls hat theory. Monroe dons a Bulls hat. Will Trump deport him? Don't give him any ideas. And Monroe defends Bill Maher for sucking up to Trump. Ben is stunned. Thus begins the Maher debate. Also, Monroe makes his July 4 prediction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a desperate attempt to justify the kidnapping of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by Trump's goons, Fox TV's Jesse Watters declares that any Salvadorian wearing a Bulls hat must be a gangster because...Because he says so. Ben riffs. Jack White connects the dots between Abrego Garcia--currently lodged in an El Salvadorian prison--and Trump's slander of the Central Park 5. Be warned, people--it's a trial run to see what they can get away with. A few words about Trump's law-firm shakedown--straight out of The Godfather. Finally, the Trump administration edits the Naval Academy's library--Mein Kampf is in and Maya Angelou is out. Jack is a legendary journalist who wrote and edited for Time magazine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wall Street tycoons wake up to realize that their guy Trump is a lunatic. Ben riffs. Elizabeth Todd-Breland talks about I Didn't Come Here to Lie, the new book she co-wrote with the late, great Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union. Who, among many other things, galvanized the national labor movement by leading Chicago teachers on a strike against Mayor Rahm. Why did mainstream Chicago hate her so much? And why are so many of these same haters trying to re-write history about their relationship to her? And more, including...Ben compares Karen to Harry Truman, a comparison that's not nearly as nutty as it sounds. Elizabeth is a history professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.