The Ben Joravsky Show

Nancy Pelosi gives a master class in passive aggressiveness as she more or less gently tries to tell President Biden it’s time to step down. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson seconds that motion. Again, more or less. And then explains why some people are reluctant to endorse Kamala Harris. Also, why won’t Chicago admit that NASCAR is a bust. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden in 2023 = Daley in 2006. Ben riffs. He can’t help himself! Always making everything about Chicago politics. Speaking of which, Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff. Going back to his ‘06 Daley talking points as though time has stopped. Then he explains why he’s sticking with Joe. And what Biden has to do to beat Trump. Also, a few words about politics and crime. Peter is a former speechwriter for Mayor Daley and press secretary for Arne Duncan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Pennant ponders a few of the big bball political questions of the day, including…what is it that makes basketball-hating, hockey-loving, Trump-voting MAGA men fall in love with Caitlin Clark? Also, why are the experts who run the Bulls and the Sky incapable of signing any player who can shoot the three? Is this some kinda perverse Chicago thing? Chris co-hosts the CHGO Chicago Sky podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In December 2019, a true Chicago legend, Edward "Buzz" Palmer, came to the studio to talk about his life as military man, internationally renown activist, retired Chicago Police Department officer and founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen's League. Mr. Palmer died in 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Lynn explains why ballot initiatives on abortion are not quite the game changers Dems think they are. As if Dems didn’t have enough problems. More to the point, they will not protect abortion as a right once Trump gets elected and bows to the zealots and bans it. Julie is a communications consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Pat try to keep their sanity in the face of utter madness. Including, some Dems bright idea about what to do to save President Biden’s campaign. It is…AI to create a new and improved Joe Biden. Ben says it’s a weak attempt at satire. Pat says, no, the dude is serious. And that may be the least of things. Pat is a comedian, actor and impresario, Also, you can see him in episode 5 of The Bear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 9 years as Host, Ken Davis announced that he is ending his Chicago Newsroom on CAN TV. Join us as we look back at the highlights with the man himself. It's our dear friend Kenny D, Ken Davis on this Saturday. Originally ran May, 2019. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ralph Nader blames Hillary Clinton for the MAGA supremes devious. Ben riffs. Then Monroe talk all things Biden. In other words…should he resign? Can he when in his demented state? And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of the debate debacle, Professor Alan Lichtman has a message that’s soothing and seductive for pain -stricken Dems. Ben riffs. Then Andrew riffs. Then Ben riffs on Andrew’s riff. Soon they’re riffing on all things national politics even though they intended to talk preservation in Chicago. Andrew asks: how can you get voters to care about something so abstract as the future of democracy, when they are most concerned with practical things, like the cost of eggs? Good question! Then they talk city council committees. Andrew is a preservationist, political activist 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.

Mary Wisniewski talks about the life and legacy of Nelson Algren, whose novels remain as relevant as ever. She wrote Algren: A Life. Originally dropped—March, 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looks like the Supremes are toying with the notion of legalizing bribery by calling a bribe a gratuity. Dave McKinney breaks down the case of James Snyder. former mayor of Portage, Indiana. The Supreme Court ruling may impact the feds prosecution of former speaker Michael Madigan. Dave is s reporter for WBEZ. A few weeks after we recorded this interview, the Supremes fell for Snyder’s argument. Bribery is now effectively legal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of Thursdays disastrous presidential debate, David Faris explains what Dems must do to remove President Biden from the ticket, recognizing that they probably won’t do it. He tries hard not to say—I told you so. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. 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.

Biden and Trump have a debate, if that’s what you call last night’s debacle. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner explains how we arrived at a point where our choice comes down to a corrupt fascist and an incoherent old man. Also, a few words about CNN, MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, Kamala Harris, Biden’s inner circle, Dems and a word of advice for Democrats: we must reckon with the fixed realities of our predicament and stop fantasizing about a miracle candidate who will save us from Trump. Meredith is a communication’s consultant and freelance writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Mihalopoulos writes a column explaining how Ed Burke sorta tried to win him over with ear muffs. Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb explains why it will take more than ear muffs for her to forgive Burke for what he did to Mayor Washington. Delmarie also talks Jamaal Bowman, what Biden has to do to win the election and why she welcomes democracy to the city council. Delmarie is a political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supremes accidentally release a ruling on abortion. Accidentally, huh? Ben riffs. Monroe is even more skeptical about the Supreme’s accident than Ben is. Monroe talks AIPAC and Jamaal Bowman. Pretty cynical move, AIPAC. A few words about Reese and Clark and Magic and Bird and Ali and Frazier. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Burke’s sentencing judge chastizes Danny Solis. Ben riffs. And Sarah Bingaman returns! Talking Blue politics from Red country Illinois. Sarah is a political activist from Lee County. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Jenkins on MAGA Governor Kristi Noem, who claims to have killed her 14-month-old puppy for basically the high crime of being a14-month-old puppy. It’s pretty obvious Noem thinks killing a puppy will convince Trump to choose her as his running mate. But did she actually kill the puppy or did she make up the dog-killing story to impress Trump? Jeff trains dogs so he knows what Noem should have done with a rambunctious pup.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Dones is running for school board from a district on Chicago’s northwest side. He explains the process and talks the issues, including: charters, budgets, police in schools and handouts to Bears (yes, it would come from CPS). The election is in November. Welcome to democracy, Chicago. You’re only about 100 years late to the game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris explains the alliance between MAGA judges and Trump, the MAGA man. Starting with Justice Alito flying his flag upside down, in solidarity with the insurrection. A few words about the polls. And how the NYT covers politics. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a political columnist for Slate and Newsweek. 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.

Turns out the New York Times prohibits reporters from participating in protest marches. Rummana Hussain analyzes what’s that all about. A word or two about Milwaukee and Chicago. And the Sympathizer. Rummana is an editorial writer and 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.

The Sun-Times feels compelled to add an editor’s note to a story about the boss. No, not Bruce Springsteen—the chairman of the board boss. No, not Sinatra. Ben riffs. Then Joanna riffs on Ben’s riff. And then they’re off… talkIng abortion rights, national politics and, Ben being Ben, basketball. Joanna is a political strategist. 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.

Chicago takes a segregationist’s name off of one public school and puts RBG’s on another. Ben riffs. Dr. Cowett talks abortion rights. The impact on Chicago when MAGA states outlaw abortion. What to say to Fox News talking heads when they say—hop on a bus. Why MAGA’s assault on abortion rights is a medical crisis. And why Chicago needs a quiet zone outside clinics. Dr. Cowett is the medical director of Family Planning Associates Medical Group, one of the largest independent abortion facilities in the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump hates on Milwaukee. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains why Trump is staying in Chicago and not Milwaukee for the GOP convention, even though the convention is in Milwaukee not Chicago. Then he explains why Charlamagne Tha God is singing a new song about Black voters loving Trump. And then he explains why he believes unnamed WBEZ and Sun-Times editors felt compelled to write their unsigned editor's note. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rick Telander teaches aspiring young journalists how to cover TIFs. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke joins the riff. Soon they’re leading a symposium on journalism. Mick then discusses his latest investigative story. It deals with drugs, low income housing, policing and the inability of the CHA to take care of its property. Also, a few words about Sherman Alexie. Mick is a reporter for Block Club. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris sends out a warning—Trump’s looking for vengeance. But first he, Trump, must figure out his position on abortion. And a few words about Hunter Biden, who’s a classic senator’s son. To paraphrase John Fogarty. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His opinions 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 gets an unexpected turn of events that leaves him asking—what would Joe do? Joe as in Rogan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Zorn has a good response to pearl clutches, like Ben, who thought it was unfair for a movie maker to entrap the Alitos. Ben riffs. And Sarah Garza Resnick talks all things abortion rights. Including Trump’s attempts to bamboozle voters with his leave it up to the state’s ploy. And how the MAGA justices tried to defuse the abortion issue to help elect Trump. And how the MAGA zealots have IVF on the chopping block as well. Sarah is CEO of Personnel PAC, an abortion rights advocacy group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

North Dakota voters ban geezers—sorta. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump’s senility, Biden’s age, Alito’s recording, Hunter’s conviction, Democrat’s timidity, Burke’s sentencing and Mayor Johnson’s haircuts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hunter Biden is convicted. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks hard right election gains in Europe. Netanyahu’s tactics. Billionaires make their move for Trump—so much for democracy. Labor after the UAW vote in Alabama. And this being the Ben show…a few words about Caitlin Clark. Miles is an editor/writer for In TheseTimes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA Chicago loves Ben as long as they find him useful, Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks contract negotiations, legacy media, Bears stadium and more. Including a few words about Anthony Edwards. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adolfo explains the latest trend in excuse making—blame the wife! Not only Justice Alito but Senator Menendez from New Jersey. Also, a few words about Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s president elect. And Trump and Burke updates. Adolfo Mondragon 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.

Rummana Hussain covers it all, including…Mayor Johnson’s $30,000 a year grooming bill; the presidential election in India, Caitlin Clark and Larry David. Rummana is an editorial writer/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.

Dr. Thaer Ahmad offers a first-hand account of the desperation in Gaza as Israel continues its bombardment. And he explains the politics at play—in Israel and Washington. Thaer is an emergency room doctor in the suburbs who has worked in hospitals in Gaza over the last few months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds prosecuting Hunter Biden on gun charges. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan talks Hunter Biden prosecution. And then takes the deep dive on Trump’s hush money trial. Including why Trump didn’t take the stand. Jim is a trial lawyer in Chicago. He hosts his own podcast, Coogan Knows The Law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now Ed Burke wants a new trial? Ben riffs. Then he promises not to talk about the WNBA. Then he breaks that promise. Ben can’t help himself. Kady McFadden gives you the A to Z on the latest environmental news. Including…carbon capture legislation in Illinois. Gas stove ordinance in Chicago. And whether this country is ready to revolt against the MAGA zealots who apparently want to destroy the world. Kady is an environmental lobbyist and consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben continues where he left off yesterday—raging against the Tribune’s egregious race-baiting Chennedy Carter editorial. Why does Chicago put up with such blatant race baiting? Monroe explains. And he should understand—he once worked for the Trib. Then it’s on to Trump, Don Jr’s race baiting, and the 34. Monroe makes more predictions—having to do with sentencing,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The betting bosses are crying cause they don’t like paying taxes. Ben riffs. Maya Goldberg-Safir and Ben talks all things Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark. Including what the Tribune is up to with yet another editorial of hate. Maya is a Chicago-based writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot’s supporters are chortling over Bears Stadiumgate and Rahm-Peckergate. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on the UAW vote in Tennessee, Gaza protests on college campuses, the Bears stadium and a revelation about the latest Bulls hat. Also, a shoutout to the journalists and djs at WBEZ. Miles is an editor and writer 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.

Ben has compassion for immigrants.That makes him hopelessly out of touch. Soon to be state senator Graciela Guzman explains why it makes financial sense to be compassionate. In other words, there’s a financial advantage for doing what you should have done in the first place. Then it’s on to discussions about Bears stadium, abortion rights and college campus protests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Steve love talking about Bill Walton, the great basketball player of their youth who recently died of cancer at age 71. Steve knows a lot thing about Walton cause he directed a four-part documentary on his life for ESPN. And Ben knows about Walton cause he, Ben, is utterly obsessed with ‘70s bball. They figured the best way to pay tribute to Walton, one of the world’s great talkers, is to talk about him. Steve’s Walton movie is called The Luckiest Man in the World. He also directed Hoop Dreams, City So Real, Abacus and many other films.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris takes the deep dive on Trump’s conviction. But first…a few words about how the New York Times covers politics. It would be laughable if the stakes weren’t so high. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. 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 searches for the local angle to Trump’s conviction. Rob Martwick talks Trump and Illinois politics. The new state budget. The difference between the house and the senate, The urge to tax our “sins”. Springfield meddles with Chicago schools. And hemp as reefer. Rob is the state senator from a district on the northwest side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben apologizes to Libertarians—sorta. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle tells you everything you need to know about Mayor Rahm closing mental health clinics and Mayor Johnson re-opening them. Including the media’s role. Matt is a political activist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s hush-money trial goes to the jury. Ben riffs. Monroe adds his two cents. And then they’re off, covering everything from Congresswoman Crockett and Marjorie Taylor Green to which city is more racist: Boston or Chicago? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Libertarians boo Trump. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks about just about everything, including…Libertarians, slavery, Chicago’s inspector general, crime, snitches, Bill Walton and Franz Kafka. Marc host the Just a Few Questions podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Filmaker Steve James returns to talk about his latest movie—The Luckiest Man In The World, a four-part series for ESPN. It tells the story of Bill Walton, an anti-war activist, Grateful Dead aficionado, broadcaster and, oh, yes, one of the greatest basketball players of the 1970s. Ben gives the movie four stars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are vets more politically conservative than non-vets? Or is that yet another MAGA myth that liberals have fallen for. Charles Henderson takes the deep dive into this and other topics. Charles is an Army vet who served in Afghanistan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana and Ben riff on Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez comment about anti-Zionist pediatricians. And mayoral aide Ronnie Reese’s ancient tweet about the Pride Parade. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her opinions 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.

Veteran journalist Charlie Meyerson analyzes the media’s coverage of the rise and fall of Red Lobster. They could have blamed it on the owners. Instead they went for the shrimp joke. Also, a preview of this summer’s conventions. Can Charlie answer Ben’s 1968 trivia questions? Charlie is the publisher of the Chicago Public Square. Do yourself a favor and subscribe at chicagopublicsquare.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller and Ben break down the basics on ShotSpotter, Mayoral opposition, MAGA judges, Alito’s flag, and much more. Brendan is a defense lawyer, political strategist and a poker player.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.