The Ben Joravsky Show

Atiba and Ben cover it all…flag burnings, migrant gaslighting, Trump selling bibles, homelessness, and why Atiba retains a Monroe like confidence in a Biden victory. Atiba Buchanan is the host of The Afternoon Show, a political talk show on WVON.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Loss aversion is in the news. Ben riffs. Former Governor Pat Quinn talks about his proposal to ask Chicago voters if they want to fork over billions in tax dollars to the Sox and Bears. Speaking of losses you’ll want to avert. Pat also answers the “Frank question” and admits that Ben was right and he was wrong about Mayor Daley’s Olympics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Governor Pat Quinn thinks the public should have a say on handouts for Bears and Sox. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson riffs. From there they talk Alabama special election, MAGA craziness in North Carolina, Ronna McDaniel and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mick Dumke tells the story of Fred Mitchell, who moved to Chicago from the south in the 1930s. He first joined and then took on the Daley Machine (that’s the real Mayor Daley, Richard J). Mitchell fought against segregation, police brutality, redlining and plantation politics. He died recently at the age of 93. Mick’s profile of him ran in Block Club, where Mick is an editor and writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker comments on proposed Sox handout. Ben riffs. Alder Nicole Lee talks all things Sox stadium. Including…whether taxpayers can afford to subsidize Sox and Bears. How 78 impacts her ward. What to do with Sox park if Sox leave. Why we shouldn’t hate the players but the game. Say what? And a few words about her ceasefire vote. Nicole is the alderwoman of the 11th ward in Bridgeport. Home of the White Sox! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Graciela Guzmán explains how she defeated the incumbent in last Tuesday's Democratic primary. Even though the incumbent had more campaign money. Some helpful advice for other lefty hopefuls. Graciela is now the Democratic nominee from the 20th senate district on the city’s northwest side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was Election Week in Illinois. Though you’d hardly know it as relatively few people voted. Rachel Hinton and Ben break down the results. Including…tough night for Iris Martinez and helping the homeless. Though those two things are unrelated. What do results in the state’s attorneys race say about attitudes towards law and order. Also, the police arbitration case and the Democratic Convention protest permit fiasco. And a few words about James, Percival Everett’s latest masterpiece. Rachel is a political junkie and 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.

Voter turnout for yesterday’s primary in Chicago was around 20 percent. Pathetic. Ben and Monroe don’t know whether to laugh, cry, cuss out the voters or all of the above. Monroe explains why the mainstream media enjoys bashing Mayor Johnson, and then it’s on to Trump and his anti-Jewish rhetoric. Also, shoutout to senator Schumer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Election Day, but everyone wants to talk about Justin Fields being traded. Ben riffs. Tom Shaer exhorts Chicagoans to learn to read between the lines of news stories in general and about the Bears lakefront stadium plans in particular. He believes the Bears still want to build a stadium in Arlington Heights. Ben and Tom gently spar a bit over politics before agreeing on this—Trump’s got to go. Tom is a longtime sportscaster on Channel 5 and the Score radio station and now a semi-retired media consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Cook County Judge bounced Trump from the Illinois ballot. Ben riffs. State Rep Kelly Cassidy talks about MAGA trolls. They wanted to scare her from endorsing Clayton Harris for state’s attorney. It didn’t work. She explains why she proudly endorsed Harris. Also, should Sox and Bears get a handout? Short answer—NO! Longer answer—Hell, no—and here’s why. Also, the impact of Alabama’s anti-IVF ruling. Kelly is s state representative from Rogers Park..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One day before the bears traded Justin Fields, Mueze Bawany explained why it’s a really dumb idea to trade Justin Fields. And why it’s just one more reason the Bears should not get a handout for their proposed stadium—wherever they build. Mueze is a high school football coach and one of the city’s foremost authorities on all things football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain and Ben catch up on…President Biden and Muslim and Arab-American voters. Director Jonathan Glazer’s acceptance speech at the Oscars. The wimpy spouse in movies. And more…Rummana is a Sun-Times editorial writer and columnist. 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.

So much breaking news, so little time. Ben and Mark Wallace get right at it. Starting with…Fani Willis ruling in Georgia. Real estate settlement on broker fees. Bring Homs Chicago. The U.S Supreme Court’s gift to Trump. And the Illinois Supreme Court’s gift to Ed Burke. Mark is a Podcaster, activist and businessman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Coogan dissects the $355 million ruling in New York City against Trump for business fraud. Who’s the victim, what was the crime. What Trump hopes to accomplish by attacking the judge. Then it’s on to the Stormy Daniels hush money case. AKA, Michael Cohen’s revenge. Jim is a trial lawyer in Chicago and host of the 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.

The Civic Federation weighs in on Bring Chicago Home. Ben riffs. Alderman Matt Martin returns to talk the issues. Everything from Bring Chicago Home to TIFs to Mayor Johnson’s affordable housing proposal to Sox and Bears stadiums to dealing with crime. Matt is alderman of the 47th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sox look for TIF money. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin explains the war on unions being waged by Amazon, Trader Joe’s, Musk and other powerful interests. They’re suing to dismantle the NLRB. In essence, repealing the New Deal. Also, the Teamsters play footsie with Trump, Miles is a writer/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.

The Hyde Park Herald has a scoop—interviewing William Baude, the conservative U of C law professor who figured out that Trump was ineligible to run for prez cause he’s an insurrectionist. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson offers his theory about why the Illinois Supremes recused themselves on Burke, demonstrating that Monroe is he even more cynical than Ben. After last week’s state of the union speech, Monroe doubles down on his Biden-beats-Trump prediction. A few words about the NYT’s lame political coverage and the Baby Bobby/Aaron Rodgers bromance. And more cynicism from Monroe—in this case, regarding the Bears and Arlington Heights,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1992, a Republican challenged stood up for abortion rights. Yes, you read that right. A pro-choice Republican challenged a Right Winger in a Republican primary. And won! Okay, it took two tries after the first election ended in a tie. Yes, you read that right, too. See, what happened is…oh, just listen to Patrick Wohl tell the story of Rosemary Mulligan versus Penny Pullen. Patrick wrote the book, Down Ballot, which is about Mulligan/Pullen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Krafft returns with the view from Arizona and the border. Kari Lake, Kyrsten Sinema, Ruben Gallego and the hypocrisy of Arizonans who rely on undocumented while contending there is a crisis, and a great debate with Ben about open borders. Also, a sense that Biden will prevail. Steve is a retired TV news reporter who spent years covering Arizona politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joyce Owens died last week. She was a brilliant artist, loving mother and wife, political junkie, and fabulous conversationalist. And Monroe’s wife for almost 40 years. Monroe pays tribute to Joyce. And then in her honor—cause that’s what she would have wanted—talks some politics. Rest in peace, Joyce.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaker Chris Welch is supporting an opponent to longtime south side state representative Mary Flowers, who’s been in office since 1985. Rep Flowers tells her side of the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Super Tuesday has come and gone and David Faris asks—what do we have to show for it? Biden, Trump, Haley and a Supreme Court too afraid to confront the end of democracy. Oh, yes Kirsten Sinema won’t run for re-election. So all the news is not bad. David Faris is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his and his alone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson hires a new communications chief. And that gets Pat and Ben debating the difference between propaganda and information. Next thing you know, Ben is explaining the mayor’s new TIF program. And with that they’re off. Pat Whalen is a comedian and the host of his own live show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems are tired. Ben riffs. Kim Foxx takes the deep dive on MAGA’s counter attack against Fani Willis, the Fulton County Georgia prosecutor. Willis indicted Trump for essentially attempting a coup. Trump’s allies countered by examining her sex life. It would be funny if the stakes weren’t so high. Kim Foxx is, of course, the Cook County State’s Attorney. Like Wlllis, she knows a thing or two about how MAGA loves to demonize high-profile Black women.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago hates the mayor’s “base”. Ben riffs. Speaking of riffs…Denali Dasgupta returns to riff on ShotSpotter, moral victories (as opposed to real ones), Jason Lee, America’s perverse attitude toward immigrants and New York politics post George Santos. Denali 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.

Teachers get asked the how-we-gonna-pay-for-it question. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Mark Robinson. In short, why do white voters have so much love for Black candidates like Robinson and Herschel Walker? Which leads to a larger discussion about segregation in Chicago. 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 runs a revealing story about how highways in Chicago were designed to lock Blacks away from whites. Ben riffs. Dr. Thaer Ahmad returns to talk about his 20 days working in a hospital in Gaza. Absolutely riveting testimony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sox and Bears join forces in plea for handouts, Ben riffs. Attorney Caryn Lederer breaks down Supreme Court ruling in Colorado case. Caryn was one of attorneys representing plaintiffs who sued to remove Trump from ballot for violating the 14th amendment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris examines the backhanded way in which special prosecutor did Trump’s dirty work while acquitting President Biden of wrong doing. Talk about passive aggressive! Also, let’s face it, Democrats-Merrick Garland may be the worst Democratic AG ever. And a few words about sports moguls extorting public money from cities. 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.

In the aftermath of last Tuesday’s Michigan primary, Andrew Ellison sifts through precinct results to put together the story. And it’s a foreboding one for Biden and Trump. Uncommitted pulls 13 percent against Biden. Haley wins 27 against Trump. Can Biden win the electoral college without Michigan? Can Trump win it without Haley’s voters? Andrew is a political strategist—aka, the second coming of Steve Kornacki.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain gives an eyewitness account of editorialgate. A few words about the Sox and the mayor. Also, the message from Michigan. And an unexpected riff on We Are the World.. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s countdown to the primary. Jacob and Ben talk judges. Some we like, some we’re irritated at. Well, at least Ben’s irritated at one in particular. Also, much conversation about the clerk of the court and state’s attorney elections. And a few words about the excuse the Supremes will concoct cause they’re too scared to do the right thing by kicking Trump off the ballot. Let’s put Judge Tracie Porter on US Supreme Court! Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything you need to know about the Academy Awards from Pemon Rami, the man who knows everything you need to know about the Academy Award. Including…who should’ve won but didn’t, and who did win but, c’mon, really? It’s all about being in the club—if you’re not in it, forget about it. Plus, much more. Casting director, writer and film historian, Pemon is the author of When Black Was Golden.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council votes for ceasefire. Ben riffs.Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth explains why she voted yes. And Leni talks about the murder of a teenager near Senn High School in her ward. Leni is the alderwoman of the 48th ward on the north side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears and Sox decide to make love not war. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains Trump’s bizarre attempt to woo Black voters by bragging about his mug shot. Also, much talk about yesterday’s Michigan primary. And Mitch McConnell steps down, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks about the editorial she wrote calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Probably the most important Sun-Times editorial since the one endorsing mayoral candidate Lightfoot. Rummana is a columnist/editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The state board of elections keeps Trump on the ballot. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates adds a riff or two of her own on...charter schools, selective enrollment, Trump, MAGA's desire to play basketball without rules (a metaphor, people), the proposed Sox Stadium for the 78 development, Shawn Fain and why she endorses a ceasefire in Gaza. Also, a few words of love for flag football. Stacy Davis Gates 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.

Pat Whalen has so much to say and not enough time to I say it. And he and Ben talk ShotSpotter, Mayor Johnson and the press, the not so subtle art of evasion, Baby Bobby Kennedy and Mayor Rahm’s base. Also….more Sposato! Pat is a comedian and impresario. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris tells you everything you need to know about NAT0, Biden, Putin, Trump and November’s election, and how they’re all connected. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views and opinions are his ownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a rough week on the public relations front for Mayor Johnson. So Ben and political strategist Laurie Glenn have a lot to discuss. In particular…is it better to court local reporters or ignore them? Does the mainstream media have a bias for white mayors and against Black mayors? And more. Also, Laurie’s powerful defense of abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling out of Alabama. Laurie Glenn is the president and CEO of Thinkinc communications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dorothy Tucker led a team of investigators through years of crime statistics to discover a horrific reality—most of the crime in Chicago is committed against Black women. Her powerful series is compelling and upsetting. She talks to Ben about her findings. Dorothy Tucker is a reporter for CBS2 Chicago snd the immediate past president of the National Association of Black Journalists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Paul Vallas a Republican. Ben riffs. Gabriel Cortez makes his debut. Talking about growing up at Chicago and Damien back in the day, and going to Prosser as opposed to Wells or Clemente. And charter schools. And choice. And Blacks and Latinos. And why Chicago doesn’t embrace the migrants. Gabriel is a professor at Northeastern Illinois University. His views are his and his alone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson asks the Sun-Times editorial board to go off the record. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains how mayors use the press and why the press wants to be used. Also, advice for Fani Willis. And the Trump blessing goes to Mike Bost not Darren Bailey. And a tribute to Joyce Owens and Richard Hunt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump wins the New Hampshire Republican primary. David Faris tells us what it means. And why Nikki Haley stays in the race. Also, a few words about lefties and President Biden. David Faris is a columnist for Newsweek and Slate and a professor of political science at Roosevelt University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kam Buckner says no to DNC without federal assistance for housing. Ben riffs. Leor Galil talks about how the Holocaust has been misused. Especially if it’s used to justify carnage in Gaza. Also, Elon Musk’s conflicted attitude about Jewish people. Chicago’s obsession with The Bear. And the Ravenswood rathole. And how it all relates to Lolla. And more! Leor is a staff writer for the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks about the ethics of journalism. Specifically, the bias against lefties. Unattributed quotes. Reading back quotes. A few word about protests. And some sweet words for King Sourpuss—Larry David. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, it’s more than a week in review. More like several centuries in review. As Ben and Jauwan Hall-Bertrand start with Nikki Haley recently opining that America is not a racist country. That leads to a discussion of reparations. And what the Bulls can do to exorcise the Jordan curse. Hint—buy that mansion. And more, including much love for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his take on Trump not signing the loyalty oath in Illinois. Jauwan is a veteran (Marines), human rights advocate and political 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.

Clayton Harris III is running for Cook County State’s Attorney on a platform of safety and justice. In other words, making sure that prosecutors keep people safe from dangerous people who need to be locked up without locking everyone up. He explains how it can be done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sox want to build a new ballpark. Ben riffs. Then Alden Loury leads us on a wonderful journalistic and spiritual journey. Talking economic development, Black demographics, crime, the psychology of dibs and culminating in a description of his cross country trip to the Grand Canyon. And then…a passionate riff on Justin Fields. Alden Loury is editor/columnist for WBEZ and the Sun-Times. And one of Chicago’s great demographers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge admonishes Tim Mapes. Ben riffs. And it’s welcome back day on the show as Ben welcomes back his First Tuesdays partner Maya Dukmasova. Maya tells you all you need to know about judicial elections. And she knows a lot! Maya is a reporter 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.