The Ben Joravsky Show

Miles and Ben discuss a week’s worth of news, including…The City Council debates Gaza ceasefire. President Biden may have to win without the left. The similarities between the ‘68 presidential election and this one. Charter schools in Chicago. Chicago’s curious attitude toward migrants. And Ron DeSantis’ failed attempt to out Trump Trump. Miles is an editor/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.

The NBA trade deadline just passed and it’s time to figure out how the Bulls did. Ben and Pushkar Sharma debate almost every conceivable angle even remotely involved, including…MJ, Thibs, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose, Charles Oakley, the Knicks and more. They finally reach consensus on the proposed Sox stadium, Pushkar is a mediator and diplomat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Willie Preston is a rookie legislator who is quickly learning the ins and out of politics in Chicago. He explains how he won election even as man no one sent, senator Preston represents the 16th district on the south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time to wrap up what’s been going down with the poker man—Brendan Shiller. Starting with…78 handout. Or, why is Chicago always so eager to give money to rich people. And how the news feeding business works. And the ceasefire resolution, and is Biden too old. Brendan’s prediction—neither Trump nor Biden will he on the ballot in November. Brendan is a longtime Chicago activist who’s since moved to Vegas to pursue a career playing poker.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 Iowa caucus. Ben riffs. Then Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor riffs on Ben’s riff. The discussion turns to Chicago. Jeanette talks about the reaction to her last conversation with Ben. The lesson being…MAGA hears what it wants to hear and disregards the rest. A shoutout to Dorothy Tucker’s latest investigation brings the conversation to violence against Black women. Jeanette Taylor is alderwoman of the 20th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago swoons over proposed Sox stadium. Election lawyer Ed Mullen analyzes today’s Supreme Court hearing on Colorado case against Trump. Ed is one of the lawyers attempting to bounce Trump from the Illinois ballot for being an insurrectionist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Coogan makes the case for bumping Trump from the ballot. Then he makes the case for dismissing Trump’s claim that he, Trump, is immune from prosecution for anything. Including murder. Jim is a lawyer and the host of the podcast Jim 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.

To prove its loyalty to all things Trump, MAGA kills an immigration bill. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks immigration bill, Trump immunity ruling, Nikki in Nevada 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 a new year begins, things look bleak for President Biden. David Faris riffs. Hitting on everything from the war in Gaza to Biden’s age to amnesia to what Trump is and what he can do. Will the Supremes bounce Trump from the ballot? And a few closing words about the rise and fall of Chris Christie’s presidential campaign. Well, at least the fall. There was no rise. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Alderwoman Helen Shiller brings on the legendary Jacky Grimshaw to teach a couple of youngsters a history lesson or two about Mayor Harold Washington. So they will understand why he’s the GOAT. Ok, so one of the youngsters is Ben. Who hasn’t been a youngster since Harold was mayor. And the other is Brendan Shiller, poker player and criminal defense lawyer. Jacky Grimshaw is a political strategist who helped devise the tactics that resulted in Washington’s triumphs. Helen’s latest book is Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany tells you everything you need to know about the Bears, Justin Fields, and the upcoming Super Bowl. Ben makes a take it to the bank prediction about the politics of building new sports arenas—and getting the taxpayers to pay for it. Mueze Bawany is high school football coach and one of the city’s foremost authorities on football. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a week, starting with…the clerk’s website? Ben riffs on the worthlessness of the website in a city that’s supposedly dedicated to transparency. Then Pat riffs on Ben’s riff. Then they discuss the ceasefire resolution. Which is what Ben was looking for on the website. Then Pat does his Nick Sposato imitation, followed by his imitation of Nick and Joe Biden conversing. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm decides the world needs to know what he thinks about everything. Ben riffs. Gregory Pratt talks city hall. Including, though not limited to…Mayor Johnson. Mayor Lightfoot, and Jason Lee. He also has a hot take on Neil Steinberg. And Zach LaVine and Justin Fields. Gregory is a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the author of The City Is up for Grabs. The views he expresses 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.

It’s that time of the season where Ben and his friends look back at the year that was. And so Mick Dumke joins Ben to discuss…1973? So, okay, we’re a little behind. We start with a little politics and wind up talking about the greatest albums of that year. Meet Ernie Isley, Bruce Springsteen, Duane Allman, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and more. Mick Dumke 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.

Trump declares war on Taylor Swift. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson, the country’s foremost authority on Trump, explains what he’s up to. Also, a few words from Yolanda, aka the nosy senior citizen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the state hang portraits of officials who have dishonored their office. Like Speaker Michael Madigan. Rummana Hussain weighs in. Also a few words about the Epstein list. Which is not really a list. And why is it that Ben knows so much about football and nothing about fashion? Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer 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.

Political strategist Peter Cunningham talks crime in Chicago. Shootings and homicides are down. Why aren’t we celebrating? Mayor Johnson gives police a raise. Why aren’t they celebrating? And he tackles the Justin Fields question. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Committeeman Anthony Beale may be kicked off the ballot while MAGA cries Trump should remain on ballot, even if he breaks the rules. Ben riffs. Candis Castillo talks ballot access, Claudine Gay, MAGA’s blindness regarding slavery and much more. Including…was Mayor Rahm a better politician than Mayor Lightfoot? Candis is the political director for SEIU Healthcare. The views she expresses are strictly her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Jeffrey Epstein. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks former Harvard president Claudine Gay, white people love affirmative action for white people, and Justin Fields. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new year starts with so much potential and pain. Ben riffs. Marc Sims returns to talk crime, schools and integration. One thing all Chicagoans apparently agree on…they don’t want anything to do with anyone who doesn’t look like them. Marc is a podcaster.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bucks tell what looks to be a, uh, falsehood about firing their coach. Ben riffs. Monroe riffs on Ben’s riff, explaining the difference between lies and spin. Which brings us to Trump and Clinton and other liars in politics. Which leads to Monroe translating Nikki Haley’s latest dog whistle into plain English, just in case you missed the point. Also, a few thoughts on Tim Scott’s embarrassing grovel. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darren Bailey shoots off his mouth and his guns, Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb talks all things politics. Including Trump, Biden, Claudine Guy and more. Much more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikki Haley “forgets” that the south waged civil war to preserve slavery. Ben reminds her. Chris Scott talks politics as 2023 moves towards 2024. Are Democrats ready for the challenges ahead? Will America support an insurrectionist? The pros and cons of contested primaries. And more…Chris is the co-founder and president of Advance the Electorate PAC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Ricky O'Donnell take the deep dive on everything you need to know about Bulls fans booing former general manager Jerry Krause at the recent Ring of Honor ceremony. It's basically Mean Girls, set at the United Center with grown ups, mostly men, doing the dirty deed. Ricky O'Donnell is the basketball editor at SB Nation. He also hosts his own podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explains the dilemma Nikki Haley faces. In order to win MAGA votes she needs to declare that the US is racist free. Even as Trump plays the racist card to turn MAGA against her. Also, a look back on the joke that was Vivek’s wanna be MAGA presidential campaign. And several words in praise of E. Jean Carroll. 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.

Donald Trump release his bat-shit crazy Christmas greeting. Ben riffs. Sergio Vicente returns to talk Trump, Joe Rogan, Colby Covington and other lunatics. Aldo, why he wants Democrats to replace Biden with Newsom. Why he’d vote for Biden over Trump. And a few words about basketball, Sergio hosts The Fight Podcast. 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 consider the twisted saga of Bridget and Christian Ziegler, the psycho MAGA couple in Florida—where else? She helped create the Moms for Liberty, a hate group. He’s been accused of rape. Also, a few words about Reservation Dogs and the Bulls. Yes, Rummana is going to a Bulls-Lakers game. Rummana Hussain is a columnist/editorial writer 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.

MAGA caucus voters in Iowa toss around ballots like their confetti. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains why MAGA feels free to be so shamelessly hypocritical. Then Monroe asks the question: If almost 50 percent of GOP voters oppose Trump, why are almost all the GOP elected officials supporting him? Short answer—they’re scared. Finally, the great debate. Is Trump too incompetent to destroy democracy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday December 5 was First Tuesdays at the Night Hawk bar in Albany Park. The last First Tuesdays, at least for awhile. Maya and Ben welcomed Mick Dumke--who started the show with Ben back at the Hideout in 2014. Maya, Mick and Ben talk Chicago politics, then and now. And Mick addresses the Maya question--so named cause she came up with it. A great ending, at least temporarily, to a fabulous run. Maya Dukmasova is a reporter for Injustice Watch. Mick Dumke 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.

Wha a week it was! Rachel Hinton joins Ben to discuss it all. Including…buses impounded. The Ed Burke defense. Is listener Linda right about the Sanctuary City referendum? The “jungle cat” of west loop real estate. And our love for libraries, librarians and books. Rachel has a recommendation. Rachel Hinton 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.

Pat Whalen and Ben take on all the issues of the day, including…MJ stiffs the Bulls celebration. ESPN scams the Emmys. Twitter sucks, but Pat defends it. But there’s no defense for mindless drivel from the mainstream talking heads. Pat teaches Ben the meaning of memes. And much more. Pat Whalen is a Chicago comedian, actor, political junkie and talk show host. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For almost 50 years, Rick Telander’s been one of America’s great sportswriters. And then this year, his collection of poems was published. He’s still one of America’s great sportswriters. But now he’s also a published poet. And that’s just so freaking cool! Ben and Rick talk about their lifelong love for poetry and how there are metaphors for everything everywhere. Like…Donald Trump goes through life playing tennis without a net. Shoutout Robert Frost! Rick’s poetry collection is Sweet Dreams. And he’s a 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.

Michael Gerardi weighs in on heartless landlords. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks Colorado verdict on Trump. And radical right. And threat of fascism. And he defends Chicago—not always easy to do. And he still finds time to take a stand on Zach LaVine. 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.

Turns out city didn’t take in as much money as it projected from the casino. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson ranks our mayors and entertains the question. Are Chicago Baby Boomers embarrassed to admit they voted for Mayors Daley and Rahm? Also, Trump’s lawyers argue he’s immune from any prosecution for anything. And a few words about Aaron Rodgers, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doctors Thaer Ahmad and Zaher Sahloul are physicians in the Chicago area. But they’ve been to Gaza and they explain the health crisis that’s exacerbated by the Israeli invasion. It’s time to end this madness—ceasefire now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Ed Burke's corruption trial goes to the jury. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon returns for another episode dedicated to the Burke trial. An ongoing conversation between Ben and Adolfo that's been called the world's greatest Burke trial coverage. Okay, Ben called it that. But that doesn't make it any less true. In this installment, the fellas analyze Burke's defense. Why didn't they raise an entrapment defense? Who is lamer--Chicago aldermen for giving Burke a standing O or Chicago's mainstream press corp for calling Burke so smart? How did Danny Solis on cross examination? What's worse in the mind of the average Chicagoan--a corrupt alderman or an alderman who rats on a corrupt alderman? Can you tell the difference between a quote from Burke and one from Goodfellas? And more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pamella Gronemeyer is a Pathologist in downstate Highland Illinois and she supports Bernie Sanders for president. Hear her story and download this Benny J bonus interviewSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Race relations in France, MAGA’s hypocritical take down of former Harvard president Claudine Gay and the hateful things gentiles say about Jews…these are just a few of the topics Ben and Laurie Glenn eagerly discuss. Laurie is one of Chicago’s premier political strategists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s closing time in the Ed Burke trial. Ben riffs. Terry Cosgrove talks abortion rights. Particularly, the Kate Cox case in Texas. It once again proves that Republicans want to outlaw abortion in all cases. So stop deceiving yourself, voters. Also, a few words about the mainstream press. And a few other words about Maestro. Terry is the former executive director of Personal Pac. 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 have flags on their minds—after a landlord in Logan Square moves to evict a tenant for flying a Palestinian flag. Which gets Rummana reminiscing how Lincolnwood treats flags. Lots of flag talk. Ben asks Rummana the “Maya” question. Which gets them talking journalism. And more. Rummana Hussain is an editorial writer and 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.

Decision time approaches for Bulls and Bears. Mueze Bawany tells both teams exactly what they must do to win their respective championships. Take notes. Mueze is a high school football and basketball coach.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Alderman Danny Solis takes the stand in the Burke trial. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson wonders what the tapes would reveal if he was secretly taping Ben. Then he takes the deep dive on the bluff call by Hunter Biden and Jack Smith. A few words about MAGA’s war against women in Texas. And a confession about country music.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump and his Republicans have denied climate change and the pandemic. Now they’re denying slavery--or at least, trying to re-write its history to fit their political narrative. Northwestern University historian, Leslie Harris, a specialist in the subject of slavery in this country, explains how it fits an historical pattern. Recorded March, 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks free speech in academia. A relevant topic in the aftermath of the fallout over the congressional testimony of three “smart school” university presidents. The fact that Ben feels compelled to assert that David speaks only for himself and no one else says it all. David Faris is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The final week of 2023. Sunrise, sunset…And so much for Ben and Mark Wallace to discuss Like…the Libertarian Party’s curious attitude toward slavery. Maine boots Trump from the ballot. That knocking sound you hear are the knees of Supreme Court justices as they try to summon the courage to do what they know they must do—uphold Colorado’s ruling on the insurrectionists. How the mainstreams won’t give Biden credit for the economy. And year one of Mayor Johnson. Also, few scathing word about Ed Burke. Mark Wallace 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.

Crain’s breaks the news—the rich are getting richer. Ben riffs. And Tosh Chandy makes his show debut to defend Mayor Johnson, Alderman Ramirez-Rosa and immigrants. But not Ed Burke! Tosh is a lawyer, real estate salesman and political junkie from Beverly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the last couple of days, Henry Kissinger died at age 100 and George Santos got expelled from Congress. David Faris considers their legacies. Also, a few words about Nikki Haley’s “resurgence”. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhode Island honors Michael Flynn. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson makes a rare confession. He may have been wrong to believe the Supremes would uphold Colorado and kick Trump off the ballot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Glenn Foster, Jr. was a Chicago kid--raised on the south side and a Mount Carmel grad--who was one of Kam Buckner's best friends on the football team at the University of Illinois--he calls Foster his "little brother". So he flew to Birmingham, Alabama, to be there when Foster's family announced it had filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Pickens County Alabama Sheriff's office. The suit alleges that sheriff officials “tased, struck, beat, and choked" Foster, causing him to die when he was in custody for speeding. That's right--speeding. Kam talks about his friendship with Foster and the lawsuit. Also, a few words about the latest proposal for a Chicago Bear's stadium and relations between Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson. Kam Buckner is a state representative from the near south side and a mayoral candidate in 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker puts a hold on Tent City in Brighton Park. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke attempts to answer the following questions. Why would anyone think it’s a good idea to build housing on toxic land? Why doesn’t Chicago give a damn about the environment? Why won’t the CHA fix up its housing in the midst of a housing crisis? Is Maya right? And, briefly, are the Bulls better off without Zach. 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.