The Ben Joravsky Show

A long overdue update on Abraham's Lincoln's hat and the new Illinois laws of 2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Perfect timing…Burke gets convicted and Trump bounced from the ballot in same week! Just in time to talk it over with Brendan Shiller. Who knows a thing or two about Chicago pols and politics and ballot access issues. Why do Chicago aldermen have so much love for Ed Burke? Will Trump pardon Burke should, gulp, the voters of America elect him? And Brendan’s history-validation theory. Brendan is a lawyer, poker player and political strategist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Juanita Irizarry steps down from Friends of the Parks and then the Bears float the idea of building a new stadium on the Lucas Museum site. Ben riffs. Sara Haghdoosti makes the case for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Sara is 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.

The city announces new plans for migrants. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor tells it like it is about the city council, Mayor Johnson, the movement’s weak spots, migrants, how Chicago treats Black people, TIFs and more. Much more…including her love for Ghana and oceans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Colorado Supreme Court boots Trump from the ballot. Ben riffs. And then Monroe makes a bold prediction about how the U.S. Supremes will rule on this issue. Also, Trumps says he never read Mein Kampf. Monroe doesn't believe him. More bold predictions from Monroe. A word or two about Rudy Giuliani. Has he lost his mind? Finally, a few non-political thoughts about the Bears. Sigh...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Flint Taylor has been fighting racism and police brutality in Chicago since 1969. With his first major case on behalf of the family of Fred Hampton, the leadef of the black Panthers who was killed by police. He talks Hampton murder, Jon Burge police torture trials and more. Read his book—The Torture Machine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New example of chutzpah from the defense lawyers in disgraced former Alderman Burke’s corruption trial. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan explains what Burke’s lawyers are up to and how the system favors rich people. Speaking of which…Jim also explains how Donald Trump is using his wealth and power to manipulate the system in his four corruption cases. Jim is a trial lawyer 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.

Rummana Hussain breaks the news! Actually Shia Kapos broke this particular item. MAGA man John Kass made like best friends with Kim Foxx at a boozy Christmas Party for Chicago’s media and political elite. Did he really mean it when he bashed her for years as an Soros lefty, or is he just a fraud? Journalists and journalism under siege—even in the NFL. Caste in California. And much love for Killers of the Flower Moon. Rummana 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.

Juan Gonzalez explains almost everything you need to know about the migrant “crisis” in Chicago. Starting with…it’s not a crisis! It’s an opportunity for a city whose population had been falling. Then he explains the causes of recent migration—federal economic warfare against Latin America. So the pols who scream the loudest about the crisis at the border are the ones who’re causing it. Juan Gonzalez is a great journalist—former columnist for the New York Daily News and co-host of Democracy Now! He’s a senior fellow at UIC’s Great City Institute. Read his book Harvest of Empire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Risen explains everything you need to know about Senator Frank Church and his 1975 senate investigation into the dirty tricks of the CIA. Including… assassinations of foreign leaders, spying on American citizens and connivances with mobsters. Also, did the CIA kill Sam Giancana? James Risen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for the Intercept. And author of The Last Honest Man, a biography of Church. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, deal cutting is out the window. Ben riffs. And strategist Chris Scott offers political reports from Ohio and Texas. The 2024 showdown is here. Chris is 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.

David Faris takes a closer look at polls that have Trump winning in 2024. Specifically, a NYT poll by Nate Cohn that’s left liberal boomers in a fetal position. Is it as bad as Cohn suggests? Also, Trump’s dystopian vision for his second term. Speaker Mike Johnson bends. And why do so many national pundits have crushes on Mayor Rahm. David Faris is 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.

What a week. And what guest to talk about it. Adolfo Mondragon returns to talk about the lame “the architect did it” defense advanced by Ed Burke’s lawyer. What to expect when Danny Solis takes the stand. The pathetic response by America’s college presidents. The point they should have made. And America’s hypocrisy on free expression. Adolfo is a Chicago lawyer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A chance encounter in the line to pay property taxes offers Ben a moment of revelation. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims explains why Chicagoans have no objection to rich people getting handouts but will cry like babies if a Venezuelan immigrant gets a tent. Hint: it’s explained in the Bible. And is Chicago Hate City, USA?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delmarie Cobb joins Ben to discuss the news of Chicago. Including…immigration; the brainwashing of Chicagoans; Blacks and Hispanics; Alders Ramirez-Rosa and Mitts; the power of the gavel; and who should Mayor Johnson select as his floor leader. Delmarie Cobb is a political strategist and proud south sider. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A First Tuesday defense of Mayor Johnson and the Brighton Park site. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains the difference between eight feet and six inches when it comes to gravel protecting children from mercury poisoning. A few words about the Burke trial. And Trumps threat to be a dictator for one day. And then a. Few words about OJ Simpson, Alex Haley, Malcolm X, Redd Foxx and Norman Lear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Lakesia Collins comes from the same political movement as Mayor Johnson. And she has no sympathy for the mayor’s city council adversaries. But she thinks the mayor’s allies have done a disservice to Alderwoman Emma Mitts. And she asks—when are people going to stop disrespecting Black women?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As I write this sentence, it was 54 years ago to the day that the Chicago police. acting in concert with the State’s Attorney and the FBI, killed Fred Hampton and Mark Clark as they were sleeping in their beds. That was December 4, 1969. Flint Taylor was a young lawyer when he went to court on behalf of Fred Hampton's survivors. He tells the story from A to Z, including the post-murder collusion by feds and local prosecutors to cover up the crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Evanston says ok to NU in its own Evanston way. Ben riffs. Dave Glowacz brings in recordings from a particularly contentiousness city council meeting. To show you how Chicago handles its democracy. Hear Alders Beale, Harris, Waguespack, Lopez, Mitts, Ramirez-Rosa, Ervin and Hadden on council decorum and Sanctuary City status. Then decide for yourself. Dave Glowacz is editor reporter for Inside Chicago Government.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! The Ed Burke trial. George Santos expelled. NBA players behaving badly. A high basketball coach discovers a unique way to dodge a reporter’s question. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky tries to help Ben make sense of it all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Maya went to Maria’s in Bridgeport to host First Tuesdays with Alderwomen Nicole Lee and Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth. Topics for discussion included the rising political power of Asian-American voters in Chicago. And immigration—as in why so many Chicagoans are hostile to the Venezuelan immigrants being bused here by Governor Abbott from Texas. Maya is, of course, Maya Dukmasova, 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.

Ben gets love from the Tribune editorial board in regards to his Alderman Carlos coverage. Well, sorta. Actually, not at all. Ben riffs. And Pushkar Sharma takes the deep dive on the war between Israel and Palestine. The roles of Netanyahu and Hamas. And the political fallout in the US. Pushkar was in Gaza in 2014 when that war erupted. So he offers much-needed perspective. Pushkar is the founder and executive director of the Parallax Policy International Human Rights Policy Firm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The corruption trial of Alderman Burke kicks into gear. Ben riffs. Then Monroe riffs. Then the tie start riffing about Burke, corruption, Chicago, racism, Trump versus Haley, Hunter Biden and Jimmy Carter. Here’s today’s question—why does Chicago have so much love for grifters like Burke? Also, a rare moment when Monroe admits Ben is right. Monroe Anderson is a legendary Chicago journalist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson takes a page from the Mayor Rahm playbook to undercut his opposition. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin returns to talk immigration, UAW successful strikes, the Tesla challenge for labor and the Democratic Party’s response to Gaza. 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.

David Faris explains the difference between a “humanitarian pause” and a ceasefire. Also, the difference between Democrats and Republicans on Israel and Palestine. And the difference between speakers Mike Johnson and Kevin McCarthy. David is a political science professor 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.

Alderman Brendan Reilly goes for the jugular--Mayor Johnson's jugular. Ben riffs. Then Rod Sawyer riffs on Ben's riff. Then Rod and Ben break down what went down at yesterday's city council meeting on the vote to censure Alderman Ramirez-Rosa. Then Monroe Anderson says Mayor Johnson should hire Rod as his floor leader. Then Monroe riffs on the election results in Ohio and Virginia. And a word or two about how Baby Boomers are the biggest babies. Rod Sawyer is the former alderman of the sixth ward. And Monroe Anderson is, of course, the man, the myth, the legend...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day’s paper brings an interesting take on the relative poverty of single-parent families. It’s Betty Friedan’s fault. Ben riffs. Then Rachel riffs. Then they riff on MAGA’s efforts in Ohio to undo the referendum on abortion rights. Once again MAGA tries to overturn an election result. Then. Few words about Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard and America Idol nostalgia. Rachel Joravsky is a comedian.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa apologizes for his behavior at last week’s special council meeting. Ben riffs. Then Stacy Davis Gates riffs on Ben’s riff. And the conversation goes on to cover Alderman Lopez, city council protocol, Alderwoman Mitts’s speech, Trump, MAGA and more. 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.

It’s Thanksgiving—time to be thankful. So Ben expresses gratitude. But while saying thanks, one thing leads to another and he winds up on a rant. Blame it on Michael Gerardi. But, really—much thanks!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 not really peace. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Biden and Netanyahu; Tribune and Black people; “traitors” and much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a week of “sanctuary” and Burke. That’s Alderman Ed Burke, set to face federal trial on charges of corruption. His protégés. Aldermen Raymond Lopez and Anthony Beale, led the charge for Chicago to take a stand against our Sanctuary City status and little libraries. Though not in that order. Adolfo Mondragon helps Ben break it all down. Adolfo is a lawyer and radio show host. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago, a city of immigrants, displays its not-so-loving attitude toward immigrants. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump and offers tributes to two late greats—Harry Porterfield and Richard Roundtree.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aldermen claim it’s their prerogative to keep immigrants out of their wards. Ben riffs—maybe no one knows what prerogative means. Graciela Guzman, Democratic candidate for state senator in the 20th district, talks politics and policy. The politics are straight up Chicago. The policies have to do with figuring out who pays for what.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Washington spent two years working with legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson on his autobiography. But their book is not really about basketball. It’s about race in America. Also capitalism. And, yes, ok, basketball. Jesse and Ben discuss it all. The name of the book is…I Come as a Shadow. Jesse is a writer for Andscape and the co-author of Lucky Me, Rich Paul’s autobiography.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Politico shows much love for Mayor Rahm. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson explains the love D.C. pundits have for Rahm. Then he explains the fear MAGA elected officials have for Trump. Which explains why MAGA pols, like Senator Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, feel compelled to act so tough all the time. Then Monroe explains how Bernie would have told Mullin to sit down had Bernie come from Gary. And then a few words about underestimating Biden and televising the Trump trial. And more... See 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 talk the Chicago and national news of the week. Including…Trump takes control of Congress, or at least the Republican majority. The new police contract. A few hopeful thoughts about immigration. And “rats” in Chicago. Like William O’Neal. Brendan is a lawyer, political strategist and poker player. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris breaks down the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. And then a word or two about the state of the Republican Party in congress. 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 Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ivanka Trump, and Rashida Tlaib. And more. 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.

S.L. Wisenberg—aka, Sandi Wisenberg— tells her life in short stories and essays. From Texas to Evanston to Chicago and lots of places in between. She talks about those journeys—what she calls her “angsty way of moving through the world”. Her latest collection is The Wandering Womb: Essays in Search of Home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bulls lose their opener. Ben loses his mind. Mick Dumke explains what it takes to get the city’s budget office to reveal what should already be public information. In short, you have to file many FOIA requests to learn aldermanic salaries. Learn about the in-another-location excuse for concealing those salaries. Very novel, city. A few words about a judge’s ruling in a case pitting a rich guy against poor people. Big surprise—the rich guy won. And a word or two about the Bulls. 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.

Anti-immigrant people in Brighton Park attack Alderwoman Julia Ramirez. Ben riffs. Nader Issa returns to talk all things Chicago Public Schools. Including…the impact of immigrants on enrollment. Why are school officials downplaying that impact? Also, a word or two about vouchers. And then a word or two about sports. Nader covers CPS 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.

Under pressure from the mainstream, Mayor Johnson backs off from his trip to the southern border. Ben riffs. Maria Degillo explains how her life story illustrates the need for a new approach to dealing with hurt, anger and fear in our high schools. Maria is the Youth Director at Voices of Youth in Chicago Education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explores the state of journalism. Why newspapers are looking to Taylor Swift coverage to boost circulation. The mindless racism of Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone. Taylor Swift reporters are instructed they can’t be a fan. But Jann Wenner made millions sucking up to rock stars. And should a comedian be required to tell the truth in his search for the Truth? Yes, we ‘re talking about Hasan Minhaj. 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.

The Sun-Times and WBEZ reveal a deputy sheriff in Stephenson County had been an Oath Keeper. Concerned citizens want to know the implications. Karl Bronn is a member of the local NAACP. Jody Coss is the chair of the Stephenson County Democratic Party. And Pat Norman is president of the Freeport branch of the NAACP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson talks about visiting the border. Ben riffs. Activist, casting director, writer, director Pemon Rami talks Chicago history, Black activism, Sam Greenlee, The Spook Who Sat By The Door, Cooley High and all kinds of other things. Pemon is the author of newly published memoirs: 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.

Believe it or not, there was a time when the Republican Party wasn’t radiating hate for teachers. This was back in the 80s when a Republican Governor led the way for…oh, let Dan Montgomery tell the story. Dan is the president of Illinois Federation of Teachers. 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 entertains a proposal to prohibit residents from erecting little library book houses on the public way. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump trials, the left not voting for Biden, Pence dropping out and other things. Including…why did it take the friends in Friends so long to make a Black friend? Are there no Black people in New York City?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris breaks down a week’s worth of MAGA lunacy. Including…Matt Goetz leads his fellow dunderheads in a coup against Kevin McCarthy. The Republican presidential candidates have a debate in which they sorta declare war on the American worker. And President Biden goes Trump on the wall. David is a political science professor 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.

On Tuesday October 3, Ben and Maya hosted First Tuesdays at the Haymarket House with 46th ward Alderwoman Angela Clay. On the agenda, all things politics including…asylum seekers, tent city, gentrification, property taxes, local schools, police, the future of Uptown, and finding her way as a first year alder. Also, how to handle challenging questions and the 35-second rule. Maya is, of corse, Maya Dukmasova, 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.

Mayor Johnson released his budget, revealing he’s learned a trick or two about the TIF game. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks retaliatory culture—it’s as old as Romeo and Juliet. Steve Scalise versus Jim Jordan—who do you vote for? If you had no other choice. And Kevin Phillips dies. He’s the evil genius who wrote MAGA’s election playbook, 60 years before MAGA was a thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.