The Ben Joravsky Show

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris debates Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz on trump’s indictment. The verdict is in…Faris mops the floor with Dershowitz. It’s like watching Muhammad Ali fight Jerry Quarry. No contest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Wall Street Journal rushes to Justice Samuel Alito’ s rescue after he’s caught taking freebies from a billionaire. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains the difference between Democrats and MAGA on ethics. Mainly, MAGA has none. And more, including Chicago’s curious attitude about 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.

School teacher and political activist Mueze Bawany joins Ben to talk about the news of the week. Including…the Machine is dead! Even as it lives on as a metaphor. Also, Mayor Johnson’s school board. Nihilism among millennials and Zs. And a word or two about what Mueze would do if he ran the Bulls. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On June 6, Ben and Maya brought First Tuesdays to the Night Hawk in Albany Park. Our guests were state Rep Kam Buckner and activist Lynda Lopez. We were talking CTA. Things got interesting when several bus drivers, with years in the system, explained what’s really going on. If only Chicago’s leaders listened to the people who really know what’s going on—the people who actually do the work. As we all know, “Maya” is Maya Dukmasova, star investigative 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.

Dems better realize Trump plays by no rules. Ben riffs. Political strategist Andrew Ellison—aka, Steve Kornacki II—breaks down the electoral map. For Prez and senate races. It’s not as gloomy as Dems think, unless, of course, they fall back asleep. But first a word or two about what worked in Michigan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The media’s attempt to make it seem like anyone in Chicago gave an hoot about NASCAR is straight out of Chomsky. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks affirmative action and the gaslighting of Black Americans. Also, an update on Trump’s rally in South Carolina. Has MAGA become a fascistic version of Deadheads?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lincoln Yards developers seek bailout from Chicago teachers. Ben riffs. And professor Lance Williams talks about his latest book: King David and Boss Daley. As he explains it, Chicago’s violence, segregation and hate is in the city’s DNA. So don’t act surprised by what’s going on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Bears prove that meritocracy is dead as they extend their paw for a handout. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz from Inside Chicago Government joins Ben to break down the latest city council maneuvers. Including Scott Waguespack farewell as committee chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The smoke from the Canadian forest fires forces Ben to stay inside, where he spends his time catching up on the Robert Kennedy Jr presidential campaign. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson makes another bold prediction regarding Trump. As he and Ben analyze the latest Trump secret recording. A few thoughts on whether MAGA has the goods on Hunter Biden. Or if they’re bluffing. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Rachel Joravsky and Ben break down a week worth of issues. Including…Taylor Swift comes to Chicago. She is welcomed. Asylum seekers are not. Matty Healey and the Edgelords. Senator Mullin’s very woke attitude about reading to children. What’s in Trump’s woke brain. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris confronts the spectacle of Ron DeSantis’s spectacularly bad presidential announcement. And his efforts to win over MAGA be being worse than Trump. And the lure of Republican sloganeering. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain tells us everything we need to know about India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, DC. Including what it says about the dangers of being too cynical regarding geopolitical strategies. Also, an analysis of the guest list at the White House state dinner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s really oh, what a year. Cause it’s been about a year since the Supreme Court’s Dobb’s decision, overturning Roe and essentially leaving states free to outlaw abortion. Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Personal Pac, and Ben talk about the political and medical ramifications. Are the justices having second thoughts? How will the decision impact 2024 presidential election? What’s sounder—Justice Alito’s Dobb’s decision or his explanation for flying for free on his billionaire friend’s private plane? And more…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 approves Mayor Johnson’s funding request for asylum seekers. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin breaks down the debt ceiling debate. And is Donald Trump suddenly a liberal on woke? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The striking screenwriters have clearly learned a thing or two from teachers unions. Ben riffs. State Senator Rachel Ventura describes the ups and downs of her rookie year in the senate. As she introduces one progressive bill after another. Most notably on cannabis criminal Justice. Will the War on Drugs ever end? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the former president of the board of trustees of the Chicago Teachers pension fund, Jay Rehak probably knows as much or more than anyone about public pensions. He gives us the ABCs of a system that’s been exposed to the scams and schemes of elected officials and Right Wing ideologues for decades.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun Times columnist Rummana Hussain and Ben break it all down. Including…Elizabeth Gilbert agrees to delay publication of her new book cause it’s set in Russia. And journalism grows up. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friends of the Parks executive director Juanita Irizarry joins Ben to riff on some of the news from a week of madness. Including…MAGA making more money for Bud, the beer company they’re supposedly boycotting. The city turning over public parks for private use. Paul Vallas, the lifelong Democrat, goes through another Republican phase. Corporate Chicago falls in love with Mayor Johnson. Lincoln Yards developers makes Lori Lightfoot their scapegoat. And want to do about the Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron Desantis makes the world’s worst campaign kickoff. Ben riffs. Former congressional candidate Kina Collins talks Desantis, Trump, city council, Mayor Johnson and asylum seekers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While you weren’t paying attention, political junkies, Ari Emanuel cut a deal that makes him one of the most powerful man in combat sports. The Fight podcast host, Sergio Vicente explains what went down and what it means for fans and athletes. Also, a few words about Ryan Garcia, Tank Davis and Ja Morant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GOP comment on Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a bow. He predicted Trump would be arrested and arraigned. And Trump was arrested and arraigned. Everything you need to know about Trump’s latest crime and its political fallout.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain talks Clarence Thomas. And one thing leads to another and she’s talking about self haters. Especially Indian American self haters. Then it’s on to all kinds of topics. Culminating in the writers strike. Enjoy the ride.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 take the deep dive on Mayor Rahm’s school closings. Ben riffs. And Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Loreen Targos return to talk all things lefty politics. Oh, yes, they’re married. And she was his campaign manager in his recent successful re-election run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Hope Rehak joins Ben to review a week’s worth of news. Including…the latest Trump indictment, Hannah Gadsby v the NYT, maternal leave in Chicago and has Bret Kavanaugh gone liberal?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Topic, one of the foremost FOIA lawyers in the state, ponders the big question: Why are our mayors so determined to keep us ignorant of what they’re doing? And was Mayor Lightfoot—who promised to “bring in the light”—even worse on this front than Rahm and Daley? Worse as in concealing basic information from the public. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every political drama needs a “bad guy”. Ben riffs on who currently plays that role in Chicago. Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez explains what must be done to settle asylum seekers. And what she plans to do as chair of health committee. And some of the sexist idiocy she’s encountered in the city council. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago has a funny way of favoring the Bears over public transportation. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson continues the Bears talk. Then it’s off to MAGA land who has a better chance of winning the Republican nomination—Pence or Christie. And Monroe makes a bold prediction about Trump’s pending indictment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson gets sworn in as Chicago’s 57th mayor. Ben riffs. Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the new mayor’s council floor leader, reflects on the inauguration. Then it’s time to deal with…reopening mental health clinics, council reorganization, aldermanic privilege and asylum seekers. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CNN turns over its network to Trump. Ben riffs. State Rep Kam Buckner returns. Talks CTA, crime, MAGA, council reorganization and Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time catch up on the week’s news—in this case with Mick Dumke, editor and writer for Block Club. Ben and Mick talk, Rahm and Ron, Brandon and Lori, Carlos and Scott, and Jayson and Jimmy. And more. If you don’t know these people by their first names alone, then you must listen so you will know. You should listen anyway.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor-elect Johnson plays musical chairs with the city council. Ben riffs. Political activist Denali Dasgupta asks to reconsider our notions about policing, social services, distraught people on subways, Rudy G. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On May 2, Maya Dukmasova & Ben hosted a First Tuesday show at the Promontory night club in Hyde Park. Alders Maria Hadden and Jeanette Taylor were the guests, talking city council committee chairs under Mayor Johnson. Pretty much everything they predicted has been coming true.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the time of year for tallies. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a deeper dive on tallies. Will Texan Republicans tally enough legislative votes to remove their sleazy MAGA attorney general? Will Kevin McCarthy tally enough MAGA congress people to approve his debt ceiling deal with President Biden? And the annual Memorial Day weekend death tally by Chicago’s media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SDG & Pedro Martinez of CPS join forces to plead for Chicago. Ben riffs. And podcaster Mark Wallace talks politics. How MAGA used Vallas to seize Chicago. Meritorious Manumission. And the lawlessness of Clarence Thomas & Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Harvey talks about what he witnessed, covering three days of protests over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacob Kaplan, executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party and Water Rec Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski—aka, The political know-it-alls—make their long-awaited return! Talking local and national politics in the wake of Chicago’s mayoral election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city councils closed out its term with nostalgic tears. Ben riffs. And Micah Uetricht, Jacobin editor, puts Johnson’s win in historical perspective. Also, a few words about the mainstream media. And dream blunt rotation,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking news!!! Foxes in Millennium Park!!! Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson discusses Jim Brown, Tina Turner, Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Trump, DeSantis, Tim Scott and the concept of nice mayors. Plus, is there such a thing as nice MAGA?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After avoiding post-election interviews for weeks, Mayor Lightfoot speaks her mind. Ben riffs. Election lawyer and southwest side politico Adolfo Mondragon joins the conversation. Why did Lightfoot lose? Is it ok to have a grudge? Why are immigrant asylum seekers sleeping in police stations? How is it that we can absorb 50,000 Amazon workers but not 8,000 asylum speakers? Who’s more deserving of a standing ovation—Ed Burke or Danny Solis? And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris has his concerns about President Biden’s plans to run for re-election. Will it result in, gulp, a Trump win? David breaks it down. Plus, a word or two about Nate Silver. Also, the return of the Manchin nightmare. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joining Ben to break down some of the news of the week is Salem Collo-Julin, editor of Ben’s beloved Reader. Where’s he worked for almost 40 years! And so they talk…the first week of Mayor Johnson, the Reader’s Best of Chicago party, Reader reader favorite pols, and the MAGA meltdown over bathrooms. Salem’s riff is priceless. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer/songwriter Michael Gerardi—the Neil Young of Chicago—drops some truths. Like…why is it that a city in which 1 in 3 is in poverty has enough money to give billions to rich guys? Also, Brandon Johnson hasn’t even been sworn in—still mayor elect—and he’s already getting blamed for crime. He closes with his biting satire—The Shadow Budget. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One day after Mayor Johnson is sworn in, the opposition lets loose. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Durham report, Anderson Cooper, Ron Desantis, Brandon haters, and Trump. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of things to talk about, including Paul Vallas’s suit against his former campaign aide. Ben riffs. And CTU president Stacy Davis Gates suggests that old lefties like Ben should be more like Jimmy Butler—don’t be afraid of losing. Stacy weighs in Mayor Lightfoot, States Attorney Foxx, President Biden, Senator Durbin and the demonization of young people in Chicago. Also, a few words about Jimmy Butler. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tribune reporter Greg Pratt spent the last four years covering Mayor Lightfoot’s administration. As she’s heading out the door, he tries to make sense of it. Including her strange texts and unnecessary squabbles. Like the one with Kim Foxx. Also, a few words about the final council meeting of the term and Paul Vallas’s post-election lawsuit.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 it was! Washington Post sports columnist Kevin Blackistone joins Ben to run it all down, including…Mayor-elect Johnson’s new chief of staff. Reconsidering Jackie Robinson Day. Tale of two punishments: Daniel Snyder v Draymond Green. A tribute to Ahmad Jamal. And the movie Kevin helped make—Imagining the Indian—opens in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Cohen talks all things Ramsey Lewis. To celebrate the recent publication of Gentleman of Jazz, the Ramsey Lewis autobiography, which Aaron co-wrote.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week, more news. Joining Ben to discuss is Max “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, actor/writer/podcaster. On the agenda…Mayor elect sorts breaks a promise. Anderson Cooper defends CNN’s town hall with Trump. And the writer’s strike. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dozens of teenagers rampage in the Loop. Ben riffs. And podcaster Marc Sims does some riffing of his own on the same topic. Is anyone to blame? Should parents be punished for the misdeeds of their teens? Was Mayor-elect Johnson's response too Officer Krupke? And a few observations about Walmart and capitalism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.