The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

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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.

It’s a MAGA crime wave—Trump convicted, Santos indicted. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains MAGA to the masses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris explains the illogic of the abortion pill ruling and Justice Thomas friendship with the Nazi artifacts collector. And why Dems should take AOC’s advice about impeaching Justice Thomas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Lee--Mayor-elect Johnson's campaign manager--breaks down the election. What worked, what didn't. The role of unforced errors. In short, how did Brandon Johnson go from two percent in the polls to the winner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Pat Whalen joins Ben to run through the week’s news. Including the latest Justice Thomas scandal. Which is different than yesterday’s Justice Thomas scandal. It’s hard to keep up. It’s similar to the Speaker Madigan Com Ed scandal. Only Thomas will get away with it. Also, AI & the writer’s strike. Why no one cares about anyone but themselves. And what’s with MAGAites who claim to be “lifelong Democrats”?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson had been mayor-elect for a week and already his opponents are maneuvering to make sure victories like his never happen again. Political strategist Anthony Jackson breaks down the election and its ramifications. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guilty is the verdict in the bribery trial of the Madigan 4. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson weighs in on the difference between MAGA Justice and real Justice. Also, Ben & Monroe take a metaphorical journey into Tucker Carlson’s brain. Scary. 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.

President Biden announces that Chicago is getting the 2024 Democratic Convention one week after Brandon Johnson defeats Paul Vallas. Ben riffs. Dave Glowacz from Inside Chicago Government returns to talk city council reorganization. Is the city council ready for reform & independence?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Basketball legend D’Frantz Smart, one of the greatest point guards to come out of Chicago, returns to talk race and politics in basketball. Specifically, why do many white people got so upset when Angel Reese trash talked Caitlin Clark. Also, a few words about coach Kim Mulkey not standing up for Britney Griner. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Actor-writer John Pick talks about the documentary he’s making about the life and work of his father, Grant Pick—one of the all-time great Reader writers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Joanna Klonsky breaks down the legal, moral and political ramifications of E. Jean Carroll’s rape case against Donald Trump. “I’m here because Donald Trump raped me,” Carroll testified this week. “And when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen.” Also, a few words on Giannis, basketball and what constitutes “failure”.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 joins Ben in running through a week’s worth of news. But first! Tips on how to promote First Tuesday. Then it’s on to the Brandon Johnson transition team. Should the usual suspects be included? Then what folks really want…a deep dive into the life and career of Jerry Springer. Dems should have been paying attention. And then it’s on to the rape trial of the man who did pay attention—Donald Trump. And finally a word or two about Frank Ocean. 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 addresses the difficult question. How come Chicagoans are more tolerant of racism than socialism? Also, a few words about the “whitest” trial in America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman David Moore refers to Johnson voters in his ward as children. Ben riffs. Block Club editor Mick Dumke returns to talk all things politics. Including…Moore’s comment. Alderman Beale. Council reorganization. Alderman Waguespack. State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. And, last but not least, Jimmy Butler!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Robert Peters riffs on the good things in life. Like a mayoral victory for the left. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim Foxx, the prosecutor MAGA loves to hate, decides not to run for re-election. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks MAGA’s conflicted attitude about law ‘n order. They say they want to get tough on criminals. Meanwhile, Trump, the man they adore, goes on trial for rape. Also, a few words about Tucker Carlson, Ed Burke and other scoundrels.See 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 day since Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson's victory and here comes the counter-punch from corporate Chicago. Ben riffs. Alders Carlos & Rossana return to trash talk Ben--they did predict Brandon's win. And explain how he won. And why some Hispanic wards went for Paul Vallas. And whether the new council reorganization will hold. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal judge holds back his ruling in the abortion pill case. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson and Tiffany Walden, editor of the Triibe, talk mayor’s election. Including…Vallas love for military schools, Black pols endorsing Vallas and MAGA light. Also, Tiffany on Dionne Warwick. 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 wonder why do many Chicagoans got so angry at Brandon Johnson for crimes that just happened. Even before he is mayor. Has a backlash already happened before he takes office? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago prepares to elect a new mayor. Ben riffs. Sam Holloway returns to talk politics of fear and trash talking. With brief excursions into women’s basketball. Featuring Warren Zevon, Hunter Thompson, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leftist economist Saqib Bhatti explains how banks made big bucks from the borrowing schemes hatched by Paul Vallas during his days running the Chicago Public Schools. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot oversees her last City Council meeting. Ben riffs. And Tonia Hill, Triibe reporter, joins Monroe Anderson to talk politics. Specifically, reaction to the weekend’s mayhem and why Black pols endorsed Vallas and Lightfoot’s legacy. Then it’s on to the Fox News settlement,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Jim Coogan talks about the pending indictment in New York City against Donald Trump. The complexities of the arguments. The resistance by Trump. The role of Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels and Alvin Bragg. That one-night affair was, Stormy Daniels said, the worst 90 seconds of her life. The fallout will last far longer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates said something that has some people in a tizzy. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, editor of Inside Chicago Government, takes a part the City Council. Well, not literally. He and Ben riff on clips of recent council debates. Including…migration aid, Alderwoman Taylor’s stand, rule 16. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah Garza Resnick, chief executive officer of Personal Pac, talks about Chicago’s role in the fight for abortion rights. Especially after judge’s ruling against abortion pill. Also, why Personal Pac endorsed Brandon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton, reporter from the Illinois Answers Project, joins Ben to break down a week's worth of news. Mayor Lightfoot's texts with Kim Foxx. Brandon Johnson's transition. The convention comes to Chicago. And the Justins of Tennessee. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few weeks after her unsuccessful campaign for 39th ward alderwoman, Denali Dasgupta returns to talk budgets. Or the narrative of budgets created by Mayor Daley, emulated by Rahm and Paul Vallas, should he win. In this world, private is better than public and taxes spent on poor people is seen as a “waste of money”.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.