The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Sun-Times editorial writer/columnist has a few things to say about Gwyneth Paltrow and woke. Specifically, Paltrow's remarkable ability to get her fans to buy stuff they can't really want. And you almost have to give MAGA credit. They've managed to sorta turn a virtue into a vice. As they try to turn woke into something people should be ashamed of.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 picks his transition team filled with lefties. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson addresses J Marie's question--are Black voters progressive? Also, Monroe explains why Clarence Thomas is not an Uncle Tom. More like a Stephen. And can Senator Scott with the Republican presidential nomination?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 returns from his paternity break early to discuss the indictment of Trump. Including…why does MAGA love him so much, what the indictment means for DeSantis and how it puts Republicans in a trick bag? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As tech high rollers get their government bailout, Chicago southwest siders cheer for Paul Vallas. Hmm, wonder what that’s about. Ben riffs. And Andrew Schneider talks about running for first ward alderman in the age of law ‘n order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 3, 2019. We're in the time capsule, returning to the day after Mayor Lightfoot defeated Toni Preckwinkle. Trump's drunken uncle speech at the BIG Republican dinner. The Lori Lightfoot landslide and Ben's wishes for our new Mayor elect. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson talks Trump and the runoffs! Chicago Reader Publisher Tracy Baim on Chicago's LGBT political history and Film Producers Steve Cohen and Paula Froehle discuss their upcoming Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez documentary. Download Wednesday's Ben Joravsky Show!The Ben Joravsky ShowLIVE Tuesday - Friday 1-3p(CT)chicagoreader.comchicago.suntimes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson wins. Everyone gives him advice. Ben and Pat Whalen--comedian/talk show host--go through a week's worth of news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent polls show Paul Vallas with around 46 percent of the vote, causing MAGA to jump for joy at the thoughts of their guy running Chicago. Ben riffs. And 20th ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns! She talks Mayor Lightfoot, migrants bill, council racists, the time she saw the mayor cry, Vallas and predicts that Black women will come to the rescue—again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ editor Alden Loury wrote a column last week, noting that Paul Vallas’s law-and-order campaign plays best in low-crime mostly white neighborhoods. Hmm, what’s going on here? He and Ben discuss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon wins! Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson & Delmarie Cobb explain what happened and why. The Black vote. The Bernie vote. The lakefront is sorta liberal vote. The MAGA vote. And more. Also, Trump talk. As promised.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By day, Jamie Daniels is an actor. But at night, he turns into Bob Dylan in a tribute band based in Los Angeles. This may be as close as Ben gets to interviewing the enigmatic Bobby D. Stick around for a couple of songs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three years ago, movie-man extraordinaire Steve James directed City So Real, a brilliant documentary about the 2019 mayor's race and the turbulence of the summer of 2020. He returns to talk about what the 2019 race has in common with this election. And what's different. Specifically, why Mayor Lightfoot lost. Willie Wilson's role, then and now. And the transformation of Paul Vallas. Plus a few words about his next two movies--A Compassionate Spy and the Bill Walton Story. Well, actually, I'm not sure it's called the Bill Walton Story. But it should be.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Kina Collins, activist & Justice Democrat candidate, talk the week’s worth of news. Including…Trump’s indictment, Paul Vallas connection to FOP, gun violence in Chicago & Nashville and Bernie’s visit to Chicago on behalf of Brandon Johnson.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, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, returns. She's got a few things on her mind. Number one, don't come to her with questions about the Brandon Johnson mayoral campaign. Number two, if you don't take chances, you'll never succeed. And number three--Abbott Elementary is more real than you realize. As any teacher can tell you. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the not-so-wee hours of the morning, the City Council reorganizes itself. Ben riffs. In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin talks all things politics. Including...Bernie backs Brandon, Durbin goes with Vallas, and why centrists like some unions and not others. Just imagine a city in which the mayor supported, say, Starbucks workers who are organizing a union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last night was mayor debate round 1. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez talks mayoral debate. Beating the Mell Machine—again. Why CTU is not a Machine. City Council reorganization. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ja'Mal Green is trying to decide who to endorse in the mayor's race. Ben riffs. Activists Kiara Hardin and Dixon Romeo talk Obama Center community benefits agreement. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Durbin joins a few others in endorsing Paul Vallas. Ben riffs. Abortion rights activist Terry Cosgrove talks Wisconsin Supreme Court, why he’s for Brandon Johnson and what it will take to pass sane gun laws. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessie Fuentes is a 32-year-old first time candidate for alderwoman of the 26th ward. No one thought she could win Tuesday's election out right--without a runoff. Well, at least Ben didn't think she could do it. And guess what? She proved Ben wrong. She won. No runoff required. Jessie explains how she did it and what she overcame. Most particularly, a nasty mailing about her past. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, listener Frank was the political junkie who stayed up on the news. Feeding Ben the latest political updates—local, state & national—as they broke. Then he had a nasty illness that scared one and all. He relates the story of how he came to dying. And how he came back as strong as ever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia joins Ben for an update on a week’s worth of news. Starting with…Alderman Tom Tunney’s up-is-down assertion that the richest parts of Chicago are being neglected in favor of the poorest parts. Say what? Then it’s on to Riot Fest & Lolla & NASCAR & Taste of Chicago. And the passive aggressive games public officials when it comes to redacting info that they release. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone is comparing Johnson v Vallas to Washington v Epton. Ben riffs. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa explains why he supports Brandon Johnson. Why he thinks the politics of fear won’t work. And why he thinks Election Day was good news for lefties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to the Sun-Times, progressives are split in the mayor’s race. Ben riffs. And Sam Holloway, political analyst and firefighter, returns to give a leftist take on Chicago politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the part of his life when he wasn’t a “lifelong Democrat”, Paul Vallas went on the Dan Proft Show to rip Governor Pritzker’s COVID policies. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson ponders the question: Is Vallas a MAGA Man or a MAGA-lite Man? And what’s the difference? Also, what’s up with Bobby Rush? And a few words about Trump’s still-pending indictment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the height of the pandemic, police officers risked their health to do their jobs—just like firefighters, nurses, bus drivers and other front line employees. But when it came time to pay pensions to cops who got sick with COVID, the mayor’s pension board had hearts of stone. Susana Mendoza tells the story of her older brother, a police sergeant, who got kicked to the curb by cold-hearted mayoral appointees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.