The Ben Joravsky Show

Paul Vallas weighs in on Critical Race Theory—God help us all. Ben riffs. And Tiffany Walden, editor of the Triibe, joins Ben and Monroe to talk race and politics in the mayor’s campaign. Also, a word or two about Trump and the Georgia grand jury.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 week. Ben & Dr. D riff on everything from Lightfoot to Biden to Trump to Bailey to more. As in Michael Moore 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.

After another week of lunacy in the news. Ben & comedian Pat Whalen review the wreckage. Including…the return of Michael J. Madigan, or at least his voice captured on FBI wiretaps. Prompting Ben to ask—what’s the difference between Madigan and Paul Vallas? Also, Jesus Garcia endorsed Brandon Johnson. And the city council considers “reform”. And Pat does his imitation of Nick Sposato. 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 weighs in on the bizarre behavior of Republicans at President Biden's state of the union speech--booing him for pointing out that they're looking to cut social security. He also analyzes the latest column by New York Times writer Pamela Paul, urging Democrats to "learn" from Ron DeSantis. Why are NYT columnists always urging Dems to abandon their principles? And then a few words about how ranked voting would impact 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.

Brandon Johnson & Paul Vallas walk back their positions on policing. Ben riffs. The Rachels make a surprise appearance to promote their upcoming comedy show. And podcaster Marc Sims talks mayors race. Including…Ja’Mal Green’s Vallas endorsement. The fear factor in politics And why people don’t vote. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot’s pension board appointees deny benefits for cops disabled by COVID, including Susana Mendoza’s brother. Ben riffs. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns to talk mayoral election. In particular…Paul Vallas as The Great White Hope. And Lightfoot’s appeal to Black voters. And how the Daley crew poisoned relations between Blacks and Hispanics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Mainstream Chicago" confidently gearing up for Paul Vallas victory. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in, explaining what "mainstream Chicago" really means. Also, is Chicago's City Council ready for independence? Short answer--no. Long answer--the same. And, what does MAGA mean when they say woke? Turns out MAGA has a hard time figuring that out. Trump indictment countdown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tribune political writer Gregory Pratt returns to give you the skinny on the race for mayor. Explaining things like...why Mayor Lightfoot and Ja'Mal Green are bashing Brandon Johnson. Whether Chuy lives in K-town (and why it apparently matters). Why Paul Vallas is up in the polls. How secret PACs that pump money to campaigns. And how the Bears are maneuvering to feed from the trough. Oh, yes, the Bears--terrible at football but pretty good at getting handouts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Lakesia Collins, chair of the House Black Caucus, returns to deliver her own state of the state. Including...the state of Governor Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch. Also, the state of the Republicans. and a few words about the mayor's race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week, another mayoral poll. This from Mayor Lightfoot that shows she's ahead. As opposed to the Chuy poll that shows he's ahead. And the Vallas poll that shows he's ahead. And the Benny J poll that shows he's ahead. And so forth. That's just one of the news items Dr. D & Ben riff about. Also, new mayoral commercials, ethical quandaries, Willlie Wilson & Tucker Carlson 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.

It’s the night after the debate and a week after endorsements so a lot to catch up on. Rachel Joravsky joins Ben to review the news, including…the NYT’s pathetic coverage of Chicago’s mayoral election. The Vallas fundraising edge. And a deep dive on Fox and Tucker and the insurrection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben offers advice to mayoral candidate Jesus Garcia, not that he asked for it or would ever take it. Then Democratic Socialist activist Sean Estelle talks about getting kicked out of the City Council for…well, it’s not really certain why they got kicked out. Probably had something to do with opposing Mayor Lightfoot’s proposed Com Ed agreement. Apparently, it’s now illegal for the public to criticize the mayor during the public comment portion of a council meeting. Also, a few words about what’s at stake with the Com Ed agreement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cassie Creswell, a member of Illinois Families For Public Schools, tells you everything you need to know about vouchers. That is, using public tax dollars to pay for private school tuition. Who wants them. Who profits from them. And how they will impact public schools. They're coming to Illinois. Actually, they're already here. And they will expand in Chicago, if Paul Vallas is elected mayor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The smartest brains in Chicago give advice to Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas in advance of tonight’s mayoral debate. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson and Kina Collins, former congressional candidate, talk mayoral politics. Including…Defund as a Republican talking point. Willie Wilson & Jesse White’s Vallas endorsement. And then it’s on to national politics. Fox & MAGA and DeSantis v. 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.

Mayor Lightfoot goes after Brandon Johnson. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz returns for another segment of Sounds of the Council. Ben & Dave analyze the council’s recent debate on TIFs and Com Ed. Hear your alders in action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Vallas is "surging" in the polls. Ben riffs. And former congressional candidate and gun-control advocate Kina Collins returns to take the deep dive on the mayor's race. Including answering the Marc Sims question about whether there are too many Black candidates. Also, she has a few words about the generational divide in politics. Something she knows about having run against Congressman Danny Davis. Finally, a discussion about Governor Pritzker's aldermanic endorsements. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist, singer/songwriter Michael Burton sings a song about the long struggle to make Chicago an equitable and affordable place to live. Joining him on lead guitar is Josh Goldman. Enjoy the songs…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain--Sun-Times editorial writer/columnist--considers the question: Are millennial journalists more courageous than Boomer ones? Ben says yes. Rummana says, it's complicated. Also, a few words about her recent trip to India. And the word on Nikki Haley's campaign for president. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a week of news to discuss and you can guess what the main topic is…the mayoral election. Joining Ben to beak it down is Rachel Hinton, reporter for the Illinois Answers Project. Topics…how did Lightfoot lose, the endorsement chess game, policing strategies going forward, and key aldermanic races.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Matt Martin (47th) discusses ethics in Chicago. More specifically, his attempts to chair the city council’s ethics committee. Also, why it’s prudent, practical and ethical for the council to hold off on approving the Com Ed deal. And which mayoral candidates are doing well in his north side ward. 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 has a lot of questions on his mind. Will Republicans oust Trump from their party? Well, we know they won't. But can they devise a nice way to encourage him to move aside so he won't destroy the party? Not sure about that either. Can they find a place for George Santos, a brazen liar? Why not, they already found one for Trump. Which begs this question: who's the bigger liar, Santos or Trump? Depends what you mean by liar. And a few words about the 2024 senate race in Arizona--Ruben Gallego v. Kari Lake v. Kyrsten Sinema. You heard it hear first, folks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot comes in third, misses the mayoral runoff. Ben riffs. And veteran journalists Monroe Anderson and Derrick Blakely break down Tuesday’s election results. Why did Lightfoot disrespect Willie Wilson? Can Brandon Johnson win? What happened to Chuy? Why do white people love Paul Vallas so much? 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 Lightfoot rips the city council for asking for more time to consider her Com Ed deal. Ben riffs. And Emma Tai, executive director of the United Working Families, returns to talk aldermanic and mayoral politics. Specifically, is Chicago ready for democracy? And what she means when she says: “I play to win!”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis eliminates Advanced Placement African-American history cause he's afraid the truth will upset white children. That's just one of the issues Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain discusses. Also, a word or two or three about President Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, and MAGA's using Martin Luther King Jr., or at least one phrase from one speech, as a weapon to destroy all the things he believed in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr. D have gambling on their mind as they take a look back on the week that was. Specifically, why does Chicago think it's a good idea to fund government with a casino? And, how did Sam Bankman-Fried convince the Lightfoot administration to take FTX money to run a program intended to teach lessons about finance to low-income people? And why did Congressman Garcia take campaign contributions from FTX? And what will relatively normal people in Chicago think of the mayor's latest commercial? 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.

Vincent E. Norment & Victoria Williams—the pride and joy of Englewood—return to talk Bball. Specifically. Ben’s beloved Bulls. Stumbling into the all-star break with six straight losses, it looked bleak for the Bulls. Then they signed the energy man, Patrick Beverly (Marshall High , ‘06) and suddenly things are looking up. Also, a few words above KD & Kyrie & LeBron.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 talk about the week that was. Which includes…the Vallas surge. The Axe is back. Campaign signs. Madigan’s and Burke’s aldermanic candidates. Why MAGA is so happy. Hint, Vallas speaks to them. And a few words about the Sunday morning talk shows. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Block Club investigative reporter Mick Dumke stops by to pick up the conversation on politics that he and Ben have been having since about 2005. Join them for the deep dive into the mayoral and aldermanic elections. Could Chicago actually replace autocracy with democracy? The safe bet is on autocracy when it comes to Chicago. People just love their Bosses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wisconsin gets ready for an all-important Supreme Court election. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin deconstructs “strategy voting” in the mayor’s race and Paul Vallas’ thoughts on CRT. Also, the CTU gamble. And he makes a prediction yiu can take to Vegas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot celebrates the opening of the police & fire training academy. Ben riffs. And Denali Dasgupta, 39th ward aldermanic candidate, makes her debut. Talking budgets, property taxes, TIFs, public safety, and why her 17-year-old son wants to be a police officer. She’s a rarity for Chicago politics. Super smart and funny.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mayor wants city to consider Com Edison deal in the midst of an election campaign. Ben riffs. And state Rep. & mayoral Kam Buckner weighs in on all the issues. Including…Com Ed deal, police community relations, education, school CEOs and funding the Bears.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new poll and a taxing proposal by Brandon Johnson. Ben riffs on the latest news from the mayor's race. And state Rep. Bob Morgan talks gun control. Specifically, the bill he sponsored in the wake of last summer's shootings in Highland Park. The resistance he faced. The compromises he made. The final vote. The opposition in the aftermath. And the evolving attitude about Americans on the issue of guns. The dynamic, he says, is changing.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 wacky week. So Ben turned to a comedian to help explain it—Rachel Joravsky. Hmm, that last name is familiar. Ben and Rach riff on the news, including…the anti-Vallas strategy. Fox personalities reveal what they think of MAGA. Abortion insanity. And a word or two about Tunney & Vallas & DeSantis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columnist/political scientist David Faris talks about the latest bit of insanity from MAGA--gas stove panic. Also, an analysis of Speaker Kevin McCarthy's precarious hold on MAGA in congress. David offers advice for Dems and asks—what were security documents doing in Biden's garage? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the last seven years, activist Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth joined forces with Indivisible members throughout the state to battle Trump and Trumpism. Now she’s shifted her sights to the local front, running for alderwoman of the 48th ward. She explains her strategies, reasons and aspirations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Vallas smiles while Mayor Lightfoot and Ja’Mal Green attack Brandon Johnson. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson analyzes a mailer he received from the Vallas campaign. Is Vallas The great White Hope? Then it’s on to national MAGA news. Specifically, Mike Pence’s attempt to convince MAGA he won’t “snitch” on Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, returns with an only in Chicago story. A prominent museum, headed by a man who used to be an alderman, somehow doesn’t realize you need permission to build a big building in a park. In this case, Humboldt Park. Now the issue is will the Park District make them take it down. Also, a few words about putting a roof on Soldier Field.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben moderated last night's aldermanic forum in the 30th ward. Democracy lives. Podshow host Marc Sims returns. And he's on fire. Keep the kiddies away from this episode! He shares his thoughts on race, the N-word, self hate, why Mayor Lightfoot may not make the runoff, and why he's probably going to vote for her anyway. And much, much more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years ago, political strategist Laurie Glenn voted for Lori Lightfoot for mayor and then came on the podcast to urge Ben to be less critical. She explains why she's changed her mind about Mayor Lightfoot. And why she's urging people to vote for Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. Also, why the prospect of "Mayor Vallas" frightens her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advocacy Director for the Chicago Neighborhood Policing Initiative, Micole Jordan-McBride has been pushing for police reform for years. As she sees it, it looks as though Chicago might finally be ready to change its approach to policing. Maybe...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 go over a week's worth of news. Starting with...Palos Hills! Or is it Palos Heights? Whatever it is, that's where Paul Vallas lives. Or maybe it's his wife who lives there and Paul lives in Bridgeport. Does it matter if the mayor of Chicago lives in Palos Hills? Or Palos Heights? Can anybody in Chicago tell you the difference between Palos Hills and Palos Heights? In other news...what's the difference between lying and embellishing? Time to contrast the stories of Republican congresspeople George Santos and Anna Paulina Luna. Finally, Elon Musk stands up for free speech by firing an employee who told him something he didn't want to hear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany, CPS high school teacher and aldermanic candidate in the 50th ward, analyzes "extracreditgate". That's the breaking scandal in which a Mayor Lightfoot campaign aide sent emails to teachers promising that their students would get extra credit if they volunteered for the mayor's re-election effort. Questions: did the aide get the email addresses from CPS? Did Mayor Lightfoot know about the solicitation in advance? Who are they to decide what teachers decide is extra credit? Did they think teachers would want to help the mayor? And do you believe anything the mayor says on the topic? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana AG Todd Rokita, who wants to lock up doctors who perform abortions on 10-year-old girls who have been raped, takes a stand on our inalienable right to own a gas stove. Ben riffs. And Kelly Garcia from Injustice Watch returns to talk mayoral politics. Is Chuy moving right? Is Mayor Lightfoot going to skate free from extracreditgate? Why does Paul Vallas love police unions and hate teacher unions? 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 latest mayoral polls are all over the map. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson suggests that the main reason so many white Chicago voters are leaning toward Paul Vallas is because they want a white guy in charge. Okay, Monroe doesn't suggest that. He comes right out and says it. Also, a discussion of President Biden's state of the union speech. And how Marjorie Taylor Green is playing into Biden's hands. And how Biden is forcing Republicans to back off on plans to cut social security. And how Biden is playing the game like a pro. And MAGA's playing the game like chumps. Monroe really likes Biden these days. Finally, a few thoughts on the Republican response to the state of the union from newly elected Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has a curious take on the history of civil rights, to put it mildly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson talks about his mayoral campaign. A survey, not a poll, suggests he's a front runner. Does he believe it? A few words about Mayor Lightfoot and extracreditgate, policing and playing to win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the weekend the country was gripped by the saga of the great Chinese balloon. Ben riffs. And former Alderman John Arena offers a primer on fact and fantasy in government. For instance, candidates say they will hire more police and they will cut taxes. But you can't hire police, and pay pensions, without raising taxes. Or they say, no issues matter except crime. When, of course, there are dozens of issues that also matter. So they're speaking in code. And what are they really saying when they speak that code? When you think about it--the Chinese government's insistence that it's only a weather balloon (not a spy balloon) may be no more ludicrous then the stuff Chicago politicians tell us everyday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Downstate sheriffs and Chicago area gun dealers are teaming up to undercut the state’s ban on assault weapons.. Ben riffs. Alderman Rod Sawyer talks about his run for mayor. A word or two about his father--Mayor Eugene Sawyer, and how he's been unfairly portrayed. And then it's on to Mayor Lightfoot, Mayor Rahm, taxes, the Bears and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football analyst LeAlan Jones returns with good news for traumatized Bears fans…Your days of suffering are about to end. The Bears are on the brink of putting together a team that will win the Super Bowl. Someday. At least, compete for the Super Bowl. Someday. So says LeAlan. And he explains why. Take notes! Also, LeAlan’s prediction for the upcoming Big Game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez talks about running against what’s left of the Richard Mell Machine. And then she explains how the mayor controls city council committees. Also, if Chicago is a union town, why do not-for-profits want to hire union busters? And a few words about the Com Ed deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much news…where do we start? Ben & Dr. D riff on the news. Including…a mayoral poll that’s not really a poll but a survey. Say what? Can two lefties make the runoff? Willie Wilson & Ray Lo. Ben sings Dylan. A bunch of commercials. And the mayor’s office speaks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.