The Ben Joravsky Show

As we learned with his White House comments supposedly celebrating Easter, Trump occasionally blurts out the truth. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks about the war in Iran. The painful parallels to Vietnam and Iraq wars. And Trump’s comments that we can’t afford Medicare and day care and the war. Sorry, geezers and children. A few words about Ska. 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.

Trump fires Bondi cause she was unable to do the impossible. Ben riffs. David Faris invokes the sour milk metaphor to explain the former AG’s rise and fall. And he dissects 50 or so years of deceitful cherry-picking justifications for waging war against Iran. Finally, a word or two about Trump’s fall in the polls. And the Farisian theory that Trump’s base is a fairly prosperous group of zealots who are more or less exempt from the consequences of his policy. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for the Nation. His views are his own. 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 and Dr D cover it all. Maria Pappas. Property Taxes. Darren Bailey goes on Fox. JB. And so much more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supremes rule a therapist in Colorado has a First Amended-protected right to offer awful medical advice to a patient. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan goes to school—law school, that is. Offering the seismic legal takeaways for the case in Colorado, the Meta verdict in California and Caleb Williams’s effort to trademark the most generic of nicknames. Jim is managing partner of Coogan Gallagher. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA and its media blame all immigrants for the horrific crime of one man. Ben riffs. Marc Sims weighs in with memories of over 50 years of news reporting screaming: be scared! Also, JB and Juliana. Willie Wilson and Mayor Johnson. And “we don’t want nobody nobody sent.” Marc is the host of the podcast Just A Few Questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caleb William, who’s clearly never heard of Jerry Butler, tries to trademark the Iceman as his nickname. Ben riffs. With the season just starting. Miles Porter talks all things baseball. Cubs. Sox. Murakami. PCA. How come the Sox can’t stop disrespecting Frank Thomas? And more. Miles co-hosts Blue Line Radio, a baseball podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The solar, clean-energy crew plays hardball politics in Texas—finally. Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb returns! Talking about how Donna Miller won the second congressional district primary. Listen closely, lefties, if you want to learn about politics in districts other than your own. Other topics include…Toni Preckwinkle, AIPAC, and the council opposition to Mayor Johnson. Finally, a few words about the real Iceman in Chicago. Delmarie is political strategist who worked on the Donna Miller campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A busy week of quips and flips had Ben & Dr D scrambling to cover it all. Starting with—can the dark side lure four aldermen to break from the mayor and stick it to waiters and waitresses? That’s what they need—four flippers—to override the mayor’s veto of a bill passed by the council’s corporate caucus to cut wages of servers. Also, JB cracks wise at the Grid Iron Club. Finally, words of wisdom from Gregory Royal Pratt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leon Black could have saved himself a whole lotta money had he’d gone to anyone other than Epstein for advice. Ben riffs. Julie Lynn urges everyone to go to Saturday’s No Kings demonstration. Then she talks abortion rights. Cause no one knows more about the politics of abortion than Julie Lynn. Julie is a communications strategist in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long lines forming at airports cause Trump refuses to cut a deal with Dems and release the money to pay TSA employees. Ben riffs. Adolfo takes the deep dive on Cesar Chavez’s legacy and why some people feel compelled to defend him, even now. He takes an even deeper dive into internet rumors that Netanyahu is dead. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the category of not being afraid to pick up the spare, Norm hits the big shot and wins a chicken dinner. Say what? Ben explains. Denali takes on three big issues. Cesar Chavez, the monster in the movement who was too big to be held accountable. Katie Britt and the use of a disarming persona to advance regressive policies. And her own Hannibal Buress moment regarding Raja’s campaign contributions. Denali is a pro-democracy activist on the northwest side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep Jamie Andrade, the last vestige of Mell’s Machine, loses. Ben riffs. Gregory joins the conversation, explicating his election-night Blue Sky posts. Including…Toni beats Reilly. La Shawn wins big. The nutty 9th. Raja’s cash-bar blues. Juliana and JB, Mayor Johnson’s chances, and more. Gregory is a political reporter for the Chicago Tribune. Or as he puts it—“your Chicago Tribune.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The election results are in from Tuesday’s primaries, and it’s time to sweep up the debris. And so Ben and Dr D grab their brooms and get to work. Everything you need to know about everything! Senate, governor, congress. Stick around for Ben’s defense of Jim Varney and his nostalgic tribute to Toni P. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Cesar Chavez accused of abusing girls—accounts detail years of misconduct by a civil rights icon”, reads the NYT headline. Ben riffs. Joanna and Jake take the post-election deep dive on AIPAC’s role in congressional primaries. Shell PACs funded by shell donors. Also, the existential crisis many American Jews are facing regarding Israel. And more. Joanna and Jake are political and communication strategists who worked on Robert Peters and Dan Biss’s congressional campaigns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The primary campaigns comes and goes with a few surprises. Ben riffs. And then Monroe covers everything including, Juliana, Donna, La Shawn, Toni, Dan and Jan and Sidney. As in Yates. Yes, we go back. Also JB’s weight loss 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.

The “AIPAC” commercial “backs” Bushra to siphon votes from Kat to elect Laura—are you following?—says everything you need to know about this election season that’s mercifully coming to an end. Ben riffs. Rummana returns! Talking Bushra, Kat, Indian-American voters, Raja, Laura Loomer and the Taj Mahal and more. Including Gene Simmons. The Kiss guy? Yes, that guy. And the Oscars. Rummana is a columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump wages war against Iran, Colman McCarthy, one of America’s great pacifists, dies at age 87. Ben riffs. David Faris explains Trump’s strategy—or lack thereof. How did we get into this morass? Netanyahu’s role in riling up Trump. The junior partner drives the bus. The spillover war in Lebanon. And finally, David makes his senate choice. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just a few days to Election Day. Ben and Dr D are so excited, they’re doing back flips and talking—at the same time! About…Robin, Raja, Juliana and Kevin. Yes, Kevin Ryan. Also JB and Christian. Yes, JB’s running mate, who once ate lunch with Ben. And knows a lot about boxing. Also, much talk about 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.

With just a few days to the election, the undecided procrastinators sorta start paying attention to the senate race. Ben riffs. Daniel Laurison has spent years studying the non voter. That is, people who aren’t registered to vote. Or people who are and don’t vote anyway. Or people who think voting is not for people like them. Or people who say they’d vote for Trump cause his name is on the check they received, if they vote at all. Daniel is a professor of sociology at Swarthmore College. Check out his work right http://bit.ly/PoliticalDisconnectReportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the category of you gotta be kidding me, Trump’s FBI investigates voting “fraud” in 2020 election. Ben riffs. Leni returns! Talks about her campaign for Democratic committeewoman of 9th congressional. Who she supports for senate. And bowling as a metaphor for politics. You can’t be scared to go after the spare, people. That pin’s not gonna fall by itself. Leni is alderwoman of the 48th ward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Illinois and Indiana fight for the right to take money from schools and give it to the Bears, the Bears get rid of DJ Moore. Ben riffs. Sunjay Kumar covers everything. Including…why he’s an unapologetic bus apologist. The games mainstream media plays. And how MAGA views immigrants as having conditional rights. Sunjay is a candidate for state representative in the Democratic primary for the 13th district. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raja backers run ads for Robin to undercut Juliana. Are you following the cynicism, people? Ben riffs. Amisha Patel and Niketa Brar explain why they’re leading an anyone but Raja effort in the March 17 Democratic primary for Senator. The conversation covers corporate Dems, the Hindu right, strategic voting and more. Amisha is former director of Grassroots Collaborative. And Niketa is a political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D ponder a week’s worth of election news. Yes, March 17 is right around the corner. The comptroller candidates. And the we’re so smart we’re stupid strategists who think they’re the politico equivalent of chess grand masters. And—oh, who to vote for senate? And Toni v Brendan. And a few words from Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When is a war not a war? Apparently, when congressional Republicans say it’s not a war, even as Trump bombs Iran. Ben riffs. Kina Collins talks about the closing stretch of her campaign for Congress in the 7th district. On the agenda….the war, Texas primary, the importance of the West Side, a few words about Oak Park and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It looks as though Trump had no reason for launching a war against Iran other than he can. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks judicial elections in the Match 17 primary. Yes, the Injustice Watch judicial election guide is out. It’s reassuring to know that at least in Cook County we have a functioning democracy. Maya is 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.

For no good reason, as if such a thing exists, Trump starts bombing Iran. Ben riffs. Bushra Amiwala returns to talk about her campaign in the Democratic primary for Congress in the 9th district. Topics…war in Iran, abolishing ICE, funding schools, and dealing with the media. Stay tuned for her George Carlin like analysis of U.S. foreign policy. Bushra is a member of the school board in Skokie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump brings the men’s U.S. hockey team to the White House and then trashes the women’s team. Ben riffs. Sergio Vicente tells you everything you need to know about the Red Pill Bros, including Andrew Schulz and Joe Rogan, who sucked up to the MAGA man. Hear the Charlamagne tha God debate. Sergio is host of The Fight Podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump exonerates himself for everything and anything having to do with Epstein. Ben riffs. David Faris makes sense of the senseless. Including the Supreme Court, Trump’s tariff policy and the State of the Union spectacle. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben’s been waiting for this conversation since the sad news broke. Talking Jesse Jackson with Monroe Anderson and Jack White, two journalistic legends who knew the Country Preacher back in the day. Monroe and Jack riff about Jesse’s legacy. Good and bad. Hymietown quote. 1984 and 88 presidential campaigns. His treatment of Black journalists and more. Jack White was a writer for Time Magazine and Monroe wrote about Jackson for the Tribune. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A law professor makes the case for concealing the Epstein files—or tries to. Ben riffs. Byron Sigcho-Lopez explains why he’s running as an independent for Congress in the fourth district. The reason has to do with Garciagate. Remember that one, people? That’s the one where Chuy Garcia handed his congressional district to his aide like it was a toy he owned. Byron is alderman of the 25th Ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s come to this—Brainwashed Americans rat out their neighbors for deportation. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn explains Epstein’s lure. Or why so many rich and/or influential people sucked up to him. And how he played them. And what they were looking to get from him. And he from them. Laurie is a political activist and strategist and CEO of Thinkinc. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D return with all the news you need to know. Including…Juliana Stratton’s fuck Trump campaign ad. Robin Kelly’s great debate moment. The Bears play their Hammond card. Hoosiers happy to throw away their money on a stadium. Ben says—go, already. And more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Lutnick even if he visited Epstein Island. Ben riffs. Kevin Lamm tells you all you need to know about building Democratic Party support bases in small town Illinois. Like Stark and Marshall and Stephenson counties. You want to win, Democrats? Pay attention. Kevin is running for Democratic state central committeeman in the 16th congressional district. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“In his best imagination, Jesse Jackson saw himself as someone who could bring the country together…when that dream had to confront reality, it’s a hard bridge to cross.” Ben riffs. Speaking of hard bridges to cross…Drake Warren talks about his uphill battle to beat a longtime incumbent in the Democratic primary for Cook County Board of Commissioners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day begins with sad news—the Rev Jesse Jackson died. Ben riffs. Fritz Kaegi talks property taxes and why, in his opinion, he deserves to be re-elected as Cook County Assessor. A debate ensues—should the county switch to acquisition-based assessments? Ben says yes. Fritz says not so fast. Stick around for the Trump Tower/Alderman Ed Burke history lesson. Fritz is running in the March 17 Democratic primary.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Epstein’s ties—everyone from Modi to Chomsky to Trump, don’t forget Trump. Ben riffs. State Senator Robert Peters talks about his campaign for Congress in the second congressional district. And much more. Including why AIPAC and AI PACs are against him. And how being Black and Jewish and a graduate of Mount Carmel HS have shaped his world view. A state senator from the 13th district—Obama’s old seat—Robert is running for Congress in the Democratic primary on March 17.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D converge for the deep dive into all the news. Starting with…Chomsky! Oh, no, Noam, what were you doing hanging out with Epstein? From there, they talk property taxes, Kaegi v Hynes, states attorney Burke’s explanation for not prosecuting ICE, and tanking in the NBA and politics.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NFL tries to make money off of Bad Bunny without upsetting Trump. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan covers Trump justice. Starting with Julie Le, the former prosecutor in Minneapolis who had a milder version of an Al Pacino meltdown. “The system is out of order!” Or in her case—you can’t fix a broken system. Also, Jim annotates Judge Biery’s decision in the deportation case of Liam Conejo Ramos. Elegant in its simplicity. Jim is managing partner of Coogan Gallagher.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New York Times keeps track of each and every new explanations invented by Trump and his puppets for what Tulsi Gabbard was doing at that election center in Georgia. Ben riffs. Juanita Irizarry says why she’s running for the Cook County Board of Review. Everything you need to know about our insanely unfair property tax system in Cook County. Juanita is running in the Democratic Primary from District 1. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Parenti’s obit tells it all—“if you stray too far to the left, you’re ignored by the mainstream.” Ben riffs. David Faris explicates and annotates the latest NYT headlines. Including…”Trump deletes post with racist video of Obamas after outcry.” How low can Trump go? And “Schumer pressured to support renaming Dulles and Penn Station for Trump.” Also, the Republican spin on Epstein. And BDS and Dan Biss. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest bewildering trades by his beloved Bulls remind Ben of everything wrong with Chicago. Ben riffs. His old friend, Mick Dumke, tries to calm him down—then he gets fired up. Also, Mick on the latest details related to Trump’s raid at 7500 South Shore Drive. “It’s Chicago meets MAGA.” And Bruce Springsteen’s protest song. Finally, don’t blame Mick for Kid Rock, even though they’re both from Michigan. Mick is an editor and writer for Block Club. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump officials say they’ll buy body cameras for their street thugs when the money comes in—apparently, the billions they got in the last budget aren’t enough. Ben riffs. Monroe talks Ben off the ledge. Then engages him in a debate over Bill Clinton—in preparation for Bill and Hillary’s congressional testimony on Epstein. Finally, was a white lefty in Florida wrong to use the N word to make a point about MAGA’s racist roots?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue, and MAGA would let him get away with it—but will they stomach the new Melania movie? Ben riffs. Antonio Correa returns. Talking Hispanic ICE agents. “They think they’re in the elite club.” And fools with badges, guns and face coverings. And much love for Marimar Martinez and Mayor Johnson. Antonio is a former Marine and a senior digital strategist for Heartland Signal. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not long before we start recording, news broke that Don Lemon has bee arrested by agents of Trump for the high crime of practicing journalism. Ben riffs. Media critic Jennifer Schulze talks journalism in the Trump era. The Lemon arrest. The Ellisons and Bari Weiss trash CBS News. And a shoutout to local journalists. Jennifer is a former television journalist who writes [Indistinct Chatter], a column on Substack. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The picture of an unarmed Minneapolis woman, standing in her doorway as ICE goons approach, brandishing their weapons tells you all you need to know. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin covers the state of the country. Including…wimpy Senate Dems. Also, who’s in charge to the White House—Trump Or Miller? And the power of ideology—“it’s a helluva drug.” Finally, a bball break from the horror. Who’s Chicago’s greatest—MJ or D Rose? Miles is an editor 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.

The feds sorta tell the truth iabout the execution of Alex Pretti. Ben riffs. Nick Uniejewski returns to talk about his campaign in the Democratic primary against longtime incumbent state Senator Sara Feigenholtz. It’s the first time that district’s incumbent has had a primary challenge since—hold on—1972. Among other things, Nick talks about what the state can do to protect its residents from ICE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Worried about upsetting Boss Donnie, the NRA waters down its response to the public execution of Alex Pretti by agents of ICE. Ben riffs. And as Mayor Rahm tries to bamboozle Democratic voters into nominating him as their presidential candidate, Nora Flanagan and Jarrett Dapier revisit Persepolisgate—when Mayor Rahm’s flunkies ordered teachers to remove Persepolis from the classroom. A blast from his past that Mayor Rahm will not be talking about on the campaign trail. Nora is a former CPS English teacher and Jarrett is a librarian and co-author of Wake Now In The Fire, a recently published graphic novel about the Persepolis book banning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seven House Dems vote with Trump to fund ICE. Ben riffs. Joey Ruzevich explains why he’s challenging 6th district Congressman Sean Casten in the Democratic primary. He talks Gaza, health care, the limits of government approved protest and the choice voters face between “fighters versus folders.” Aside from being a candidate, Joey is a software engineer and former college bssketball player. Yes, there’s basketball talk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Posters for the Melania “documentary” show up in Hispanic neighborhoods hit hard by ICE. Ben riffs. Monroe talks Amazon deal with Melania, Trump’s senility in Davos and Indiana’s peculiar proposal to 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.

Trying to stay sane in an age of madness, Ben turns to sports as an escape—it almost works. Ben riffs. Charles Henderson tackles the tough topics. Including…the devil’s deal military recruiters offer Hispanics. Sign up and we won’t deport your parents—maybe. Also Charles turns the table on Ben, asking him the “regret” question. Charles is an Army vet and peace activist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.