The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Sun-Times editorial writer Lee Bey writes an editorial that tells it like it is about the mayor's dream of rebuilding Soldier Field. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principals Association, talks about the bill that gives collective bargaining rights to his principals--it needs Governor Pritzker's signature to become law. Why it will help children, why it's overdue and who resisted it. Hint--not Republicans. Also, the CPS Inspector General's report on sexual harassment and assault in the schools. Is there a culture of protecting the powerful? Finally, 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.

Willie Wilson, candidate for mayor, gets lambasted at last night’s debate for his “hunt them down like rabbits” approach to policing, Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in. Also, a few words about Trump, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels and Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin analyzes MAGA’s revolt against Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Yes, they’re a bunch of fascists. But lefties can learn something from them. And a few words about the mayoral election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of mayoral election madness, including a new poll. Ben riffs. Alderwoman & mayoral candidate Sophia King talks about her run for mayor. Her plan for fighting crime. Her emphasis on collaboration. And whether you can expect an endorsement for her from President Obama.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez & Loreen Targos, his campaign manager and wife, make their first return since becoming parents to triplets. So, first of all--congratulations, Byron & Loreen. Now, let's get down to business! They've got a lot on their mind. Including...Congressman Jesus Garcia (they oppose him and vice versa), Mayor Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. Also, Loreen, a scientist for the EPA, talks about efforts to rebuild the federal agency in the wake of Trump's cutsSee 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 foreign affairs. Specifically, the struggles of local pols to figure out the world beyond our borders. Also, we break down the lawsuit recently filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting over a nude scene filmed more than 50 years ago. Finally, a few words about Elizabeth Holmes & and the art of conning people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ bulldog reporter Dan Mihalopoulos has the story about a former political operative for Speaker Michael Madigan going into cannabis business. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, returns to analyze the latest City Council antics. Get ready for a deep dive on TIFs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Pence finds classified documents in his home. Oops. Ben riffs. As does Monroe. Who has a lot more on his mind besides Pence. Such as...Ron DeSantis' effort to erase history by cancelling African American AP history. And replacing it with his (DeSantis') fantasy of the "happy slave" and the "loving `masta'". Also, a few words about crime and 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.

The number one movie in America is The Glass Onion, a satire that mocks greedy tech billionaires. Has America turned a corner? Ben riffs. Defense attorney April Preyar talks Safe-T act. Specifically, a ruling by a judge in Kankakee that it’s unconstitutional. And a few words about her latest case—a products liability suit against hair products that may be linked to Black women getting cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot and the city council have decided to demolish the Tribune’s Freedom Center printing press and replace it with a casino. Preservationist and rail-fan Horace Nowell explains what will be lost. It’s not exactly paving paradise—just destroying the soul of the city. Here’s the site for more info on Horace’s Tribune model railroad: [email protected] here’s the site for his upcycled newspaper boxes: [email protected] 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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We've got a mayoral debate to review. But first...Ben has a few things to say about lawyers dumb enough to take on Donald Trump as a client. And then...the debate! Dr. D has all the clips from last night's televised debate that are worth hearing. Well, at least the clips in which one candidate insults another. Crime, police, mental health and the Bears are just a few of the topics that we look at. Bottom line--Brandon Johnson stakes out the left. Paul Vallas goes for the MAGA vote. Lori Lightfoot tries not to run against herself. And Chuy Garcia goes for the middle of the road.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben binges on The Dropout. Now he’s obsessed with America’s love for liars. And Tribune city hall reporter Gregory Pratt returns to talk mayor’s race. Also his tweet about “relatively normal” voters. Somehow the conversation turns towards Mayor Rahm. Where else?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On December 6, Ben & Maya took First Tuesdays to the Promontory nightclub in Hyde Park. Their guests were Alderwomen Leslie Hairston & Rossana Rodriguez and Joe Winston, director of the documentary: Punch 9 For Harold Washington. On the agenda: mayors, aldermen, corruption, political bullies, and why Hairston and Rodriguez disagreed on Bring Chicago Home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Proceeds from the Illinois gas tax are falling cause so many people are buying electric cars. What's Elon got to say about that? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson has a lot to say about a lot of things. Including...the lunatics have taken over the asylum. If, by asylum, you mean congress. And, if, by lunatics, you mean MAGA. Should we believe the spin out of the Washington Post that Marjorie Taylor Green has matured? Short answer--only if you're really gullible. George Santos moves to the right in the hopes that MAGA will save him. Which raises this question. Who's the bigger liar--Trump or Santos? Finally, a word or two about the Bears hiring Kevin Warren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional January 6 committee accuses Trump of insurrection and urge feds to prosecute. Now MAGA has to figure out how to react. Ben riffs. And DuPage County Democratic Chair Ken Mejia-Beal returns. What's on his mind? Plenty. How did Dems win in DuPage County? What will Republicans try to do in the coming year to offset those gains. Short answer--more scare tactics. Also, out of nowhere, Ken's Mount Rushmore of comedians. Much love for Bill Burr.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot does something no other mayor could do—extend the Red Line south of 95th. Ben riffs. And political strategist Rickey Hendon returns! Talking Willie Wilson and the white vote; his feud with Ja’Mal Green; phonegate; his dance with death and more. Including his tribute to the mayor. Stick around to hear Rickey sing a song by the Intruders. 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 quite a week. Starting with...Mayor Lightfoot's campaign offers extra credit for Chicago public school students who work on her campaign. Lots to unpack there. And a breakdown of JB Pritzker's second inauguration. And a few words about Pete Ricketts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller spent 20 or so years on the front lines for criminal justice reform as a lawyer in Chicago. And then he said the hell with it--and moved to Vegas to make his career as a poker player. The son of former Alderwoman Helen Shiller, Brendan makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut, talking about why he needed to take a break from Chicago. Also, how to reduce crime. And how to make money at the card table. Key advice--don't chase the cards. And...a few words about Chicago's casino.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manny Ramos--investigative reporter for the Illinois Answers Project--talks SBF & FTX. That is--Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, his rogue crypto company. Or--how did this wheeler dealer, recently arrested for fraud, convince the Lightfoot administrate to celebrate using his money to run a financial training program for poor people. Financial advice from Bankman-Fried? What's next--bank security from Jesse James? Also, a few words about escalating real estate prices in Woodlawn, South Shore and other south side communities instigated by land speculators buying properties near the Obama Center. Manny is on the case!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In his waning moments as a state senator, Darren Bailey feels compelled to read from the Bible. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Jerrod Carmichael at Golden Globes. And Jim Coogan joins the conversation to talk MAGA congressional investigations, Biden’s missing documents, and various crimes of Trump. Get ready for a MAGA witch hunt.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 returns just in time to help us figure out what’s going on with…Elon Musk, Kevin McCarthy, and Kyrsten Sinema. Also, why did congressional Dems cave on the national security budget? And why are Republicans so determined to destroy Medicare and Social Security?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mario Smith—Promontory Box Office Manager and Lumpen radio talk show host—makes his debut. And he’s got a lot to say. Namely, defending Chicago’s honor from Ben’s harsh critique. Tough challenge. Don’t get him started on the topic of Herschel Walker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Ed Burke quits as his pals try to find nice things to say about him. Ben riffs. Reader political writer Kelly Garcia returns to discuss all things local politics. Including...Burke & Fred Hampton; Jesus "Chuy" Garcia filing for mayor; and aldermanic races in 12, 1, 11 & 25. Also, the MAGA vote--will it go for Willie Wilson or Paul Vallas?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 did some homework for the show. He went through clippings to put together a list of Trump's alleged crimes. Or the various crimes and investigations centered on Trump's misbehavior. It's a long list. And Jim takes us through each one. Starting with E. Jean Carroll's accusation that Trump raped her. And concluding with the phone call Trump made to election officials in Georgia in which the president asked them to throw away Biden votes. Burning question of the day--how is Trump not yet in prison?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AOC is seen trolling MAGA. Ben riffs. And it's "popcorn and champagne" for Monroe Anderson as he gleefully analyzes Kevin McCarthy's pathetic attempts to beg MAGA to elect him speaker. For once Dems are disciplined and Republicans are falling apart. It couldn't happen to a viler bunch. Is there a difference between MAGA and a cowardly Republican? Here's a suggestion--elect Trump as the speaker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.