The Ben Joravsky Show

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain talks MAGA's attitudes toward Black voters. Or what does it say about MAGA's attitude toward Black voters that MAGA thought Black voters would vote for Herschel Walker? Also, Alito and his MAGA comrades on the Supremes try to concoct a legal justification to discriminate against gays and lesbians and trans and anyone else MAGA hates. Just call it...creative lawmaking from MAGA judicial activists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa & Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez take the deep dive on Bring Chicago Home. That's a proposal to put a binding referendum on the ballot asking voters if they support slapping a tax on the sale of wealthy property to raise money to build housing for homeless. It's not a proposal to create such a tax. Again, it's a proposal to ask you, the voters, if you want to create that tax. It seemed to have widespread aldermanic support. But...Chicago being Chicago, it never came for a vote in the council. Carlos & Rossana explain what went down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yesterday was day one for mayoral candidates to file nominating petitions. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks mayor’s race, Thomas Sowell, Dave Chappelle 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's drivers get caught parking in a bike lane, while the mayor ducks into a bakery to buy some doughnuts. Ben riffs. And WBEZ journalist Alden Loury returns to discuss his latest Sun-Times column on low voter turnout. Have Chicagoans become nihilists? Also, demographics in Chicago. If everyone says they want to reverse the trend of Black people leaving town, why won't anyone do anything about it? A word or two or three about economic development and the Red Line extension. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump makes it official. Ben riffs. And WVON talk show host David Seaton talks Trump, MAGA, Black Trump supporters 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.

Political scientist David Faris makes his midterm predictions. And a word or two about MAGA’s bizarre approach to fighting inflation. And the New York Times obsession with John Fetterman’s stroke. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's Police union endorses a man named "Don Bailey" for governor. Ben riffs. And columnist Eric Zorn returns to discuss all the burning issues of the day. Like...whether Ben & Maya were unfair to pull First Tuesdays from The Hideout. It's Election Day and democracy as we know it in America is basically on the ballot. Yet, Ben & Eric are bickering over Hideoutgate. No wonder Democrats lose. We do manage a few words about Michael Moore's predictions.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 battle raging as the GOP's "right flank" challenges Kevin McCarthy's bid for speaker. Right flanks implies there's a left flank. Ben riffs. Devin Thompson, singer extraordinaire, talks about his upcoming concert. Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, examines recent city council meetings. Why won't the head of the public schools attend council hearings? Why won't Mayor Lightfoot bring back a Department of Environment? Why would Alderman Tom Tunney suddenly raise questions about city's longstanding financial health? And how can an alderperson vote for and against a budget at the same time? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben travels to a place he's never been on election night--MSNBC. He weighs in with what he saw. Monroe Anderson returns to say the "Red Wave" turned into a "pink trickle". What happened, MAGA? And Jacob Kaplan, executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party, examines the statewide election returns. For once, MAGA's scare white people strategy failed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, what a week, indeed! Ben & Dr. D riff on the news, most of it out of Chicago. Starting with...Donoughtgate. Is Doughnutgate worse than Cinnamon Rollgate? Hmm, tough, tough question. And then it's on to the mayor's race, still in its embryonic stages. Chicago Magazines rates the candidates. Ben riffs. And, away from Chicago, a word or two or three about New York Democrats--who just may the most clueless bunch of so-called political experts in the world.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 asks the question. If women have a right not to wear hijabs, doesn't that also mean they have a right to wear them? Also, Rummana does a victory march on Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. She hates to say I told you so, but...she told you so. And a word or two about Bad Sisters...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The midterms were supposed to be a Red Wave, doing with votes what the insurrectionists couldn’t do on January 6–giving MAGA control of Congress. David Faris takes the deep dive on why that didn’t happen. How the pollsters and pundits minimized abortion rights. How the Democrats finally learned to play hardball. Except New York Dems, who just may be the lamest bunch of political incompetents—ever. 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.

What a week of politics for Ben & Dr. D to riff about. The Red Wave turns into a Blue one, at least in Illinois. New York Dems are clueless. Give Speaker Welch credit—he knows how to play the mapmaking game. Congressman “Chuy” draws sharp elbows from Mayor Lightfoot. 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 & George Cardenas pull an Eddie Haskell. Ben explains. Shoutout to Gregory Pratt for another great scoop. And Clem Balanoff talks Jesus Garcia—he’s going to run for mayor. Monroe Anderson is skeptical. Then the talk turns to the midterms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's official--Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia is running for mayor. Ben riffs by answering a question from V-Train. Also Peter Cunningham--political strategist, speech writer & rock `n roll guitarist--takes the deep dive on...crime & police. We know more police will not bring down crime. But good luck saying that in the middle of a contentious mayoral campaign when people are freaking out over crime. Also, was it Chico Marx or Richard Pryor who said--"who you gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?" Could Ben & PC both be right about this?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football coach/analyst LeAlan Jones has an unique take on the Chicago Bears. He thinks they're making smart moves that will bring them a Super Bowl Championship. He explains why he believes that and why the "experts" are so critical of the Bears. A word or two or three about Ryan Poles & Justin Fields. By the way, the conversation took place before Sunday’s game against Atlanta, which the Bears lost. Yet LeAlan remains optimistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Historian Rosemary Feurer & Elliott Gorn talk Chicago's radical past. Particularly the successful effort to pay tribute to Mother Jones, the turn-of-the-last-century radical. Yes, radical. She didn't hide from it. Will Chicago recognize it's radical roots? Or will it tilt every more toward the right?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 Lynn Sweet tries to hold MAGA strategist Dan Proft to the same rules and standards real journalists must follow. Ben riffs. And Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson talks about running for mayor. He explains why he's the progressive candidate in the race. What it means to be a progressive. And whether Chicago's open to a progressive mayor. 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 Bears make their first move toward convincing Arlington Heights residents to pay for their football stadium. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns to explain a few things about Chicago history that Mayor Lightfoot may not understand. Such as the Evans/Sawyer split that divided Black Chicago and handed City Hall over to Daley. And attorney Jim Coogan joins Monroe to talk Special Master. That is...the bizarre ruling by Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, to give ol' Donnie what he wants--a "Special Master" to review the government documents he, Donnie, stole from the White House. MAGA looks out for its own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elon Musk gets ready to fire hundreds of Twitter employees. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere talks Musk, Trump & Ye. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer/guitarist Andrea Bunch and activist Alicia Hurtado—of the Chicago Abortion Fund—talk about the fight for reproductive rights in the aftermath of the midterms. The fight is not over—even in Illinois where abortion is legal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After about 20 years as an organizer, Amisha Patel is taking a break--she's stepping down as executive director of the Grassroots Collaborative. She talks about the struggles to try and force Chicago mayors to do the right thing. The differences between Daley, Rahm & Lightfoot. And why she remains optimistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson announces he’s running for mayor—will confused MAGA voters line up to support him? Ben riffs. Historian Sean Dinces, author of Bulls Market, talks about Chicago’s history of giving handouts to sports franchises. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Artist & radio show host Damien Perdue has been studying cults & conspiracy theories for years. He takes the deep dive on QAnon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The British Prime Minister steps down. Ben apologizes for riffing on it. And Micah Uetricht, editor/writer for Jacobian, manages to defend the New York Times. Is Ben unfair to the Times? 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 talks capitalism. Specifically, Twitter employees getting fired because Elon Musk needs to use their salaries to pay back the money he borrowed to buy the company. Which he paid too much for. Crazy… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Maya host November's First Tuesday show at a new location--the Nighthawk on Kimball. On tap--the coming elections. Especially judicial. Especially the Supremes. No, not the Diana Ross Supremes. But the seven justices of the state supreme court. If MAGA seizes control of that court, they will be in position to undo abortion rights, collective bargaining rights and environmental regulations. Attorney Ed Mullen and political strategist Michilla Blaise explain what's at stake. Also, shout out to Mo Dunne & Amanda Miley at Injustice Watch for working so diligently to get this together--without you, there would be no show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tribune reports that dozens of public officials are members of the Oath Keepers. Ben riffs. And former state Rep. Julie Hamos returns to talk about the upcoming elections to the Illinois Supreme Court. Specifically, why these should be top-of-the-ballot races as opposed to bottom-of-the-ballot ones. That's because the future of Illinois laws regarding environment, labor, guns, education, and abortion--especially abortion--is at stake. So you might say that if MAGA wins in the second and third supreme court districts, Illinois will transform from a Blue state to sort of the northern equivalent of Mississippi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More weather news--most of it bad. Ben riffs on the difference between Democrats and MAGA when it comes to each other's tragedies. And Rummana Hussain--Sun-Times columnist/editorial writer--asks the question: What's in a name? Particularly in the case of Nikki Haley. Rummana explains why she's on Team Sunny. And a few words about People of Color who love Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump & Kanye unleash their hate. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns! And she's got a lot on her mind--Trump, Kanye, property tax, budgets, and the hate Chicago has for poor people. Also, a prediction about the midterms. As once again America looks to Black women to rescue America from the crazies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer & radio show host Salim Muwakkil returns. At last! To talk Pharoah Sanders. And Kanye West. And is it time to panic? Nothing is left untouched. The phenomenal realm. The spiritual realm. Does the creator really have a master plan? Why Salim calls Kanye an "idiot savant". And MAGA's endless search for "Black mascots".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guess what! Dr. D returns from paternity week to help wrap up the news. News item one. He's a proud papa. Guess the D stands for daddy. Also, JB v. DB in the final debate. Mayor Lightfoot targets Vallas. Is Vallas as bad as Trump? And, who will represent lefties in the mayor's race--Brandon Johnson or Chuy Garcia? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

.Sun-Times runs a story about residents in Belmont Cragin never seeing their elected officials. Ben riffs. And community organizer Dixon Romeo returns to discuss Obama Center community benefits agreement, city's programs for Black vendors and how to fight MAGA propaganda. And then a mini deep dive on Ben's beloved Bulls. Dixon is not so optimistic. And out of nowhere a debate over Draymond Green erupts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden drops an F bomb! Ben riffs. In These Times editor/writer Miles Kampf-Lassin returns to talk about the midterms. What Democrats must do to forestall Armageddon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Election results prove voters don’t care if a candidate is a smooth talker. So why are mainstream reporters obsessing over John Fetterman’s debate performance? Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Putin, Griner, Fetterman & political malfeasance. Stick around long enough and you’ll hear the call from Monroe’s contractor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The President of the Los Angeles City Council gets caught on mic making racist comments--almost like she's from Chicago. Ben riffs. And election lawyer Adolfo Mondragon returns to talk about racism and bigotry and colorism in the Hispanic community. Also, what is up with Congressman Jesus Garcia? Will he run for mayor? And a word or two or three about why the White Sox should bring back Ozzie Guillen as manager.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some how every football “expert” in Chicago predicted the wrong outcome to Mondays’s Bears/Patriots game. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks about the future of First Tuesdays. And Kelly Garcia, Reader staff writer, talks about her latest articles. Including Chicago’s audacious experiment in democracy. Paul Vallas courts MAGA in Naperville. And using the parks for concerts.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 to explore the MAGA psyche. Do MAGA true believers truly believe the insanity they spout? Are they actually feeling guilty? Is it a case of bad guys not wanting to be seen as bad? Is their change-the-subject strategy working? And what's with Ron DeSantis? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week, more news. Ben & Chris riff away. Including...a new pol that shows JB leading DB. The different respnses by Dems & MAGA to polls. Michael Madigan in trouble—again. Avondale ranked a cool neighborhood. Its only a matter of time before the coolness is priced out. And President Biden inches--and I mean, inches--toward something that should have been done decades ago. Legalizing marijuana. You watch, the Republicans will do it first. Sigh…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Mims dies at age 67. Ben pays tribute to a dear friend and super podcast guest. And director Joe Winston talks about Punch 9, his sensational documentary about Mayor Harold Washington. A word of advice…run don’t walk to see punch 9.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turns out Herschel Walker, "pro-life" MAGA candidate for senator in Georgia, allegedly paid for one of his lover's abortion. Ben riffs. And suburban school activist Asafonie Obed makes her debut to talk about MAGA's attempt to take over suburban school systems by preaching hate and fear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Sun-Times poll reveals that 45 percent of voters don't want to subsidize a new Bears stadium. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump. The MAGA man is being deposed in E.J. Carroll's defamation case. Probably take the fifth. Also, a word or two about the artist formerly known as Kanye West. Is he the most effective promoter of White Supremacy? And a word or two about David Axelrod, Charles Thomas and journalistic ethics.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-Sanchez returns with updates on progressive politics in Chicago. The Democratic Socialists had a clean sweep on the northwest side in March. But now what's left of the old Mell Machine is looking to fight back. Look for them to play the MAGA card on crime. Mayor Lightfoot attempts to keep Alderman Matt Martin from chairing the ethics committee. And a word or two about Ron DeSantis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council moves heaven and earth on behalf of the Chicago Fire. Ben riffs. And Personnel Pac's Terry Cosgrove returns to talk politics. Particularly, the all-important Illinois Supreme Court campaigns in the second and third district. Why are those races so important? Because if the Republicans win, they will have the votes to outlaw abortion in Illinois. Anti-abortion zealots realize what's at stake. But do pro-choice voters?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week has come and gone, which means Ben and Producer Chris run down the news. Starting with...the state of Illinois looks to bring at least three more bookies on line to take the money of sports-betting suckers who should know better. Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey "softens" his rhetoric to win over swing voters by trying to pretend he's not against abortion, even though he previously said abortions are worse than Nazi genocide. Mayor Lightfoot says no property tax hike. Must be an election year. Speaking of which...Congressman Jesus Garcia can't make up his mind about running for mayors. And lefties call his bluffing, drafting Brandon Johnson to run.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yvette Simpson--CEO of Democracy for America and progressive champion--returns to talk all things politics. Specifically, the fight to hold on to the House and Senate. Will Republicans win by scaring middle America? And if Republicans care so much about abortion, why have they stopped talking about it? And can Democrats be on message and focused--for once in their lives? And what's going on with Aunt Karen and her embarrassing rap. 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.

Sun-Times columnist/editorial writer Rummana Hussain returns to discuss the Queen. In particular, why are Americans so obsessed with the Royal Family. Also, floods in Pakistan and indifference in America. What will it take to get Americans to care about environmental catastrophes in Asia? And much praise for Mo.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year's MacArthur genius grants were awarded. Guess who didn't get one--again! Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson pays tribute to Sergio Mims. Also, the latest on E. Jean Carroll's defamation case against Trump. And Punch 9. Podcaster Marc Sims returns to talk Kanye and colorism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A devastating hurricane hits Florida and their governor, DeSantis, asks for compassion. Ben riffs. And Mick Dumke, ProPublica reporter returns to talk politics and music. He takes the deep dive on CHA selling off the land, promised for low-income housing, for things that are neither housing or favorable to the low-income. Like a practice field for a professional soccer team. Apparently, some promises are made to be broken. And then Mick digs into his record bin to pluck out a couple of classics to discuss. Starting with Motown Show Tunes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tribune editorializes about the mayor being unresponsive to Chicago's corporate elite. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks upcoming First Tuesdays show. And Dave Glowacz, from Inside Chicago Government, returns to talk City Council. Including...voting for a new 43rd ward aldermen; police settlements; and a new field for the Fire that will go on land that was supposed to be for low-income housing. Let's be honest, everybody...Chicago's always looking for an excuse to move poor people out of town.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.