The Ben Joravsky Show

Political strategist and podcast host Sameena Mustafa returns to discuss one of her latest projects--a study of political candidates who are women of color. Or, more to the point, the violence and anger they face from the left as well as MAGA. The question is--why are men threatened by women in power? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yesterday, Ben appealed to Len Goodman to do what he had to do to save the Reader. That appeal didn't work. So Ben tries again. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk masks, Trump judges, MAGA & Putin and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Willie Wilson announces he's running for mayor. But he won't say if he voted for Trump. Ben riffs. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb makes her long-awaited return to talk all things politics. Including, why she wants people to vote for David Moore. And how Republicans show their contempt for Black voters. And her appreciation for Senator Cory Booker. And how Republicans spin the media. And why the media should know better. And why she's so proud of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. And memories of Harold Washington on the 100th anniversary of his birth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben goes to California and gets a massage. What a story. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of the council Democratic Progressives--returns and he's got a lot on his mind. Ward Map. Casino. Danny Solis. Elon Musk. Mayor's race. And who's got the biggest gas-giveaway card--Mayor Lightfoot or Willie Wilson?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On April 5, 2022, Ben & Maya returned to The Hideout for First Tuesdays. On topic--former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, the good, the bad & the ugly. Out guests were two people who know a lot about the man people call Mad Dog. Political strategist Alaina Hampton was a campaign aide in the once mighty Madigan political operation. She left after Madigan basically looked the other at her allegations of sexual harrassment by another campaign aide. WBEZ reporter Dave McKinney has been covering the ongoing Commonwealth Edison scandal that led to Madigan's indictment. 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 editor/writer Miles Kampf-Lassin returns and we start talking about Jeff Cramer's breakdown over the successful unionizing effort at the Amazon warehouse in New York and wind up talking capitalism. Specifically, why Jeff Bezos and his peers hate unions so much. And then the conversation moves to Biden & the child tax credit. Dem can be their own worse enemies.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 riff on a week's worth of news. Pritzker & Bailey & Irvin & Poor Jesse Sullivan. And then Dr. Dr makes the case for Willie Wilson. Ben is skeptical--to put it mildly. 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.

Podcaster Marc Sims returns and the conversation turns to Willie Wilson and Richard Irvin. Will Chicago voters elect Willie Wilson as their mayor because he give out free gas? As for Richard Irvin, he's the more or less centrist-like mayor of Aurora who's recast himself as a MAGA Republican to beat JB Pritker. In his latest commercial, Irvin says, "there's nothing the left fears more than Republicans who look me and think like us." What is he telling us? Marc & Ben riff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Friday it will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harold Washington--the greatest mayor in the history of Chicago. To mark the event, there have been celebrations all over town. Ben riffs. And then Monroe Anderson and Josie Childs join the show to talk all things Harold Washington. Josie Childs is a longtime friend and aide to the late mayor. So she has some great stories to tell. Including a Washington secret. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host of The Fight Podcast, Sergio Vicente returns to discuss Colby Covington, the Trump-loving, MAGA flag-waving UFC fighter, who's trying to make a name for himself by baiting LeBron James with trash talk. Sergio explains what Covington's up to and why he's doing it and whether it works. Then the conversation turns to Will Smith & Chris Rocks at the Oscars. You don't want to miss the conversation...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anat Shenker-Osorio is a left-of-center political strategist who has spent many years studying messaging. That is--why certain messages resonate and others don't. Not surprising, she's determined that the right is more effective at the left at message. Why is that? She explains--with examples. She's the principal of ASO Communications and hosts her own podcast, Words to Win By.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 talk Will Smith, Chris Rock, toxic masculinity and Tucker Carlson and then one thing leads to another and she explains the destructive side effects of the myth of the model minorities. And a word or two about Chris Rock's white producers joke at the Oscars. 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 busy week. Ben & Dr. D jump right in. Starting with...the mayor's favorite newspaper. Well, it's not a local one. Moving on to Richard Irvin's delicate dance with MAGA. Campaign commercials from Alexi. Too bad he's not running for best basketball player in Illinois politics. Casino games. And Alderman Lopez announces he's running for mayor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why is it that when Chicago does the right thing, it's generally for the wrong reason? Ben ponders that question. And then Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor makes her long-awaited return. And not a moment too soon. The conversation moves from Republicans attitude toward Black women to the war on crime to Arne Duncan to Lori Lightfoot to what people in Aurora say about Richard Irvin to a whole bunch of other things.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Monroe Anderson's birthday. Ben seeks some words to live by. And then another Chicago legend, Richard Steele--aka, The Real Deal--comes on to offer his advice. Then the topic turns to race. And Clarence & Ginni Thomas. And the upcoming mayoral election. And, wait, more birthday advice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laurie Glenn & Juanita Irizarry return. And after a word or two or three about MAGA and the Brown-Jackson hearings, the talk turns to casinos. As in--it's crazy that Chicago would rely so much on the proceeds from a vice. Also, a word or two about how you must be doing something right if the Tribune's editorial squad criticizes you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ reporter Linda Lutton--one of Chicago's great reporters--will be taking a year off. She stopped by to talk about some of her favorite stories. Or, at least, some of Ben's favorite Linda Lutton stories. Including her masterpiece about the "vandals" who put an extra s on the signs, thus turning Douglas into Douglass Park. Classic Chicago stories.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 returns and she's got a lot on her mind. The Ricketts family & Islamaphobia. Senator Ted Cruz and his racist behavior. Ketanje Brown Jackson staying cool under pressure. Why is it "okay" for white men to counter punch, but Black women have to hold their fire? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking news starts the show! Amazon warehouse workers in State Island vote union. Ben riffs. Then Michael Gerardi--Chicago's Neil Young--returns to play one of his latest songs: "Look Me In The Eye". Then it's time to riff on a week's worth of news, including the Democratic attack commercial on Richard Irvin and Irvin's MAGA response. And then Mayor Lightfoot steals a page from Willie Wilson on gas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to know why people in Chicago are so cynical about politics? Maybe it's because their leaders say things everybody knows can't be true. Speaking of which...Ben riffs on Willie Wilson, Mayor Lightfoot and the rising cost of gasoline. And then election lawyer Adolfo Mondragon and Alderman Sigcho-Lopez talk about their "unsuccessful" against Danny Solis. It may not be so unsuccessful after all. Also, Sigcho-Lopez on the casino.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, deliver his MAGA-marching orders to Nick Sposato and other northwest side alderman--oppose Rob Martwick or else! Ben riffs. Also, Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, returns to talk: Ukraine, War Criminals, Paul Volcker policies, Joe Manchin, Sarah Bloom Raskin and more. The man knows his stuff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans double down on their attempt to win in November by being tough on crime. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson and Professor Dick Simpson talk about the fragile state of democracy locally and nationally. The consensus--Chicago's in better shape than the rest of the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Rob Martwick has achieved the impossible. He's clearly hated by two people who hate each other--John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police--and Mayor Lightfoot. How did such an easy-going guy achieve this distinction? Apparently, by daring to disagree with Catanzara & Lightfoot on separate matters. Martwick explains.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock and Ben riffs. Just when you thought you've seen it all. And LeRoy Gordon, aka Roy Flash Gordon, retuns to give it all some perspective. The man's a former professional wrestler, so he knows a thing or two about the fine line between dramatic trash talk and violence. And then ace attorney Jim Coogan returns to talk about the sins of Donald Trump and his confederates. A federal judge says Trump's attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election is "likely criminal". Jim explains the context, where the case against Trump is going and Trump's attempt to divert attention by suing Hillary Clinton. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

School activists Cassie Creswell & Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth tell the only-in-Chicago story of Jones High School, located in the south Loop, who has a principal who allegedly lives in Missouri. What, CPS, you couldn't find someone closer to home? They also consider the age-old questions: Why do the leaders of Chicago public schools dislike parent, hate democracy, and adore powerful mayors. Also, a word or two or three about efforts in Mississippi to fire a teacher for introducing his students to the classic book, I Need A New Butt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris returns to break down the latest on Ukraine, Putin, Biden, MAGA, NATO, China, COVID & more. As he & Ben come face to face with the depressing realization--there's always money for war. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week's worth of news for Ben & Dr. D to riff on. Where to start? How about some old news--Republicans latest efforts to scare voters into voting against JB. Then the secretary of state's race. Then Light My Fire. Light My Fire? Yes, Light My Fire. Then Casinogate in Chicago. Then the new alderwoman of the 11th. The Daleys love her. This city can't get enough of the Daleys. And a word or two about Eric Adams and Kyrie Irving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of Chicago's smartest movie minds--Sergio Mims from the Black Harvest Film Festival & Chris Buddy, director extraordinaire--join Ben to geek out over The Godfather. Can it really be 50 years? Favorite scenes. Why is it the greatest? What is its legacy? Back stories. Flaws--Sonny missed the punch! And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Flynn endorses Gary Rabine for governor. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks the Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings. And then LeAlan Jones--former Green Party candidate for senate--returns to discuss the war in Ukraine. Is there are any even glimmer of hope? Finally, the Chicago casino. Is there a worse way to raise money for pensions?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shia Kapos runs a story about a new poll showing JB Pritzker in trouble. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, returns to talk criminal justice. Also, Maya and Ben will be hosting Alaina Hampton & Dave McKinney at the next First Tuesdays. The topic? Michael Joseph Madigan. That's Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez talks about the need to stay compassionate, sane, focused and determined during difficult times. Also, a word or two or three about dealing with Mayor Lightfoot. Pushing for alternatives to the old ways of policing. And praise for Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Deborah Witzburg, candidate for Inspector General.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former school CEO Janice Jackson says CTU can't get along. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, ace reporter for Inside Chicago Government, returns with clips from recent City Council meetings. What's on the agenda, you ask? Good question! Police, Jesse White & TIFs. Though this being Chicago, they talk about TIFs without mentioning TIFs. Strange city. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much for Ben & Dr. D to riff on--so little time. So let's get to it...Willlie Wilson gives away gas, as opposed to cash. That wins the Dr.'s vote. Reefer sales fall. Good news for cookie man. John Catanzara auditions for a mayoral run by trying to bully Alderman Nick Sposato. Chicago loves bullies so it might win Catanzara votes. MAGA must decide whether they'll sell out by going for the candidate with the big-bucks backers. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ reporter Dave McKinney returns to discuss two of the most powerful players in Illinois politics--Kenneth Griffin, who bankrolls the Republican Party, and Michael Joseph Madigan, who used to run the Democratic Party. They have more in common than you think, Dave breaks down his recent expose about Griffin's company's holdings in gun manufacture companies. And he talks about corruption indictment against Madigan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Attorney Kim Foxx makes a tough decision. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Ukraine. And then...the great debate. As Adolfo Mondragon--lawyer extraordinaire--defends the sentencing of Jussie Smollett to 150 days in jail. Monroe & Ben take the other position. Look out, everybody...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot went on the Craig Dellimore Show, which is not really called the Craig Dellimore Show, and blamed everything on Ben. Well, not everything. But just the criticism Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza aimed at Mayor Lightfoot. Ben riffs. And state Rep. Kam Buckner talks mayor's race. Will he run against Lightfoot? The Sun-Times positions him as a leading candidate. Also, Buckner talks about crime and Dems, CTU, and taking down that dastardly Trump sign. And other things...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza covers a range of topics. Including the tragic murder of Amanda Calo, shot dead by her husband. Katie Garza, the alderwoman's daughter, joins the conversation to pay tribute to Amanda and ask listeners donate to a GoFundMe page for Amanda's two children. Then the topic turns to politics. Asked if she's supporting Mayor Lightfoot's re-election, Alderwoman Garza says no. Then explains why she's breaking from her former ally.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 Scientist David Faris takes us from A to Z on Putin's war against Ukraine. Putin's twisted logic, motivations and justifications--"it's not a violation of sovereignty, but a restoration of it." How best to confront him. The hypocrisy of Bush. The threat to the world. Would appeasement have worked? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019: An Alligator in the Humboldt Park Lagoon? Confederate Railroad banned from the Illinois State Fair. Legendary Chicago journalist Monroe Anderson returns. Activist Sameena Mustafa is back and Jacobin Writer Micah Uetricht talks local and national politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just after Judge James Linn sentenced Jussie Smollett to five months in the County Jail, Ben & Rummana sat down two discuss. And why not. We've been updating Smollettgate as it unfolded almost from the moment it began in January, 2019. Was the sentence fair? Should Smollett have received any jail time? Was this a reality show we were watching? Did Smollett use Kim Foxx? If Smollett is doing time for lying, why isn't Donald Trump in jail? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems want to pretend Michael Madigan never existed. Ben riffs. Alderman David Moore returns to discuss his candidacy to replace Jesse White as Secretary of State. He's the only candidate in the race who openly declares he's not using the office as a stepping stone to higher office. He lays out his agenda. And Peter "PC" Cunningham, the brains behind Daley, Duncan & Rahm returns to talk why Arne Duncan is not running for mayor. Why it's hard to have a legitimate conversation about crime. Police retirement. Defund police. And this observation--"Culture drives politics, politics drives policy."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Jenkins is a juggler, activist, circus ring leader, and former aldermanic candidate--not necessarily in that order. He's also a passionate rescuer and trainer of dogs, particularly Pit bulls, who are bred to fight. He talks about saving and training "fight" dogs. There's much overlap between man's cruelty to dogs and his cruelty to other humans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Battle of the letters-to-editor in the Sun-Times. First, Kenneth Griffin, then a Sun-Times reader. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims, co-founder of the Black Harvest Festival, and the great debate. Is media unfair to Mayor Lightfoot? Is the left wrong on NATO? Are we on the verge of WW III? And a few thoughts about The Godfather.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editorial writer/columnist Rummana Hussain & Ben take a diversion from the madness of the day to discus Kanye, Mama's Boys, David Yurman, Missoni (spelled correctly), and why white people have a hard time telling one Indian-American woman from another. And, of course, the Kardashians. Resulting in one of the most blatant Manplaining moments in the history of podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Vicente, host of The Fight Podcast, and Benji "the Bookie" Hall return for a great debate. Who should be on the NBA top 75 players of all time and who should be left off. Also, will the Bulls ever be able to beat the good teams? Yes, when Alex Caruso returns.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's worth of news it was! Michael Joseph Madigan indicted! Mayor Lightfoot allegedly brags about having the "biggest dick in Chicago!" George W. Bush, of all people, comes to town to denounce invasions of sovereign countries. And Jeanne Ives backs Darren Bailey, the (not a) hog farmer, over Richard "Money Man" Irvin in the Republican governor primary. Ben & Dr. D riff big time!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds indict former House Speaker Michael Joseph Madigan on corruption charges. True to form, Ben is all over the map. And then state Rep Kelly Cassidy--who took a stand against Madigan long before it was fashionable--returns to talk about his legacy. Good and bad.  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--owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame--returns to consider the question: Is the NFL a racist organization, at least when it comes to the hiring Black coaches? Brian Flores, recently fired coach of the Miami Dolphins, says yes. Vincent and Ben talk about his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.