The Ben Joravsky Show

Ben riffs on Trump's insistence that Republicans swear allegiance to his "BIG LIE". And all five members of the newly formed City Council Democratic Socialist Caucus join the show to talk all things politics: Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor; Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, Alderman Daniel La Spata and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. They explain why they formed the caucus and what they hope to accomplish.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday, April 26, 2019: Biden's apology to Anita Hill, Rahm's interview with Fran Spielman, The "Rummana Rundown" with Sun-Times Editor Rummana Hussain, Grundy County Activist Heidi Henry gives us an education on politics outside of Chicago AND Director of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Sergio Mims returns! Download Friday's Ben Joravsky Show!See 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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Delmarie Cobb is bringing Yvette Simpson to town. Ben riffs. And then Yvette Simpson talks about Biden, white progressives, Bernie and other things, including dealing with two knuckleheads like Mayor Rahm and Chris Christie. Also, Dan Mihalopoulos of WBEZ, returns to talk about his ongoing investigation into Chicago and Evanston burying evidence of sexual harassment and assault against women lifeguards. Shame on both cities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben didn’t get invited to Barack Obama 60th. He riffs. Monroe Anderson didn’t get invited either. He talks COVID, infrastructure and budget reconciliation. And former alderman Bob Fioretti talks redistricting.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago never seemed so divided. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks about her latest masterpiece for the Reader. And Public Defender Sharone Mitchell talks criminal justice.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 returns to talk politics. Including conspiracy theories, Tucker Carlson, and other malevolent forces.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns for another rundown. On the agenda--the MAGA reaction to critical race theory, Megyn Kelly's defense of the insurrectionists, and whether Ben's wrong for not being impressed by putting a man on the moon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 18, 2019: The redacted Mueller report has been released! Smollet-Gate continues and Toni talks after her election loss. Investigative Journalist Mick Dumke takes the deep dive with Ben, Union Man Ed Maher talks healthcare in America and striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Steve Lester returns. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The experts weigh in on the first week of free agency. Benji the Bookie says the Bulls blew it by signing Demar Derozen. Miles said it's to early to say for certain, but he loves Lonzo Ball. And Ben predicts--what else--a championship celebration for his beloved Bulls next summer in Grant Park. 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. "not a doctor" D riff on a week's worth of news. Including great thoughts on Jimmy Dore, Mayor Lightfoot, Governor Pritzker, Governor Cuomo, Lollapalightfoot, Dr. Arwady, Blago 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.

Reporters writing stories about Park District looking the other way at evidence of sexual harrassment of lifeguards. Ben asks himself--would this happen if Harold Washington were mayor. And Jimmy Dore, comedian and podcast host, tries to convince Ben that the way for lefties to go is third party. And Ben tries to get Jimmy Dore to say something, anything, critical of Republicans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Tribune transportation reporter Mary Wisniewski returns to discuss Car Culture. She's writing a book about our addiction to all things cars. Also, a history lesson about the successful fight against the Crosstown Expressway.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Rand Paul sends out a fundraising letter saying you don't need the COVID vaccine. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns with talk-show host Mark Wallace to talk Harold Washington, Tim Evans, Eugene Sawyer, Lori Lightfoot, Nina Turner and why Black voters don't vote for Bernie--among other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Governor Blagojevich wants the right to run for office. Ben riffs. And Sox/Cubs experts Jim Coogan & Miles Porter return to discuss the Cubs trades. Do they know what they're doing? Or are they mindlessly paring the payroll. Also, Dave Glowacz returns with audio bits from recent City Council meetings. Time for the deep dive on what your aldermen and mayor are up to.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris returns to talk all things politics. Including what to make of people who won't get the vaccine even if it means death. Also, the culture of the confederacy. And the fallacy of bipartisanship in the age of MAGA. And more. You know, sometimes it helps to vent...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 11, 2021: Lori Lightfoot goes to Springfield! Mayor Rahm's farewell speech, Ben and Sun-Times Writer Tommy Mac Tom McNamee debate Rahm and MORE! Chicago Federation of Labor's Jake Lewis talks state politics AND the newly elected 47th Ward Alderman (Ben's Alderman) Matt Martin discusses his victory. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns to discuss, among other things, Boomers. Posing the question--if they're so great, how come they elected Trump? 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.

Oh What a Week it Was: "LollapaLightfoot" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does MAGA really believe the stupid things it says? Or is it just trolling liberals? And is MAGA an it? Ben discusses. Jen Walling from the Illinois Environmental Council returns to discuss the Clean Energy Bill. Also, Terry Cosgrove of Personal PAC, on why he says Roe is gone. And what Democrats can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben happened to be outside the Brooklyn federal courthouse when Thomas Barrack, Trump's crony, was arraigned. He gives his report. Monroe Anderson riffs on day one of congressional hearings on January 6. And election laywer Ed Mullen explains the politics of electing Supreme Court justices in Illinois. Question: Did Democrats outfox themselves when it came to drawing the judicial maps? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates--vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union--returns to talk about all the issues of the day. Including--Mayor Lightfoot's temperment, Toni Preckwinkle's handling of the SEIU strike, how to deal with crime and what to make of Eric Adams win in New York City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How should corporations handle employee controversies and sexual harassment scandals? Definitely not the way ESPN, the Post and Chicago’s hockey team have handled theirs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky returns to break it all down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump vs Pelosi rages on! Do Illinois Trump supporters support Pritzker's fair tax plan? Political Scientist Jim Lewis talks Lightfoot and the mayoral runoff, Chicago Sun-Times Director of Digital Operations Brian Ernst tells us about the new Sun-Times website and The Movie Man Chris Buddy chats about his latest film about blackjack dealers. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Washington Post says liberals are too mean to MAGA. Ben riffs. Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara in the need for affordable housing. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa returns to talk about what it took to win city council approval of a police Oversight Board.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist and podcaster Mike Nowak returns to talk about the detrimental impact of climate change on Lake Michigan. We take the lake for granted--to our detriment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

COVID cases rising but Lollapalooza is still in. Ben discusses. Rod Wilson, executive director of the Lugenia Burns Hope Center, talks about elected school board politics in Chicago. And Monroe Anderson returns with breaking news about Nancy Pelosi booting Jim Jordan off the January 6 congressional investigation committee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JB Pritzker announces he’s running for re-election. Ben ponders the frightening alternative. Dian Palmer, president of SEIU Local 73, and negotiator Larry Alcoff, on negotiating with Toni Preckwinkle. Also, political strategist Jason Lee on the Republican onslaught in Texas. And the fallacies of using pre-trial detentions to fight crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden--the pride and joy of Rogers Park--makes a long awaited return to act as a play-by-play analyst, breaking down the parliamentary maneuvers employed by Mayor Lightfoot over the last few council meetings to make sure she gets what she wants. Is the mayor playing within council rules? No. Is she being inconsistent in her rulings? Yes. Listen and learn about your democracy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You'll be able to impress your friends with your knowledge of hoops after listening to Dan Mihalopoulos, passionate fan of all things Giannis; Michael Malcolm, astute student of all things basketball; and Benji "the Bookie", oddsmaker extraordinare, talk bball. Specifically, the NBA finals. Who's going to win and why? Also Benny J, the Bookieworm, is in on the discussion. Trying desperately to steer the conversation to his beloved Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 10, 2019: Another Rahm farewell party and Ben can't stand it! More Illinois conservative pushback on recreational marijuana legalization, Election Lawyer Adolfo Mondragon returns to talk Ed Burke, Cubs vs White Sox and more AND the political power couple Kitty Kurth and Kevin Lampe discuss the 2020 POTUS election and Grandpa Joe. Download Friday's Ben Joravsky Show!!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 the week's news. And, oh, what a week it was. Pritzker meets Biden as does Police Chief Brown. And some insane MAGA ravings about crime in Chicago. And the return of Mayor Pete. 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.

News breaks that Senator Charles Schumer has proposed legislation to legalize marijuana across the country. Ben is skeptical that it will ever pass. Lisa Solomon from the Reader updates us on new social equity legislation. And podcaster Marc Sims returns to talk about race, crime and race and crime. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Steele goes where no guest has gone—Ben’s attic. As he and Ben share the mic, riffing on the top stories of the week. Such as—Alderwoman Taylor and Mayor Lightfoot; Eric Adams; voting laws, players choking and 1971.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maureen Dowd’s interview with Bernie Sanders is priceless in so many ways. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin of In These Times talks national politics. And state Rep. La Shawn Ford explains why Eric Adams is the right man at the right time to fight crime. Also, Rep. Ford says Ben is wrong about the Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns to talk Chicago and national politics. Asking among other things--what is it about Chicago that leads us to elect so many bossy mayors? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With baseball taking an All-Star break, we brought out Jim Coogan & Miles Porter--a couple of allstar baseball experts--to talk baseball. Specifically, Cubs and Sox. Are the Sox doing so well because of in spite of manager Tony La Russa. And are the Cubs really as bad as they have been for the last few weeks and, if so, who should they trade? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 8, 2019:Democrats and Republicans battle over Barr, Lori Lightfoot goes to Washington, Host of Humanity in the Headlines Atiba Buchanan unpacks the latest Trump news, Bhaskar Sunkara on Democratic Socialism and it's the Benny J Show debut of Host of "Hitting Left" Mike Klonsky. Download Wednesday's Ben Joravsky Show!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 riff on a week’s worth of news. President Biden comes to Illinois, Republicans bash Governor Pritzker with toilets, Marjorie Taylor Green stumps for Mary Miller and Mayor Lightfoot flies to San Fran. 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.

President Biden tries to win over MAGA by giving them money. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--publisher of Inside Chicago Government--returns for another fun-filled breakdown of your Chicago City Council in action. Dave has clips from recent meetings in which aldermen and Mayor Lightfoot dueled, using arcane parliamentary maneuvers as weapons. Listen and learn so you can impress your friends with your mastery of Roberts Rules of Order.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 celebrity boxing, the psychology of choking, culture vultures and Joe Biden.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden visits MAGA land. Ben discusses. And Monroe Anderson & Senator Robert Peters take the deep dive on Nicholsgate, elected school board, Mayoral Bullies, Eric Adams and whether authenticity matters more than ideology in politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sun-Times breaks the story about condoms being distributed to grade schoolers. Parents and grandparents lose their minds. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks about her new gig and the politics of policing. And Vincent E. Norment--owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame--talks about the injustice of banning Sha'Carri Richardson for testing positive for cannabis. 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.

Community activist Jac Charlier says it’s time we reconsider all the old strategies for fighting crime. Because they obviously aren’t working that well.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor columnist Rummana Hussain weighs in the stories of the week. Including--Sha'Carri Richardson, Mayor Lightfoot, Bill Cosby and more...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 it Was: "Lori's Gonna Lori"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It seems as though we’re coping with the same crap we were coping with last year. Ben explains. And Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski-Garza returns to talk about the mayor, the council, General Iron, the nastiness of politics 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 few years, state Senator Rob Martwick's been one of the leading sponsors of legislation to turn the Chicago school board from mayoral appointed to voter elected. The House and Senate approved a bill to do just that. It now goes to Governor Pritzker to be signed. Will Chicago finally have an elected school board? Martwick talks about where the bill stands, what it took to get here, what needs to be worked out and the continued opposition from Mayor Lightfoot and corporate Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York sets new standards for election incompetence, introducing the concept of dummy ballots. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Bill Cosby and Nina Turner v. James Clybourn. And Jim Coogan joins Monroe for Trump corruption talk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The papers are filled with stories about crime. And Ben has no answers. Even though he feels compelled to have some answers. And four days after taking the buy out from the Tribune, Eric Zorn interrupts his "retirement" to talk everything from the Tribune to newspapers to Mayor Lightfoot to John Kass to Trump to the Blackhawks sex scandal to other things I just can't remember now. Proving...the man we fondly call "EZ" has still got it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.