The Ben Joravsky Show

MAGA has a lot to say about everything from poop to pop. But, curiously, they're silent on whether Donald Trump called American war heroes "losers". Also, updates on Madigan-Gate!, Eddie-Gate! and Harmon-Gate ? So much Illinois political corruption your head may spin. In These Times writer Miles Kampf-Lassin returns to talk about how Republicans are trying to turn socialism into a dirty word and other political issues.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Teachers Union VP Stacy Davis Gates talks about being a "leftie" in Chicago during the pandemic. 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.

Veteran newsman Charlie Meyerson asks if there's such a thing as objectivity, talks about breaking into radio news at WXRT back in the day and explains what he's up to with Chicago Public Square, his latest news gathering venture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The it in question is...everything! From Mike Flynn to concealing his taxes to Stormy Daniels to telling Republican voters in North Carolina to commit election fraud. Ace attorney Jim Coogan breaks it down...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Trump tell the truth when he said he didn't call American war heroes--who made the greatest sacrifice for their country--losers? Anything to protect his precious comb over. Also, the richest man in Illinois invests $20 million so he can keep his tax bill relatively low and keep yours relatively high. And Rummana riffs on Nixon & Kissinger's hate for Indian women, Nancy Pelosi's haircut and whether Biden's love can conquer Trump's hate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Stormy Daniels update. It will help you get through the grim news of the day. Ben does a flip flop on Michael Madigan. And Tracy Baim, publisher of the Reader, weighs in on Larry Kramer, Republican gays, bridges as a metaphor and whether appeals to love can beat appeals to hate in a presidential election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Washington Post correspondent Mark Guarino describes what he saw last week in Kenosha.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben discusses the blind love and mindless devotion MAGA nation has for President Donnie. Ja'Mal Green, activist and former mayoral candidate, talks about his exchange with Trump supporters in Kenosha. And Monroe Anderson weighs in on Trump's attempt to scare white people into voting Republican. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Arkansas House Minority Leader, Eddie Armstrong returns to talk about the Democratic challenge to win elections by taking the high road against the hate-tactics of Trump's GOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben weighs in on Trump's trip to Kenosha. Another Illinois politician involved in a bribery scheme. Mayor Lightfoot's budget plan. Also, has the mayor really turned over a new leaf? The Chicago Reader's Maya Dukmasova returns with a surprise announcement and gives us a FOIA story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez talks the 2020 election, Mayor Lightfoot, the national guard coming to Chicago and MORE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Members of the Trump cult gather at the White House to bow down to their master. As a young disciple kills two people in Kenosha. It's getting scary, folks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BONUS! "The Rummana Rundown" with Sun-Times Editor Rummana HussainSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"TGIO Friday" & The Heartland Mamas Recap the Republican National ConventionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Troy LaRaviere--Bernie backer & president of the Chicago Principal's Association--telling it like it is about cops in schools, Kenosha, the NBA player's boycott, "implicit bias" 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.

On the eve of Trump's convention speech, we eagerly await to see how President Law & Order talks his way out of the fact that one of his supporters killed two people in Kenosha. Plus, major shoutout to LeBron James and Doc Rivers. And moderate Republicans try to pretend that they care about science too. And Kris Kane talks about the likelihood of legalization in a Trump or Biden administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"We keep loving this country. And this country doesn't love us back." With those words, Doc Rivers, coach of the Clippers, helped ignite a boycott by NBA players of today's playoffs game to show their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Marine veteran, Vincent Norment talks about his reaction to the shooting of Jacob Blake, the vigilante shootings in Kenosha, the boycott and Coach Rivers' powerful statement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In one night at the convention, the Trumpsters try to rewrite the history of Trump's first four years in office. Will America be dumb enough to fall for it? Monroe Anderson talks about how Black Republicans try to put a good spin on Trump. It's a tough job, but apparently someone's got to do it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podshow host Marc Sims talks Caste, Kenosha, and Tarantino. Among many other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Back from Vacation/Lefty Land Tuesday" & David FarisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Tresser takes the deep dive on Tax Increment Financing. Warning--this is complicated material. Many of you will get confused and walk away saying--I just read the Daily News and swear by every word.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago comics Rachel and Cody make you laugh during these miserable times. Get ready for their podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vincent Norment predicts the Blazers will upset the Lakers. Miles Porter sees greatness for the Cubs. Everyone loves Damien Lilliard. And, all together now: Thank goodness the Bulls fired Jim Boylen!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A classic blast from the past. What happens when Willie Wilson (a Trump voter) unexpectedly shows up, when Troy LaRaviere (a Bernie voter) is in the studio.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city of Chicago has decided it's a good idea to take a scrap iron facility that no one wants on the wealthy north side and move it to the working class south side, where no one wants it either. Andrew talks the politics of zoning and development in Chicago--where money usually does the talking. Also, the city hides the Columbus statues while it figures out what to do with them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Lopez talks about his contentious relationship with Mayor Lightfoot. As he and Ben try to figure out what the agree on.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Political-Know-It-Alls talk about great conventions from the past and predict what to expect from this year's Democratic Convention. Ben weighs in with stories of his favorite conventions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Criminal defense lawyer April Preyar explains the basics of what to do and not do when you're arrested. Hint--shut up!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcast superstars Murri & Heidi--co-hosts of The Heartland Mamas--talk about what Biden has to do to win over swing voters in their Trump loving home towns. Also, a different take on Michael Madigan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a day when a gutsy reporter accuses Trump to his face of lying, the president finally tells one truth--trying to beat Biden by sabotaging the post office. The most deafening sound in America is the silence of cowardly Republicans too afraid of Trump to speak out. Rumman Hussain explains the significance of Kamala Harris and how Trump will exploit prejudice against her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's actually a MAGA loving sheriff in Florida who is banning his troopers from wearing face masks. What happened to the rights of people to make up their own minds? Republicans hide under the table rather than speak out. Miles talks about being a Bernie delegate at this year's virtual convention.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buchanan & Seaton's own David Seaton joins us to talk Kamala Harris, Black Lives Matter, religion, Trump's racism, William Jefferson Clinton--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 waves the flag for Kamala. Trump tries to have it two ways with Biden/Harris. Political strategist Delmarie Cobb talks about the all-important Black women vote. And Monroe Anderson weighs in with more Trump talk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was an apocalyptic last few days what with looting on the Gold Coast followed by a wind storm as Chicago struggles to make sense of its racist past. Also, Mayor Lightfoot plays passive aggressive with Kim Foxx. And Maya on TV news coverage of the looting.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pro Publica investigative reporter Mick Dumke returns to talk about whether "law-and-order" crackdowns have been effective in stopping crime in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joshua Smyser-Deleon, host of the Paseo Podcast, breaks down what's at stake with the Goya boycott and other issues of the day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense attorney and writer Leonard Goodman returns to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein Case in the aftermath of Ghislaine Maxwell’s arrest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who's luckier: Biden or Trump? On one hand, Biden's opponent is the worst president ever. On the other hand, Trump can "win" even if he loses--thanks to the Electoral College. Also, Ben on TIFs. And Rummana weighs in on everything from Biden to Trump to Kanye West.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bernie Sanders proposes to tax billionaires to pay for health care as Donald Trump angles to get Kanye West on the ballot in Wisconsin. Ben connects the two. Also, the latest on TIFs. Former Arkansas state rep. Eddie Armstrong talks about his latest venture--the Cannabis Capital Group. And then he talks about Senator Tom Cotton's transformation into a Trumpster.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor Allen Lichtman--the man best known for predicting Trump would beat Hillary--weighs in on whether Trump will win again. And Ben weighs in on that. Also, Monroe Anderson returns to talk about Trump's double standard on voting by mail.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yes. Trump is crazy. As his Axios interview demonstrates. Governor Pritzker's Monday mask press briefing in review. WVON Host Atiba Buchanan talks the latest Axios Trump interviewSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laurie Glenn, political strategist, and Juanita Irizarry, director of Friends of the Parks, return to discuss everything from policing to Biden to whether they're sick and tired of Bill Clinton. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pharmacist Joseph Friedman joins Ben and Lisa Solomon to explain, among other things, the superiority of cannabis to opioids.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Freelance journalist Jonathan Ballew talks about covering street demonstrations in Chicago over the last few months, including the Memorial Weekend unrest and the take-down of the Columbus statue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben looks at the parallels between Donald Trump and Speaker Madigan. Madigan announces he WILL NOT resign. State Rep Kelly Cassidy joins us. It's another Rummana Rundown with Chicago Sun-Times Editor Rummana Hussain See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks about Trump’s suggestion to delay the election. More on Madigangate. And El Dragon talks about Trump and Goya.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happened during the July 22nd Chicago City Council meeting? Hear the audio and find out from Inside Chicago Government's David Glowacz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks Kanye West's and Willie Wilson's petition challenges. The details on JB Pritzker's COVID-19 press briefing. Mayor Lightfoot's conference on the census and the Chicago travelers quarantine. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson talks Trump, Trump, William Barr & Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon Schleuss, president of the NewsGuild-CWA, talks about the Save the News Campaign, the future of journalism, and organizing efforts at news outlets across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben shares his thoughts on a certain Tribune column by a certain Tribune columnist. Pritzker gives his humble opinion on when we'll go back to normal. Madigan-Gate lives on. More updates on the Columbus statues. Director of the Black Harvest Film Festival Sergio Mims gives us his latest VP pick and more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.