The Ben Joravsky Show

Ben and Dr D take a trip to Hollywood and New Hampshire, following Governor Pritzker wherever he goes in his non-announced campaign for President. Along the way, they stop in Chicago to talk about Mayor Johnson’s radio career. Then they go back on the JB beat. Did Pritzker’s pals really say bad things about Lauren Underwood? Who fed that story to the press? And does Jimmy Kimmel really think he can out dance JB Travolta?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jerome Powell, "liberation day" tariffs and the Black Mirror episode that sums up our times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and Slate. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Gavin and Mayor Rahm advise Democrats to sign on to just about anything Trump proposes no matter how wretched, if the polls support it. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta explains how many of Trump's policies were previously tried here in Chicago by centrists Dems. Ben apologizes to millennials and makes a promise. Which he soon breaks. Denali is a political strategist and former aldermanic candidate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Rogan tries his hardest to take a stand against Trump. Ben riffs. Achy Obejas talks Rogan, Bill Maher and Larry David--nice to know that one of them is not scared of Trump. Then she talks about "Mami, I'm Scared," her gripping essay in Politico which asks the troubling question: How do you break the news to children that the country they love elected a tyrant who might send them to a prison in El Salvador? Also, a word or two about Marco Rubio. And a poll in The Forward reveals 72 percent of Jewish Americans disapprove of Trump's presidency. Achy is a poet, novelist, translator and journalist. 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 hop on the bus, Gus with all of the news you need to hear including…Mayor Johnson takes a swipe at Mayor Rahm. What took you so long? And Senator Durbin pulls a classic Illinois hand off. Essentially anointing Juliana Stratton as his successor. Meaning Raja and Robyn and Robert and (lotsa R here) and Lauren and all the other ambitious electeds have to decide. Do I still dare to run?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Jackie Robinson Day in America, but will Trump allow us to celebrate it? Has Trump cancelled the first Black man to play in the major leagues cause his story is too DEI? Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin dons a Dodgers hat in solidarity with Robinson. And then explains the difference between electing liberal Democratic judges and politicians. Both are tricky to do. And he should know as he’s managed successful Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin and Montana. Yes, Montana. Alejandro is the founder and principal of Nineteen Sixty Campaigns, a Democratic political strategy firm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump says the price of eggs fell 87 percent. Ben riffs. Monroe joins in. Also a few words about what just may be the most idiotic comment any MAGA man has offered as defense of Trump. Jesse Watters’ Bulls hat theory. Monroe dons a Bulls hat. Will Trump deport him? Don’t give him any ideas. And Monroe defends Bill Maher for sucking up to Trump. Ben is stunned. Thus begins the Maher debate. Also, Monroe makes his July 4 prediction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a desperate attempt to justify the kidnapping of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by Trump's goons, Fox TV's Jesse Watters declares that any Salvadorian wearing a Bulls hat must be a gangster because...Because he says so. Ben riffs. Jack White connects the dots between Abrego Garcia--currently lodged in an El Salvadorian prison--and Trump's slander of the Central Park 5. Be warned, people--it's a trial run to see what they can get away with. A few words about Trump's law-firm shakedown--straight out of The Godfather. Finally, the Trump administration edits the Naval Academy's library--Mein Kampf is in and Maya Angelou is out. Jack is a legendary journalist who wrote and edited for Time magazine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wall Street tycoons wake up to realize that their guy Trump is a lunatic. Ben riffs. Elizabeth Todd-Breland talks about I Didn't Come Here to Lie, the new book she co-wrote with the late, great Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union. Who, among many other things, galvanized the national labor movement by leading Chicago teachers on a strike against Mayor Rahm. Why did mainstream Chicago hate her so much? And why are so many of these same haters trying to re-write history about their relationship to her? And more, including...Ben compares Karen to Harry Truman, a comparison that's not nearly as nutty as it sounds. Elizabeth is a history professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One more reason why The White Lotus is the perfect show for the age of Trump—everyone’s trying to hustle a buck out of it. Ben riffs. Julie Lynn offers an abortion rights update. Georgia, Missouri, Texas and more. Ben shows much love for Margo’s Got Money Trouble. Which dramatizes the hypocrisy that shames pregnant unwed women to give birth then shames them when they do. Julie is a political consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems show some momentum. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan takes us A-Z on Trump’s war against lawyers. It’s one thing he didn’t lie about. He said he’d punish his “enemies” and he’s doing it. What happened to free speech, rule of law and due process? Better watch what you ask—that question can be held against you. Jim is founding partner of Coogan Gallagher.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump announces tariffs, retirement portfolios plunge and MAGA cheers. Ben riffs. Even Monroe can't believe Trump would be so cruel, callous and clueless. What a combination. Pause for irony. The party that supposedly hates taxes--that would be you, Republicans--just socked everyone with a huge tax hike. Despite it all, Monroe has hope that the beginning of the end can be seen in Wisconsin's victory, Corey Booker's stand and Saturday's protest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump to CPS--better not talk about race or I'll take away your federal money. Ben riffs. David Faris talks tariffs, Laura Loomer, Wisconsin supreme court race, and the twisted mindset of the president--as he deliberately inflicts pain on Americans because he can. Have Americans lost their ability to update their belief system with new information? David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.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 have all the news that’s fit to print and then some, including…Ben takes a side in Pritzker’s fight with unions. Much love for the great Karen Lewis. Shoutout to CTU for their new contract. Suburban election results in Orland Park and Aurora—yes, we cover it all. And a few words about the 35th Ward’s new and old aldermen. One went to Lane, the other Whitney Young. After that, they have lots in common.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems rejoice over a victory in a state senate election in Pennsylvania. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn continues the positivity. Dyett High wins a state bball championship. Remember when Mayor Rahm tried to close it? Then Laurie riffs. Asking the big questions, like...can peace and love beat war and hate? Will geezer Dems ever give it up for a younger generation? And wake up America! Which is not a question but an answer. Laurie is a political consultant and strategist who speaks from her heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wisconsin voters tell Trump and Musk—stay out of our business! Ben riffs on Judge Crawford’s big win. Delmarie Cobb congratulates Wisconsin voters for doing the right thing and breaks down why they did it. In no particular order—can’t stand Musk, support abortion rights and in general think Trump’s lost his freaking mind. Well, that last one may be Ben's take. Also, a shoutout to Senator Booker for breaking Strom Thurmond’s record. And a history lesson or two about Thurmond and Jesse Jackson. Delmarie is a political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old TikTok influencer who's never held office, challenges Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky in the 9th congressional district--as a bunch of Boomers and Gen Xers lose their collective minds at her audacity. Ben riffs. Kat joins the show to talk about her candidacy, her background, what the Dems need to do to beat MAGA, her days at Media Matters, her battles with Musk, her investigation of Tucker Carlson and more. Hear Ben boomersplain The White Lotus to Kat.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 examine the week that was. Including…The Durbin revolt. Do any high profile Dems have the guts to make Senator Durbin pay for his filibuster vote? Short answer—no! Long answer—no way. Hold it! Time out for Giddey. Back to politics. Kat the zee-leniial challenges Congresswoman Schakowsky, What do the “whisperers” say? Governor Pritzker goes to Mexico. Comptroller Mendoza finds her inner White Lotus. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA has a curious way of processing their opposition to the cuts Trump is making—it’s Musk’s fault! Ben riffs. Alderman Gil Villegas breaks down the false narratives Trump employees to justify the unjustifiable. Like social security is a Ponzi scam. And it helps veterans to cut programs that helps veterans. Also, his encounter with X's bots. A few words on "buy the dip"--Eric Trump's pleasure at the country's misfortune. And how he’d have voted on the filibuster. Hint--differently than Schumer and Durbin. Gil is alderman of the 36th ward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rosie O'Donnell decides to sit out the Trump years in Ireland, trashing the U.S. press corps as she runs off to safety. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about cuts at the Sun-Times. And the desperate state of journalism. A few words about Bill Maher, once Mr. Politically Incorrect, crying like a snowflake cause he thinks Saturday Night Live was mean to MAGA. Boo hoo, hoo, Billy. Also, what's with Rummana's hat? Has she gone MAGA? Look again. Rummana is an columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump thought it was a good idea to put a lunatic in charge of national health. Now Robert Kennedy has a big idea to deal with the avian flu. Ben riffs. Monroe covers the latest madness from Trump World. Including... the El Salvador deportations, Trump's defiance of federal judges, Trump's attempts to make Black people invisible, MAGA's war on experts and the beginning of the end. Don't worry--it's a good thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mahmoud Khalil learns there's an asterisk to MAGA's dedication to free speech. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky says if you're waiting for Trump, Musk or MAGA to be principled, you'll be waiting a long time. Then the talk turns to centrist Dems and the continuing resolution showdown. Is appeasement the best strategy for dealing with Trump? Also, does Mayor Rahm really think he'll be president? And the next big fight--Judge Susan Crawford's campaign for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Joanna is a political strategist and publicist in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Schumer, leader of the senate Dems, rolls over for Trump on the continuing resolution. Ben riffs. David Faris takes it from there. Explaining why the Dems should have kept the filibuster going. And how they wound up giving even more power to Trump. And how it shows divisions in the Democratic Party and uncertainty as to how to deal with a tyrant. David also answers the "Benji question". David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.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 hop on JB’s presidential tour bus as it goes to Texas and Chicago and New Hampshire. Mayor Rahm has no tour bus. But he does have a puff piece in Politico heralding his potential prez campaign. And the city council debates RayLo’s fur ban. Can Dennis pass the who-voted-how trivia test?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After trashing electric cars for years, Trump pimps for Tesla to help out Musk. Ben riffs. Kina Collins explains Gavin Newsom's new-found love for Charlie Kirk--"just white dude's white duding." Also, a primer on the foolishness of Democrats for not supporting Congressman Al Green. They lost a chance to shine a spotlight on MAGA's talk of cutting Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. C'mon, Dems--get in the game. Kina Collins is a west side activist and former congressional candidate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ten Democratic congressmen vote to censure Congressman Al Green for the high crime of telling the truth about Trump. Ben riffs. Ken Mejia-Beal adds his two cents.Pointing out that the DuPage area Dems--Casten and Underwood--somehow managed not to wimp out even though they represent Purplish districts. Also, "the transformation of Bill Maher into a jackass." And a few not very complimentary words about Mayor Rahm's seventh-grade bathroom joke. Ken is the former chair of the DuPage County Democrats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just another day in MAGA, USA--Trump threatens to lock up agitators. Guilty or not. Ben riffs. Nicole Cantello offers an update on the Trump-Musk war against federal employees. Including the bizarre, often contradictory orders. Like the return-to-the-office directives followed by proposals to sell the buildings they're supposed to return to. It's pretty clear Trump and Musk don't know what they're doing. Unless their main purpose is to torture good people in a sadistic game of psychological warfare. Nicole is the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 704.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Be happy, Chicago--your local politicians made the big time. Mayor Johnson testified before congress, Governor Pritzker guests on The View, and lest we forget--Mayor Rahm makes an ass of himself on Bill Maher's show. Ben and Dr. D break it all down and tell you what it means.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump gives a speech to congress. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson--back from his world travels--asks and answers all the big questions. Such as...Is there anything more pathetic than MAGA continuing to bow to Trump even as he drives them broke with his inflationary policies? Why do voters care about the price of eggs when Biden's president and not when Trump's president? Will voters ever realize a tariff is a tax they have to pay? Will Chicago's Republicans come out from hiding to criticize Trump for raising taxes? Or will they continue to pretend like he doesn't exist cause they're too chicken to criticize him? Talking about you, Tribune and Crain's. While we're on the subject--why are Chicago Republicans so brave when it comes to criticizing Mayor Johnson, but so scared of Trump? Good to have you you back, Monroe!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump punishes AP for not bowing to his commands. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke joins the conversation with memories of how Mayors Daley and Rahm treated reporters they didn't like. What kind of country will we have if the press is controlled by the president? Then some memories of people who recently died. Tuyet Le. Jerry "the Iceman" Butler. And Roberta Flack. Mick is an editor for Block Club. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good news for lefties—CM Punk dons a CTU sweatshirt. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin explains how MAGA creates its own reality. And how they hate leftists but love leftist critiques. That is—when they’re convenient to undermine what leftists want to achieve. And how they hate unions but love unionized workers. Or so they say. And more. Miles is an editor and writer for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After ordering federal employees not to even mention DEI, Trump throws a party in the White House to celebrate Black History Month--MAGA style. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez covers the news. Including...the free speech debate, Gaza protest puppets, Chicago City Council disinformation, and signs of hope. Rossana is the alderwoman of the 33rd ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Bannon, Trump's ideological brain, gives the Nazi salute to a bunch of MAGA lovers and Governor Pritzker warns we’re looking a little too like Germany in the `30s. Ben riffs. David Faris explores this theme--American voters saw what Trump did on January 6 and voted for him anyway. What does this say about our democracy? David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA writes a script for teachers which makes no sense. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks resistance. What must be done and who must do it. Also, a few words about the midterms. And the mayor. And the people who want to be mayor. And a sorta shoutout to her libertarian critics. Who are not really libertarians. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and the doctor are in the house, talking a week’s worth of news. Including… Governor Pritzker's 2026 budget address. The latest Trump poll, paid for by JB Pritzker. Also know as President Pritzker. And the first in a series—the Chicago Mayoral Candidate spotlight. Yes, 2027 is right around the corner. Also, Dennis takes the 2019 mayoral trivia test.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump says no judge tells me what to do. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain ponders the day’s great questions. Can Trump remove the Associated Press from the White House cause they won't bow to his commands? Can he disobey the rulings of federal judges? Can he command Palestinians to leave Gaza? Is that even a plan or just Trump trash talking? Is Trump more powerful than Mayor Daley was in Chicago? Also, a few words about the AP style book. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump decides it's okay to ignore the rulings of federal judges. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner talks about her revelation. It's time Democrats took back their party from the feckless consultant class that runs it. Hence, it's time to primary all incumbents. Including Senator Durbin right here in Illinois. As she suggested she might do in a recent essay. Was that for real or satire? Does it matter? She also explains why Democratic senators do the things they do. Like not filibustering. Meredith is a former capitol hill reporter and a columnist for The New Republic. 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, including…President Pritzker. Yes, Ben’s sticking to his prediction. Former speaker Madigan. He was convicted. Mainly cause he didn’t pledge his allegiance to Trump. And New York City’s Mayor Adams. He did pledge allegiance to Trump and, voila, charges dropped. And Blago. Pardoned. And may be nominated ambassador to Serbia. A few words about Mayor Rahm and his new gig with CNN. And finally…a visit to Mayor Johnson’s gift room. Don’t touch those cuff links! Imagine how big Trump’s gift room would be.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the same day the mainstreams rejoice over Michael Madigan’s conviction, Musk and his four-year-old show Trump who really runs the White House. Ben riffs. Adolfo and Ben debate the issue of whether corruption laws really exist if they’re only enforced against Trump’s enemies. And not his friends. The debate rages. Sorta. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago and a radio host.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s Gaza plan is like a very dark comedy of the absurd. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn has a wake up call for Democrats. Abortion, acid and amnesty would have been better than what they came up with. Laurie is a political strategist and the founder and CEO of Thinkinc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Racism is over, according to the NFL. Ben riffs. Marc Sims explains why he's "giving up his Blackness". Which he's not. And why his hair is not on fire cause of Trump. Even though it sorta is. Trump adds Gaza to the list of places he's taken over. Right after he takes over Greenland and Canada. Mainstream Chicago remains outraged over Mayor Johnson's stash house. And more. Marc hosts Just a Few Questions, a podcast based out of Chicago.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 is back! And so is Dennis! Yes, that's correct. Dr D has returned from his sojourn. And he has new wisdom which he will share. Such as...Everyone Hates Each Other. President Pritzker? Byron v Bill the Bro. The mayoral poll. Libertarians are not Republicans. 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.

What if Mayor Johnson called a tax a tariff? Ben riffs. Monroe says the taxpayers in Chicago are too smart to fall for that. Then he thinks about what he just said. On second thought...Also, Musk gets control of the federal treasury. Has the coup already happened. And Trump's bark is worse than his bite on tariffs and deportation. Probably cause there's some rich guys in the backrooms saying--boss, don't do it. But his bite is as bad as his bite on Black people and the federal workforce. Meaning, there's no one in the backroom looking out for them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looks like Paramount may join Meta and Disney in caving to Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris breaks down the first two weeks of MAGA rule. It's time for Democrats to--ugh, hello--re-think the strategy of timidity. Status quo bias emerges. As people look to midterms for salvation. But that may be too late. Playing it safe won't work either. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's mainstreams are aghast that Mayor Johnson got some gifts. Ben riffs. Pollster Alvin Tillery examines the early polls on how the country is reacting to one week of Trump. What they say about how Democrats should proceed. Also, a primer on Trump and DEI. What does Trump mean when he says the D word. AKA, diversity. A few lessons on white supremacy and critical race theory. And why LBJ is his favorite president. Alvin is the co-founder and CEO of the 2040 Strategy Group, a Democratic polling and strategic communications firm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben has a realization--Trump presidency is Council Wars on steroids. In other words, Trump's looking to sabotage the whole federal government. Gary Rivlin picks up on the analogy. Why does Gary know about Council Wars? Cause he wrote Fire on the Prairie, the seminal book on Mayor Harold Washington. For the last 20 or so years, Gary's been covering the tech industry. And he gives the run down on Musk and Bezos and Andreesen and Thiel and all the other gazillionaire tech bros in Trump’s corner. AI Valley, Gary's latest book, hits book stores real soon. For more of his work, check out his website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump and Musk and their minions declare war on federal employees. Nicole Cantello explains it all. Including the directive calling on workers to snitch on other employees who might be promoting "DEI". Straight up out of Kafka or Orwell. Take your pick. Nicole is the President of AFGE Local 704, which represents employees of the EPA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gavin Newsom pulls a Trump on Trump. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin urges America to follow the money. The Tech Bros are going to make big bucks for sucking up to Trump. Just when you thought wealth inequities couldn’t get worse. Also, some advice for labor. Miles is a staff writer and editor for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Ray Lopez and Mayor Johnson have different attitudes about Trump's plan to round up immigrants—that’s for sure. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks brainwashing. How Trump has successfully turned Americans, some recent immigrants included, against immigrants. Also, updates on the ADL and Musk and the Cultural Center anti-war puppets. Talk about cancel culture. Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump doesn’t lay his hand on the Bible while swearing to uphold the constitution. Ben riffs. Charles Henderson reports on going door to door in Milwaukee—it’s not pretty. Also, Trump pardons the insurrectionists. And Charles turns the tables on Ben. Asking about Fire on the Prairie, Gary Rivlin’s classic book on Mayor Washington. Charles is an activist and veteran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.