The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

A day or two have passed since Trump took over, and the big question remains—can he do the stuff he says he’s gonna do? Snatch back the Panama Canal? Erase birthright citizenship from the constitution? Free the insurrectionists? Well, he already did that. Monroe says they’re his Brown Shirts. Speaking of which…did Musk do a Nazi salute? Or do you go along with the ADL’s very generous interpretation? Man, it’s gonna be a long four years. Monroe and Ben cover it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this the day of Trump’s inauguration, David Faris takes a look at the last days of, what? Biden’s presidency? Democracy in America? Both? How did we get here and how do we get out. David is a political science professor 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.

Fox has an interesting interpretation of objective news presentation. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan talks TikTok. Which brings him to the all-important Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The world would look a lot different if 230 did not exist, that's for sure. Also, Trump's unconditional discharge. Ok, stop snickering, people. It’s not what you think. And the ethics of the Alito-Trump phone call. Jim is an attorney with Coogan Gallagher. 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.

Alexi Giannoulias lets it be known he may run for mayor. Ben riffs. Denali joins in. They wind up talking about Robert Moses, Robert Caro, The Power Broker, Common Ground, Bill Burr, Jimmy Kimmel, Dolly Parton, 9-to-5, Cher, Miranda July, LA fires, Biden’s farewell warning, Eisenhower’s warning, John Lindsey and a whole bunch of other stuff. Denali Dasgupta is political strategist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben stumbles on an old Tribune story about rich people and property taxes. Then he riffs. Monroe joins in. Also, Michelle Obama ends her strategy of when they go low, we go high. To which Monroe says—all right! A few words about the Hegseth confirmation hearings. And more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Bannon takes on Elon Musk. Ben riffs. Kina Collins ponders the question--is she with Musk or Bannon? How about neither, actually. Also, how should Democrats respond to Trump and MAGA attacks regarding LA fires. A few words about why voters went from Obama to Trump. Ta Nehisi Coates has the answer. And some words of advice for Mayor Johnson. Kina is a political activist and former 7th district congressional candidate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delmarie Cobb joins Ben to help understand what alders are really saying when they say the things they say. In this case, when they explain their budget votes. Listen to alders Beale, Vasquez, Hadden and Sposato. Hear why Alderman Sposato gets a profile in courage award. 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.

Rummana Hussain asks and answers the difficult question. Why is it that so many people find it difficult to feel or express empathy for others in dire need? At least in relation to the fires in LA. Also, a few words about the oligarchs who have signed up with MAGA. And a defense of Suze Rotolo--who has been reduced to a weepy-eyed wimp in the Bob Dylan movie. Uh-oh, look out QT. 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.

Mueze Bawany praises—yes, praises—Mayor Johnson. Look for MAGA and the mainstreams to lose their minds. The question must be asked—why does Chicago love temperamental white guys so much? Like Mayors Daley and Rahm and Coach Ditka. The conversation moves to the Bears. Mueze pleads with the Bears to hire Ben Johnson as their next coach. Ben does a dramatic reading of Mueze’s football texts. Mueze is a public school teacher, a football coach and a proud member of CTU. Speaking of things that will cause the mainstreams and MAGA to lose their minds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who comes closer to telling the truth—Justice Alito or Michelle Obama? Ben riffs. Jack White answers the question. Then they’re off...presidential chit chat. Obama and Trump at the Carter funeral service. Is Baby Bush worse than Trump? Cato the Elder. Cato the Elder? Yes, Cato the elder. Amazon’s deal with Melania. The oligarchs make their move to cozy up to Trump. And more. Jack is a writer and retired journalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump responds to the fires in Los Angeles with hate. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner compares and contrasts President Carter and Trump. Also, the difference between a minority party and an opposition party. You have a choice, Dems. A few words about Mark Zuckerberg bowing to MAGA. Or the difference between a nerd and a dork. And more—so much more. Meredith is a political columnist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Zuckerberg waves the white flag as he surrenders to Donny. Ben riffs. Monroe says it's all about sucking up to Big Daddy in order to make even more billions. Then it's on to the latest lunacy from Trump--whales, windmills, and various invasions. Monroe makes like the dairy farmer in South Dakota. He doesn't believe Trump will do the stuff that Trump swears he plans to do. Helluva way to run a country. Finally, a few words about Mayor Johnson and the press. Having spent over a year disparaging him as incompetent, the mainstreams now view him as the second coming of LBJ. As they blame him for killing Pritzker's Hemp Bill. Make up your minds, people!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News from “the world” has Baby Donny visiting Greenland. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon returns to explain the logic of the illogic to Ben. Including…why Dems don’t riot when they lose, like MAGA does. Why corporate Chicago loves Pedro Martinez. Why MAGA likes Mexican cuisine but dislikes Mexicans. Why free speech apparently does not apply to Washington Post cartoonists who criticize the boss. And more. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alden Loury tells you everything you need to know about property taxes. Including…why we need them. Why we hate them. Why they’re unfair and not up for the task we demand of them. How they force people to leave their neighborhoods. Ben adds a few words about TIFs. Which are property tax hikes. Even if corporate Chicago and all their city council flunkies pretend they aren’t. Alden is a writer and editor for WBEZ and one of Chicago’s foremost demographers. 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 doesn’t want to talk about all the bad news that happened last night. But he does so anyway. Kevin Blackistone returns to take us from A to Z on the Congressional land-transfer bill that enabled Washington to take control of land in Washington. It makes no sense until you realize that DC is treated more like a colony than a free state in the United States. In fact “Chocolate City” is not a state at all. Get ready for a twisting saga starring Mayor Muriel Bowser and featuring Elon Musk, Utah Senator Mike Lee and several other MAGA creatures. Kevin is a columnist for the Washington Post, a professor of journalism at the University of Maryland and a panelist for Around the Horn. 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.

Producer-director Michael Tollin has made movies about Michael Jordan and Hank Aaron. Now he’s producing a movie about Dick Allen, one of the greatest baseball players of the 60s and 70s. Michael’s love for Allen goes back to when he was playing for the Phillies. Ben loves him for his years with the White Sox. Hear them bicker over whether Allen’s true greatness was in Philly or Chicago. Proving that sports fans will argue over anything. And, yes, Michael’s movie about MJ was The Last Dance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the re-election of Speaker Johnson happens in the background, Pat Whalen explains the Trump-MAGA playbook. And, as one of the only Chicagoans who actually watches the George Stephanopolous Show, he discusses ABC’s decision to cut a deal, uhm, settlement, with Donnie. What’s the Trump library include a book? Also that’s not the show’s real name. And a shoutout to Nick Sposato. Pat is a comedian, actor, podcaster and impresario.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress elects Mike Johnson speaker by a few votes. Contrast that to Mayor Johnson’s four-vote budget victory. Ben riffs. Greg returns! He talks Mayors Lightfoot, Johnson, and Rahm. Also, journalism. Specifically, what constitutes a puff piece. Ever heard of a “beat sweetener”? Well, stick around for Greg’s explanation . Greg is a writer for the Chicago Tribune. And the author of The City Is Up For Grabs. 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.

Pension propaganda disguised as policy analysis—only in the NYT. Well, actually, it’s standard brainwashing in the mainstreams. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke riffs on Ben’s riff. Then they’re off—talking Jimmy Carter, Trump, Reagan and Bob Dylan. Yes, they both saw the Dylan movie. In the first show of 2025! Mick is a writer for Block Club. 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 shares his New Years Resolution for 2025. If you know Ben, you know, it's a BIG ONE! Now the main issue is…what’s the over under before he breaks that resolution? Start the new year off right, by catching all the latest BennyJ Shows on your favorite podcast platforms.Happy New Year Everyone!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crime falls in Chicago. Does Mayor Johnson get credit? Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains…only white mayors get credit for good things. Musk v Bannon! Apparently, the MAGA bosses think the great mass of MAGA voters are stupid. Which makes sense cause they voted for Trump. A few words of praise for President Carter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miles Kamp-Lassin covers it all. The oligarchy of Musk. The kakistocracy of Trump. And the gerontocracy in the Democratic Party who launched a counter attack against Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, apparently cause she has the audacity to want to win future elections and use government to help ordinary people. The Democrats seem determined to keep making the same old mistakes. Miles is an editor/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.

David Faris tells you everything you need to know about last week's congressional budget debacle--a spectacle of madness starring Elon Musk as the president and Donald Trump as Musk's loyal sidekick. Trump has the constitutional authority but Musk has the megaphone. Listen and learn about continuing resolutions, debt ceilings, and budget hawks. Also, a few words about lawsuits and self censorship. 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.

It turns out MAGA doesn’t want to deport all immigrants. Or build a wall to keep all immigrants out. Oh, no, it turns out that President Musk and his sidekick Donny like “smart” immigrants. Cause they think Americans—especially the ones who voted for them—are too dumb to be workers in the Tech Bro universe. You were duped again, MAGA voters. Rummana Hussain tries to make sense of it all. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist 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.