The Ben Joravsky Show

Who’s more corrupt—Boris Epshteyn or Danny Solis. Ben riffs. Gil Villegas covers the bases. Are the current aldermen Jake Paul’s? Is there such a thing as the Latino vote? Why did Gallegos win and Kamala in Arizona? Is there really a crisis at the border or have we been gaslit by Donny? And is he running for mayor? 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.

The Dems swore they wouldn’t go back. But back they went—to 2016. David Faris tells you everything you need to know about what went down last Tuesday. While Ben tries to stay sane. 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.

Meredith Shiner and Ben talk all things Trump II—the early days. We’d be laughing if the consequences weren’t so painful. Meredith is a political 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.

MAGA says they hate censorship but loves banning books. Ben riffs. Podcaster Mark Wallace predicts a day of reckoning for this country is just ahead. He predicts Mitch O’Connell will close out his career by doing something he’s never done before—the right thing. And he riffs on the myth of the “Black-Brown” coalition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking News—Illinois Supremes overturn Jussie conviction. Ben riffs. Peter Cunningham talks lessons learned from the election. As the show’s resident centrist—every lefty show needs one—he says the Dems lost the message battle. Ben says—any old white guy could have beat Trump. And they’re off. Also, Mayor Johnson budget talk. Are city council “independents” the Jake Pauls of local politics? Peter is a political strategist who once wrote speeches for Mayor Daley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you want to know why Chicago’s aldermen are talking tough to Mayor Johnson, think Jake Paul challenging a 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Ben riffs. Monroe talks local and national politics. Including Rahm, Trump, Gaetz, and the NFL. Will football ban players who do the Trump dance like they banned Colin Kaepernick? I think we all know the answer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Morning Joe goes down to Mar-a-Lago. Ben riffs. Ray Hanania explains why Trump won. Before admitting—you’re right, Ben, the women hating vote put Trump over the top. A few words about self hate as a force in politics. And Ray comes out for Mayor Johnson. So it’s now Ben and Ray and the Triibe as the only media folks in Chicago who don’t hate on the mayor. Also, Ray discovers TIFs. Ray is a columnist, communications strategist and longtime journalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain and Ben discuss the curious refusal of Americans, including leftists, to acknowledge that hatred of women, especially Black women, prompted millions of voters to vote for a criminal over Kamala Harris. It is a betrayal of Black women. Even if America refuses to admit that. Ben says a demented Joe Biden, running in all his f-bomb-dropping demented glory would have defeated Trump. Does Rummana go that far? Rummana is an editorial writer/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.

Clearly, the abortion rights movement did not lead to a Democratic triumph. Ben riffs. Julie Lynn elaborates. Bottom line—the strategy of using state by state referendums to lead the charge benefitted Trump. Just like Julie said it would. And if voters think these referendums will protect abortion rights they are seriously misguided. Just like Julie told you. And it’s pointless to vote yes on abortion rights and then vote for a candidate who will take that right away. Just like Julie told you. Julie is a political activist and strategist with a specialty in the politics of abortion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris searches for the logic of the voters’s decision to elect Trump. And for Trump’s decision to nominate Gaetz, Baby Bobby, Hegseth and so on. Good luck, David. Oh, yes—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.

The City Council unanimously votes against a property tax hike. Ben riffs. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle analyzes MAGA votes in the 50th ward. A combo of Democratic disenchantment and MAGA converts. Well, maybe they were already MAGA. Also, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. His policies created the migration that MAGA says they hate. More evidence that illogic rules. Finally, Matt explains his love for the Packers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump nominates Matt Gaetz for AG. Ben riffs. Then he riffs about the Sun-Times article on the Latino bloc. Then Denali riffs on the curious attitude voters have for women candidates. And then they’re off, searching for meaning in the illogical behavior of voters. Also, a brief look at elected school board results. Denali is a political analyst who knows a thing or two about running for office cause she ran for one.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden welcomes Trump to the White House. Oh, what a difference between MAGA and Dems. Ben riffs. Monroe already looking forward to 2026 midterms. Will Senate Republicans have a backbone? Only if votes are private. The great debate—did Saturday Night Live roll over? When will Mayor Johnson ever learn? And is Ben a closet Packers fan?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump picks the governor of South Dakota to police the border with Mexico. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin assesses the election and what will follow. Will Sean O’Brien use his clout with Trump to stand up for labor? Stop laughing, people. Will Joe Rogan use his clout with Trump to keep Trump from locking up lefties and journalists? Stop crying, people. 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.

Michael Madigan really has left the building, as he’s not running for re-election as committeeman. Ben riffs. And cinematographer Michael Crommett talks about filming the January 6 insurrection. Michael was there that day. First at Trump’s rally. And later on the steps of the Capitol, where he filmed the siege. He was the cinematographer for Unprecedented, Alex Holder’s documentary about Trump’s re-election campaign. His January 6 footage is featured in that film. Also, check out Ben’s conversation with Alex Holder. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The MAGAzation of America hits the airplane boarding lines. Ben riffs. Kelly Cassidy joins the riffing and broadens the conversation to Yankee fans. Is America as anti-women as MAGA thinks? Will Kelly’s home state of Florida vote Kamala? And a few words about MJM, or Michael Joseph Madigan. Kelly is a state representative from Rogers Park.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day-after comments of Dems and Trumpers reveal—again—that MAGA plays the game of politics by its own set of rules. Ben riffs. Kina Collins offers her views on what went down in the election. As much as she wanted Kamala to win, she saw it coming. A few words about misogyny. And much more. Kina is a political activist and strategist in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it came to election predictions, Ben got everything wrong. Ben riffs. Then legendary journalist Jack White join Ben and Monroe in breaking everything down. Including what to do next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As America votes, the polls tell the story. Sorta. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner offers his state of the union on this day of decision. Ben gets sentimental. Kam can relate. Our ancestors are talking to us. A word or two about gaslit north siders who have been brainwashed into hating Mayor Johnson. And then a word ot two about the leaderless Bears. Would they have destroyed Patrick Mahomes had they drafted him? Kam played Big 10 football—for Illinois. And is a state representative and proud Morgan Park High School graduate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Matt Martin talks about how to pay Chicago’s school bills. The limitations of TIFs. Why Chicago needs Kamala to win. Property tax assistance. His fair election ordinance. And the need for safer crosswalks. Matt is the alderman of the 47th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New school board prez loves Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb addresses voter attitudes toward women. Will voters overcome their fears and elect a woman president? Flashbacks to Hillary. The Liz Cheney strategy. And a word or two about north side white liberals. They’re aghast! And they’re the first to abandon ship. Delmarie is a political strategist and communications expert.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just a few days before the election, David Faris considers the possibility of American democracy turning into a dystopian horror show. Already you can see the billionaires making the same calculations. Like Jeff Bezos, trying to win over Trump by ordering the Post not to endorse Kamala. And then making up some gobbledygook justification. Call it anticipatory obedience. David also considers the other option, so not all is bleak. 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.

Having already denigrated and hated on Blacks, Mexicans, Jews, and Haitians, MAGA turns in Puerto Ricans. Omar Torres-Kortright talks about Puerto Rico’s connection to the mainland. What MAGA is up to by hating on Puerto Ricans. How Puerto Rican voters will respond. And more. Omar is an activist and artist in Chicago, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago wakes up to realize Mayor Johnson broke the property tax promise he should never have made. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon talks about the psychology of voters supporting politicians who denigrate them. Also, the Don Rickles impact on MAGA. And the Musk ask—what will he want from Donny in exchange for giving MAGA so much money and love? Hint—hey, unions, you’re gonna get screwed. Plus a tribute to threat Fernando Valenzuela. Adolfo is a lawyer who knows election law like no one else. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tens of thousands of people turn out in Washington to hear Kamala. Ben riffs. Monroe chimes in. The talk turns to the gender gap. What’s a matter with men? Does Washington Post columnist Brian Broome have a point? And what will the world look like when we record next Wednesday’s show? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA denigrates Puerto Ricans at Trump rally in New York. Ben riffs. Jacob Kaplan riffs. And then it's the deep dive on the presidential election. Including, though not limited to, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Nebraska. Yes, Nebraska. C'mon, rookies, you can learn from Jacob, one of the original Political Know-It-Alls. Also, senate and house races. Jacob trash talks New York Dems, just a bit. And Ben makes a bet about 2020 polls in Wisconsin only to discover that...Jacob is right and Ben is wrong. Hate when that happens. Jacob is executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party. The man knows his politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks swing states. That is, the concept that only seven states matter in the presidential election and how everything else that follows is insane. As in the media's coverage of MAGA's reaction to hurricanes And the tribal identities of Blue versus Red. And...oh, just listen. Also, a look at senate races in Texas and Nebraska. Is Texas close enough to dream about? 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.

Trump sways to music in what was a bizarre campaign moment, even for Trump. Ben riffs. Pollster Jason McGrath tells you everything you need to know about the polls. They're guideposts, nothing more or less. Please don't hate the messenger even if you hate his message. And if you want to know who's going to win, consider this: At this point, it's essentially a tie. Jason is a partner with GBAO, a Democratic strategy group.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Bezos spikes the Washington Post’s editorial endorsing Kamala Harris. Looks like Trump scared him off, just like he apparently scared Jamie Dimon. Rummana Hussain talks about the limitations of our so-called free press. Rummana is an editorial writer/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.

Jamie Dimon is afraid to endorse Kamala Harris. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin gives some last minute advice to the Dems. Not that they will listen. Also, imagine if the mainstreams covered corporate greed like they cover Mayor Johnson. 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.

President Obama channels Eminem—that’s how bad he wants to beat Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe on polls and predictions. And John Kelly calling Trump a fascist. Is Sean right? Everyone wants to be a swing voter. Just as everyone talks like a pundit. The Central Park 5 take it to court. Will Monroe channel Eminem?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With fascism at the gates, the feds start prosecuting Michael Madigan. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova talks justice. Or at least judges. As she previews Injustice Watch’s guide to judges. A very entertaining and enlightening view of how judges got to the bench and what they did once they got there. Stick around for one of the funniest quotes of all time. Maya is a reporter for Injustice Watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently having nothing better to do, the city council wages a revolt on behalf of ShotSpotter. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta talks about the aldermanic love for tech bros, technology, privatization and “magical thinking”. That is, the belief that a device peddled by a clever salesman will magically solve our problems. And speaking of strange obsessions, why do New York Times columnists think they’re so much smarter than Kamala Harris? Ben admits that listener Eric is right on the Trump assassination conspiracies. Finally, a few words about Alderman Reilly’s pager tweet. One more time—stop tweeting, people! Denali is a former former aldermanic candidate and one of Chicago’s great thinkers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Desperate to scare enough white voters to vote him back to the White House, Trump hates on Haitians. Lynn Toussaint gives a primer on Haiti, its history with the USA, what Trump is up to by making up lies about Haitians and other immigrants and more. Including, an answer to the Marvin Gaye question. Lynn is a lawyer and the president of the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti. 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.

Jack White tries hard not to be gaslit by the madness of the closing days of the campaign. But it's hard not to when MAGA is calling on demonic spirits to defeat Kamala Harris. And the press is no help. And the polls are misleading. And we shouldn't trust the polls. But we're obsessed with them. And JD Vance is demonizing journalists. And they seem to be happy playing along. Jack is a former columnist and editor for Time Magazine, among other publications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Polls show that voters prefer Kamala’s economic policies over Trump’s, provided they don’t know which is which. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner explicates and annotates her recent essay on Ta’Nahesi Coates and the mainstream media. Also, a few words about Republican pundits giving advice to Democrats. Meredith is 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.

Kamala goes on FOX where she gets asked the deplorable question. Ben riffs. Ben Head makes a pitch for Operation Swing State. And then Laurie Glenn talks about the fragile state of democracy and civility on the eve of the election. It’s a scary time for sure. Laurie is a political and communications strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Voters are feeling very transactional as Election Day approaches. Ben riffs. Monroe talks Trump’s visit to Chicago and offers his insights on the contradictory mindset of rich capitalists who’re voting MAGA even if MAGA policies hurt their businesses. Then he chides Ben for being too critical of Chicago voters. Producer Chris plays a recording of Amanda Richardson, the so-called Reverse Karen, from Springfield, Ohio. Also, an encouraging update on senate races in Texas and Nebraska.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JD Vance whines because Margaret Brennan wanted him to tell the truth. Ben riffs. Curtis Lawrence talks journalism in the post-truth era, when Trump and Vance believe they should be able to say whatever they want. Even if they’re lying. Also, the Lu Palmer legacy. And the Abe Peck legacy. And reflections on the disappearance of great neighborhood high schools, like Harlan. A lifelong Chicagoan, Curtis is an editor, reporter, playwright and journalism professor, who’s worked at the Sun-Times, Block Club and other outlets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack White explains how Trump leads the mainstream media around like they’re little puppy dogs. Mainly the Washington Post and the NYT. It got so bad Jack stopped reading both—cold turkey. Jack White knows a thing or two about the mainstreams. He was a writer for years for Time and the Post. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turns out the Bible’s Trump is hawking to his cultists are made in China. Ironies abound. Rummana Hussain and Ben discuss them all. Then it’s time for the deep dive into Chicago’s media—is the City Hall press corps as biased against Mayor Johnson as Ben was against Mayor Rahm? 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.

Kim Collins analyzes President Obama’s vote-for-Kamala speech in Pittsburgh. Was he scolding Black men? Does scolding work? Have the Democrats overlooked their base? Then it’s on to Chicago where Mayor Johnson is battling just about everyone over the schools. Kina 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.

Looks like it’s down to Texas to hold senate for Dems. Ben riffs. Pat Whalen delivers his theory on their litigation of politics. Has Mayor Johnson lost the north side? One answer—yes. Other answer—can’t lose what you never had. Also, MAGA censors abortion rights group in Florida. Is free speech just for MAGA? Pat is a comedian, podcaster snd impresario. His middle initial is not J. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trying to figure out how to pay for schools, CPS and CTU discover TIF. That’s a lot of acronyms. Ben riffs. Dan P returns to talk climate change. In particular, MAGA’s contradictory attitude regarding the impact of humans on climate. They don’t believe there is an impact when it comes to heating up the world. But they do believe Dems are creating hurricanes. Also, Dan talks water issues in Chicago. Dan is a commissioner on the Water Rec Board.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does the media have a bias against Mayor Johnson? Ben riffs. Monroe says—duh! Does a bear, well, you know how that goes. Lots of local talk. Followed by Trump talk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of school board-gate, everyone thinks Mayor Johnson is a one termer. Ben riffs. Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff. As they continue a debate on schools and politics they’ve been having for over 20 years. Peter was a speech writer for Mayor Daley and Arne Duncan’s press secretary. Mayor Johnson might want to hire him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nothing illustrates the disconnect of voters from reality so much as the issue of abortion. You got voters voting for referendums to legalize abortion then turning around and voting for politicians who will do everything they can to keep it illegal. Julie Lynn explains it all. Julie is a political consultant. No one knows more about the politics of abortion than Julie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems employ filibuster to keep MAGA from winning all electoral votes in Nebraska. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks politics of funding schools, CEO Martinez, elected school board and more. That’s the local. Then she talks national politics. She’s big time for Kamala. Also Ben offers Stacy his condolences cause Northern Illinois beat her beloved Notre Dame. 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.

David Faris examines the latest election news. Including...the VP debate, the curious Harris strategy, the impact of the economy and Jack Smith's latest filing. Also, a word or two about Jill Stein and the Green Party. 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.

Trump makes it clear that JD’s attempt to play nice guy in the debate is ancient history. Ben riffs. Mark Wallace talks facts about the state of politics in the age of MAGA. Like…”everything you have a right to do does not mean you’re right to do it.” And…”the truth is something you never need to remember.” Also, Ta-Nahesi takes a bold stand on the West Bank. Mark is a podcaster and businessman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.