The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

You gotta go back to Bill Clinton to find a politician as slick as JD Vance. Ben riffs on last night's vice presidential debate. Monroe joins the conversation. Talking Slick JD's smooth dodge of questions on abortion and climate change. Plus, his rewriting of history on Obamacare. And the Big Daddy--his attempt to dodge the question of whether Joe Biden won the election that Joe Biden won. Also, a critical word or two or three about the Democratic nice guy approach for Tim Walz. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jimmy Carter turns 100. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner offers some millenialistic riffs on President Carter. Conversation starts national, as in Harris v. Trump. Immigration as issue. VP debate preview. Then local. Mayor Johnson "versus" Pedro Martinez. State needs to step up on funding. Finally, Bears talk. Kam played football throughout college so he knows a thing or two or three about the game. And close with Kam schooling Ben on funding for Bears stadium. Kam is the state representative from the 26th legislative district, which includes Soldier Field. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Labor Day behind us, voters start to wake from their slumber. Ben riffs. Keith Kelleher explains what’s at stake for unions. Analyzes the Right’s latest attempts to win over union members and gives a brief history lesson about Janus. Keith is the retired president of SEIU Healthcare. The man knows his labor history, people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Kamala, before Barack, before Bernie there was Jesse. Jesse Jackson, that is. Ran a lefty campaign for president in 1984 and 1988 when all the mainstream Dems were telling Black and lefty voters—shut up, don’t embarrass us. David Masciotra tells the lessons of Jackson and how they’re more relevant than ever. David is the author of I Am Somebody—a biography of Jackson. He’s spent hundreds of hours interviewing Jackson over the years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rumman Hussain gets real. Talking the reality of reality TV which is…it made Trump into an icon for his cultists. And now it’s allowing Anna Sorokin to run more cons. Thanks to Dancing with the Stars. Also much love for the latest issue of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s newsletter. 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.

Chicago’s media lines up against CTU. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin tells you all you need to know about the economic plans of Kamala Harris and Trump’s. Also, Miles on CPS, labor, and a few words about the legacy of Chicago’s own Derrick Rose. Miles is 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.

Mayor Adams of NYC indicted on corruption charges. Ben riffs. Elizabeth Austin mentions the crushes NYT columnists had for him. In particular Nate Silver. Talking Adams turns the conversation to Blago, a pol Elizabeth once wrote speeches for. Also, if policy matters how come the media outlets that say it matters paid almost no attention to Kamala Harris’s economic policy speech? And an unconventional President Biden conspiracy theory. Elizabeth is a political strategist and writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA wants journalists to be fair when covering Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe explains why MAGA loves Mark Robinson. A few words about Republicans who are too ashamed to admit they’re voting for Trump. We see you Brett Stephens. And then we go local. Talking about media folks who aren’t hating on Mayor Johnson. It’s basically the Triib and Ben. And Monroe, sorta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mick Dumke tells you everything you need to know about Michigan, the state that may determine who wins in November. Including…the politics, the divisions, the parts that are like Chicago and the parts that are like Wyoming, the legacy of Romney (George, not Mitt), Big Gretch and the significance of the mitten. Mick knows a thing or two about Michigan because it’s his home state. He 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.

Rummana Hussain hates to say I told you so—but she did warn Democrats about Tulsi Gabbard, who recently enlisted in the Trump cult. Also, a few words about challenges left over after the convention. And some love for Michelle Obama. Also, a geography lesson for Ben. And an Eddie Vedder lesson for Rummana. 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.

Using Mark Robinson as an example--and, oh, what an example--David Faris explains his reverse coattails theory. Or, how Robinson's presence as MAGA's gubernatorial candidate may swing North Carolina from Trump to Harris. Somehow voters in NC can put up with Trump but not Robinson. Also, hard ball from Nebraska's MAGA crew and nice ball from Maine's Dems. David explains that, too. When will Dems ever learn? And the strategy behind MAGA's hate. 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 federal corruption trial tangentially related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan ends in a mistrial. Ben riffs. And Pat Whalen joins him. Imagine a world in which Illinois Democrats behaved like MAGA. In which Dems stood by their Nan like MAGA stands by Trump. A few words about pundits. And then it’s back to Chicago for city council analysis. Pat is a comic, actor and podcaster. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cook County Republicans blame the Radical Left for stirring up hate. Ben riffs. Monroe offers his alternative view of the first assassination attempt. A raging debate ensues. Also, Monroe explains why Vance and Trump are stirring up hate against Hatians and why Harris hesitated to meet with the press. Can’t argue with that. Billie Eilish joins Taylor Swiff in endorsing Kamala. Finally, the Bears—can they get worse? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal judge rules jurors won’t hear Michael Madigan say insiders are “making out like bandits”. Ben riffs. Guess who’s not making out like bandits? Property taxpayers. Right on time former Governor Pat Quinn urges voters to pass the Property Tax Relief Amendment. AKA—Fair Tax II. Only Ben and Pat can make property tax talk exciting. Also, Pat riffs on MAGA efforts to kick abortion rights referendums off the ballot. Just like Mayor Rahm tried to do to Pat’s term-limits initiative. And a few words about proposed handouts to Sox and Bears.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Chicago’s mainstream media biased against Mayor Johnson? Ben riffs. Then Ray Hanania riffs. Soon they’re riffing about absolutely everything, including…Trump, swing voters, Palestinian -Americans, Michael Madigan, Ed Burke, Danny Solis, Gaza, why Ray may vote Green, why he may vote for Kamala and TIFs. Ray Hanania is a columnist, suburban government spokesman, and a stand-up comedian.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the weekend, Mayors Johnson and Rahm fell in love, metaphorically speaking. Ben riffs. Kennedy Bartley, newly appointed executive director of United Working Families, talks about the future of lefty politics in Chicago. What’s on the agenda for the next few years? Who and what are the obstacles? And a word or two about capitalistic gravediggers. This interview was recorded August, 2023. Long before Kennedy hit the headlines,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

just when you think MAGA couldn’t get any more filled with hate, along comes Laura Loomer. Rummana Hussain riffs on all things Loomer. Including Loomer’s’ hatred for Indian Americans. Is this where America is at? 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.

Several days after the debate, Joanna Klonsky has had time to figure out what each candidate was trying to accomplish. The fact that Trump thought peddling hate and lunacy could win him the election says a lot about where our country is right now. And Kamala’s answers reveal what she thinks she has to do to beat him. And it’s definitely not moving to the left. Also, a few words about the vice president’s finest moment. Joanna is a political 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.

Just before we start recording, the story breaks that Mayor Johnson asked Alderman Burnett to serve as zoning committee chair. Ben was all set to talk national but he can’t help himself. He riffs. Then Kina riffs. Soon they’re in the middle of a conversation about Mayor Johnson and Chicago politics. Then it’s back to national politics. Including Kina’s prediction about the Florida vote. Kina Collins is an activist and former congressional candidate from the 7th district. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the high of watching Kamala mop the floor with Trump, reality sets in. Ben riffs. Marc Sims tried to comfort Ben. Their talk turns to Trump’s defense of Ashli Babbitt and his attacks on police. Why does MAGA applaud some people who attack police and despise others who criticize the police? A few words about Mark Zuckerberg, Acquired and the adulation of rich people and the desire to be rich. Marc hosts the podcast Just a Few Questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

just before last night’s debate began, Ben came down with an a cute case of Baby Boomeritis—having flashbacks to June Biden Trump debate. Ben riffs. Monroe and Ben then break down what went down last night, which boils down to this: Kamala mopped the floor with Trump. Especially on the abortion issue, and the eating pets in Ohio issue. And pretty much every issue. Also, will Trump cash in on his Trump stock even if his MAGAIEST MAGA cultists lose money as a result? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maya returns and tonight’s the debate. Ben can’t decide which is more exciting so he riffs about both. Then the Maya in question talks about her latest investigation on slum housing in Chicago. How the law seems to protect bad landlords and punish poor tenants. How city officials seem clueless and indifferent. And more. Shoutout to Alejandra Cancino who coauthored the series which ran in Injustice Watch. Maya Dukmasova is an investigative reporter for Injustice Watch and, of course, Ben’s First Tuesdays co-host. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Erica Sagrans explains why the time has come to re-think our attitude toward immigrants and the border. Now that we have a bit of a break from last year’s madness. Erica is the founder of Chicago Says Welcome, an immigrants advocacy group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Palestinian-American Democrats want to speak at the convention. Ben riffs. Heidi Henry, a Heartland Mama, explains how Dems can win in her MAGA country legislative district. Thanks in part to 8,000 new voters. One more time—8,000 new voters! Most of whom are not MAGA. Are you listening, Democrats? Heidi lays out how she can flip a MAGA district. Also, a few words about Tim Walz’s speech. Heidi is running for state representative in Illinois’ 75th district. She’s also a horse trainer and co-host of the Heartland Mamas podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.