The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

David Faris explains his latest theory—“the Trump cycle”. It couldn’t happen without the complicity of the mainstream media. Like the New York Times. 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.

Speaking of MAGA Mark Robinson’s alleged penchant for porn, Ben goes back in time for a history lesson about stripper Fanne Foxx and Congressman Wilbur Mills. Charles Henderson offers his own thoughts. The discussion turns to Afghanistan, US wars, what Biden could have done better in leaving Afghanistan, the parade for Vietnam vets in Chicago and another reason why Harold Washington is Chicago’s greatest mayor. And more. Charles is a vet and activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking news! Mark Robinson, the MAGA candidate for Governor in North Carolina, watched a lot of porn, according to media reports. Ben riffs. Then Monroe riffs. From there the discussions covers Clarence Thomas, Moms for Liberty, why so many white woman love Trump, abortion rights, left wing conspiracy theories, and more. Including a riff or two about Coach Prime, of all people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miles Kampf-Lassin covers the convention from top to bottom. Including the failure of the mainstreams to give Mayor Johnson credit for anything. Also, the many mixed messages of the Dems. And a word or two about Tesla, China and the contradictions of contemporary capitalism. 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.

As the baseball season heads into its final month, Miles and Saul have all the news you need to know about the Sox and Cubs. First the bad—really bad—news about the Sox, who are poised to set a record for most losses in the season. Then the sorta good news about the Cubs. Mediocre as they’ve been, they’re heating up and have a chance of making the playoffs. Also, a few words about the rise and fall of Javy Baez. Miles and Saul co-host the At Bat podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anti-abortion zealot says she may not vote for Trump. An exceedingly skeptical Ben riffs. Terry Cosgrove gives his state of the election. Will swing voters but Trump’s repositioning of himself as an abortion rights supporter? The pros and cons of ballot initiatives. And more. Terry is the former executive director of Personal PAC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The founder of Telegram gets busted in Paris, Elon Musk calls for free speech. Ben riffs. Anan Abu-Taleb and Richard Goldwasser plead for a ceasefire in Gaza. Anan is Palestinian-American and Richard is Jewish-American. They organized the lakefront runs for ceasefire during the DNC. The time to take the first step toward ending the madness is now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scaredy-cat Dems are coming up with innovative explanations for why they will lose in November. Ben riffs. Monroe boldly predicts victory. Then sorta defends clueless Dems in Maryland who don’t realize a vote for Larry Hogan is a vote for Trump. Also, a few words about Baby Bobby voters and conspiracy theories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fun is over, the Sun-Times proclaims. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner talks all things politics. Including her New Republic essay about the mainstreams. Their reality is not our reality. Meredith and Ben cover everything from Trump on reproductive rights to Nancy Pelosi to Keith Olbermann’s dramatic reading of the aforementioned New Republic essay to Rahm’s inflated sense of self to whether Kamala should be interviewed by the NYT. Meredith is a former Washington-based journalist, media consultant and 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.

Mueze Bawany talks all things Bears. But first Ben gets something off his chest about the ingratitude and indifference the Bulls show for their great players from the past. Then it’s onto Caleb Williams, Ian Wheeler, Coach Matt, cutting players, office furniture, where to get a good fade in Chicago and other things on our mind. Mueze is a teacher and football coach.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ editor and demographer Alden Loury talks about the Sun-Times/BEZ expose on Mayor Rahm’s school closings. Bottom line—a lot of broken promises. He also analyses the connection between closing schools and losing people. And he gets personal about his glory days at Foster Park school on the south side back in the ‘80s.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the DNC behind us, David Faris breaks down the race. What worked for the Dems at their convention, what didn’t. What did Kamala Harris achieve in her speech. Why do Dems keep calling Bill Clinton to the stage. Trump’s return to North Carolina. And the impact of the uncommitted movement. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and 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.

Obviously, Kamala Harris does not listen to Ben’s show. Or she would have invited a Palestinian-American to speak at the DNC. Ben riffs. And then Kina Collins takes the deep dive on the convention. Covering everything from the roll call to the Walz family to the unforced error of alienating the uncommitted movement to the great debate between policy v pizzazz. And more. Kina is an 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.

Barack and Michelle take the DNC stage. Ben riffs. Then Monroe returns to talk all things convention. Including..do something (but don't mention Gaza) and roll call (Ben weeps) and Black cowboys in South Dakota, and going high as opposed to going low and whether Barack still has the magic, and Michelle's Black Jobs jab and Barack's little dickie jab (is that too low?) and Monroe's latest prediction. Hint--Trump won't like it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben’s back from Michigan. But he still has Michigan on his mind. Especially something he saw amidst the Trump signs along the highway. Ben riffs. Mark Wallace riffs right back. Then they talk about day one of the Democratic Convention. Particularly…should Dems go high or low in their speeches. Mark hosts a local podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of things happened this weekend—to put it mildly. Ben riffs on everything from the Trump shooting to Vance as VP to Amber Rose as MAGA spokeswoman to opening night of MAGA’s convention. Denali Dasgupta tells you what you need to know about the 2025 Project blueprint—a document she read so you won’t have to. Also, the Denali Book Club examines Small Mercies, a novel set in Boston in 1976 when white people revolted against forced school busing. It was the seeds of MAGA. Denali is an activist 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.

Trump comes to Chicago and insults Black people. Ben riffs. Mike Nellis explains how he and some friends created White Dudes for Harris. How they were so successful that Musk shut them down, Okay, we don’t know if Musk shut them down. Probably just a coincidence that their Twitter account died. Mike talks about whether Trump’s attempt to “other” Kamala Harris hurt or hindered his campaign. Mike is a political strategist and diehard Notre Dame football fan. Please don’t hold the latter against him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kamala Harris selects a running mate. Ben jumps for joy. Delmarie riffs on Ben’s joy. Then they take the deep dive on why MAGA hates Black women, Trump’s appearance at NABJ, and why Black people think the Trump shooting was fake. And much more. Delmarie is a political strategist and founder of Ida’s Legacy—an organization dedicated to the promotion of Black women in progressive politics. Originally ran August 6, 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For well over a year, David Faris had urged Democrats to find another presidential candidate to replace President Biden. And last week, Biden himself…well, you know what Biden did. David talks Biden, Kamala, and the challenges ahead. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. Originally dropped July 27, 2024.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mayoral runoff, life under Lori, Joe Biden in the POTUS race, baseball player Tim Anderson and MORE with Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson. Originally ran April 29, 2019. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden to Harris. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks Biden, Harris, Gaza, Bernie, AOC, Sean O’Brien at the MAGA convention. And more. Miles is an editor/writer at 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.

The Tribune calls Ben “great”. Ben riffs. Then Ben and Monroe talk some local news—should Mayor Johnson remove the George Washington statue from City Hall? How about replacing it with a statue of Hercules Posey? Then it’s on to national news. The Trump shooting, the MAGA convention, JD Vance. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Trae Crowder met JD Vance it was the early days of Trump. And JD came across as a relatively sane moderate who thought Trump was awful. As any normal person would. Then Vance obviously concluded to get along you gotta…well, let Trae tell you everything you need to know about the deal that Vance, now Trump’s running mate, must have made with the MAGA devil. Trae is a comedian known as the Liberal Redneck. You can follow him on YouTube and TikTok.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Vicente explains why MAGA hates Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who just won the gold medal. Basically, they don’t like strong women. Speaking of strong women—a word or two about Kamala. And some advice for his beloved left. Sergio hosts The Fight, the world’s greatest combat sport podcast.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 what it says about American politics for everyone to assume that Vice President Harris must select a white male running mate. Also, a few words about the insistence of a New York Times liberal columnist that women not be excited to elect a woman president. Why are liberals so scared to be liberals? And more. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are here own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fifty years ago today, President Nixon resigned. Ben riffs. Steve Krafft gives the state of the state of Arizona and the country post Biden stepping down. A different world. Other topics include…The difference between Republicans and MAGA. The pressures on FOX TV to call the election for Trump. Baby Bobby voters. What’s wrong with local TV news. And a word about disco. Steve was a longtime TV reporter in Arizona. One more thing—he’s a proud graduate of Nichols Junior High.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.