The Ben Joravsky Show

Graham Platner steps down, allowing Dems in Maine to select another candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky explains what Platner’s rise and falls says about the Democratic Party’s effort to break from centrists and find “real” people, who aren’t spineless, to run for office. How vetting works, or in this case, doesn’t work. The obsession with convincing white males to vote Democratic Party, even though they've been voting Republican since LBJ signed the Civil Rights bill. And a few words about Platner’s enablers, who kept on spinning, even after he was accused of rape. 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.

Ben and Dr D catch up on what’s going on. Alderman Marty Quinn—aka, Madigan’s guy—says take this job and shove it. Mike Quigley says—I wanna be mayor! And noticeably absent from the growing list of announced mayoral candidates are the guys most likely to wind up in the runoff, if they do run—Mayor Johnson and Alexi G.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s Supreme Court soldiers do their MAGA thing. Ben riffs. Paul Nolley returns to talk about his campaign for Congress in the 16th district. He’s a Democrat and it’s a R +11 district, but he sees an upset victory in plain sight. Why? Cause the issues are on his side. Starting with health care. His opponent—incumbent Darin LaHood—is so nervous he agreed to debate. Usually, MAGA candidates in red districts try to coast in on Donnie’s coattails.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A New York Times poll shows that the less voters know about Trump, the more they like him. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette talks waste and fraud. He’s spent his working life in pursuit of bi-partisan solutions to waste and fraud and what has he received for his efforts as of late? His recommendations get ignored by the Trump administration and he’s been vilified and maligned by Musk’s cultists, of the human and robot variety. Dylan is vice president of Policy and Government Affairs for the Project on Government Oversight. This recording originally dropped on May 29, 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do hyphenated Americans—Mexican, Italian, Irish, Polish. Greek, you name it—root for the country on the left side of that hyphen? Ben riffs. Adolfo elaborates. And that leads them to the Supremes coming close—too close—to erasing the 14 amendment. So much for being textualists. Next thing you know, Ben & Adolfo are breaking down the meaning of Country Road. You know—“almost heaven, West Virginia…” Which US fans sing at soccer games. Adolfo is a lawyer—born & raised on the South Side!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can the U.S. media objectively cover the U.S. soccer team? Ben riffs. Kevin Blackistone adds a riff of his own. And then they’re off. Talking soccer and colonialism, Caitlin Clark and MAGA, Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson’s take down of Clarence Thomas and Trump’s desecration of Kevin’s beloved hometown of Washington, DC. Kevin is a writer, TV commentator, and journalism professor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener gently chides Ben for not giving DSA enough credit for congressional wins in NYC—in other words, it wasn’t just Mamdani. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke explains the latest chapter in the Parking Meter Debacle. As Mayor Johnson looks into buying back the control of our streets that Mayor Daley foolishly sold for a relative pittance. Learn about the Investment Bros, the mayor’s “dream team” of advisors, the non-disclosure agreement, the letter from Webb, Andre’s mic drop and more. It’s all so pathetic, it’s funny. If you don’t mind getting fleeced. Stick around for Mick’s life advice to Ben. Mick is a writer and 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.

As the World Cup comes to America, a judge makes Trump remove his name from the Kennedy Center. Ben riffs. Serena Mathews—soccer analyst extraordinaire—tells you everything you need to know about the politics of the World Cup. The imperialistic model of FIFA. How Infantino sucked up to Trump. How Trump stole FIFA’s soccer trophy. How soccer sportswashes the hate of MAGA. How some rich guys in the USA passed the hat to bring in a coach, who’s already looking for his next job. Why, despite it all, she loves the game so much. Stick around for her predictions. Originally dropped June17. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago aldermen debate the latest parking-meter debacle. Ben riffs. Christian Mitchell, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, returns. Talking Supreme Court ruling in Haitian deportation case, state police in Broadview, Darren Bailey and abortion, JB’s possible presidential run, Bears stadium, lefties and centrists and more. A former state rep, Christian is Governor Pritzker’s running mate in November’s election. 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 thought the Trumps couldn’t get any greedier, Jared and Ivanka invade Albania. Ben riffs. Rummana—aka, Chicago’s foremost authority on Mayor Mamdani—talks…Mayor Mamdani! He went 3 for 3 in Tuesday’s congressional primaries. What does that say about the future of American politics? Also, Rummana makes a prediction about the two sports known as football. Rummana is a 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’s wading-pool follies offer a needed laugh as the idiocy is high and the stakes are relatively low. Ben riffs. David Faris talks Trump’s War in Iran. Years of U.S. blundering and bullying and miscalculations leading to Trump’s inability to consider the consequences of bombing Iran. Finally, a few thoughts about George W. Bush, who has most definitely not earned a rehabilitation. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. 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 NBA champion NY Knicks have a choice—follow their Trump-loving billionaire owner to the White House or stay far away and let the world know what they think of Trump. Ben riffs. Sergio predicts they won’t go. Then he tells you what you need to know about how Trump uses the UFC and the UFC uses Trump. It’s not pretty. Learn about Dana White, Ari Emanuel, Josh Hokit and that end-of-the-empire spectacle Trump threw for himself on the White House lawn. In contrast, there’s Mayor Mamdani’s speech at the Knick’s rally. Sergio hosts the Fights and Culture With Serg podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supremes love reefer, though not as much as they love guns. Ben riffs. Attorney Jim Coogan updates us on the latest mis-justice of Trump’s “Justice” Department. Including…Broadview 6. IRS “settlement.” E Jean Carroll retribution. Also, Jim confronts the Bears question. Jim is managing partner Coogan Gallagher. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few days after Trump celebrates his birthday in a spasm of hate and violence, Barack Obama opens his presidential center on the south side. Ben riffs. Monroe talks Obama’s legacy. The reflecting pool debacle. Epstein’s suicide. The Iran “peace” deal. And Brian Urlacher, whose thoughts on immigrants raise the question: Why are so many white jocks MAGA men? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Knicks win. Ben tries to be gracious. Rossana Rodriguez joins the celebration. And then the conversation turns serious. As she makes the connection between fascists in the White House and conservatives in the city council. Her T-shirt says it all. Also, the promise of Mamdani. Pay attention, Chicago lefties. And more. 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.

Ben interrupts his road trip and Dr D puts down his newborn baby long enough to tell you what’s going on. Firstly…no one believes the Bears are going to Hammond and no one cares if they do. Susana Mendoza outflanks Vallas and Willie Wilson, locking up the MAGA vote in the mayor’s race. And Mayor Rahm breaks from bike riding in New Hampshire to watch his beloved Knicks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump trolls Biden on the walls of the White House. Ben riffs. Heidi Henry—the Heartland Mama—talks about Trump’s professed love for inflation. Do liberals still think it was the cost of eggs that did in Kamala? The case against data centers. Can a nice guy win in Texas? Bill Gates explains why he was hanging with Epstein. To which Heidi advises—listen to Melinda. Heidi is a political activist and horse trainer in the heart of MAGA land.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm solidifies his 1 percent base by hanging with the rich guys in the courtside seats at the Knicks game. Ben riffs. Senator Rachel Ventura talks Bears stadium and data centers and AI and paying the state’s bills in face of Trump’s budget cuts. She closes with thoughts on the Democrat’s identity crisis. Are they the party of the courtside crew or the nosebleeds? Though even the nosebleed seats are out of reach for many. Rachel is the state senator from the 43rd district in Joliet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great news! Dr D is now Daddy D—again. Ben riffs. Pushkar Sharma pays tribute to Amisha Patel. And then explains why and how they put together a campaign to reject Raja in the Democratic primary for Senator. He also talks about Kash Patel and Vivek Ramaswamy and other members of the “white-adjacency” crowd, who look to protect their communities or advance their careers by embedding themselves in MAGA. Pushkar is co-founder of Sacred Acts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The pope takes a stand against AI enslaving us. Ben riffs. Ishmael Reed joins the conversation from Oakland. Yes, that Ishmael Reed. One of America’s greatest writers—novelist, poet, essayist, playwright and song writer. And one of Ben’s heroes since like forever. The conversation flows from Musk to Thiel to Altman to Vance to Vivek, to Django to Lin Manual Miranda. Hamilton was no hero, people. Finally, how did Trump defeat Harris? Painting her as a Promiscuous Jezebel is how. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

South Carolina Republican legislators defy Trump on congressional redistricting. Ben riffs. Mallory Dittmer fills in the details—46,000 Democratic voters had something to do with it. A Democratic candidate for Congress in the fifth district, Mallory analyzes the big issues that make South Carolina ripe for change. Education, health care, affordability and the degradation of democracy. If the Dems are going to take back the house, it will come down to candidates like Mallory.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Murakami tweaks his hamstring. Ben howls in pain. Miles and Gave assess the Sox and Cubs two months into the season. Sox fans will be delighted. Cubs fans not so much. Bottom line—if the Cubs were as tough on the Brewers as they are with a woman Sox fan, they’d still be in first place. Hey, don’t blame the messengers. Ben defends Jerry Reinsdorf. Gave and Miles try not to laugh. Much talk about a salary cap. Miles co-hosts Blue Line radio. And Gave co-hosts The New Twenty-Four.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s hardly any money to get books from one library branch to the other, but $1.5 trillion for the military. Ben riffs. Rachel Hinton fills in the blanks, explicating on her recent article on why it takes so long to get those library books you ordered. Also, political talk. Why is Governor Pritzker irritated by Mayor Johnson? The politics of being tough on teen takeovers. And more. Rachel is an investigative reporter 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.

Maria Pappas speaks the truth about handouts to the Bears. Ben riffs. Karina Villa gives us the low down on her race for comptroller, the impact of Trump cuts on Illinois, the states’s misplaced budget priorities, the need to tax the rich and why she’s cautiously, very cautiously, optimistic about November’s midterms. Karina is the state senator from the 25th district. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One last riff about Paul Singer and Thomas Massie. Take it away, Ben. Michael Rabbitt tells you everything you need to know about the ordeal he and his five co-defendants faced in the Orwellian legal charade known as The Broadview 6 prosecution. They did nothing wrong other than exercise their right to protest against Operation Midway Blitz. Which is not wrong at all—exercising their rights, that is. Plenty wrong with the Blitz, of course. Michael is the Democratic committeeman of the 45th Ward in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump diverts about $1.8 billion in taxpayers’s money to his cronies—just call him President Slush Fund. Ben riffs. Kevin Ryan talks about the lessons he learned from his recent Senate campaign. From there he covers everything from Hegseth in Kentucky to George Washington at Valley Forge. A shout out to Robin Kelly. A call for ranked-choice voting. A plea for a separation between church and state. A recital from Henry the Fifth. And a few words about the paradox of saying Happy Memorial Day. Kevin is the state director for Veterans For All Voters. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D have all the news you need to know. The City Council stands up for rich people—again. Darren Bailey almost sorta blames Trump for rising gas prices. SDG takes on Michael Sacks and vice versa. And the “simmering feud” between Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson rises a few degrees as JB accuses Brandon of having no Bears plan. And Brandon says I’m the only one with a plan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amidst Trump’s gangster shakedown of America, a little hope from Mayor Mamdani. Ben riffs. Miles examines Trump's latest shakedowns—the $1.7 billion trust fund for January 6 insurrectionists and other kooks and crooks. And immunity for Trump and his family from IRS audits. Massie’s loss in Kentucky. And lessons Dems can learn by contrasting Biden and Trump. 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.

An antigay commercial by Thomas Massie lets MAGA voters know what he thinks of them. Ben riffs. David adds his thoughts. Also, Kash Patel’s payback. Basically, Trump’s moved Nixon’s plumbers out of the basement and into the front room, where everybody can see them. And, a few words about Trump’s orgy of redistricting. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. 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.

PCA. Cubs center fielder PCA says something nasty to a Sox fan. Ben riffs. D’Frantz and Natalie offer their views. And then they’re off on a wide ranging exchange about the WNBA. Topics include, in no particular order, Rickea Jackson’s knee injury, Angel Reese, Coach Tyler Marsh, Candace Parker, Brianna Stewart & Myles Turner & Giannis. And much more. D’Frantz is an activist and one of the greatest point guards to come out of Chicago. Natalie is a journalist and filmmaker. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Graham Platner runs as a working-class hero, and The NYT says, but his daddy’s a lawyer. Ben riffs. Graciela Guzman runs down the progressive state-wide agenda. Including fair taxes, data center controls, and no handouts to the rich, including the Bears. Graciela is the state senator from the 20th district on Chicago’s northwest side. She’s a proud progressive, and not afraid to say it.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 reveal some secrets as they race through a week’s worth of news. Chicago pitches for another Democratic convention. The Board of Ed throws away fifty-something thousand. And in honor of his third year in office, Mayor Johnson sits down with CBS newsman Chris Tye. We break down the clips. Finally, Dr D tells all about how he got through college. Oh, that Dr D.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Group think is not limited to MAGA. Ben riffs. Mick talks religion. Or the Hegseth variant, a toxic blend of “faith-based” hate. As well as JD Vance cheering on Trump’s attack on Pope Leo. And more. Mick is well qualified to discuss religion and politics as he may be the only political reporter in Chicago who’s read the Torah, the New Testament and the Koran. Also, gerrymandering gone viral. Finally, on a lighter side—should Ben renew his Bulls season tickets? Mick is a writer and editor 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.

Jamelle Bouie makes it clear what’s at stake in the wake of the Supremes eviscerating the Voting Rights Act—our democracy. Ben riffs. Gregory returns to talk about the Pulitzer Prize the Tribune won for its coverage of Operation Midway Blitz. Also, his exchange with Bovino. And what happened after he was chastized by one of Trump’s press people. Ben teaches Greg about neo-liberals. And then they join forces to defend leaks. C’mon, Mayor Johnson your school appointees should not be making like MAGA. Finally, a word or two about high school debate. Did Gregory defeat Carlos Ramirez Rosa in a debate match way back when? Gregory is a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. Congratulations on the Pulitzer, Tribsters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From his hospice care, former Congressman Barney Frank offers a gloomy message for fellow Democrats. Ben riffs. Monroe dissects recent gerrymandering rulings be the Supremes. It’s all about “white power” from operatives who only like “good darkies.” Also an update from the “land of aren’t we special.”—aka, Lincoln Park. Which is different than the land of Hoosiers, whose leaders have sold their souls to Trump. Monroe makes a bold prediction about Kamala Harris. Finally, a new poll shows about 56 percent of Americans aren’t sure the recent assassination attempt on Trump was real.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump sics the Feds on The View—as in Whoopi’s show. Ben riffs. The Hussain sisters return! Talking The View, the Met Gala, Kash Patel, Indians as model minorities and Bruce Springsteen. Rummana is a columnist for the Sun Times. Almas is a private eye. Their views are their own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr D have pastrami on their minds! Why? Cause JB Pritzker was lunching at a deli with a national reporter and talking about running for president, while nibbling at his pastrami. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm was bike riding in New Hampshire. George Cardenas was letting everyone know he wants to be mayor. And Darren Bailey was inching further toward the middle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack Thornell’s photographs of the Civil Rights Movement remind us why we need the Voting Rights Act now as much as ever. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta compares the vast contrast in the lives and legacies of Amisha Patel and Rudy Giuliani. Also, a “real moment” for American Catholics. And a few words about taxing the rich. Denali is an 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.

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s primary in Indiana, Hoosier Republicans win the award for lame-voters-of-the-year. Ben riffs. Pat Whalen talks MAGA, Hoosiers, Mayor Rahm, the perils of short-form content and more. Also, he introduced his new political game show—That Being Said. You can play along at home. Pat is a comedian in Chicago. By the way, the name of the comedian Pat quoted? Bill Hicks. It’s just a ride, indeed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA welcomes Black voters as long as they vote MAGA. Alvin Tillery returns to talk Supreme Court evisceration of Voting Rights Act. The sad truth about conservatives in academia. And James Bevel, Crispus Attucks, Nick Saban and more. Stick around for his riff on what Black voters should do to really flex their political power. Alvin is a Democratic strategist and CEO of the 2040 Strategy Group.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Corporate Chicago celebrates May Day by hating on the the union they most love to hate. Ben riffs. Mueze Bawany talks local politics and local football. Hey, Bears—shoulda drafted Gabe Jacas. Who? Listen and learn. Has Mueze jumped back onto the Bulls bandwagon? Mueze is a public school teacher, proud lefty, and high school flag football coach.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 got Shel Silverstein on their minds. As in The Cover of Rolling Stone. Why? Cause it’s part of a week’s worth of news including…Collin Corbett. Who? Listen, you’ll learn. And everyone’s favorite soap opera—a Mayor and his Aldermen. And Governor Pritzker makes time for Time. Just call him Cover Boy…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As news spread of last weekend’s assassination attempt, lefty America was calling it a hoax. Ben riffs. Monroe and Jack do much riffing of their own, covering everything from the assassination attempt, the war in Iran, Comey, Kimmel, Hegseth, Michael Jackson and Thucydides. Yes, the Peloponnesian War remains relevant. Monroe and Jack are journalistic legends, having worked as editors and writers for various newspapers and magazines. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great community activist Amisha Patel died last week of cancer. At age 50–way too young. Ben riffs. And two Amisha-like fighters for justice return to talk about Trump and Lee Zeldin’s attempts to turn the Environmental Protection Agency into a destroyer of the clean water and air it’s supposed to protect. Beware of gaslighting buzzwords like “energy dominance.” Also be warned—it could get worse before it gets better. As Zeldin asks Congress to cut the EPA budget by 52 percent. Loreen is an EPA scientist and Nicole is President of AFGE Local 704, the union that represents EPA employees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California Democrats try their best to lose a slam-dunk of a governor’s election. Ben riffs. Manny Ramos weighs in…is there really such a thing as a benevolent billionaire? Then they take the deep dive on RayLo—aka, Alderman Raymond Lopez. Who’s emerged as MAGA’s main man in the city council. Manny is an investigative reporter for Block Club. Do yourself a favor and read his profile on Lopez. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In just what might be the most idiotic phase of Trump’s presidency—and that’s saying a lot—there’s the saga of John Phelan’s tenure as head of the Navy. Ben riffs. David Faris offers updates on the war in Iran. Also, his advice to Democratic billionaires who want to run for office. And what’s going on in Virginia and California. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for The Nation. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D are busting out…so much to say about so many things. For instance, what’s the difference between Hoosier and Illinois MAGA? Bet you didn’t know there was a difference. Well, there is one, when it comes to showering money on the Bears. Also, mayoral updates—will all the wannabes drop out if Alexi jumps into the race? And so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virginia Dems pull a Trump on Trump. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn says—about freakin’ time! Ben and Laurie take an excursion into Tucker Carlson’s soul. Tucker now claims he is “tormented” by his ten or so years of promoting Trump. And yet—it was not that long ago where Carlson said of Trump—“he’s a wonderful person.” And he’s “the funniest person I have ever met in my life.” Are Tucker’s tears of the crocodile variety? Laurie is a political and communication strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin Warsh, Trump’s choice to lead the Fed, swears up and down he won’t be Donny’s puppet, even though everyone knows that’s why Trump chose him. Ben riffs. Robin Washington talks about his old neighborhood—Old Town. Think North & Sedgwick. Where he grew up in the 60s and 70s. As a Black and Jewish kid. He offers a primer on segregation, gentrification and activism in Chicago. And a shoutout to his parents, Atlee and Jean Washington. Robin is an award-winning writer, editor, journalist and Lane Tech High School grad, though not necessarily in that order.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darren Bailey displays his newfound love for Chicago by eating pizza and not putting catsup on a hot dog. Ben riffs. Paul Bruton tells you everything you need to know about the last vestiges of Chicago’s Democratic Machine. A subject he knows quite well as he had the audacity to run against Alderman Marty Quinn, Michael Madigan’s guy in the 13th Ward. He’s also a University of Chicago graduate in history, so he knows a thing or two or three about American politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.