Episodes

By day, Jamie Daniels is an actor. But at night, he turns into Bob Dylan in a tribute band based in Los Angeles. This may be as close as Ben gets to interviewing the enigmatic Bobby D. Stick around for a couple of songs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three years ago, movie-man extraordinaire Steve James directed City So Real, a brilliant documentary about the 2019 mayor's race and the turbulence of the summer of 2020. He returns to talk about what the 2019 race has in common with this election. And what's different. Specifically, why Mayor Lightfoot lost. Willie Wilson's role, then and now. And the transformation of Paul Vallas. Plus a few words about his next two movies--A Compassionate Spy and the Bill Walton Story. Well, actually, I'm not sure it's called the Bill Walton Story. But it should be. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Kina Collins, activist & Justice Democrat candidate, talk the week’s worth of news. Including…Trump’s indictment, Paul Vallas connection to FOP, gun violence in Chicago & Nashville and Bernie’s visit to Chicago on behalf of Brandon Johnson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, returns. She's got a few things on her mind. Number one, don't come to her with questions about the Brandon Johnson mayoral campaign. Number two, if you don't take chances, you'll never succeed. And number three--Abbott Elementary is more real than you realize. As any teacher can tell you. And more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the not-so-wee hours of the morning, the City Council reorganizes itself. Ben riffs. In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin talks all things politics. Including...Bernie backs Brandon, Durbin goes with Vallas, and why centrists like some unions and not others. Just imagine a city in which the mayor supported, say, Starbucks workers who are organizing a union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last night was mayor debate round 1. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez talks mayoral debate. Beating the Mell Machine—again. Why CTU is not a Machine. City Council reorganization. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ja'Mal Green is trying to decide who to endorse in the mayor's race. Ben riffs. Activists Kiara Hardin and Dixon Romeo talk Obama Center community benefits agreement. And more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Durbin joins a few others in endorsing Paul Vallas. Ben riffs. Abortion rights activist Terry Cosgrove talks Wisconsin Supreme Court, why he’s for Brandon Johnson and what it will take to pass sane gun laws. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessie Fuentes is a 32-year-old first time candidate for alderwoman of the 26th ward. No one thought she could win Tuesday's election out right--without a runoff. Well, at least Ben didn't think she could do it. And guess what? She proved Ben wrong. She won. No runoff required. Jessie explains how she did it and what she overcame. Most particularly, a nasty mailing about her past. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, listener Frank was the political junkie who stayed up on the news. Feeding Ben the latest political updates—local, state & national—as they broke. Then he had a nasty illness that scared one and all. He relates the story of how he came to dying. And how he came back as strong as ever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia joins Ben for an update on a week’s worth of news. Starting with…Alderman Tom Tunney’s up-is-down assertion that the richest parts of Chicago are being neglected in favor of the poorest parts. Say what? Then it’s on to Riot Fest & Lolla & NASCAR & Taste of Chicago. And the passive aggressive games public officials when it comes to redacting info that they release. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...

Everyone is comparing Johnson v Vallas to Washington v Epton. Ben riffs. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa explains why he supports Brandon Johnson. Why he thinks the politics of fear won’t work. And why he thinks Election Day was good news for lefties. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to the Sun-Times, progressives are split in the mayor’s race. Ben riffs. And Sam Holloway, political analyst and firefighter, returns to give a leftist take on Chicago politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the part of his life when he wasn’t a “lifelong Democrat”, Paul Vallas went on the Dan Proft Show to rip Governor Pritzker’s COVID policies. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson ponders the question: Is Vallas a MAGA Man or a MAGA-lite Man? And what’s the difference? Also, what’s up with Bobby Rush? And a few words about Trump’s still-pending indictment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the height of the pandemic, police officers risked their health to do their jobs—just like firefighters, nurses, bus drivers and other front line employees. But when it came time to pay pensions to cops who got sick with COVID, the mayor’s pension board had hearts of stone. Susana Mendoza tells the story of her older brother, a police sergeant, who got kicked to the curb by cold-hearted mayoral appointees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Vallas weighs in on Critical Race Theory—God help us all. Ben riffs. And Tiffany Walden, editor of the Triibe, joins Ben and Monroe to talk race and politics in the mayor’s campaign. Also, a word or two about Trump and the Georgia grand jury. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that time of the week. Ben & Dr. D riff on everything from Lightfoot to Biden to Trump to Bailey to more. As in Michael Moore and much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After another week of lunacy in the news. Ben & comedian Pat Whalen review the wreckage. Including…the return of Michael J. Madigan, or at least his voice captured on FBI wiretaps. Prompting Ben to ask—what’s the difference between Madigan and Paul Vallas? Also, Jesus Garcia endorsed Brandon Johnson. And the city council considers “reform”. And Pat does his imitation of Nick Sposato. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...

Roosevelt University Political Science Professor David Faris weighs in on the bizarre behavior of Republicans at President Biden's state of the union speech--booing him for pointing out that they're looking to cut social security. He also analyzes the latest column by New York Times writer Pamela Paul, urging Democrats to "learn" from Ron DeSantis. Why are NYT columnists always urging Dems to abandon their principles? And then a few words about how ranked voting would impact Chicago's mayoral election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson & Paul Vallas walk back their positions on policing. Ben riffs. The Rachels make a surprise appearance to promote their upcoming comedy show. And podcaster Marc Sims talks mayors race. Including…Ja’Mal Green’s Vallas endorsement. The fear factor in politics And why people don’t vote. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot’s pension board appointees deny benefits for cops disabled by COVID, including Susana Mendoza’s brother. Ben riffs. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns to talk mayoral election. In particular…Paul Vallas as The Great White Hope. And Lightfoot’s appeal to Black voters. And how the Daley crew poisoned relations between Blacks and Hispanics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Mainstream Chicago" confidently gearing up for Paul Vallas victory. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in, explaining what "mainstream Chicago" really means. Also, is Chicago's City Council ready for independence? Short answer--no. Long answer--the same. And, what does MAGA mean when they say woke? Turns out MAGA has a hard time figuring that out. Trump indictment countdown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tribune political writer Gregory Pratt returns to give you the skinny on the race for mayor. Explaining things like...why Mayor Lightfoot and Ja'Mal Green are bashing Brandon Johnson. Whether Chuy lives in K-town (and why it apparently matters). Why Paul Vallas is up in the polls. How secret PACs that pump money to campaigns. And how the Bears are maneuvering to feed from the trough. Oh, yes, the Bears--terrible at football but pretty good at getting handouts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Lakesia Collins, chair of the House Black Caucus, returns to deliver her own state of the state. Including...the state of Governor Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch. Also, the state of the Republicans. and a few words about the mayor's race. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.