Episodes

Indiana AG Todd Rokita, who wants to lock up doctors who perform abortions on 10-year-old girls who have been raped, takes a stand on our inalienable right to own a gas stove. Ben riffs. And Kelly Garcia from Injustice Watch returns to talk mayoral politics. Is Chuy moving right? Is Mayor Lightfoot going to skate free from extracreditgate? Why does Paul Vallas love police unions and hate teacher unions? And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest mayoral polls are all over the map. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson suggests that the main reason so many white Chicago voters are leaning toward Paul Vallas is because they want a white guy in charge. Okay, Monroe doesn't suggest that. He comes right out and says it. Also, a discussion of President Biden's state of the union speech. And how Marjorie Taylor Green is playing into Biden's hands. And how Biden is forcing Republicans to back off on plans to cut social security. And how Biden is playing the game like a pro. And MAGA's playing the game like chumps. Monroe really likes Biden these days. Finally, a few thoughts on the Republican response to the state of the union from newly elected Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has a curious take on the history of civil rights, to put it mildly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson talks about his mayoral campaign. A survey, not a poll, suggests he's a front runner. Does he believe it? A few words about Mayor Lightfoot and extracreditgate, policing and playing to win. 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 the country was gripped by the saga of the great Chinese balloon. Ben riffs. And former Alderman John Arena offers a primer on fact and fantasy in government. For instance, candidates say they will hire more police and they will cut taxes. But you can't hire police, and pay pensions, without raising taxes. Or they say, no issues matter except crime. When, of course, there are dozens of issues that also matter. So they're speaking in code. And what are they really saying when they speak that code? When you think about it--the Chinese government's insistence that it's only a weather balloon (not a spy balloon) may be no more ludicrous then the stuff Chicago politicians tell us everyday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Downstate sheriffs and Chicago area gun dealers are teaming up to undercut the state’s ban on assault weapons.. Ben riffs. Alderman Rod Sawyer talks about his run for mayor. A word or two about his father--Mayor Eugene Sawyer, and how he's been unfairly portrayed. And then it's on to Mayor Lightfoot, Mayor Rahm, taxes, the Bears and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football analyst LeAlan Jones returns with good news for traumatized Bears fans…Your days of suffering are about to end. The Bears are on the brink of putting together a team that will win the Super Bowl. Someday. At least, compete for the Super Bowl. Someday. So says LeAlan. And he explains why. Take notes! Also, LeAlan’s prediction for the upcoming Big Game. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez talks about running against what’s left of the Richard Mell Machine. And then she explains how the mayor controls city council committees. Also, if Chicago is a union town, why do not-for-profits want to hire union busters? And a few words about the Com Ed deal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much news…where do we start? Ben & Dr. D riff on the news. Including…a mayoral poll that’s not really a poll but a survey. Say what? Can two lefties make the runoff? Willie Wilson & Ray Lo. Ben sings Dylan. A bunch of commercials. And the mayor’s office speaks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editorial writer Lee Bey writes an editorial that tells it like it is about the mayor's dream of rebuilding Soldier Field. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principals Association, talks about the bill that gives collective bargaining rights to his principals--it needs Governor Pritzker's signature to become law. Why it will help children, why it's overdue and who resisted it. Hint--not Republicans. Also, the CPS Inspector General's report on sexual harassment and assault in the schools. Is there a culture of protecting the powerful? Finally, 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.

Willie Wilson, candidate for mayor, gets lambasted at last night’s debate for his “hunt them down like rabbits” approach to policing, Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in. Also, a few words about Trump, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels and Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin analyzes MAGA’s revolt against Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Yes, they’re a bunch of fascists. But lefties can learn something from them. And a few words about the mayoral election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of mayoral election madness, including a new poll. Ben riffs. Alderwoman & mayoral candidate Sophia King talks about her run for mayor. Her plan for fighting crime. Her emphasis on collaboration. And whether you can expect an endorsement for her from President Obama. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez & Loreen Targos, his campaign manager and wife, make their first return since becoming parents to triplets. So, first of all--congratulations, Byron & Loreen. Now, let's get down to business! They've got a lot on their mind. Including...Congressman Jesus Garcia (they oppose him and vice versa), Mayor Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. Also, Loreen, a scientist for the EPA, talks about efforts to rebuild the federal agency in the wake of Trump's cuts See Privacy Policy a...

Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain talks foreign affairs. Specifically, the struggles of local pols to figure out the world beyond our borders. Also, we break down the lawsuit recently filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting over a nude scene filmed more than 50 years ago. Finally, a few words about Elizabeth Holmes & and the art of conning people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ bulldog reporter Dan Mihalopoulos has the story about a former political operative for Speaker Michael Madigan going into cannabis business. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, returns to analyze the latest City Council antics. Get ready for a deep dive on TIFs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Pence finds classified documents in his home. Oops. Ben riffs. As does Monroe. Who has a lot more on his mind besides Pence. Such as...Ron DeSantis' effort to erase history by cancelling African American AP history. And replacing it with his (DeSantis') fantasy of the "happy slave" and the "loving `masta'". Also, a few words about crime and 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.

The number one movie in America is The Glass Onion, a satire that mocks greedy tech billionaires. Has America turned a corner? Ben riffs. Defense attorney April Preyar talks Safe-T act. Specifically, a ruling by a judge in Kankakee that it’s unconstitutional. And a few words about her latest case—a products liability suit against hair products that may be linked to Black women getting cancer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot and the city council have decided to demolish the Tribune’s Freedom Center printing press and replace it with a casino. Preservationist and rail-fan Horace Nowell explains what will be lost. It’s not exactly paving paradise—just destroying the soul of the city. Here’s the site for more info on Horace’s Tribune model railroad: tribunemodelrailroad@gmail.com And here’s the site for his upcycled newspaper boxes: Windycityracks@gmail.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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We've got a mayoral debate to review. But first...Ben has a few things to say about lawyers dumb enough to take on Donald Trump as a client. And then...the debate! Dr. D has all the clips from last night's televised debate that are worth hearing. Well, at least the clips in which one candidate insults another. Crime, police, mental health and the Bears are just a few of the topics that we look at. Bottom line--Brandon Johnson stakes out the left. Paul Vallas goes for the MAGA vote. Lori Lightfoot tries not to run against herself. And Chuy Garcia goes for the middle of the road. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben binges on The Dropout. Now he’s obsessed with America’s love for liars. And Tribune city hall reporter Gregory Pratt returns to talk mayor’s race. Also his tweet about “relatively normal” voters. Somehow the conversation turns towards Mayor Rahm. Where else? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On December 6, Ben & Maya took First Tuesdays to the Promontory nightclub in Hyde Park. Their guests were Alderwomen Leslie Hairston & Rossana Rodriguez and Joe Winston, director of the documentary: Punch 9 For Harold Washington. On the agenda: mayors, aldermen, corruption, political bullies, and why Hairston and Rodriguez disagreed on Bring Chicago Home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Proceeds from the Illinois gas tax are falling cause so many people are buying electric cars. What's Elon got to say about that? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson has a lot to say about a lot of things. Including...the lunatics have taken over the asylum. If, by asylum, you mean congress. And, if, by lunatics, you mean MAGA. Should we believe the spin out of the Washington Post that Marjorie Taylor Green has matured? Short answer--only if you're really gullible. George Santos moves to the right in the hopes that MAGA will save him. Which raises this question. Who's the bigger liar--Trump or Santos? Finally, a word or two about the Bears hiring Kevin Warren. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional January 6 committee accuses Trump of insurrection and urge feds to prosecute. Now MAGA has to figure out how to react. Ben riffs. And DuPage County Democratic Chair Ken Mejia-Beal returns. What's on his mind? Plenty. How did Dems win in DuPage County? What will Republicans try to do in the coming year to offset those gains. Short answer--more scare tactics. Also, out of nowhere, Ken's Mount Rushmore of comedians. Much love for Bill Burr. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.