Trump exonerates himself for everything and anything having to do with Epstein. Ben riffs. David Faris makes sense of the senseless. Including the Supreme Court, Trump’s tariff policy and the State of the Union spectacle. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and 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’s been waiting for this conversation since the sad news broke. Talking Jesse Jackson with Monroe Anderson and Jack White, two journalistic legends who knew the Country Preacher back in the day. Monroe and Jack riff about Jesse’s legacy. Good and bad. Hymietown quote. 1984 and 88 presidential campaigns. His treatment of Black journalists and more. Jack White was a writer for Time Magazine and Monroe wrote about Jackson for the Tribune. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A law professor makes the case for concealing the Epstein files—or tries to. Ben riffs. Byron Sigcho-Lopez explains why he’s running as an independent for Congress in the fourth district. The reason has to do with Garciagate. Remember that one, people? That’s the one where Chuy Garcia handed his congressional district to his aide like it was a toy he owned. Byron is alderman of the 25th Ward. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s come to this—Brainwashed Americans rat out their neighbors for deportation. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn explains Epstein’s lure. Or why so many rich and/or influential people sucked up to him. And how he played them. And what they were looking to get from him. And he from them. Laurie is a political activist and strategist and CEO of Thinkinc. 

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 return with all the news you need to know. Including…Juliana Stratton’s fuck Trump campaign ad. Robin Kelly’s great debate moment. The Bears play their Hammond card. Hoosiers happy to throw away their money on a stadium. Ben says—go, already. And more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Lutnick even if he visited Epstein Island. Ben riffs. Kevin Lamm tells you all you need to know about building Democratic Party support bases in small town Illinois. Like Stark and Marshall and Stephenson counties. You want to win, Democrats? Pay attention. Kevin is running for Democratic state central committeeman in the 16th congressional district. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“In his best imagination, Jesse Jackson saw himself as someone who could bring the country together…when that dream had to confront reality, it’s a hard bridge to cross.” Ben riffs. Speaking of hard bridges to cross…Drake Warren talks about his uphill battle to beat a longtime incumbent in the Democratic primary for Cook County Board of Commissioners. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day begins with sad news—the Rev Jesse Jackson died. Ben riffs. Fritz Kaegi talks property taxes and why, in his opinion, he deserves to be re-elected as Cook County Assessor. A debate ensues—should the county switch to acquisition-based assessments? Ben says yes. Fritz says not so fast. Stick around for the Trump Tower/Alderman Ed Burke history lesson. Fritz is running in the March 17 Democratic primary.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Epstein’s ties—everyone from Modi to Chomsky to Trump, don’t forget Trump. Ben riffs. State Senator Robert Peters talks about his campaign for Congress in the second congressional district. And much more. Including why AIPAC and AI PACs are against him. And how being Black and Jewish and a graduate of Mount Carmel HS have shaped his world view. A state senator from the 13th district—Obama’s old seat—Robert is running for Congress in the Democratic primary on March 17.

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 converge for the deep dive into all the news. Starting with…Chomsky! Oh, no, Noam, what were you doing hanging out with Epstein? From there, they talk property taxes, Kaegi v Hynes, states attorney Burke’s explanation for not prosecuting ICE, and tanking in the NBA and politics. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.