The Ben Joravsky Show

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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. 

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