The Ben Joravsky Show

In 2020, filmmaker Alex Holder got the word he couldn’t quite believe. President Trump okayed Holder to have access to his re-election run. Apparently, Trump thought it would depict his triumph. It didn’t work out that way. As you can see by watching Unprecedented, Alex’s documentary. After hearing this conversation, check out the one Ben had with Michael Crommett, Holder’s cameraman who filmed the January 6th insurrection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson shows he’s learned a thing or two about the budget games that mayors play. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on labor. Particularly…United Auto Workers threatens strike as negotiations with the Big Three automakers hits an impasse. And he and Ben have a thing or two to say about the oddball political evolution of Peter Daou, who’s gone from being a Hillary Clinton fan to campaign manager for Cornell West. Prediction…he’s on his way to MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On September 5, 2023, Mayor Johnson joined Ben and Maya on stage at the Promontory club in Hyde Park for First Tuesdays. For more than an hour, the mayor took questions. He looked like was having so much fun that he might still be there talking, just like old times, if not for a certain press side who said, okay, that’s enough. Just kidding, Ronnie. Maya is, of course, Maya Dukmasova, reporter for Injustice Watch. Enjoy… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dick Butkus dies at age 80. Ben riffs. Journalist Angela Caputo talks about the investigative Project on Race and Equity. And its first major investigation: Black drivers are being stopped in record numbers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Madigan really has left the building, as he’s not running for re-election as committeeman. Ben riffs. And cinematographer Michael Crommett talks about filming the January 6 insurrection. Michael was there that day. First at Trump’s rally. And later on the steps of the Capitol, where he filmed the siege. He was the cinematographer for Unprecedented, Alex Holder’s documentary about Trump’s re-election campaign. His January 6 footage is featured in that film. Also, check out Ben’s conversation with Alex Holder. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A column from 1991 on mental health clinic shows that so much remains the same. Ben riffs. Activist Denali Dasgupta takes the deep dive on the influx of asylum seekers. Is this a crisis or an opportunity? And a word or two about a new Harvard professor named Lightfoot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Lopez announces he’s running against Congressman Jesus Garcia. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talk all things coup they ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Lakesia Collins reveals the behind the scenes efforts to make it to the senate. Lessons for lefties—learn how to count your votes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much to discuss on so many fronts! Good thing attorney Adolfo Mondragon, the renaissance man, is in the house. On the docket…White Sox want more money. Or they’ll leave. Hispanic white nationalists. MAGA debate. How Trump and Ed Burke and Michael Madigan pay their lawyers with money they raise from suckers. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris talks amendment 14. Specifically, why it should be invoked to keep Trump off the ballot. Also, a word or two about Republican efforts to rebrand their “pro-life” message into a “pro-baby” one. Doesn’t get much absurd than this, people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle take the deep dive on a week’s worth of immigration news. Or more like 40 years worth of immigration news. Cause if you really want to understand what’s going on at any moment in time you have to take some time to understand how that moment came to be. And so we talk foreign policy, national politics, Chicago cluelessness, MAGA hate and Democratic cowardice. And then just when things look hopeless, a little football. Matt is political activist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedians Eytan Boclin and Liam Klinkenberg co-directed arguably the funniest movie of the year—a ten-minute mockumentary that has absolutely nothing to do with Hoop Dreams, Steve James epic movie. Despite the name. Which is sorta the first joke. They explain everything you need to know about the movie. And then urge you to watch it on Vimeo. Also, Liam is the main actor in the film. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago aldermen who are descendants of immigrants find their inner MAGA as they say to Venezuelans—get out! Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on the UAW strike. President Biden joins strikers on front lines, while Trump visits a non-union shop. Miles is an editor/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.

Judge in New York City rules against Trump—basically calls his enterprise a fraud. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks consequences. And asks—why have so many Chicago Dems sucked up to Trump? Also, the deep dive on Fox gaslighting scaredy cat Dems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson’s administration sues Kia to crack down on car thefts. Folks make fun of the mayor. Ben riffs. Brendan Shiller—activist, lawyer, poker player—returns and offers…A tribute to George Atkins. A new take on Sox shooting. And a few words about MAGA’s attempt to re-make Trump into Tupac. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.