It's the Democracy, Stupid Featured Interviews

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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath" is now "It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath." Each week Edwin and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central to be part of the conversation. About EdwinEdwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. Off the campaign trail, Edwin has worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. After the 2016 election cycle he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and its subsidiary, the Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.  Back in the 1990s Bill Clinton’s campaign slogan, "It’s the economy, stupid," captured the biggest concern of the era. Today American democracy itself is under attack. So Edwin launched an effort called, "It’s the democracy, stupid." In addition to his radio show here on WCPT, Edwin has built a community around his political ideas on Substack, hosts a weekly show on Lincoln Square, and is a frequent guest on political shows. He remains deeply involved in democracy work. He is a proud Chicagoan, married to the journalist Jennifer Schulze.

  1. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Chioma Chukwu of American Oversight

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog organization that advances accountability and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records. Chukwu discussed American Oversight's nonpartisan investigations and litigation concerning government transparency, election administration, civil rights, and government weaponization. Here are a few key points from the conversation.- Chioma explained that American Oversight uses public-records requests, investigations, partnerships, and litigation to expose government actions and defend transparency.- The organization views an informed public as essential to a strengthened democracy and said litigation can pause or stop harmful actions.- Records obtained from the Department of Justice showed White House efforts to connect election conspiracy theorists with senior officials. "What we uncovered," Chukwu told WCPT, "were records showing that election deniers have essentially been invited into this administration, and that the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, herself personally helped open the door."- The people involved promoted policies that would reduce mail voting, eliminate voting machines in favor of paper ballots, "and in the records that we uncovered," she added, "they actually propose that the DOJ give them authority to go around the country advising election officials, and it's like, who are these people?" Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Chioma Chukwu of American Oversight

  2. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics. Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland

  3. Sep 14

    WCPT 820 Interview: David Smith of the Guardian

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by David Smith, Washington bureau chief for the Guardian. The discussion explored how the post-9/11 response reshaped U.S. power, democracy, civil liberties, and contemporary politics. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:- The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, detentions, abuses, and expanded national-security powers damaged U.S. credibility and contributed to distrust in government.- The response diverted attention from China’s rise and helped weaken the rules-based international order.- The discussion connected those policies to political polarization and the rise of Donald Trump.- Executive authority expanded across multiple administrations, while efforts such as closing Guantanamo failed to reverse that trend.- Trump was described as an intensification of existing weaknesses, including bypassing Congress, targeting perceived enemies, and using national-security rhetoric against political actors.- Far-right movements in the U.S. and Europe are interconnected through online influence, nationalism, and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: David Smith of the Guardian

  4. Sep 13

    WCPT 820 Interview: Will Bunch of The Philadelphia Inquirer

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Will Bunch, national opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. His latest column is "In Pa. coal country, local police join with ICE to bring arrests, fear." The discussion examined the expansion of the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program and its local effects, then turned to Senator John Fetterman’s political future. Here is a brief summary of the conversation: - Bunch described how increased federal funding and incentives have encouraged small police departments to join 287(g).- In Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, 14 departments reportedly joined, with officers conducting checkpoints, traffic stops, and support for ICE operations.- The program has contributed to racial profiling, wrongful arrests, fear among Latino residents, and reduced local economic activity.- The discussion raised concerns about whether local police are prioritizing immigration enforcement over public safety.- Potential liability includes brutality, wrongful arrests, violence, and lawsuits- Bunch said Pennsylvania voters are increasingly focused on Fetterman’s conduct and that he is unlikely to win the 2028 Democratic primary in the state.- Possible paths discussed were switching parties or running as an independent, seeking re-election with Republican and independent support. Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Will Bunch of The Philadelphia Inquirer

  5. Sep 13

    WCPT 820 Interview: Kendall Scudder, chair of Texas Dems

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Scudder described growing Democratic Party energy in Texas and emphasized voter protection, grassroots organizing, and delivering tangible results for working-class communities. Here is a brief summary of the conversation.- Earlier this year Texas Democrats achieved their highest primary turnout since 2008 and exceeded Republican primary turnout for the first time since 2002.- The party ran Democratic candidates for every state and federal office for the first time since 1972.- Scudder highlighted James Talarico, Clayton Tucker, Jon Rosenthal as three candidates to watch in the November midterm.- If all plans to build data centers in Texas succeed, Scudder told WCPT, "they would be consuming more energy than the entire state of Texas right now." - Under Republicans, Texas has given out more than $1 billion to entice companies to build data centers in the state, while the grid remains isolated from the national system and prone to failure.- Voter protection is a major concern because polling locations have been closed or moved, especially in Tarrant County.- Scudder argued that Democrats must fight rather than fold, hold powerful actors accountable, and deliver for voters after winning.- He identified overcriminalization, mass surveillance, and billionaire influence as additional concerns. Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Kendall Scudder, chair of Texas Dems

  6. Sep 7

    WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Michael Mann

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Michael Mann, climatologist, geophysicist, and author of “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World.” The discussion examined the accelerating effects of climate change, available solutions, and political and media forces obstructing climate action.  Here is a brief summary of the conversation:- Existing technologies—including wind, solar, geothermal, energy storage, and improved batteries—can support decarbonization; the main barriers are political rather than technological.- Electrifying transportation and upgrading and decarbonizing the grid remain important priorities.- Mann and Eisendrath criticized fossil-fuel-driven policies, misinformation, performative neutrality in legacy media, and advertising systems that reward conspiratorial content.- They emphasized that climate action should focus on systemic investment in clean energy rather than placing responsibility primarily on individual behavior. Key quote: "Look, dangerous climate change is here, so there's no longer some point that we have to wait and say, 'Ah, this is when we have to act.' Now is when we have to act. We have to limit the warming as much as possible. There is no cliff. It's more like a dangerous highway highway that we're driving down. And if we miss the 1.5 Celsius exit, which it looks very likely we will now, we still do our best to get off at the next exit, 1.6, 1.7. We don't drive all the way to the West Coast. We get off at the first exit that we can."   Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Michael Mann

  7. Sep 7

    WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Debra Houry

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Dr. Debra Houry, senior fellow at Yale School of Public Health, adjunct professor at Emory University, former chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and principal at DH Leadership and Strategy Solutions, through which she is advising California on their PHNIX initiative. Dr. Houry discussed worsening disease risks, weakened federal health infrastructure, and principles for rebuilding trust and preparedness. Here is a summary of the conversation:- Measles cases have risen while kindergarten vaccination rates have declined; measles requires about 95 percent vaccination coverage to limit spread.- Reduced staffing has weakened responses to foodborne outbreaks and eliminated or impaired programs addressing smoking, oral health, traumatic brain injury, drowning prevention, and concussion safety.- Houry said political interference, reduced staffing, diminished laboratory capacity, and disputed data have made the CDC less effective and less trusted.- Medical organizations, state and local health departments, insurers, and primary-care physicians remain alternative sources of evidence-based guidance.- Houry proposed a science firewall, clear separation of scientific findings from political decisions, congressional oversight of appropriations, and stable expert advisory committees. (The interview was recorded September 3 and aired September 5.)  Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Debra Houry

  8. Aug 30

    WCPT 820 Interview: Nicholas Grossman

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Nicholas Grossman, teaching assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Grossman, an expert in international relations, discussed the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on global institutions like the U.N. and NATO, arguing that their decline was ideologically driven rather than due to institutional failure. He highlighted the administration's policies, such as the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the acceptance of North Korea as a nuclear power, as increasing global nuclear proliferation risks. Grossman also criticized the current U.S. relationship with Venezuela, describing it as extractive and corrupt. He emphasized the need for accountability and suggested that future Democratic control could set up investigations and oversight to address these issues. Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).    Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Nicholas Grossman
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About

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath" is now "It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath." Each week Edwin and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central to be part of the conversation. About EdwinEdwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. Off the campaign trail, Edwin has worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. After the 2016 election cycle he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and its subsidiary, the Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.  Back in the 1990s Bill Clinton’s campaign slogan, "It’s the economy, stupid," captured the biggest concern of the era. Today American democracy itself is under attack. So Edwin launched an effort called, "It’s the democracy, stupid." In addition to his radio show here on WCPT, Edwin has built a community around his political ideas on Substack, hosts a weekly show on Lincoln Square, and is a frequent guest on political shows. He remains deeply involved in democracy work. He is a proud Chicagoan, married to the journalist Jennifer Schulze.

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