Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Rickey Hendon is joined by Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor.

The interview focused on Wilson’s positions on Chicago taxes, education, economic development, and more. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Wilson opposes the proposed head and delivery taxes, arguing that businesses pass costs on to consumers and that added costs can hurt affordability and jobs.
- He said tariffs had increased his business costs by $800,000 to $900,000 per month and similarly raise consumer prices.
- He advocated suspending gas taxes and described funding repeated gas an...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Rickey Hendon is joined by Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). 

The discussion focused on improving safety for CTA workers and riders, with dedicated transit police presented as a key solution. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- McCoach said three transit workers had died in the past 90 days and emphasized that workers and riders need safer conditions.
- She said the contract is up in December, but her immediate priority i...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). 

The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections.
- Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach.
- The DLCC’s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles.
- Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Chris Mann, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Kansas.

Mann discussed his priorities as a Democratic candidate and contrasted them with incumbent Kris Kobach’s record. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: 
- Mann described his background as a police officer, prosecutor, and attorney representing victims of drunk driving. He cited the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police endorsement, the first for a Democrat in at least 25 years.
- He said many small law enforcement agencies need more support from the attorney general’s offic...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Elllison, 2026 candidate for re-election. 

The interview focused on Keith Ellison’s record as Minnesota attorney general, his priorities if re-elected, and election protection. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Ellison cited litigation over insulin pricing, SNAP benefits, federal immigration enforcement, and John Deere’s restrictions on farmers repairing equipment.
- He described the office’s role as enforcing existing laws, including consumer protection and antitrust laws.
- He said he would continue work on health care and prescri...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Mike Nellis is joined by Matthew Botvinick, world-renowned AI researcher and neuroscientist who is senior fellow at Yale Law School, a member of the technical staff at Anthropic, and author of "AI and Political Freedom: The Risk to Democracy and How to Respond" (2026). 

Prof. Botvinick will be speaking in Chicago on November 11 as part of University Press Week.
The author event will be called “Could AI Put Our Democracy at Risk?” and take place
at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center. A reception will take place from 5:45 to
6:15, followed by the...

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Mike Nellis is joined by Melissa Toufanian, former State Department deputy assistant secretary who served on the communications team for the original Iran nuclear deal under President Obama, and now serves as managing director at Navigator Research.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Robert Pape, professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs, and author of The Escalation Trap on Substack. His new book, "Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism," came out last month.

Pape and Esposito discussed Ukraine’s military resilience, the risks of escalation, and a Korean-style armistice as a possible path to regional stability. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Pape argued that Ukraine is not likely to collapse simply because U.S. support changes; he highlighted Ukra...

Joan Esposito is joined by Jen Thompson, former Republican campaign manager, former counsel in the U.S. House and Senate, and author of "Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten" (2026). 

The conversation examined midterm election expectations, changes in the Republican Party, and Thompson’s departure from GOP politics. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Thompson agreed that predictions of a “blue wave” can encourage complacency; she cautioned that polls can be unreliable and urged people to vote.
- She said the size of any Democratic gains could shape how Republicans respond and affe...

Joan Esposito is joined by John Bartman, fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer and activist. The discussion focused on the economic pressures facing Illinois farmers and Bartman’s views on farming practices and policy. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Fuel, equipment, seed, rent, taxes, and fertilizer create substantial costs; harvest income often arrives only once a year.
- Bartman said tariffs and the loss of USAID markets have hurt crop demand and income, while high land and equipment values can complicate farm inheritance.
- He described regenerative methods, including no-till farming and...

Joan Esposito is joined by Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics. Belin discussed Iowa’s political landscape and the competitiveness of its upcoming elections.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Iowa has open races for Senate and governor, and Belin sees three of the state’s four U.S. House seats as competitive, with Democrats plausibly flipping two, or even three.
- Democrats face a substantial hurdle: Republicans have about 180,000 more registered voters statewide. Belin said Democrats would need strong turnout, independents, and s...

Joan Esposito is joined by Joe Cunningham, former congressman who now serves as spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance.

The interview focused on lowering prescription drug costs and discussed South Carolina’s upcoming election. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Cunningham argued that the most-favored-nation policy could bring U.S. prescription prices closer to those in other developed countries; he said the industry spends heavily on lobbying and that high costs contribute to medical debt and bankruptcy.
- He said codifying the policy has bipartisan support and cited H.R. 3493 as legislation tha...

John Stoehr, editor and publisher of The Editorial Board, "a newsletter about politics in plain English for normal people and the common good." The conversation explored Stoehr's views on political media, democratic values, and concentrated wealth.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Stoehr said political coverage often prioritizes conflict and the horse race over concerns about President Trump’s behavior; Stoehr thinks coverage may shift if Trump’s political support weakens.
- He described the press’s reluctance to address these concerns as driven by wealthy media owners’ fear and by cynicism...

Joan Esposito is joined by political scientist and "World Discord Podcast" co-host Joel Ostrow. The discussion focused on Ukraine’s urgent needs, the effects of reduced U.S. support, and possible political responses.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ostrow said Ukraine’s access to U.S.-funded satellite tracking and intelligence had been restricted, reducing its ability to detect incoming missiles and drones. He described the impact on Ukraine as potentially severe.
- He said Russia is unlikely to launch a ground invasion of another country while focused on Ukraine, but m...

Joan Esposito is joined by John Parker, co-host of “The Gaily Show,” weeknights at 10:00 Central on WCPT, along with Jim Pounds, executive producer and co-host of “The Gaily Show.”

The discussion covered Minnesota election races, voter concerns, and uncertainty about polling ahead of election day.
- Parker described Democratic candidate Brian Cohn’s race in a district south of the Twin Cities as a potential opportunity for Democrats to regain control of the tied Minnesota House.
- Voters are focused on gas prices, health care, and housing affordability 
- A recent poll showed Amy Klobuchar u...

Joan Esposito is joined by Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter “This Week in Statehouse Action.

The discussion assessed state and federal election dynamics, with emphasis on potential Democratic gains. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Fiddler said Democrats could gain trifectas in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona, though outcomes remain uncertain, especially in Arizona.
- In Minnesota, affordability and the state’s response to fraud allegations are prominent issues; a Democratic trifecta is possible if Democrats win the legislature and retain the governorship.
- Stat...

Joan Esposito is joined by Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor. Wilson discussed his campaign, emphasizing business-oriented governance, lower taxes, workforce development, and neighborhood investment.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Wilson said Chicago needs an independent businessperson who can balance budgets and is not controlled by special-interest groups.
- He opposes a head tax, arguing it could drive businesses and jobs to surrounding suburbs.
- He proposes tax incentives, affordable housing, vacant-land development, and workforce training through partnerships with unions.
- He supports revitalizing vacant downtown offices through lo...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ira Shapiro, co-author of "Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This."

The discussion examined concerns about the Trump administration’s impact on elections, constitutional governance, foreign policy, and domestic institutions. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Shapiro said pro-democracy groups and lawyers are preparing for GOP attempts to challenge or invalidate election results.
- He argued that courts and Congress may not act quickly or independently enough, making public opposition and strong voter turnout important safeguards.
- He described the Common Sense Coalition book "Betrayed: America Di...

Joan Esposito is joined by Michael Hawthorne, Pulitzer-finalist investigative reporter who focuses on the environment and public health for the Chicago Tribune. 

The discussion examined the environmental and public health risks of plastic pollution, the limits of recycling, and policy options for reducing plastic waste. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Illinois now recognizes nurdles, small pre-production plastic pellets, as a pollutant; they are widespread in the Great Lakes and can be mistaken for food by fish.
- Hawthorne described evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are present throughout the human body, w...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible.  The discussion focused on mobilizing voters and protecting democratic participation ahead of the midterm elections.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Levin described the October 17 No Kings Nationwide Day of Action event as an early-vote mobilization and election-defense effort, building on prior protests.
- The goals are to increase early voting, recruit election-defense volunteers, and counter anticipated election interference.
- Listeners were encouraged to find or organize a local event through nokings.org.
- He emphasized that turnout, c...

Joan Esposito is joined by Carlos Ballesteros, reporter for Injustice Watch, Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the court system. Their November 2026 Cook County judicial elections guide is now available. 

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Ward Farnsworth, professor and W. Page Keeton Chair at the University of Texas School of Law and author of several books, including “Should You Tip for Takeout? Solving the Puzzles of Everyday Life.“

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Broadcasting live from Moe Joe's Restaurant in Plainfield, Illinois, Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois State Rep. Jessica Dixon Heitman of the 97th House District. She is a 2026 candidate for re-election. 

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief and opinion columnist

The discussion examined Ohio’s 2026 political races, media framing, and the effects of election misinformation on voters. Here are a few key points from the conversation. 
- DeWitt said Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has struggled to connect with Ohio voters despite strong name recognition and funding.
- Democratic nominee Amy Acton is performing well as Democrats benefit from midterm dynamics, voter concerns (and anger) about the Trump administration, gas prices, and data center controversies.
- The U.S. Senate race between Republican Jon Husted and...

Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Democrat representing the 1st District of Illinois. The conversation focused on Jackson’s policy priorities, criticism of current federal leadership, and concerns about domestic and international impacts of Republican governance.

- Jackson said if House Democrats regain the House majority, they should prioritize reversing the July 2025 Republican spending law (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), restoring food assistance, addressing Medicaid cuts, and reducing inequality.
- He described campaign travel and legislative organizing during the House recess, including support for candidates in competitive races.
- He...

Joan Esposito is joined by Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A). 

The discussion focused on U.S. military policy, regional security, election-related risks, and the reported effects of current leadership on military readiness.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Manner argued that the proposed firing-squad execution of Fort Hood killer Nidal Malik Hasan could be politically motivated; the unresolved legal question is whether the prisoner has exhausted all appeals.
- He...

Joan Esposito is joined by Katherine Dailey, state government and policy reporter for Michigan Advance. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- In Michigan's race for governor, Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson faces Republican Congressman John James.
- James remains aligned with President Trump but appears to be emphasizing that association less in the general election, particularly on unpopular data center policy.
- Incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s support for data centers and response to Planned Parenthood funding needs have created dissatisfaction among some Democrats, potentially affecting Benson.
- Last...

Joan Esposito is joined by Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder. He talks about Texas Democrats’ grassroots, bottom-up strategy as a way to capitalize on the midterm election and deliver an ambitious governing agenda.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Scudder said state Democrats recruited candidates for every state and federal office in Texas, opened offices in historically neglected areas, and built candidate services to support local campaigns.
- Republicans’ expected spending surge remains a concern, but Scudder argued that voters understand the consequences of Republican leadership and that down-ballot organizing is cr...

Joan Esposito is joined by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and 2026 candidate for re-election in Missouri's 5th Congressional District.

Here are a few key points from the conversation.
- The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the 2022 congressional map after Missouri courts and petitioners challenged later changes.
- The map is considered settled for the upcoming election; the state’s proposed map remains on the November ballot.
- Missouri voters collected 303,000 signatures to challenge the legislative map. 
- Cleaver described the Housing for the 21st Century Act as a bipartisan effort to reduce const...

Joan Esposito is joined by Julie Roginsky, author of the Salty Politics newsletter on Substack and co-founder of the nonprofit Lift Our Voices. The conversation focused on the midterm outlook, accountability for political leaders and Supreme Court justices, and women’s advocacy in politics.

Key quote: "I think like a lot of us, and I'm Gen X, we were people who understood there was only really one person in the back room who was going to be a woman. There was not much space made for women. During Gloria Steinem's generation, there were no women. During my gene...

Joan Esposito is joined by Zack Cooper, director of the Health Care Affordability Lab at Yale University and associate professor of public health and of economics at Yale. 

The discussion examined health care affordability and policy changes proposed through Yale Healthcare Affordability Lab’s 1% Steps for Health Care Reform project. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- U.S. health care spending is nearly 20 percent of GDP, with family premiums around $28,000 annually and significant out-of-pocket costs.
- Hospital prices have risen faster than prices in other economic sectors, contributing to lost jobs and...

Joan Esposito is joined by Dr. E.J. Fagan, associate professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of "The Thinkers: The Rise of Partisan Think Tanks and the Polarization of American Politics" (2024).

The discussion examined how Democrats can prepare for future administrations, restore government capacity, and respond to Donald Trump’s political and policy choices.  

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Allan Lichtman, distinguished professor of history at American University and author of the new book "Great American Presidents: The Twelve Who Transformed the Nation." He also recently wrote an article for MS NOW with the headline "Republicans in Congress aren’t afraid of Trump. They agree with him."

The discussion focused on historical threats to American democracy, current U.S. politics, and criteria for evaluating presidential leadership. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Lichtman cited the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold Wa...

Joan Esposito is joined by Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of The Existentialist Republic on Substack; his latest piece is "The Untold Story of How The Democrats Won Their Last Supermajority: The 50 State Strategy"

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest articles are "This Is the Biggest Reason Why a Blue Wave Is Probably Coming" and "Why Democrats Should Be Most Worried About Troy Jackson (And It’s Not the Consultants)." 

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting and deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A).

The discussion focused on concerns about U.S. foreign policy, military leadership, election security, and presidential conduct. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Manner called last week's United Nations session "the most volatile session of the U.N. that I have ever witnessed," adding: "To have the president of the United St...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century" (2024).

The conversation focused on the political, institutional, and media challenges facing the United States, along with Ray’s upcoming Chicago appearance. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ray and Joan discussed the possibility that the midterm elections could return one or both congressional chambers to Democratic control, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than strong enthusiasm for Democrats.
- Democrats would face a difficult governing environment: an im...

Joan Esposito is joined by Lynne of Indivisible Elk Grove Township, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual Concert for Democracy, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- The event will take place Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, 1170 W. Devon Ave. Doors open at noon.
- It will benefit Partners for Our Communities, a Palatine-based nonprofit s...

Joan Esposito is joined by Aaron Kleinman, Heartland Signal‘s senior political analyst and author of the “Radio Free America” newsletter. The conversation focused on 2026 midterm prospects for Democrats, campaign financing practices, and the Democratic Party’s longer-term policy direction.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Aaron cited primary turnout differentials between Democrats and Republicans, presidential and economic approval ratings, and weak Republican enthusiasm as indicators favoring Democrats.
- Republican donors may spend heavily, but super PAC spending could mainly limit Democratic gains rather than reverse the broader trend.
- Aaron desc...

Joan Esposito is joined by Joel Ostrow, professor of political science at Benedictine University. The discussion examined the war in Ukraine, European security, the European Union’s potential seizure of Russian assets, Canada’s proposed associate relationship with the EU, the possibility of greater European military coordination, the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, alleged Russian abuses, and abducted Ukrainian children.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ostrow argued that Russia has long interfered in European politics and supported far-right movements, while European countries are increasingly concerned about defending themselves without reliable U.S. supp...