Aisha Down

Russ Carnahan

Clay Wirestone

Andrea Hailey

On this week's show
– Aisha Down, global technology reporter for the Guardian; her latest article is “Your AI doomsday questions answered: ‘What, if anything, can people like me do about it?’“
– Russ Carnahan, chair of the Missouri Democratic Party and former member of the U.S. House and the Missouri House
– Clay Wirestone, editor of Kansas Reflector
– Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org

Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).   





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On this week's show &ndash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/aisha-down">Aisha Down</a>, global technology reporter for the Guardian; her latest article is &ldquo;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/20/your-ai-doomsday-questions-answered-could-ai-technology-really-end-humanity">Your AI doomsday questions answered: &lsquo;What, if anything, can people like me do about it?&rsquo;</a>&ldquo; &ndash; Russ Carnahan, chair of the <a href="https://www.missouridemocrats.org/">Missouri Democratic Party</a> and former member of the U.S. House and the Missouri House &ndash; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/clay-wirestone/">Clay Wirestone</a>, editor of Kansas Reflector &ndash;&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;Hailey, CEO of <a href="https://www.vote.org/">Vote.org</a>
Catch &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the Democracy, Stupid&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
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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 Edwin
Edwin 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.

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago,&nbsp;"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&nbsp;to be part of the conversation.
About Edwin Edwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
Back in the 1990s Bill Clinton&rsquo;s campaign slogan, "It&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the democracy, stupid."
In addition to his radio show here on WCPT, Edwin has built a community around his political ideas on <a href="https://edwineisendrath.substack.com/p/i-love-american-democracy-but-love" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Substack</a>, hosts a weekly show on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincolnsquare.media/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Lincoln Square</a>, and is a frequent guest on political shows. He remains deeply involved in democracy work.
He is a proud Chicagoan, married to the journalist <a href="https://jenniferschulze.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Jennifer Schulze</a>.

It's the Democracy, Stupid Full Episodes

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 Edwin
Edwin 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.

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> 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 Edwin Edwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
Back in the 1990s Bill Clinton&rsquo;s campaign slogan, "It&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the democracy, stupid."
In addition to his radio show here on WCPT, Edwin has built a community around his political ideas on <a href="https://edwineisendrath.substack.com/p/i-love-american-democracy-but-love" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Substack</a>, hosts a weekly show on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincolnsquare.media/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Lincoln Square</a>, and is a frequent guest on political shows. He remains deeply involved in democracy work.
He is a proud Chicagoan, married to the journalist <a href="https://jenniferschulze.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Jennifer Schulze</a>.

It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath (formerly The Big Picture)

It's the Democracy, Stupid | September 26, 2026

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Russ Carnahan, chair of the Missouri Democratic Party and former member of the U.S. House and the Missouri House.

The discussion focused on Missouri Democrats’ election strategy, voter initiative power, redistricting litigation, and election security concerns. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Carnahan said Democrats are contesting more than 97 perfcent of Missouri legislative seats, including many rural districts.
- Courts rejected a mid-decade congressional map and restored use of the 2022 maps after challenges involving the state referendum process.
- Missouri voters will consider a November measure intended to strengthen their ability to protect citizen initiatives. 
- Democrats are targeting the state auditor race, the Missouri Second Congressional District, and enough legislative seats to end the Republican supermajority.
- Carnahan said protecting Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's Kansas City district from being divided remains a priority.
- He argued that Missouri could become competitive in future presidential elections if candidates campaign there.
- He described efforts involving polling place observers, early voting, volunteer organizing, and monitoring foreign interference.
- He said Missouri Democrats are also trying to reach rural voters affected by tariffs, beef and diesel costs, and rural hospital problems.

Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).   





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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Russ Carnahan, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missouridemocrats.org/">Missouri Democratic Party</a> and former member of the U.S. House and the Missouri House.
The discussion focused on Missouri Democrats&rsquo; election strategy, voter initiative power, redistricting litigation, and election security concerns. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Carnahan said Democrats are contesting more than 97 perfcent of Missouri legislative seats, including many rural districts. - Courts rejected a mid-decade congressional map and restored use of the 2022 maps after challenges involving the state referendum process. - Missouri voters will consider a November measure intended to strengthen their ability to protect citizen initiatives.&nbsp; - Democrats are targeting the state auditor race, the Missouri Second Congressional District, and enough legislative seats to end the Republican supermajority. - Carnahan said protecting Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's Kansas City district from being divided remains a priority. - He argued that Missouri could become competitive in future presidential elections if candidates campaign there. - He described efforts involving polling place observers, early voting, volunteer organizing, and monitoring foreign interference. - He said Missouri Democrats are also trying to reach rural voters affected by tariffs, beef and diesel costs, and rural hospital problems.
Catch &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the Democracy, Stupid&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
Follow us:
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Missouri Democrats Chair Russ Carnahan: WCPT 820 Interview 

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Clay Wirestone, editor of the Kansas Reflector. Wirestone is also the author of "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters: Then and Now" (out September 29). 

The conversation examined Kansas politics, the competitiveness of its current statewide races, and the role of informed local opinion journalism.  Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Kansas retains strong Republican voting habits, but voters have rejected some Republican-backed positions, including abortion restrictions and school board agendas.
- Clay attributed this tension to Kansas’s longstanding Republican identity and its history as a progressive Republican state, alongside a pattern of electing Democratic governors.
- The U.S. Senate race between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton was described as unexpectedly competitive, with recent polling favoring Hamilton.
- Marshall has faced criticism over limited town hall events and public campaigning, and damaging reporting about lawsuits involving former patients.
- The governor’s race may favor Republican Ty Masterson because Democrat Cindy Holscher lacks comparable campaign funding and has faced sustained attack ads.
- Clay argued that informed, locally grounded opinion is increasingly scarce but important for context, accountability, and community trust.
- His new book documents Kansas’s long tradition of influential commentary.

Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).   





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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/clay-wirestone/">Clay Wirestone</a>, editor of the Kansas Reflector. Wirestone&nbsp;is also the author of "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters: Then and Now" (out September 29).&nbsp;
The conversation examined Kansas politics, the competitiveness of its current statewide races, and the role of informed local opinion journalism.&nbsp; Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Kansas retains strong Republican voting habits, but voters have rejected some Republican-backed positions, including abortion restrictions and school board agendas. - Clay attributed this tension to Kansas&rsquo;s longstanding Republican identity and its history as a progressive Republican state, alongside a pattern of electing Democratic governors. - The U.S. Senate race between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton was described as unexpectedly competitive, with recent polling favoring Hamilton. - Marshall has faced criticism over limited town hall events and public campaigning, and damaging reporting about lawsuits involving former patients. - The governor&rsquo;s race may favor Republican Ty Masterson because Democrat Cindy Holscher lacks comparable campaign funding and has faced sustained attack ads. - Clay argued that informed, locally grounded opinion is increasingly scarce but important for context, accountability, and community trust. - His new book documents Kansas&rsquo;s long tradition of influential commentary.
Catch &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the Democracy, Stupid&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
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Kansas Reflector editor Clay Wirestone: WCPT 820 Interview

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Aisha Down, global technology reporter for the Guardian; her latest article is "Your AI doomsday questions answered: ‘What, if anything, can people like me do about it?’"

The conversation examined AI’s societal, political, economic, and democratic risks. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Down argued that extinction narratives often rely on speculative scenarios and fail to account for practical constraints, while acknowledging risks from agentic systems, cyberattacks, biosecurity, and attacks on banks or universities.
- The discussion challenged anthropomorphic views of AI and questioned whether intelligence measured by high IQ translates into real-world agency or goals.
- Industry leaders may amplify claims about AI’s power to support valuations, delay IPOs, shape regulation, and encourage regulatory capture.
- Data centers and chip financing could represent a speculative bubble, with delays, interlocking companies, and debt creating unresolved financial risks. 
- AI is also accelerating surveillance, misinformation, and internet fragmentation, while health technologies and tools for treating cancer, paralysis, and other conditions offer significant benefits.

Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).   





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Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/aisha-down">Aisha Down</a>, global technology reporter for the Guardian; her latest article is "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/20/your-ai-doomsday-questions-answered-could-ai-technology-really-end-humanity">Your AI doomsday questions answered: &lsquo;What, if anything, can people like me do about it?&rsquo;</a>"
The conversation examined AI&rsquo;s societal, political, economic, and democratic risks. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Down argued that extinction narratives often rely on speculative scenarios and fail to account for practical constraints, while acknowledging risks from agentic systems, cyberattacks, biosecurity, and attacks on banks or universities. - The discussion challenged anthropomorphic views of AI and questioned whether intelligence measured by high IQ translates into real-world agency or goals. - Industry leaders may amplify claims about AI&rsquo;s power to support valuations, delay IPOs, shape regulation, and encourage regulatory capture. - Data centers and chip financing could represent a speculative bubble, with delays, interlocking companies, and debt creating unresolved financial risks.&nbsp; - AI is also accelerating surveillance, misinformation, and internet fragmentation, while health technologies and tools for treating cancer, paralysis, and other conditions offer significant benefits.
Catch &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the Democracy, Stupid&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
Follow us:
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It's the Democracy, Stupid | September 26, 2026

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It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath (formerly The Big Picture)

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