Mark Jacob

Nora Benavidez

Ald. Scott Waguespack

Will Craft

On this week's show
– Mark Jacob, author of the Stop the Presses newsletter on Substack, former metro editor at the Chicago Tribune and Sunday editor at the Sun-Times, co-author of several books on history and photography
– Nora Benavidez, senior counsel and general director of digital justice and civil rights at the media nonprofit Free Press
– Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward)
– Will Craft, U.S. data editor for the Guardian

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; Mark Jacob, author of the <a href="https://www.stopthepresses.news/about">Stop the Presses</a> newsletter on Substack, former metro editor at the Chicago Tribune and Sunday editor at the Sun-Times, co-author of several books on history and photography &ndash; <a href="https://www.freepress.net/about/staff/nora-benavidez">Nora Benavidez</a>, senior counsel and general director of digital justice and civil rights at the media nonprofit <a href="https://www.freepress.net/about/staff/nora-benavidez">Free Press</a> &ndash; Chicago <a href="https://www.ward32.org/">Ald. Scott Waguespack</a> (32nd Ward) &ndash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/will-craft">Will Craft</a>, U.S. data editor for the Guardian
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; 
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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 with Edwin Eisendrath | October 3, 2026

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward). The discussion examined Chicago’s parking-meter contract, federal policy impacts on cities, immigration, and bipartisan local governance.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Waguespack described the revised parking meter deal as financially imperfect but improved from the 2008 agreement.
- City Council members used their approval authority to require Stonepeak Partners to remove Omni Air from the transaction, while also negotiating profit sharing, an asset-transfer fee, and planning-related changes.
- The contract still has 57 years remaining. 
- Cuts to infrastructure funding, reduced ARPA support, Medicare and Medicaid pressures, and tariffs were described as threats to Chicago’s role as a national transportation and freight hub.
- The discussion emphasized that weakening roads, railways, airports, and transit systems raises costs for rural communities, farmers, businesses, and consumers nationwide.
- Chicago’s response to migrant arrivals and immigration enforcement was presented as a combination of municipal assistance, neighborhood support, and community organizing.

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 Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ward32.org/">Ald. Scott Waguespack</a> (32nd Ward).&nbsp;The discussion examined Chicago&rsquo;s parking-meter contract, federal policy impacts on cities, immigration, and bipartisan local governance. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Waguespack described the revised parking meter deal as financially imperfect but improved from the 2008 agreement. - City Council members used their approval authority to require Stonepeak Partners to remove Omni Air from the transaction, while also negotiating profit sharing, an asset-transfer fee, and planning-related changes. - The contract still has 57 years remaining.&nbsp; - Cuts to infrastructure funding, reduced ARPA support, Medicare and Medicaid pressures, and tariffs were described as threats to Chicago&rsquo;s role as a national transportation and freight hub. - The discussion emphasized that weakening roads, railways, airports, and transit systems raises costs for rural communities, farmers, businesses, and consumers nationwide. - Chicago&rsquo;s response to migrant arrivals and immigration enforcement was presented as a combination of municipal assistance, neighborhood support, and community organizing.
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:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack: WCPT 820 Interview

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Mark Jacob, author of the Stop the Presses newsletter on Substack, former metro editor at the Chicago Tribune, former Sunday editor at the Sun-Times, and co-author of several books on history and photography.

The conversation examined concerns about executive power, institutional checks, election integrity, defense leadership, media ownership, and the economic pressures affecting Americans.

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

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Mark Jacob, author of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stopthepresses.news/about">Stop the Presses</a> newsletter on Substack, former metro editor at the Chicago Tribune, former Sunday editor at the Sun-Times, and co-author of several books on history and photography.
The conversation examined concerns about executive power, institutional checks, election integrity, defense leadership, media ownership, and the economic pressures affecting Americans.
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:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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Mark Jacob: WCPT 820 Interview

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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It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath | October 3, 2026

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

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