Charlotte Clymer

Ari Berman

Katherine Dailey

Jill Lawrence

On this week's show
– Charlotte Clymer, activist and the writer of Charlotte’s Web Thoughts, a bestselling Substack blog on politics, religion, foreign policy, and culture
– Ari Berman, national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones
– Katherine Dailey, state government and policy reporter for Michigan Advance
– Jill Lawrence, opinion writer for The Bulwark and author of the History Keeps Happening Substack newsletter 

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; Charlotte Clymer, activist and the writer of&nbsp;<a href="https://charlotteclymer.substack.com/">Charlotte&rsquo;s Web Thoughts</a>, a bestselling Substack blog on politics, religion, foreign policy, and culture &ndash; <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/author/ari-berman/">Ari Berman,</a> national voting rights correspondent for <a href="https://www.motherjones.com">Mother Jones</a> &ndash; Katherine Dailey, state government and policy reporter for&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/author/katherine-dailey/">Michigan Advance</a> &ndash; <a href="https://substack.com/@jilllawrence">Jill Lawrence</a>, opinion writer for The Bulwark and author of the <a href="https://jilllawrence.substack.com/">History Keeps Happening Substack newsletter</a>&nbsp;
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 with Edwin Eisendrath | October 31, 2026

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward.

The discussion focused on defending democratic institutions, protecting free and fair elections, and strengthening accountability through courts, Congress, and civic participation. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Perryman described the election results as a broad pro-democracy response, supported by legal challenges, election workers, volunteers, and community turnout—not simply a partisan shift.
- She warned that election-subversion efforts may intensify before 2028 and emphasized continued vigilance.
- Courts can enforce orders through hearings, sworn responses, and sanctions, but Perryman said those tools are limited; Congress can also use oversight and funding powers to promote compliance.
- She supports public discussion of structural reforms to the Supreme Court, citing its lack of an enforceable ethics code and concerns about decisions made on the so-called shadow docket.
- She said Democracy Forward will continue filing and litigating cases, including during the lame-duck period, to challenge unlawful schemes and executive overreach before the new Congress takes office, and monitor the Mississippi ballot-curing process, Alaska's upcoming ballot counts, and other remaining undecided races.

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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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Skye Perryman, president and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://democracyforward.org/team/">Democracy Forward</a>.
The discussion focused on defending democratic institutions, protecting free and fair elections, and strengthening accountability through courts, Congress, and civic participation. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Perryman described the election results as a broad pro-democracy response, supported by legal challenges, election workers, volunteers, and community turnout&mdash;not simply a partisan shift. - She warned that election-subversion efforts may intensify before 2028 and emphasized continued vigilance. - Courts can enforce orders through hearings, sworn responses, and sanctions, but Perryman said those tools are limited; Congress can also use oversight and funding powers to promote compliance. - She supports public discussion of structural reforms to the Supreme Court, citing its lack of an enforceable ethics code and concerns about decisions made on the so-called shadow docket. - She said Democracy Forward will continue filing and litigating cases, including during the lame-duck period, to challenge unlawful schemes and executive overreach before the new Congress takes office, and monitor the Mississippi ballot-curing process, Alaska's upcoming ballot counts, and other remaining undecided races.
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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Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward: WCPT 820 Interview

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible.  The discussion centered on how the pro-democracy movement can turn election gains into lasting political and institutional change. 

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Levin credited millions of local organizers with building a large, distributed movement; Indivisible grew fourfold after Trump’s re-election.
- Levin argued that in-person community organizing, rather than inevitability, drove the election outcome, and should continue.
- Levin and Eisendrath urged Democrats to deliver on affordability and accountability, pursue oversight, and consider ending the Senate filibuster so legislation can receive debate and votes.
- They discussed the need to address concentrated judicial power and examine ties between the Trump administration and Silicon Valley interests.
- Levin urged the incoming new Congress to use its authority to investigate and reveal the ties between the Trump regime and Silicon Valley billionaires undermining democratic processes, including Meta's shutdown of the No Kings coalition's Instagram account.

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

 

Follow us:

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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by <a href="https://indivisible.org/ezra-levin-0">Ezra Levin</a>, co-executive director of <a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible</a>.&nbsp; The discussion centered on how the pro-democracy movement can turn election gains into lasting political and institutional change.&nbsp;
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Levin credited millions of local organizers with building a large, distributed movement; Indivisible grew fourfold after Trump&rsquo;s re-election. - Levin argued that in-person community organizing, rather than inevitability, drove the election outcome, and should continue. - Levin and Eisendrath urged Democrats to deliver on affordability and accountability, pursue oversight, and consider ending the Senate filibuster so legislation can receive debate and votes. - They discussed the need to address concentrated judicial power and examine ties between the Trump administration and Silicon Valley interests. - Levin urged the incoming new Congress to use its authority to investigate and reveal the ties between the Trump regime and Silicon Valley billionaires undermining democratic processes, including Meta's shutdown of the No Kings coalition's Instagram account.
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;
&nbsp;
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Ezra Levin of Indivisible: WCPT 820 Interview

David DeWitt

Mike Nellis

Ezra Levin

Skye Perryman

On this week's show
– David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief and opinion columnist
– Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist and host of “Endless Urgency with Mike Nellis
– Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible
– Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward

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://ohiocapitaljournal.com/author/david-c-dewitt/">David DeWitt</a>, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief and opinion columnist &ndash; Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://endlessurgency.com/">Endless Urgency with Mike Nellis</a> &ndash; <a href="https://indivisible.org/ezra-levin-0">Ezra Levin</a>, co-executive director of <a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible</a> &ndash; Skye Perryman, president and CEO of <a href="https://democracyforward.org/team/">Democracy Forward</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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It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath | October 31, 2026

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

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