Edwin Eisendrath is joined by 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). 

 

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Skye Perryman, president and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://democracyforward.org/">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;

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 Featured Interviews

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)

WCPT 820 Interview: Skye Perryman

Laura Belin

Chioma Chukwu

Eric Garcia

Dean Baker

On this week's show
– Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics
– Chioma Chukwu, the executive director of American Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog organization that advances accountability and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records
– Eric Garcia, Washington bureau chief at The Independent
– Dean Baker, distinguished senior fellow and co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research

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; Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bleedingheartland.com/">Bleeding Heartland</a>, a community website focused on Iowa politics &ndash; Chioma Chukwu, the executive director of <a href="https://americanoversight.org/">American Oversight</a>, a nonpartisan watchdog organization that advances accountability and democracy by enforcing the public&rsquo;s right to government records &ndash; <a href="https://www.the-independent.com/author/eric-garcia">Eric Garcia</a>, Washington bureau chief at The Independent &ndash; Dean Baker, distinguished senior fellow and co-founder of the <a href="https://cepr.net/">Center for Economic and Policy Research</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 | September 19, 2026

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).   

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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/davidsmith">David Smith</a>, 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&nbsp;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&rsquo;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 &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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WCPT 820 Interview: David Smith of the Guardian

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).   

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Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Will Bunch,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/author/bunch_will/">national opinion columnist</a> for The Philadelphia Inquirer. His latest column is <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/pennsylvania-immigration-arrests-287g-local-police-collaboration-20260910.html">"In Pa. coal country, local police join with ICE to bring arrests, fear</a>."
The discussion examined the expansion of the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program and its local effects, then turned to Senator John Fetterman&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 &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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WCPT 820 Interview: Skye Perryman

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

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