Joan Esposito is joined by David Atkins, Washington Monthly contributing writer. He recently wrote the articles “I’m a DNC Committee Member. The Party Isn’t Broken” and "The Case for the DNC’s Ken Martin. Really."

In the interview Atkins defended Ken Martin's leadership as chair of the Democratic National Committee. He explained that the DNC's primary role is to elect the president and support state parties. He highlighted Martin's commitment to a 50-state strategy, emphasizing early investments in local organizing over late-stage TV ads. Atkins noted that despite the DNC's current cash shortfall, it has raised record amounts, focusing on ground organizing. He criticized the reliance on consultants and lamented the dominance of conservative media, advocating for long-term investments in information environments and local communities. Atkins argued that Martin's approach aligns with progressive values and is crucial for future Democratic success.

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 David Atkins, Washington Monthly contributing writer. He recently wrote the articles <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/08/26/the-recent-dnc-meeting-was-a-success-despite-the-naysayers/">&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a DNC Committee Member. The Party Isn&rsquo;t Broken</a>&rdquo; and "<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/07/31/the-case-for-the-dncs-ken-martin-really/">The Case for the DNC&rsquo;s Ken Martin. Really</a>."
In the interview Atkins defended Ken Martin's leadership as chair of the Democratic National Committee. He explained that the DNC's primary role is to elect the president and support state parties. He highlighted Martin's commitment to a 50-state strategy, emphasizing early investments in local organizing over late-stage TV ads. Atkins noted that despite the DNC's current cash shortfall, it has raised record amounts, focusing on ground organizing. He criticized the reliance on consultants and lamented the dominance of conservative media, advocating for long-term investments in information environments and local communities. Atkins argued that Martin's approach aligns with progressive values and is crucial for future Democratic success.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics.  

A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. &nbsp;
A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;