It's the Democracy, Stupid (formerly "The Big Picture") Featured Interviews cover art

It's the Democracy, Stupid (formerly "The Big Picture") Featured Interviews

It's the Democracy, Stupid (formerly "The Big Picture") Featured Interviews

Written by: WCPT 820
Listen for free

About this listen

"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 on WCPT Chicago 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.

Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • WCPT 820 Interview: Joe Walsh
    Jan 18 2026

    Edwin Eisendrath talks to Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman from Illinois and host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: David Pepper
    Jan 18 2026

    Edwin Eisendrath is joined by David Pepper, lawyer, political activist, author (of fiction and nonfiction), former member of Cincinnati City Council, former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and newly announced candidate for Ohio lieutenant governor.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • WCPT 820 Interview: Laura Jedeed
    Jan 18 2026

    Edwin Eisendreath is joined by Laura Jedeed, investigative and features journalist who focuses on the American conservative movement and far right; Slate recently published her article "You’ve Heard About Who ICE Is Recruiting. The Truth Is Far Worse. I’m the Proof."

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
No reviews yet