RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae -- Rendered At Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:48:22 +0000 Paul On Politics with Paul Lisnek https://redcircle.com/shows/paul-on-politics-with-paul-lisnek en-US All rights reserved. Paul Lisnek Paul Lisnek returns with his unique interview style and political and legal analysis (he is NOT a commentator). Lisnek has been a fixture on television and radio discussing politics and legal issues for 40 years spending the last 18 years on-air with WGN-TV and WGN as host of the flagship political show. 7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae Paul Lisnek returns with his unique interview style and political and legal analysis (he is NOT a commentator).

Lisnek has been a fixture on television and radio discussing politics and legal issues for 40 years spending the last 18 years on-air with WGN-TV and WGN as host of the flagship political show.

]]> episodic no Paul Lisnek paul@paullisnek.tv false full Midterm Election Review and Analysis with Political Strategist Richard Gordon and Former IL Republican Party Chair Pat Brady Midterm Election Review and Analysis with Political Strategist Richard Gordon and Former IL Republican Party Chair Pat Brady Paul Lisnek The midterm elections delivered a stunning Democratic wave, with Democrats winning control of both

the House and Senate and making unexpected gains in traditionally Republican states. In this

conversation, former Illinois Republican Party Chair Patrick Brady and Political strategist and podcast

host Richard Gordon unpack what happened, why it happened, and what it means for the future of both

parties.

The conversation brings the analysis home to Illinois, asking what the national outcome means for

Republican competitiveness in the state and what risks and opportunities it creates for Illinois Democrats

now that their party controls Congress. The episode closes with each guest identifying the one result they

believe will matter most five years from now, offering a forward-looking view of how the results might

reshape American politics.

]]> <p>The midterm elections delivered a stunning Democratic wave, with Democrats winning control of both</p><p>the House and Senate and making unexpected gains in traditionally Republican states. In this</p><p>conversation, former Illinois Republican Party Chair Patrick Brady and Political strategist and podcast</p><p>host Richard Gordon unpack what happened, why it happened, and what it means for the future of both</p><p>parties.</p><p>The conversation brings the analysis home to Illinois, asking what the national outcome means for</p><p>Republican competitiveness in the state and what risks and opportunities it creates for Illinois Democrats</p><p>now that their party controls Congress. The episode closes with each guest identifying the one result they</p><p>believe will matter most five years from now, offering a forward-looking view of how the results might</p><p>reshape American politics.</p> 02d55a73-e68e-4a1d-a997-411ca48311f1 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/99182eed-8dba-4590-afe4-612bbf89559b Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:40:33 +0000 3250 false full Midterm Election Preview with Democratic Strategist Brad Bannon Midterm Election Preview with Democratic Strategist Brad Bannon Paul Lisnek An in-depth look at the Midterm elections with democratic strategist and pollster Brad Bannon,

CEO of Bannon Communications and host of the podcast Deadline D.C with Brad Bannon. Brad

shares his thoughts on who will control the House and Senate, insights as to several Senate

races, how Trump will handle dealing with a Congress controlled by the other party and who

2028 Presidential candidates might be on both sides!

]]> <p>An in-depth look at the Midterm elections with democratic strategist and pollster Brad Bannon,</p><p>CEO of Bannon Communications and host of the podcast Deadline D.C with Brad Bannon. Brad</p><p>shares his thoughts on who will control the House and Senate, insights as to several Senate</p><p>races, how Trump will handle dealing with a Congress controlled by the other party and who</p><p>2028 Presidential candidates might be on both sides!</p> 635506ce-8ca8-4d5e-8a68-47b3c5e97bb1 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/94f0e79b-3329-4064-b05a-df0649edd0d7 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:15:20 +0000 3642 false full History on the Line: Judy Chesser on the Work of the Committee of 100 to Place a Check on Trump’s Remaking of Washington History on the Line: Judy Chesser on the Work of the Committee of 100 to Place a Check on Trump’s Remaking of Washington Paul Lisnek Judy Chesser, chair of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, joins us for a conversation about the fight to protect Washington’s historic landmarks and defend the National Historic Preservation Act. From Trump’s proposed triumphal arch to the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a ballroom—and controversial plans for the Kennedy Center—we explore what preservationists see as threats to the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage, why public oversight matters, and who gets to decide the future of America’s shared spaces.

You can watch a video about the administration’s DC Make-over efforts at www.106Strong.com

]]> <p><span>Judy Chesser, chair of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, joins us for a conversation about the fight to protect Washington’s historic landmarks and defend the National Historic Preservation Act. From Trump’s proposed triumphal arch to the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a ballroom—and controversial plans for the Kennedy Center—we explore what preservationists see as threats to the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage, why public oversight matters, and who gets to decide the future of America’s shared spaces. </span></p><p><span>You can watch a video about the administration’s DC Make-over efforts at www.106Strong.com</span></p> 2d0ec151-7f4d-4786-a3e8-715c1d04315e https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/e905d674-d19f-4497-aa5b-c8b1a0714ae6 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:32:10 +0000 4099 false full Independent Candidate for IL Gov Collin Corbett Seeks Election Independent Candidate for IL Gov Collin Corbett Seeks Election Paul Lisnek Collin Corbett is an independent candidate for Governor of Illinois. A Palatine based political consultant and strategist, Corbett’s campaign emphasizes affordability, property tax relief, government and ethics reform, education and local control and his goal to build an independent majority in Illinois.

In this conversation, Collin discusses health care reform, education, the upcoming SCOTUS case on assault weapons and even the Chicago Bears. If you are open to voting for or learning about an independent candidate for Governor, then you’ll want to check out this informative and direct conversation.

]]> <p>Collin Corbett is an independent candidate for Governor of Illinois. A Palatine based political consultant and strategist, Corbett’s campaign emphasizes affordability, property tax relief, government and ethics reform, education and local control and his goal to build an independent majority in Illinois. </p><p>In this conversation, Collin discusses health care reform, education, the upcoming SCOTUS case on assault weapons and even the Chicago Bears. If you are open to voting for or learning about an independent candidate for Governor, then you’ll want to check out this informative and direct conversation.</p> 320fc9c0-e63c-4fc7-86a2-68d665508536 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/92eef67a-826c-44b6-9fd3-8fd0e19acfab Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:29:31 +0000 3663 false full McQuade’s New Book: “The Fix: Saving America form the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government” McQuade’s New Book: “The Fix: Saving America form the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government” Paul Lisnek A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host of the Sisters In Law Podcast, Professor Barbrara McQuade whose new book, In The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government argues that Donald Trump’s approach to governing mirrors organized crime, using corruption, cruelty, and chaos to demand loyalty, reward allies, punish opponents, and weaken democratic safeguards.

Drawing on her experience prosecuting corruption cases, she combines courtroom stories, historical examples, and legal analysis to explain how public power can be turned toward personal interests.

The book also offers a prescription for change: stronger ethics rules, protections for independent law enforcement, electoral reforms, and citizen action through voting, organizing, protest, and public service. Ultimately, McQuade presents both a warning about authoritarianism and a call for Americans to restore accountability and the rule of law.

]]> <p><span>A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host of the Sisters In Law Podcast, Professor Barbrara McQuade whose new book, In The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government argues that Donald Trump’s approach to governing mirrors organized crime, using corruption, cruelty, and chaos to demand loyalty, reward allies, punish opponents, and weaken democratic safeguards. </span></p><p><span>Drawing on her experience prosecuting corruption cases, she combines courtroom stories, historical examples, and legal analysis to explain how public power can be turned toward personal interests.</span></p><p><span>The book also offers a prescription for change: stronger ethics rules, protections for independent law enforcement, electoral reforms, and citizen action through voting, organizing, protest, and public service. Ultimately, McQuade presents both a warning about authoritarianism and a call for Americans to restore accountability and the rule of law.</span></p> a81f2475-a2a9-4901-bcbb-86c7c9835849 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/237ffe53-f953-4d7e-8f88-0202381dc8a1 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:48:34 +0000 3038 false full “Watergate Girl”: a Conversation with attorney, host, and author Jill Wine-Banks “Watergate Girl”: a Conversation with attorney, host, and author Jill Wine-Banks Paul Lisnek A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host Jill Wine-Banks, the only female member of the Watergate prosecution team handling the corruption of the Nixon administration.


In addition, Jill talks about when government investigations are politically motivated, when the department of justice is weaponized, when law firms capitulate to pressure at the cost of their

reputation, when executive orders go too far, whether the Supreme Court has become a political entity, and whether the country can still course-correct or have things gone too far these days?


A fun and insightful chat with a respected and seasoned attorney and analyst.

]]> <p><span>A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host Jill Wine-Banks, the only female member of the Watergate prosecution team handling the corruption of the Nixon administration. </span></p><p><br></p><p><span>In addition, Jill talks about when government investigations are politically motivated, when the department of justice is weaponized, when law firms capitulate to pressure at the cost of their</span></p><p><span>reputation, when executive orders go too far, whether the Supreme Court has become a political entity, and whether the country can still course-correct or have things gone too far these days? </span></p><p><br></p><p><span>A fun and insightful chat with a respected and seasoned attorney and analyst.</span></p> d07c9d96-84d5-49a2-8d17-c22b9cb58036 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/66f0bc42-4ab7-456d-9d8c-a3d60d86ee51 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:11:01 +0000 3499 false full Thom Hartmann on his new book: “Who Killed the American Dream? The Greatest Political Crime Ever Told Thom Hartmann on his new book: “Who Killed the American Dream? The Greatest Political Crime Ever Told Paul Lisnek Who Killed the American Dream?: The Greatest Political Crime Ever Told is Thom Hartmann’s sharp and aggressive investigation into what he argues is the legal and political origin of modern corporate power in the United States.

Hartmann traces today’s economic inequality, weakened labor protections, political spending, and shrinking access to housing and health care to the disputed treatment of corporations as constitutional “persons,” beginning with an 1886 Supreme Court case, Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He contends that a misleading case headnote—not the Court’s actual ruling—became a foundation for expanding corporate rights, culminating in decisions such as Citizens United.

The book also calls for reform, including efforts to limit corporate influence and restore democratic power to ordinary citizens.

]]> <p>Who Killed the American Dream?: The Greatest Political Crime Ever Told is Thom Hartmann’s sharp and aggressive investigation into what he argues is the legal and political origin of modern corporate power in the United States. </p><p>Hartmann traces today’s economic inequality, weakened labor protections, political spending, and shrinking access to housing and health care to the disputed treatment of corporations as constitutional “persons,” beginning with an 1886 Supreme Court case, Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He contends that a misleading case headnote—not the Court’s actual ruling—became a foundation for expanding corporate rights, culminating in decisions such as Citizens United. </p><p>The book also calls for reform, including efforts to limit corporate influence and restore democratic power to ordinary citizens.</p> 5b388a3c-e6df-4351-acaa-3b526e0f4db6 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/ffb83492-2bf6-4958-a5b5-2f9b10f3fe73 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:50:45 +0000 2524 false full Christian Mitchell, IL Dem Nominee for Lt Gov discusses the Plans for a new Pritzker Administration term Christian Mitchell, IL Dem Nominee for Lt Gov discusses the Plans for a new Pritzker Administration term Paul Lisnek Christian Mitchell, IL Dem Nominee for Lt Gov discusses the ticket’s view on plans to address affordability and taxes for Illinoisans. In addition, safety, ethics, immigration, energy, pensions the Chicago Mayor’s race and even the Chicago Bears are all on the front burner for discussion. Plus, does Mitchell expect Pritzker will run for President and is he ready to become Governor?

]]> <p>Christian Mitchell, IL Dem Nominee for Lt Gov discusses the ticket’s view on plans to address affordability and taxes for Illinoisans. In addition, safety, ethics, immigration, energy, pensions the Chicago Mayor’s race and even the Chicago Bears are all on the front burner for discussion. Plus, does Mitchell expect Pritzker will run for President and is he ready to become Governor?</p> a6ca7d6f-4ce7-4943-86fb-314504dfdc9e https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/ea34d844-955e-42e1-aa95-838b33e1c60e Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:23:22 +0000 2436 false full Paul Kendrick seeks 1st term as Representative for the 12th District in the IL House of Representatives Paul Kendrick seeks 1st term as Representative for the 12th District in the IL House of Representatives Paul Lisnek Paul Kendrick is the democratic nominee for the position of IL House of Representatives (12 th District). The interview covers Kendrick’s views on his pledge of safer streets, lower costs and stronger communities.

He discussed how Illinois can become more economically competitive, how to get property taxes under control, address safety, housing affordability, transportation and more. He also asks what would be different if he takes over the office from his predecessor who shares similar views.

For more information: www.PaulForIllinois.com

]]> <p>Paul Kendrick is the democratic nominee for the position of IL House of Representatives (12 th District). The interview covers Kendrick’s views on his pledge of safer streets, lower costs and stronger communities. </p><p>He discussed how Illinois can become more economically competitive, how to get property taxes under control, address safety, housing affordability, transportation and more. He also asks what would be different if he takes over the office from his predecessor who shares similar views.</p><p>For more information: www.PaulForIllinois.com</p> 6f1b3fa5-d15b-46d7-9c83-d9836f6e2d60 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/5beb1992-0224-4956-b55c-7906541b5007 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:07:11 +0000 3928 false full United States Supreme Court: An Entity In Serious Need of Reform, with Gabe Roth of Fix the Court United States Supreme Court: An Entity In Serious Need of Reform, with Gabe Roth of Fix the Court Paul Lisnek Court reform is not just a lawyers’ issue, but a democracy, transparency, and public-trust issue. As the founder (in 2014) and executive director of Fix the Court, Gabe Roth has spent more than a decade advocating for reforms like stronger ethics and recusal rules, expanded public access, term limits, disclosures, and greater scrutiny of judicial conduct. The level of gifts accepted by Supreme Court Justices is astounding and the political nature of the body may need to be addressed perhaps through term limits, and less so, according to Roth, by an expansion of the Court. Why have people lost faith in the Supreme Court? What are the consequences of a decision that empowers a President for the future and will there ever be cameras in the high court?

This is a fascinating discussion that non-lawyers will enjoy as much as, if not more, than lawyers who tune in.

For more information, go to: www.FixTheCourt.com

]]> <p>Court reform is not just a lawyers’ issue, but a democracy, transparency, and public-trust issue. As the founder (in 2014) and executive director of Fix the Court, Gabe Roth has spent more than a decade advocating for reforms like stronger ethics and recusal rules, expanded public access, term limits, disclosures, and greater scrutiny of judicial conduct. The level of gifts accepted by Supreme Court Justices is astounding and the political nature of the body may need to be addressed perhaps through term limits, and less so, according to Roth, by an expansion of the Court. Why have people lost faith in the Supreme Court? What are the consequences of a decision that empowers a President for the future and will there ever be cameras in the high court?</p><p>This is a fascinating discussion that non-lawyers will enjoy as much as, if not more, than lawyers who tune in.</p><p>For more information, go to: www.FixTheCourt.com</p> 0fc8425a-a106-4bd6-a3f5-93c6d88241f9 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/a6ec8615-0d67-49b7-8dd5-6e93fad6d14c Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:04:52 +0000 3275 false full The Current State of the Country and Political Strategist/Podcast Host Richard Gordon The Current State of the Country and Political Strategist/Podcast Host Richard Gordon Paul Lisnek Richard Gordon explores the impact and strategy of recent tariffs imposed on Canada, the shake up of the democratic party as a result of the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), state of the economy, how Trump is wanting to shape his legacy, the connection between DOJ and the Executive Branch and the state of the war in Iran.

]]> <p>Richard Gordon explores the impact and strategy of recent tariffs imposed on Canada, the shake up of the democratic party as a result of the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), state of the economy, how Trump is wanting to shape his legacy, the connection between DOJ and the Executive Branch and the state of the war in Iran.</p> f06d093f-471a-4cfd-911d-37a632e9c252 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/503899aa-b59c-49a9-93f1-54a86728b532 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:36:43 +0000 3338 false full Republican Lt Governor Nominee Aaron Del Mar on election issues Republican Lt Governor Nominee Aaron Del Mar on election issues Paul Lisnek Republican nominee for Lt Governor Aaron Del Mar discusses the issues facing Illinois in the coming year: property taxes, K-12 education, SAFE-T Act and pension benefits among other topics and how a Republican Governor and Lt Governor can work with a likely Democratic super majority in the legislature. In addition, Del Mar addresses national issues and Trump administration policies that may impact Illinois and begins the interview by answering the question no Republican seeking an appointment or position will answer: Who won the 2020 election?

]]> <p>Republican nominee for Lt Governor Aaron Del Mar discusses the issues facing Illinois in the coming year: property taxes, K-12 education, SAFE-T Act and pension benefits among other topics and how a Republican Governor and Lt Governor can work with a likely Democratic super majority in the legislature. In addition, Del Mar addresses national issues and Trump administration policies that may impact Illinois and begins the interview by answering the question no Republican seeking an appointment or position will answer: Who won the 2020 election?</p> 06603b32-afee-4bb7-b878-7849a4902860 https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/bd57b758-b25d-4677-bd5b-7877a480c1d2 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:55:53 +0000 4446 false full Congressman Mike Quigley on the latest national, international news and his run for Mayor of Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley on the latest national, international news and his run for Mayor of Chicago Paul Lisnek Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL 5th) talks to Paul on the economy and affordability and what the Democrat’s specific plans are to address it, Democrat's chances of winning the House back, Save America Act, ICE Deportation efforts and finally, Quigley’s thoughts on running for Mayor of the City of Chicago and some of this specific plans for the city in a crowded field of candidates.

]]> <p>Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL 5th) talks to Paul on the economy and affordability and what the Democrat’s specific plans are to address it, Democrat&#39;s chances of winning the House back, Save America Act, ICE Deportation efforts and finally, Quigley’s thoughts on running for Mayor of the City of Chicago and some of this specific plans for the city in a crowded field of candidates.</p> 539928d2-32d0-4145-acd7-f9c6eb9f77ec https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/307eddc8-7d35-4375-a916-5704176886c5 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 03:42:10 +0000 2254 false full Introduction Introduction Paul Lisnek This intro video for Paul on Politics let’s you know what is ahead for this new weekly show which will feature a variety of guests and always with a focus on a balanced conversation which welcomes people of all political ideologies.

]]> <p>This intro video for Paul on Politics let’s you know what is ahead for this new weekly show which will feature a variety of guests and always with a focus on a balanced conversation which welcomes people of all political ideologies.</p> 4143be0c-0ec6-4467-afe1-bb578f43dd2a https://redcircle.com/shows/7237403a-7cfc-4d13-9dea-2115fb9366ae/episodes/03279d1f-9913-4246-8f4f-1de969e94c30 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:27:34 +0000 413 false