Chicago Pride Check, the Maduro move, and ICE accountability
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to Season 3: the January 2026 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have downloaded their wisdom on seven revealing questions. Once again, Thom will tap into the quick wit of veteran Chicago political journalist . This month's special guest is a 30-year veteran of Crain's Chicago Business. is also the former political editor at Chicago Magazine, and the Lerner Newspapers. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: What's your opinion on immigration enforcement and civil liberties? How should the U.S. respond to the protests in Iran? ...
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Chicago's budget wakeup call, our public safety score, and a parade of resolutions
Chicago Power Poll
Let's unwrap our December 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have spoken loudly on five fresh questions, put high expectations on themselves for 2026. Once again, Thom will harness the wisdom of veteran Chicago political journalist . This month's special guest is an award-winning journalist who has graced the newsrooms of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, and WBEZ -- now works the Chicago beat for Axios. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you favor raising Chicago's revenue through a corporate head tax or alternative...
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Head taxes, ICE aftermath, and the holidays rollercoaster
Chicago Power Poll
Here's our November 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have packed some gratitude and gravitas into our Thanksgiving week episode. Once again, Thom will feast on the results with veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is nine-time Emmy winning journalist . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: What was your take on the resolution that ended the recent government shutdown? How do you interpret the impact of the recent ICE enforcement actions in Chicago? What would be the business effect of Mayor...
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The Slots, The Stocks, and a Fragile Middle East Peace
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have packed some big thinking into their responses six new questions. Thom will analyze the results with veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is former Illinois State Senator . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Should Chicago legalize slot machines for all bars and at O'Hare and Midway airports? How seriously do you take predictions of a stock market crash or serious correction? Do you feel safer in the Chicago metro area now that city...
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Chicago's dollars & sense, ICE invasion, and the scooter dilemma
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have packed some big thinking into their responses to five new questions. Thom will analyze the results with veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is Illinois State Comptroller . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How would you rate Mayor Brandon Johnson's handling of Chicago's fiscal crisis? Do you support potential federal deployment of National Guard troops to aid ICE operations in Chicago? Should the Democratic Party prioritize...
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The gerrymandering game, a Bears mega-tax break, and D.C. guard duty
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have levied their thoughts on five new issues. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , veteran statehouse reporter, Chicago Tribune alum, and author of the book — Ray is also a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Governor Pritzker has supported Texas Democrats fleeing Texas redistricting battles. What’s your take on the Governor’s actions? What do you think is the...
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NASCAR's Chicago future, the most influential Illinoisans, and the vibe on crime
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have poured their wisdom into 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , long-time anchor of the CBS2 10pm news and an award-winning journalist. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Should the City of Chicago sign a new agreement with NASCAR for more street races? If former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor J.B. Pritzker both run for President in 2028 -- who has the strongest ability to...
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The National Guard Debate, Sin Taxes, and Transit's Fiscal Cliff
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , a veteran television journalist for over two decades. Joan now guards the topics of the day, as the host of afternoon drive on WCPT Radio in Chicago. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you approve of President Trump's decision to call the California National Guard into federal service? How concerned are you about massive...
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Pope Leo XIV's hometown, snap curfews, and funding freezes
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest John Dempsey, an award-winning Chicago journalist who has graced the newsrooms of WBEZ, Fox32, WBBM NewsRadio, WMAQ, and WLS-AM. John is now the host of the podcast This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: What's the best way for Chicago to welcome Pope Leo XIV, the next time he visits his hometown? Should Chicago police be authorized to issue...
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The tangle of tariffs, Chicago exits, and the EV averse
Chicago Power Poll
Here are April's showers. Welcome to another edition of the podcast with . Our power players answer 5 new questions, that impact work and play. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , seven-time Emmy winner, and former host of "U & Me in the Morning on Chicago's WCIU-TV. Jeanne is a well-known radio radio personality (WGCI & V103), and just published her first book, . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you agree with the Trump administration's recent tariff announcements? ...
info_outlineLaunched in 2020, the Serafin's Chicago Power Poll is an interactive polling platform that surveys business, civic, media, and political insiders about the attitudes and opinions that shape the moves of the Chicago’s most influential leaders. It’s the best way we know, to reveal the attitudes and opinions of the players who essentially run our town.
Now, host Thom Serafin takes the Chicago Power Poll results to a panel of news makers and news “shakers” to debate those insights. These conversations offer a glimpse into the future, by analyzing the opinions of the voices who will shape that future. Look for a new Chicago Power Poll episode on the 3rd Monday of every month.