The National Guard Debate, Sin Taxes, and Transit's Fiscal Cliff
Release Date: 06/16/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
The Mayor goes to Washington, Trump's report card, and "so long" cell phones
Chicago Power Poll
Beware the queries of March. Welcome to another edition of the podcast with . Our power players answer 5 new questions, with Illinois on a collision course with our nation's capital. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , a seasoned storyteller and story chaser, as a Chicago journalist. The veteran radio host (WGN & WBEZ) now writes daily at Axios.com. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you think Chicago's government needs a city charter? Should cell phones be banned in Chicago...
info_outline
Blago's pardon, the penny's demise, and Kendrick Lamar's halftime score
Chicago Power Poll
Buckle up for the February 2025 edition of the podcast with . The month brings 5 new questions, and with some breaking news on Illinois' former governor. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , a Southwest Side civic treasure. Mr. Sheahan is former Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, and a self-described Irish thoroughbred. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How would you rank Chicago's most pressing civic issues? Who is most likely to run against Brandon Johnson in...
info_outline
Madigan's big bet, the burning in California, and Panama's canal?
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to Season 2 -- the January 2025 edition of the podcast with . The new year brings 5 new questions, and some fascinating conversation about the poll results. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome a special guest who spent ten years in the U.S. Congress representing the citizens of Illinois' 17th District. is a Springfield native and partner at Mercury Public Affairs. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Should the United States take back the Panama Canal? Do you believe the California fires could...
info_outline
DOGE daylight, birthright citizens, and Durbin for Senate?
Chicago Power Poll
Here comes our December '24 edition of the podcast with . We'll get some heavy chat with 5 new questions, and analyze the results. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome syndicated columnist , "The Money Lady" who also enlightens audiences weekly on WGN Radio & TV. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you think Daylight Saving Time should be eliminated? Is birthright citizenship a policy that can be abused? After 42 years on both Houses of Congress, will Senator Dick Durbin retire? Have...
info_outline
Pritzker's next move, Chicago's budget game, and Illinois' Trump-effect
Chicago Power Poll
Time for our November '24 edition of the podcast with . We'll get into our post-election chat with 5 new questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome ABC7's award-winning political reporter . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Is Donald Trump's return to the White House a positive for lllinois' economic health? What was the number one issue that drove voters to cast their ballots for Trump? Do you believe Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will pursue the Presidency in 2028? How would you resolve the...
info_outline
The CTU Power Grab, Hybrid Work Hype, and the Bears in the Playoffs?
Chicago Power Poll
Here's our October '24 edition of the podcast with . We'll stir the pot with 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome one of the coolest heads in Chicago politics, . He's run the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Transit Authority, and also served as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. Claypool's new book, , recounts his time as Mayor Richard M. Daley's chief of staff. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How do you feel about Mayor Brandon Johnson's influence over the...
info_outlineWelcome to the June 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is Joan Esposito, 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 service cuts to public transit, since Illinois' new budget ingored the RTA's $771 million fiscal cliff?
-
What do you think is the primary reason for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's declining popularity?
-
Should taxpayers provide financial support to the Chicago Bears for their new stadium?
- The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into Chicago's hiring practices. What do you think about the Mayor's hiring for city positions?
- Do you support the State of Illinois' new taxes on sports betting, tobacco, and other items as a means to balance the budget?
Thom, Mike, and Joan will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.