The Gist: "Not Even Mad" with Eric Zorn and Austin Berg
Host: Mike Pesca
Guests: Eric Zorn (Chicago Tribune Columnist), Austin Berg (Executive Director, Chicago Policy Center & VP of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute)
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca engages in a robust conversation with Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn and Austin Berg, the Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and Vice President of Marketing for the Illinois Policy Institute. The discussion centers around Illinois politics, Governor J.B. Pritzker's strategies and ambitions, municipal election dynamics, voter turnout challenges, and pressing national fiscal concerns.
Illinois Politics and Governor J.B. Pritzker
Pritzker's Political Maneuvers and Presidential Ambitions
The conversation kicks off with an analysis of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent political actions and his positioning for a potential 2028 presidential run. Austin Berg highlights Pritzker’s intensified efforts to portray himself as a strong opponent to Donald Trump.
Austin Berg [12:17]: "He is going to be everywhere you're going to, you're going to see him. He was on Jimmy Kimmel last week. And he wants to be the Democrat who is going hardest after Donald Trump right now."
Berg notes that Pritzker's fiery rhetoric is a strategic move to appeal to Democratic voters who desire a vigorous stance against Republican figures like Trump. However, Berg expresses skepticism about Pritzker’s ability to lead on national issues, citing Illinois’s ongoing challenges under his governance.
Critiques of Pritzker’s Governance
Eric Zorn and Austin Berg delve into the juxtaposition of Pritzker's optimistic projections for Illinois against the state's deteriorating metrics. Despite being hailed as a successful leader, Illinois continues to grapple with significant issues such as:
- Population Decline: Illinois has lost over a million residents due to outmigration over the past decade.
- High Tax Burden: The state ranks as one of the highest taxed in the nation over the last five years.
- Economic Stagnation: There has been a loss of jobs in the private sector without corresponding gains.
- Racial Inequity: A WalletHub study in 2023 places Illinois as the least equitable state in terms of racial equity.
Austin Berg [14:31]: "We're hemorrhaging people. ... we are one of the highest taxed states the last five years. ... we are the least equitable state."
Zorn underscores that while Pritzker has managed to maintain a relatively scandal-free tenure, his inability to address these critical issues adequately may hinder his national aspirations.
Eric Zorn [17:42]: "We are not even mad. But, but, but a statistical comparison... or is it going to be based on kind of the vibes that a candidate puts forth?"
Pritzker's Policy Decisions and Ethical Concerns
Mike Pesca raises concerns about Pritzker’s stance on education, particularly his approach to school choice programs. He criticizes Pritzker for not defending Illinois’s tax credit scholarship program against opposition from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).
Mike Pesca [24:33]: "Instead of saying, no, we're going to save this for poor kids in our state, he said, if it comes to my desk, I'll sign it. But he did not lift a finger to save the program."
This decision is highlighted as a missed opportunity for Pritzker to assert his independence and commitment to education reform, instead of capitulating to labor unions' pressures.
Municipal Elections and Voter Turnout
Challenges in Municipal Voting Systems
The discussion shifts to the broader challenges facing municipal elections, particularly focusing on low voter turnout and the inefficacies of current voting systems.
Eric Zorn [35:11]: "Popular in ranked choice voting wouldn't have any different result than if you did a forced runoff."
Zorn and Berg critique the primary systems in places like Chicago and New York City, identifying them as significant barriers to higher voter engagement. They argue that cluttered primary systems and poorly timed elections contribute to apathy among voters.
Impact of Low Turnout on Election Outcomes
Austin Berg elaborates on how low turnout disproportionately benefits special interest groups, such as the Chicago Teachers Union, which can afford to mobilize their members effectively.
Mike Pesca [39:16]: "In Chicago, where we have about half the turnout in municipal as we do in general elections. So half the city that typically votes is just not voting at All."
The guests advocate for electoral reforms, including aligning municipal elections with general election dates and implementing ranked-choice voting to enhance representation and voter satisfaction.
Reform Proposals
Mike Pesca mentions Bradley Tusk's efforts to introduce digital voting solutions in Washington D.C. and West Virginia, emphasizing the need for technological advancements to facilitate higher participation rates.
Mike Pesca [38:50]: "They made a pilot program in West Virginia with, with veterans and then he'll do it with Washington D.C."
However, despite these proposals, Zorn remains pessimistic about the likelihood of widespread adoption due to entrenched interests benefiting from the status quo.
National Fiscal Concerns: Budget Cuts and National Debt
The Imminent Debt Crisis
The conversation transitions to national fiscal issues, with a focus on proposed budget cuts and the growing national debt. Mike Pesca expresses significant concern over the mounting debt and the potential for a future fiscal crisis.
Mike Pesca [55:54]: "10 out of 10. I think it's the biggest problem the country faces, Eric."
Bipartisan Failure to Address Debt
Austin Berg discusses the bipartisan challenges in addressing the national debt, highlighting the reluctance to make substantial budget cuts or implement necessary tax reforms.
Austin Berg [51:27]: "If you had bipartisan buy-in on cutting spending, you could probably do some of it. ... Americans are big babies because they want lots and lots of government services, but they don't want to pay for them."
Zorn echoes these sentiments, pointing out that both parties overlook the urgency of fiscal responsibility, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Potential Solutions and Political Obstacles
Pesca suggests structural reforms such as the Paygo rule, which mandates that any new law increasing mandatory spending or cutting revenue must be offset by corresponding cuts or tax increases.
Mike Pesca [53:09]: "Until you have that kind of, you know, those handcuffs in place, it's not going to change."
Despite recognizing these solutions, the guests agree that political barriers and lack of consensus make meaningful fiscal reforms unlikely in the near future.
Goat Grinder Segment
(Note: While the user instructions specify skipping non-content sections like ads and intros, the "Goat Grinder" segment appears to be a regular, content-focused part of the show. Therefore, it is included in the summary.)
Nuisances and Pet Peeves
In a light-hearted departure from the heavy political discourse, the "Goat Grinder" segment allows guests to share personal annoyances. The guests discuss various frustrations ranging from complicated restaurant menus to cumbersome TV interfaces.
Austin Berg [57:09]: "I feel like such a rube having to add, ask the waiter. Like, like, like, what is."
Mike Pesca [58:38]: "Make the TV the phone. Make the TV the phone. Everything's phone. Just do it from the phone."
Conclusion
In "Not Even Mad," The Gist offers a critical examination of Illinois governance, electoral challenges in municipal politics, and pressing national fiscal issues. Eric Zorn and Austin Berg provide insightful critiques of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s strategies and the broader systemic problems hindering effective governance and fiscal responsibility. The episode underscores the urgency for electoral reforms and sustainable fiscal policies, while also humanizing the guests through their shared frustrations in the "Goat Grinder" segment.
Notable Quotes
- Austin Berg [12:17]: "He wants to be the Democrat who is going hardest after Donald Trump right now."
- Austin Berg [14:31]: "We're hemorrhaging people. ... we are one of the highest taxed states the last five years. ... we are the least equitable state."
- Eric Zorn [17:42]: "But a statistical comparison... or is it going to be based on kind of the vibes that a candidate puts forth?"
- Mike Pesca [24:33]: "Instead of saying, no, we're going to save this for poor kids in our state, he said, if it comes to my desk, I'll sign it."
- Eric Zorn [35:11]: "Popular in ranked choice voting wouldn't have any different result than if you did a forced runoff."
- Austin Berg [51:27]: "Americans are big babies because they want lots and lots of government services, but they don't want to pay for them."
- Mike Pesca [55:54]: "10 out of 10. I think it's the biggest problem the country faces, Eric."
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical discussions and insights shared by the guests. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode, ensuring all major topics and viewpoints are effectively conveyed.