Upstream Ideas

What makes Trump different than the typical president? Does Trump’s capacity for concern allow him to say what he’s really thinking? Why do things get under his skin so easily yet he’s also able to pick himself up quickly? How did the death of his brother affect him? Clinical professor and author of “Trump On The Couch,” Dr. Justin Frank joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Mike Madigan is once again pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into legislative races in support of Democrats, paying for false attacks on Republican opponents. But this time, a group of conservative reformers – including both sitting stat reps and new candidates – are fighting back. On this edition of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes hear from state Rep. Peter Breen, R-Lombard and one of the conservative reform leaders in Springfield, about how he and a coalition of lawmakers and candidates are standing up Madigan's deceitful campaign tactics. Proft and Hughes also tackle some of the most pressing new issues in the city of Chicago, including the disastrous Chicago firefighters' pension fund and the entrance of Bill Daley in the mayoral race.

Are FBI reports worth anything accord to Joe Biden? Will Democrats be able to focus on Ford instead of themselves? Since when does the Constitution ask for the FBI’s advise and consent on SCOTUS nominees? How can Trump keep Rosenstein on his team if he can’t trust him? Writer and columnist for the Washington Examiner, David Freddoso joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Was anyone laughing when Trump stated America is governed by Americans? Why is the left insulted by America First? What about Trump’s trade talk portion of the address? Has anyone received more federal/state money than Elon Musk? Chief Economist for CNN, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Should we be open minded to Dr. Ford’s story and allegations? Are the Democrats showing their hypocrisy by dismissing Keith Ellison’s accusers? Should everyone right or left be aware of the tactics of the left and vote Republican in November? Diamond and Silk join Dan and Amy to discuss.

Why are any efforts to try and secure elections met with cries of racism and oppression? Why aren’t elections as secure as they can be? Is voter fraud the easiest crime to get away with? How much power do social media and internet giants like Google and Facebook have on elections? Research director at the Government Accountability Institute, Eric Eggers joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Is Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein a funny guy or weasel? How long has his time been up at the DOJ? Why won’t the fragile Republican majority act? Should Trump be cutting funds for the DOJ since it seems they’ve been doing more harm than good? Former Chief Asst. U.S. Attorney and Contributing Editor at National Review, Andy McCarthy joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Spokeswoman for Six Flags Great America, Tess Clausen joins Dan and Amy to discuss all the spooks and thrills over at Fright Fest. After 6pm, all heck breaks loose and there’s no escaping. Enjoy all the rides and scares this season at Six Flags.

Why would a former Scalia clerk recklessly suggest one of Kavanaugh’s classmates is the true assailant? Why do Ford and her attorneys believe they are in charge of the Senate? Is the left trying to bring the kangaroo courts of college campuses into the Supreme Court nomination process? Why is it a rush to have the hearing this Monday since she submitted her complaint in July? Writer at National Review, David French joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Where was Ed Whelan’s judgment when he began accusing one of Kavanaugh’s former classmates of the alleged attack? What is Christine Ford’s list of demands to the committee? If she testifies, and the nomination is derailed, what are the political implications for November? How has the GOP lost the messaging on Trump's tax cuts? Senior Political Analyst for the Washington Examiner, Michael Barone joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Is she in? Out? Back under certain conditions? Should Senate Judiciary Republicans tell Ms. Blasey Ford it's Monday or never? Why would a credible individual on Capitol Hill allege someone else committed rape? Associate editor for Commentary Magazine, Noah Rothman joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

State Sen. Sam McCann, Conservative Party gubernatorial candidate, had some strong words for Gov. Rauner including calling him a failed governor and liar. How is it that Rauner claims he is a Madigan plant? Would he be in the race if weren't for Rauner’s social agenda? How much money has he spent on his race? What are his opinions on the Janus decision? Sen. McCann joins Dan and Amy to discuss the IL gubernatorial debate.

Should women be outraged at all white men? Are Democrats reiterating their talking points to move suburban women to the polls? Is this charade with the Kavanaugh accusations going to backfire on the Democrats? What more could Republicans have done to allow the accuser to tell her story? Mike Gallagher joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Where do we stand with the progress on North Korean denuclearization? Are we doing a good enough job of exposing countries like Russia and China for buying coal from North Korea? Is the trade skirmish with China affecting the progress with North Korea? Do Democrats know their cultural victories wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Courts? Former Pentagon official, Jed Babbin joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Is it still a trade skirmish with China as Trump extends tariffs on China to intermediate goods? Is Trump Picking winners and losers? What’s the end game? What would it take for Trump to back down? If China’s economy crashes, what are the consequences for the rest of the world? CNN Chief Economist, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.