City Journal Audio Will the Gender Divide in Politics Close?
Aug 4, 2025
Join John Ketcham, who tackles urban issues at the Manhattan Institute, Jesse Arm in external affairs, and cultural commentator Rob Henderson as they delve into Chicago’s pension crisis and its implications for politics. They analyze the growing political divide between men and women, with women leaning liberal and men more conservative. The trio also tackles the cultural ripple effects of celebrity endorsements, spotlighting Sydney Sweeney's surprising GOP registration and her challenge to mainstream progressive narratives.
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Pritzker Deepens Pension Crisis
- Governor J.B. Pritzker adding $11 billion unfunded liabilities deepens Chicago's pension crisis.
- This move benefits public sector unions short-term but burdens taxpayers long-term.
Illinois' Massive Pension Debt
- Illinois pension debt totals $37 billion, far exceeding 43 states individually.
- Illinois spends over 10.5% of its budget on pensions, straining its already weak fiscal position.
Use Stories to Engage on Pensions
- People rarely care about abstract numbers like pension debt.
- Storytelling about impacts of pension insolvency can engage public interest more effectively.
