Political Commentary
I’m often invited to offer political analysis on issues of the day. Here is a selection of my essays, interviews, commentaries, and book reviews.
Interview starts at approx. 1:20 (Feel free to skip the opening commercials!)
KMOX-AM St. Louis, September 2024
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Live, Local & Progressive with Joan Esposito – John Shaw on the 2024 DNC
WCPT 820AM Chicago, August 2024
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A Conversation with Scott Simon on Politics and Journalism
The host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday joined Institute Director John Shaw for a wide-ranging discussion.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, April 2024
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Book Review: “Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule and Fall”
The Washington Diplomat, December 2023
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John Shaw moderates a conversation with Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood and his father, Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, October 2023
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A celebration of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s first 25 years and a discussion of the state’s future with Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
Union League Club of Chicago, September 2023, Program begins at 2:30
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A discussion with Jim Nowlan, former Illinois State Representative, State agency director, professor at the University of Illinois, and prolific author. Part of the Illinois Author series.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, August 2023
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“Finding Candor, Compassion, and Fun in Politics”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, August 2023
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John Shaw discusses the legacy of Senator Phil Hart, for whom the plaza is currently named.
WDET-FM Detroit, July 2023
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The New York Times’ Chief Washington Correspondent joins John Shaw for a discussion of American politics at the start of the 2024 presidential campaign.
The Varsity Theatre Carbondale, April 2023
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“The Race for Chicago Mayor – Statewide Impact”
Shaw discusses the importance of the Chicago mayoral election for all of Illinois.
WGN-TV Chicago, March 2023
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“A Bipartisan Project Worthy of the Land of Lincoln”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, March 2023
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Book Review: “Countries Should Intentionally Do Good”
The Washington Diplomat, November 2022
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“Renewed Focus on Civics Education is Critical for American Democracy”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, October 2022
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“CAT’s Illinois Departure Erodes Public Trust”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, July 2022
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“It’s Time to Plant Trees Again in Illinois”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, June 2022
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“The House That Madigan Built”
John Shaw discusses the tumultuous career of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan with Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long, author of The House That Madigan Built. Part of the Illinois Author series.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, May 2022
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“Internships Build Skills, Launch Careers, Enrich Lives”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, March 2022
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“llluminating Illinois’ Triumphs and Travails Through Literature”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, January 2022
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“Challenging Illinois to Prepare for the Future”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, November 2021
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Book Review: “The Middle Way: How Three Presidents Shaped America’s Role in the World”
The Washington Diplomat, April 2021
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“A Reflection on Illinois’ New Speaker of the House, Chris Welch”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, January 2021
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Book Review: “Acclaimed Historian Looks at Inextricable Link Between Humanity and War”
The Washington Diplomat, December 2020
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“Statesmanship Will be Urgently Needed in the Coming Months”
Better Politics, Smarter Government syndicated column, October 2019
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“A Dozen Books to Help Weather the Political Storm”
History News Network, February 2019
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Book Review: “‘The Empty Throne’ Laments the American Void Left in Trumps’s Wake”
The Washington Diplomat, January 2019
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Book Review: “U.S. Historians Frame Challenges Posed by Trump Presidency into Broader Context”
The Washington Diplomat, December 2018
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