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Upstream Ideas

Upstream Ideas
"He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo. Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
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Episodes

WIND: Is The Deep State Unraveling?

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.

Sep 24, 2018

WIND: Fright Fest

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.

Sep 21, 2018

WIND: College Campus Kangaroo Courts Entering SCOTUS Hearings

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.

Sep 21, 2018

WIND: Free Press Not Fair Press

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.

Sep 21, 2018

WIND: Monday Or Never?

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.

Sep 21, 2018

WIND: War Of Words At IL Gubernatorial Debate

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.

Sep 21, 2018

WIND: Democrats’ 11th Hour Mistake

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.

Sep 20, 2018

WIND: No Progress On Denuclearization In North Korea

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.

Sep 20, 2018

WIND: The Trade War Continues

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.

Sep 19, 2018

WIND: The Plot Thins

Are the calls for an FBI investigation just another delay tactic for Senate Democrats? Will the vote go on tomorrow? Should Kavanaugh attend the hearing no matter if Ford shows up or not? Is this another example of the left exposing who they truly are? HotAir.com 's Ed Morrissey joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 19, 2018

WIND: McCarthy: Public Servant Not A Politician

According to Gary McCarthy, Rahm and his corporate counsel engaged in a cover-up (on the civil side) of the Laquan McDonald case to suppress video, including a $5 million payout to family. So who really was responsible for the entire fiasco? What does he plan to do for police and fire pensions that are only funded at 20-25%? Is Rahm’s idea of borrowing more to pay off debt a good idea? Former CPD Superintendent and current mayoral candidate, Garry McCarthy joins Dan and Amy to discuss the Van Dy...

Sep 19, 2018

WIND: Is America Warming Up To Socialism?

Democratic Socialists' “It Girl” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez still can’t figure out where the $40 trillion needed for all her programs is going to come from. Is the reason healthcare and college are so expensive because they are subsidized by the government? Fox News Contributor, Juan Williams joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 18, 2018

WIND: Double Standard Applied To Republicans

If you thought the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing was a disgraceful circus, what should we expect for the next hearing? Should this hearing even be happening? What are the consequences if Kavanaugh doesn’t get confirmed? Would Republicans be retreating from one fight and setting themselves up for the next one? Senior Editor at TheFederalist.com , David Harsanyi joins Dan and Amy to discuss....

Sep 18, 2018

IL RISING: Breaking Down The Chicago Mayoral Field

The Chicago mayoral field is taking form. Toni Preckwinkle and Bill Daley are in. Luis Gutierrez is out. And of course, numerous other candidates are still making a push. But does anyone offer a new vision for Chicago? On this edition of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes ask that question, and break down the field with expert analysis from longtime Chicago political reporter Charles Thomas. Proft and Hughes also take a look at a particular suburban legislative race where Mike Madigan is ...

Sep 18, 2018

WIND: Who Could Defeat Trump In 2020?

Could JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon beat Trump? Is the return to law and order still a driving issue for the GOP in the midterms? Do sanctuary cities declare everyone else second class citizens? Why is keeping the violence in Chicago “contained” a sense of accomplishment? Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and speaker at Freedom Summit joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 13, 2018

WIND: Sen. Donnelly Another Puppet For Schumer

How's the Indiana GOP nominee for Senate fairing on the trail? Is this race a referendum on Trump or Joe Donnelly’s record? How has Trump’s trade policy affected Hoosier businesses? Mike Braun is currently leading in the polls, but how will he win over the undecideds? U.S. Senate candidate from Indiana, Mike Braun joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 13, 2018

WIND: Pelosi’s “Crumbs” Adding Up To Real Dollars

So far this week, California has decided to begin eliminating fossil fuels, regulating the composition of corporate boards, and putting barbershops out of business. Should Illinois start following their lead? Is having six million jobs to fill but not enough workers a good problem to have in a booming economy? CNN Chief Economist, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss this plus rising incomes for families.

Sep 13, 2018

WIND: Honor Flight Chicago, A Hero’s Welcome

Honor Flight Chicago makes its 88th trip to DC today. It’s an opportunity to say thank you to our veterans for their dedicated service to our country. Who’s on the flight this year and what do the veterans experience? CEO of Honor Flight, Mary Pettinato joins Dan and Amy to discuss the special trip. For more info and how to donate visit honorflightchicago.org .

Sep 12, 2018

WIND: Huckabee: Trump Is The Most Pro-Life President We’ve Ever Had

Is Obama breaking the norms of past presidents because Trump is rolling back everything he spent the last eight years doing? Do the Congressional Republicans lying to voters promising they would defund Planned Parenthood need to go home? What’s the real story behind the Red Hen incident involving Sarah Huckabee-Sanders and her family? Governor Mike Huckabee joins Dan and Amy to discuss Trump’s presidency and his upcoming visit to Chicago as keynote speaker at the benefit dinner for Aid for Women...

Sep 12, 2018

WIND: Anti-Intellectualism On College Campuses

Why are we coddling the American mind? Is the big lie that college campuses are the beacon of the free marketplace of ideas? Is the future of higher education salvageable? Why are we setting up the current generation for failure? CEO of FIRE, Greg Lukianoff joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 12, 2018

WIND: Does The Left Embrace Diversity Or Tribalism?

Tucker Carlson sparked a renewal of the diversity debate with much flack from those on the left. Does the left’s favorite saying “diversity is our strength” mean anything more than mindless tribalism? Why does diversity need to be given oversight by the federal government if it’s our “strength?” Why should non-behavioral characteristics define us? Isn’t categorizing people by gender, race, religion, etc. fanning the flames even more? Dan and Amy discuss what truly holds America together.

Sep 12, 2018

WIND: Kavanaugh: Exceptional And Unflappable

How did Kavanaugh perform in the circus like atmosphere during his confirmation hearing? Does it make sense to hold these hearings anymore? Is Sasse’s frustration with the Republican Party and the Trump White House shared amongst his colleagues? Why is Obama taking credit for the economic success we are experiencing now? Columnist for Bloomberg View and senior editor for National Review, Ramesh Ponnuru joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 11, 2018

WIND: Spare Us, Chuck Todd

With illegal border crossings up, should Trump work around Congress and scramble the military to build The Wall? Does the GOP have subpar Senate candidates? How has Chuck Todd become the ringmaster of politics in the beltway? Would the NYT have granted anonymity to an Obama White House staffer criticizing the then President? Senior Political Columnist for the Washington Examiner, Tim Carney joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 11, 2018

WIND: White House Insider On The Anonymous Op-Ed And Woodward Book

Does the Woodward book provide any balance or context? What are the clues in the anonymous op-ed that makes the author sound disgruntled and dishonest? Is the focus on foreign affairs a hint that it could be someone in the State Department? Ronald Kessler, who had more access to Trump and the White House than Woodward ever had, joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 11, 2018

IL RISING: What Comes After Tiny Dancer?

After a disastrous seven years in office, Rahm Emanuel stunned the Chicago political world when he announced he wasn't going to run for re-election. But looking ahead now, what – and who – is next for the city? On this edition of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes take a prospective look at the Chicago mayoral race, from both political and policy perspectives. They also reflect on Emanuel's damaging two terms, and how other politicians are reacting to his departure.

Sep 11, 2018

ATC: Dez Clark On Politics In Sports, Financial Literacy, And Family

Former Chicago Bear, Desmond Clark has had his fair share of ups and downs. From growing up in a single parenthood household and witnessing things a young kid shouldn’t have to, to his successful 12 year career in the NFL, Desmond Clark’s journey serves as an inspirational example of what a solid work ethic and good head on your shoulders can create. On this edition of Against the Current with Dan Proft, Desmond Clark shares a cautionary tale of how he was scammed out of $750k, his mission to st...

Sep 10, 2018

WIND: The Left Keeping The Panic Level High

Is the imagination the only place where socialism and the banning of fossil fuels works? Was sports a once unifying tradition for all Americans now becoming increasingly more divisive? Is the commentariat and those in the beltway losing sight of why Trump won? Is Trump too obsessed with finding the anonymous op-ed writer? Essayist and Hollywood screenwriter, Andrew Klavan joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 10, 2018

WIND: Catholic Church Playing Damage Control

Who is Cardinal Cupich’s curious house guest? Has there been a culture of cover-up for decades in the Church? How can the integrity of the leadership in the Church be restored? Catholic Women's Forum Director, Mary Rice Hasson joins Dan and Amy to discuss why lay people need to step up.

Sep 10, 2018

WIND: Where’s The Crime?

Is the release of the anonymous op-ed a signal that the Mueller investigation has nothing on Trump? Will Mueller release a report with no prosecutable crimes but not flattering details about the President and others that he surrounded himself with? Is Trump out of line suggesting an investigation into who wrote the anonymous op-ed? Former Chief Asst. U.S. Attorney and Contributing Editor at National Review, Andrew McCarthy joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Sep 10, 2018

WIND: What’s The Solution To Economic Inequality In Chicago?

Is Rahm’s parting gift to Chicago laying on more debt to our children and grandchildren? Is it excessive to have officers report every time they take their gun out of the holster? Is the violence in Chicago “contained” like Superintendent Johnson claims? Does Dr. Willie Wilson have enough money to hand out to stay in the Chicago mayor's race? Dr. Wilson joins Dan to discuss.

Sep 07, 2018
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