Charlie Sykes

Republican Former Assemblywoman Sheehan Donoghue Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Harris, Cheney Court Republican Voters in Waukesha County Event

Swing-state blitz includes appearance with Charlie Sykes.

Charlie Sykes Endorses Kamala Harris

Joining former radio host are former Republican State Senate majority leader, former Court of Appeals judge.

Wisconsin Republicans Talk About Why They Support Harris

Many reasons cited for why they oppose Donald Trump.

Why Right Wisconsin Was Killed

Its editor, stalwart Republican James Wigderson watched as readers and his party went off the rails.

Climate Has Changed for Sewerage District

Once trashed by local media and some officials, MMSD now enjoys wide support.

Marquette University Civic Dialogues Program to co-host ‘The State of Modern Conservative Politics’ with Charlie Sykes, Oct. 12

Get Ready For The Cultures & Communities Festival

From principal Ava Coleman to Charlie Sykes, there is event or film for every taste.

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

Will The Real Paul Ryan Stand Up?

What his tarnished stature as Fox News board member reveals about the once golden GOP leader.

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan visits UWM as part of Distinguished Lecture Series

How Talk Radio Took Over Wisconsin

Most news and talk stations in state are dominated by right-wing voices.

Inside the State’s Conservative Bubble

The not-very-surprising views of Mike Nichols and the Badger Institute.

What Would Tim Michels Do As Governor?

Despite a rapid ascent in the polls, it's unclear what the Republican businessman is running on.

Did Democrats Devise Great Replacement Theory?

So say conservatives like the policy director for 'free market' Badger Institute.

Let Us Now Praise Rush Limbaugh

What was his impact on Wisconsin? Praise and condemnation and silliness offered.

Sykes Is No Longer a Republican

National Public Radio stands corrected. He is not -- roll the drums -- a Republican any more.

Poor Dan O’Donnell Feels Persecuted

Right-wing radio host claims his free speech being abridged. Really?

State’s Partisan Divide the Worst Ever?

‘The worst it's ever been,’ says one legislator. Are voters echoing politicians or vice versa?

Gasp, Sykes Recants on Rojo

Stop the presses! Charlie Sykes has changed his view of Senator Ron Johnson.

The Decline of Wisconsin’s Republican Party

A conservative and Republican writer offers a scathing inside look. Not pretty.

Sykes Backs Biden, Blasts Fox News

Fox News, Rush Limbaugh offer an "alternative reality silo," Sykes says. No mention of his own show.

Who Benefits From the Madison Vandalism?

History suggests it could change the narrative, change voters’ views.

Sykes Must Be Smiling at Trump’s Slump

Talk radio’s scourge of the left now one of Trump’s notable opponents.

County Executive College Dropouts

For 20 years voters have elected college dropouts to run Milwaukee County. What gives?

State Republicans Now Love Trump

Big change from 2016, when GOP and talk radio opposed him, now 95% view him favorably.

David Clarke Is Still Crazy

Or maybe crazier. Just ask Charlie Sykes.

Who Lost the City Residency Rule?

Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?

How Republicans Became Anti-Train

The politics of resentment replaced business-oriented development, as Tommy Thompson would learn. Part 8 of series.

How Waterloo Lost High Speed Rail

Blame Gov. Doyle. And Charlie Sykes. Part 7 in a series.

Sean Duffy’s Rocky Start

Congressman-turned-CNN commentator gets roasted for his comments, even by his new colleagues.

How Walker and Sykes Killed the Train

With constant support from talk radio, Walker rejected fully funded, $810 million rail project. Part 3 in a series.

The New Paul Ryan

That’s how admirers view Rep. Mike Gallagher. Can Democrat Amanda Stuck beat him?

Why Republicans Hate the Gas Tax

Once they promoted this user fee, now they’d rather roads fall apart. Why?

Republicans’ Plan for Permanent Power

They began plotting last spring to retain power even if a Democrat won for governor.

Politically calculating Walker flip-flops on campaigning with Trump

"Walker is too close to distance himself from Trump and his toxicity"

Vote Today; Key Races Will Be Decided

A breakdown of everything on Milwaukee ballots.

Marquette vs. John McAdams

Fired conservative professor only had to apologize. Instead he’s going to court.

Sykes, Clarke Still Hate Each Other

Sykes keeps attacking his old pal, while Clarke is muzzled by Twitter.

11 Sure-Fire Predictions For 2018

How crazy will 2018 be? Let us count the ways.

Sykes On ‘How The Right Lost Its Mind’

Former talk show host talks up his new book, stresses he's still a conservative.

Political commentator, author Sykes goes ‘On the Issues’ at Marquette Law School

Political commentator and author Charlie Sykes will be the featured guest in an upcoming “On the Issues with Mike Gousha,” Tuesday, Sept. 26

Leah Vukmir Welcomes Your Hate

Or how to run for U.S. Senate in the land of scorched-earth politics.

Why Did Sheriff Clarke Resign?

It’s all about his love of Donald Trump -- and the media spotlight.

Trump Impacts Dairy Farms, Milwaukee Police

Crackdown on illegal immigrants, “sanctuary cities” may force changes in county and state.

WTMJ Move Threatens Liberal Talk Station

“They’ve picked a fight with the wrong guy,” WRRD owner warns.

Sykes Unloads Right Wisconsin

Wigderson is new owner/editor. But don’t worry, Sykes is a still a “conservative.”

We Like Suburban Segregation

Governments have long enabled metro area's biases.

Sykes’ War Against Sheriff Clarke

Their bromance has gone bitter, the love has turned to hate. Why?

My 5 Milwaukee Valentines

From rising stars to an angry sheriff, the Milwaukeeans who most deserve some love.

The Many Faces of Charlie Sykes

He’s spent his whole career changing his views. So which should we believe?

Can Liberal Talk Radio Succeed?

A new Milwaukee radio station with a unique approach is about to find out.

Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create

His talk radio show was part of the problem. Will he help find solutions?

Charlie Sykes’ Bullying, Racism, Sexism and Propaganda to Advance Wisconsin Republicans on Milwaukee Right Wing Radio Comes to an End

‘Goodbye and Good Riddance’ to Conservative Mouthpiece and Broadcasting Bully

The Rise of Scott Walker

Journal Sentinel’s lo-o-ng series struggles to explain it -- but omits the newspaper's role.

15 Election Winners and Losers

Clarke to the cabinet? Should pollsters be fired? RoJo trumps Trump. And much more.

The Legend of Leah Vukmir

Once considered a horrible legislator, she’s now one of the Capitol’s “heaviest hitters.”

David Clarke the Demagogue

A sheriff who once represented law and order has sold his soul to become a media star.

Donald Trump Is Scott Walker’s Apprentice on Phony Voter Fraud Claims

‘Will Walker Finally Admit He Was Trying to Rig Elections With Voter Suppression Bills?’

Charlie Sykes stars as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life

Show is on Tuesday, November 29 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Will Judge Siefert Run for Sheriff?

Insiders say he's retiring, could target Clarke. And Charlie Sykes won't run for Senate.

Documents From Political Corruption Investigation Reveal Gov. Walker’s Allies Intentionally Made Baseless Claims of Voter Fraud to Question Election Results

Actions Show ‘Utter Contempt for Our Democracy’

Inside New Jan Serr Studio at UWM

Doors Open site will also host Milwaukee Film Festival Party.

The New Charlie Sykes

He's confessing his errors and getting lots of publicity. Could there be a connection?

Security Tight for Sykes Book Talk

Boswell hires security guards, but book talk was dull affair, it turns out.

19 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the candidates, behind the scenes. who won, who lost?

Can Chisholm Be Beaten?

The DA pleads for help as dark money from outside the county blasts him.

Pick A Line. Any Line. Donald Trump Has Crossed It.

Donald Trump has crossed every line there is - except, apparently, Paul Ryan’s line.

Senator Johnson Refuses to Denounce Trump. Still.

Incredibly, it took four days for Johnson to realize that Trump should even apologize for his comments.

The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm

What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?

John McAdams Marches On

Was conservative Marquette prof “silenced” for his opinions? The controversy rages on.

Trump Vs. The Wisconsin Establishment

Journal Sentinel joins talk radio and GOP party in battling The Donald.

Media Used By Right Against Kloppenburg

Journal Sentinel attacks Kloppenburg on unproven issue raised by right-wing.

Journal Sentinel Bias In Mayor’s Race?

And was its story on Rebecca Bradley’s affair “offensive garbage”?

The Mystery of Rebecca Bradley

Who exactly is she? And why didn’t Walker vet his choice for Supreme Court?

The Two Homes of Rebecca Bradley

Judge has Tosa Colonial and a Lower East Side condo near all those gays she condemned.

John Doe Foes Worried About Appeal?

They’re concerned U.S. Supreme Court might review state court ruling killing Doe probe.

Senator No Show RoJo at it again

Once again, he skipped out on his day job in favor of courting special interests.

Liberal Group Seeks Talk Radio Voice

Claims AM conservative talk radio is "racist" and "hateful." Is liberal talk radio possible?

How Liberals Imitate Right Wing

Their stance on Abele and charter schools is just as close-minded as right wingers.

Joe Satriani, Paula Poundstone & Charlie Sykes?

10 new shows announced that-- for the most part -- won't make you say "humbug."

How Talk Radio Hurt The Journal Sentinel

Sykes’ continual bashing -- allowed by corporate bosses -- badly wounded their own newspaper.

The Revenge of Scott Walker?

Law killing John Doe law assures no more such probes targeting him. But was reform needed?

The Walker Campaign “Scandal”

Something went wrong. And everyone’s blaming campaign manager Rick Wiley. Why?

The Meltdown of Scott Walker

Onetime frontrunner for Iowa primary is “finished,” most covering presidential campaign say.

Why Republicans Tried to Repeal Open Records

Frustrated with open records requests that have embarrassed them, GOP leaders decided they’d had enough.

Senator’s Mexico vacation changed budget schedule, sources say

Michael Grebe, Stealth Warrior

Is the Bradley Foundation CEO the real thinker behind Scott Walker’s policies?

Lady MacBeth of the Supreme Court

Pat Roggensack has shamed herself and the high court in the ugly way she’s handled her elevation to chief justice.

Journal Sentinel 20 Years Later

What is it about April Fool's Day? 20 years after the Journal-Sentinel merger comes its absorption into a chain of dailies.

On The Road to Serfdom?

Paul Ryan and others argue U.S. spending and government control is increasing. What does the data show?

Charlie Sykes’ Private Island

His surprisingly modest Mequon Cape Cod is surrounded by and benefits from all kinds of publicly-funded, socialistic services.

Milwaukee’s Clean Water Advantage

Few cities have such control over their watershed, which gives Milwaukee an edge for cleanup efforts. Part II of series

New East Library is a Jewel

Wow, what an improvement. Our photos capture the technology-rich and architecturally impressive new library

Walker’s Curious Debate Strategy

His strategy was to “largely ignore” Burke. That may have been a mistake.

The Lt. Governor Nobody Wanted

Few on Scott Walker’s team wanted Rebecca Kleefish to win or had any respect for her. Yet she could be the next governor.

Potawatomi Plays Hardball

Gov. Walker delayed decision on Kenosha casino, so tribe is delaying $25 million payment owed to state.

Clarke Blasts Abele, Bloomberg

His rock was talk radio, he writes in Washington Times.

The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke

A stunning election increases his power. What does it mean for Milwaukee?

Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General

Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?

An Open Letter to Milwaukee Talk Radio

Dear Talk Radio Hosts Mark Belling, Jay Weber, Charlie Sykes and Jeff Wagner.

Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?

Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?

How Buyout Could Hurt the Journal Sentinel

10 ways the deal will impact the newspaper, the media world and this city.

How Republicans Cause Voter Fraud

False claims of rampant voter fraud by GOP and talk radio prompt their followers to vote illegally.

Walker, Sykes and Belling

The New Republic feature story on Scott Walker and talk radio is juicy stuff. But is it true?

The Remarkable Impact of the Deep Tunnel

Once widely maligned, the project was the key to transforming the Milwaukee River.

Why Walker Has Split With Conservatives

He’s at odds with the right-wing and Wall Street Journal over John Doe probe. But why?

Why Moderates Are Extinct

The retirement of Petri, Ellis and Cullen suggests neither party has room for moderates.

Dan Bice’s Role in the John Doe

What did he know, when did he know it, and how has he affected the probe of Scott Walker?

The Troubled Legacy of Tom Ament

Former county exec’s lucrative pension plan caused scandal, transformed Milwaukee politics, and led way for Scott Walker.

Why Didn’t Chisholm Go After Democrats?

Republicans say the John Doe probe proves bias. So does the federal suit against DA. Are they right?

How Walker Handled Open Records Request

Emails show his staff irked by requests and responding slowly, except when it benefits Walker.

Recall Effort Targets John Chisholm

DA targeted by right wingers outraged by John Doe and liberal blacks angered by suspects killed in custody.

John Doe II Is Anything But Partisan

Scott Walker’s defenders call the probe a partisan witch hunt. But newly released court documents say otherwise.

Democratic Wedge Issues

Republicans are out of step on issues like same sex marriage and medical marijuana.

Republican Spat Exposes Party’s Divisions

Fight between Sensenbrenner and Ron Johnson over Obamacare is fascinating, revealing.

Crystal Ball for 2014

25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.

Crazy Casino Politics

Both Gov. Walker and Mary Burke have mishandled the Kenosha Casino issue.

New Probe is Big Trouble for Walker

Both the first and second John Doe have focused on his campaigns, suggesting a disturbing pattern.

The New Right-Wing Media

The state is a national leader in creating new conservative publications.

Why Kimberly Walker Was Fired

The county board had ample grounds for dismissing the Corporation Counsel.

An Attack on Student Journalism?

What lesson does legislators attack on the Center for Investigative Journalism teach young journalists?

Don’t Mess with the Press

The state budget bill has huge consequences, but the media is most concerned about its impact on... the media.

Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?

The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.

Democrats in Disarray

The firing of its state spokesperson is just another sign the party has lost its way.

How to Crush Milwaukee

Ending the residency requirement will deal a devastating blow to Milwaukee’s property tax base.

School Switcheroo?

Maryland Avenue Montessori might swap buildings with Cass Street School. And poor Sweet Water's building is available for lease.

Evers Vs. Pridemore

The battle between State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers and challenger Don Pridemore.

Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely

Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.

Republican Road Rage

Romney was the choice of exurban road warriors while slower-moving urbanites picked Obama. How we move through the world is a key difference between the parties.

Biggest Taxer in Town

Over the last five years property taxes have been driven by just one of the five local taxing units: Milwaukee Public Schools.

The Curious Case of Stephen Einhorn

The man who “feared” for his family’s privacy is a political activist and capital insider grabbing government funding for his company.

Walker’s Freeway Farce

After blaming Barrett for "delaying" the Zoo Interchange, Walker is now stalling it, while rejecting a gas tax hike to pay for it.

The Rise of Chris Larson

Is he a young liberal heavyweight? Or a punching bag for Republicans?

25 Winners and Losers

The list is long (and fun). This was a campaign with real consequences.

Did Journal Sentinel Censor Story?

Conservative columnist Christian Schneider hides his erroneous story, hurting his -- and the paper’s -- credibility.

Sykes’ Suspicious Smokescreen

Charlie Sykes uses anonymous interview to claim the “family” putting up voter fraud billboards fears for its safety.

Stealth Conservatives

Bradley-funded think tank changes its polls and subsidizes Journal Sentinel’s right-wing columnist.

The Mighty County Board

A doormat a decade ago, the board is now far more powerful -- much to Chris Abele’s chagrin.

The Latest Journal Sentinel Purge

Some big names could be leaving the ever-shrinking newspaper.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

Will Allen Goes Viral

From ABC News to Colbert, everybody is celebrating Will Allen.

Why Walker Won’t Compromise

He now says he will bring us together. But don’t bet on it.

Outing a Bully

It’s a truth many of us learned on the playgrounds of our youth: nobody reacts to criticism worse than a bully. So it’s no surprise that conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes responded to a negative article in the December issue of Milwaukee Magazine with a longwinded, sniveling diatribe that leaves the reader wondering why a guy who makes a living attacking people is so damn thin-skinned. To anyone who listens to the Sykes show on WTMJ-AM, or any of the formulaic right wing radio talk shows, much of the criticism outlined by the station’s former news director seems fairly obvious. Sykes, Mark Belling on WISN-AM and their ilk carefully select topics designed to stir up anger in their predominantly conservative audiences. They seek stories that confirm their world views and look for people to vilify. These could be public officials, bureaucrats, parents, school administrators and run-of-the-mill average citizens. Anyone, really, who provides them with the opportunity to demonize government and show how our hard-earned tax dollars are wasted. And, as Dan Shelley says in the article, Sykes is obviously very bright and very good at what he does. Sometimes Sykes can be very entertaining. He engages in a kind of verbal ju-jitsu that takes the inert energy from the many absurd stories generated by newspapers and elsewhere and builds it into an inflammatory narrative designed to entertain and anger his listeners. I get it and I can actually enjoy listening to it, in small doses, as I do Lewis Black and Dave Chappelle. But what bothers me is how manipulative he can be when dealing with listeners who call in. Those who agree with him are treated with kid gloves; they are thoughtful, insightful, clever. Callers who disagree with him are broken down in two categories. The inarticulate or weak ones are dangled as useful foils who give him the opportunity to throw the sarcastic jabs and belittling blows to diminish the caller. The brighter, more effective and persuasive callers with contrary opinions are quickly dispatched with a “thank you for your call.” It’s a cowardly tactic quite typical of the playground bully. Belling engages in a different tactic that accomplishes the same result; he raises his voice at callers and belittles them to the point you wonder why anyone would ever listen to this jerk. In fairness, it must be pointed out that Belling seems to yell at everyone but in the world of talk radio there are significant gradations to screaming. It’s also revealing (and disturbing) that Sykes is given his platform by Journal Communications Inc., which owns the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WTMJ-TV and WTMJ-AM. Sykes regularly attacks the newspaper as a part of the liberal media though the same company pays his salary and profits from his success. Sykes is also given a platform on television every Sunday morning through a show that purports to be public affairs programming. He surrounds himself with mostly like-minded fellow travelers from conservative media as well as a token, usually […]

Selig Take A Hit

Washington Post Trashes Commissioner and Journal Communications. Plus: The Mea Culpa of Charles J. Sykes and Thompson’s Boycott of Miller Park.

Why Unions Don’t Like Scott Walker

Given that Jim Ryan has not closed the door completely on privatizing some government functions, you might wonder why he was endorsed by labor for county executive.

Why Jim Ryan Could Be In Trouble

Speaking as someone who predicted the one-two finish of Scott Walker and Jim Ryan, the big surprise of the county executive race was Tyrone Dumas' strong fourth place finish, just behind Tom Nardelli.

Why Scott McCallum Is In Big Trouble

It was amusing to see the photo of Gov. McCallum that ran on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week.

Is Scott Walker Qualified To Be County Exec?

Rep. Scott K. Walker (R-Wauwatosa) was the first candidate to announce for county executive, and is widely considered one of the front-runners for the position.

Could Bob Ott Be Investigated For Ethical Conflicts?

Milwaukee County is beginning to resemble the plot of And Then There Were None. One by one, top officials are disappearing from the courthouse.

What Karen Ordinans Really Thought About Ament’s Pension

It’s been amusing to hear County Board chair Karen Ordinans declare her outrage about the county pension plan.

Where Have You Gone, Ken Lamke?

Ken Lamke still has vivid memories of the atmosphere in the old Milwaukee Sentinel newsroom.