Steve Benson, former cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, a fierce critic of the Mormon Church despite his family’s prominence within it, and a notable creator of controversial cartoons during the 1990s and 2000s, has passed away. Born in 1954, Benson began his career at the Arizona Republic in 1980, where he won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1993. His work sparked debate, reflecting his acidic stance on political and social issues, including his public critiques of the Mormon Church, which led to personal shunning and professional tensions. On the “DMZ America Podcast,” fellow political cartoonists Scott Stantis and Ted Rall discuss Benson’s life as they knew their colleague, both professionally and personally.

For Scott, who was deeply wronged by Benson, this news carries a complexity that those left behind are rarely permitted to acknowledge, let alone discuss publicly. On DMZ, we explore that strange feeling when someone who passes leaves behind a mixed legacy.

Tune in for a thoughtful, intelligent discussion about humanity and death.

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The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.

Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall

Web: Rall.com

Hey Elon! You’re going to need this history lesson. On the “DMZ America Podcast, Ted Rall (Left) and Scott Stantis (Right) consider the prospects for Elon Musk’s “America Party” and the wild ride of third parties in U.S. politics! On Saturday, Musk, the billionaire disruptor, announced the launch of his “America Party” after blasting Trump’s $3.3 trillion spending bill as “criminal.” Promising fiscal restraint and liberty, his party has MAGA World furious, with critics like Steve Bannon seriously annoyed. Third parties, like Perot’s Reform Party, Greens, Prohibition Party and Eugene Debs’ Socialist Party often shake things up but tend to crash against America’s winner-takes-all electoral college system. Can Musk’s cash and clout change the game, or will it fracture the Right? Does this flaky dude have the followthrough necessary to see this project through? Ted and Scott dive into the facts, the beef, and the history without pulling punches. This ain’t your average political chat—expect straight-up analysis off why third parties have an uphill battle under our system!

Plus:

Texas floods devastate communities, with relief efforts lagging amid chaos. And there’s little to reason to think it won’t happen again.

The Trumpies’ embrace of cruelty, especially against trans soldiers and migrants, sparks debate: can America heal from this?

Support Civilized Discourse on the DMZ America Podcast!

Support the show

The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.

Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall

Web: Rall.com

In a stunning upset, 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani clinched the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a centrist heavyweight backed by billionaire donors. Mamdani’s victory, declared on June 24, 2025, after Cuomo conceded, marks a seismic shift in the city’s politics, fueled by a progressive surge and ranked-choice voting. His grassroots campaign, emphasizing rent freezes, free public transit, and affordability, resonated with young and marginalized voters, drawing endorsements from figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Despite Cuomo’s early lead and establishment support, including from Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg, Mamdani’s momentum—bolstered by over $7 million from 16,000+ donors—overturned expectations.

The race was volatile, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, indicted on corruption charges, opting to run as an independent after exiting the Democratic primary. Adams’ unpopularity and the dismissal of his charges in April reshaped the contest, setting up a potential four-way general election in November against Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden. Mamdani’s lead in the primary, where over 1 million voted, signals a generational revolt against the Democratic old guard. His platform, rooted in social justice and affordability, could redefine New York’s future, though his progressive stance may polarize voters in the general election. This upset underscores the city’s appetite for change amid rising costs and political disillusionment.

Support Civilized Discourse on the DMZ America Podcast!

Support the show

The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.

Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall

Web: Rall.com