Ep. 1087 - The Elites vs. The People

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode argues that Trump is gaining political momentum amid tightening polls, unrest in cities, and Democratic missteps on policing, race, and COVID policy. Shapiro frames the election as a clash between an optimistic view of America and a Democratic narrative of systemic evil, while criticizing media coverage as biased and hypocritical.

Main Topics: Election polling and Trump momentum (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro says national and battleground polls are tightening, with Trump improving after the conventions and amid unrest; he argues Biden should be worried because the race is becoming close in key states. Kenosha visit and law-and-order politics (Priority: 5/5): Trump's visit to Kenosha is presented as a symbolic stand with local officials and law enforcement, contrasted with Biden's reluctance to explicitly condemn Antifa and left-wing violence. Systemic racism and ideological conflict (Priority: 5/5): A major theme is Shapiro's rejection of the claim that America and its institutions are systemically racist, which he ties to critical race theory, anti-police rhetoric, and political radicalization. Media bias and narrative management (Priority: 4/5): He accuses major media outlets of minimizing left-wing unrest, exaggerating Trump gaffes, and laundering Democratic talking points as neutral journalism. COVID hypocrisy and reopening disputes (Priority: 4/5): Pelosi's salon visit is used to illustrate elite hypocrisy over pandemic restrictions, while Shapiro argues lockdowns are politically driven and that states like Florida and Maryland are moving toward reopening. Urban unrest and public safety (Priority: 4/5): The episode surveys ongoing violence in Portland, Seattle, and Chicago, portraying Democratic leaders as passive and law enforcement as under attack from rioters and gangs.

Key Arguments: Polls were already tightening before Kenosha and the Republican convention, and recent events likely improved Trump's position further in battleground states. Democrats' reliance on mail voting could create a 'red mirage' on election night, with Trump appearing to win before late-counted ballots shift results. Biden's refusal to name Antifa or unequivocally condemn left-wing violence is framed as enabling unrest. Claims that policing in America is systemically racist are described as false and dangerous because they delegitimize law enforcement and teach citizens to fear police by default. The media selectively highlights Trump's minor verbal missteps while ignoring Democratic hypocrisy and ongoing urban violence. COVID lockdowns are portrayed as politically convenient rather than scientifically effective, and reopening decisions should be based on data and protection of the vulnerable. Pelosi, Cuomo, and other elites are said to exempt themselves from the rules they impose on ordinary people, reinforcing distrust and resentment.

Data Points: RealClearPolitics national Biden lead: about 6.3 points - Shapiro says this is down from roughly 9 points a couple of weeks earlier. RealClearPolitics battleground lead for Biden: 2.6 points - He argues the top battleground states have tightened significantly. Arizona Biden lead: 2.2 points - Used as an example of a state now within range for Trump. Michigan Biden lead: 2.6 points - Cited as evidence of a close race in key states. Pennsylvania Biden lead: 4.7 points - Presented as competitive despite Biden's lead. Florida Biden lead: 3.7 points - Shapiro notes the state remains very close. Wisconsin Biden lead: 3.5 points - He argues Trump may now be favored there given stale polling. USC Dornsife estimate of 2016 Trump voters lost: about 9 percent - Referenced as a sign of some erosion among Trump's base. Potential states in 'red mirage' scenario: up to 10 states - Democratic analysts warn election-night results could flip as mail ballots are counted. Martha McSally election-night lead: 15,000 votes - Example used to illustrate how mail ballots can reverse initial results. Martha McSally final deficit: about 70,000 votes - Used to show the scale of late-counted ballot shifts. Portland arrests since July 31: 255 arrests - Quoting DHS criticism of local officials' response to unrest. Portland riots/unlawful assemblies: 23 - Used to argue the city's violence has persisted for months. Chicago gang factions involved: about 36 street gangs - Report about threats to shoot police officers on sight. Chicago officers shot at or shot in one year: 51 officers - Superintendent David Brown says this is unprecedented. New York deaths reported in one day: 9 deaths - Used to argue the state remains overly locked down despite low daily fatalities. Manhattan diagnosed cases in one day: 46 cases - Presented as evidence that restrictions are no longer justified. Arizona deaths reported in one day: 14 deaths - Listed as a trailing indicator of declining infections. Maryland reopening capacity: 50% capacity for many venues; 100 indoor / 250 outdoor limits - Gov. Larry Hogan's phased reopening announcement. DailyWire membership discount: 15% off with code watch - Promo offered during the episode.

Pivotal Quotes: "There is a whole new effort at Jim Crow out there." — Joe Biden: Shapiro cites Biden to criticize warnings about voting restrictions and to argue Democrats are inflaming racial fear. "We're sounding an alarm, saying this is a very real possibility that the data is going to show on election night, an incredible victory for Donald Trump." — Hawkfish CEO: Quoted to describe the 'red mirage' scenario in which mail ballots reverse early Trump leads. "America is inherently a good place, and on the other, you have a belief that America is inherently a bad place." — Ben Shapiro: Summarizes the central ideological conflict he says is driving politics, media coverage, and campus culture.

Implications: The episode predicts tighter races, election-night confusion, and continued polarization over race, policing, and pandemic policy. It argues that media and Democratic messaging will intensify distrust unless public safety, reopening, and civic optimism regain traction.