Ep. 1243 - Is Joe Biden In Trouble?

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode argues that Biden’s first 100 days exposed a gap between his “return to normalcy” promise and an aggressively progressive agenda of massive spending, higher taxes, and expanded government. Shapiro also attacks Hollywood’s Oscar culture as elitist and disconnected from ordinary Americans, then pivots to police reform debates, warning that Democratic proposals could weaken policing and fuel crime while even some Democrats begin to retreat.

Main Topics: Biden’s 100-day agenda and broken moderation promise (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro claims Biden ran as a moderate restorer of normalcy but is governing like a far-left activist through large spending packages, tax hikes, and expanded federal power. Massive federal spending and economic consequences (Priority: 5/5): The episode emphasizes Biden’s proposed trillions in new spending as inflationary, fiscally reckless, and disconnected from America’s existing recovery. Oscars as a symbol of Hollywood elitism (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro argues Hollywood prizes anti-American, niche, and socially ideological films while despising mainstream audiences and shielding its elite from ordinary people. Polling and political limits on Biden (Priority: 5/5): He cites polling showing Biden is only marginally popular, has not expanded support beyond his election coalition, and is weak with independents on the economy and immigration. Police reform, crime, and Democratic overreach (Priority: 5/5): The transcript criticizes the George Floyd Act and broader anti-police rhetoric, arguing that it will discourage policing, raise crime, and trigger backlash. Internal Democratic contradictions on race and policing (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro highlights Democrats and progressives who once criticized Trump over border or police issues but now defend Biden or soften their stance when their party is in power.

Key Arguments: Biden was elected on a promise of normalcy, not a mandate for radical restructuring of the economy or government. The proposed spending surge is unprecedented and will likely produce inflation, higher taxes, and weaker long-term economic growth. Hollywood’s awards culture rewards anti-American ideological content rather than films most Americans actually watch. The Oscars and celebrity culture reveal a bubble in which elites rely on public money and police protection while lecturing ordinary Americans. Public opinion is not aligned with Biden’s policy agenda; his approval is stagnant rather than expanding after the election. Democratic police-reform proposals go too far by weakening qualified immunity and discouraging people from becoming officers. Reducing police presence predictably increases crime and harms vulnerable communities and small businesses. Some Democrats are beginning to pull back once the real-world consequences of anti-police policies become visible. The media mask Biden’s weakness by presenting him as broadly popular when his numbers are mediocre compared to most modern presidents. Republicans should be able to capitalize on Democratic overreach if they present the issue clearly in 2022.

Data Points: Biden approval rating: 52% approve / 42% disapprove - Washington Post-ABC polling cited in the segment Strong approval / strong disapproval: 34% strongly approve / 35% strongly disapprove - Shows a polarized, evenly divided reaction Independent approval on Biden: 47% - Biden is underwater with independents Economy approval: 52% - Poll cited as mediocre despite expected economic rebound Immigration approval: 32% - Reflects dissatisfaction with border policy Concern about government expansion: 53% very or somewhat concerned - Americans worry Biden will increase government size and role too much Americans wanting major changes to proposals: About two-to-one favor major changes to win Republican support - Indicates desire for moderation and bipartisan compromise Americans who have not seen a best picture nominee: Two-thirds - Daily Wire poll referenced in discussion of the Oscars Swag bag value: Around $205,000 each - Celebrity gift bags for Oscar nominees 2021 federal spending proposals: Roughly $10 trillion total described by Shapiro - Includes baseline budget plus stimulus, infrastructure, and families proposals White House family plan: Roughly $1.8 trillion - Upcoming spending and tax plan discussed in the transcript Stimulus package: $2 trillion - Biden’s COVID-era relief package criticized as unnecessary Infrastructure proposal: $2 trillion - Shapiro argues much of it is not real infrastructure Jobs/manufacturing proposal: $2.3 trillion - Referenced as part of Build Back Better Obama early approval: 69% - Compared to Biden’s weaker standing George W. Bush early approval: 63% - Historical comparison Clinton early approval: 59% - Historical comparison George H.W. Bush early approval: 71% - Historical comparison Reagan early approval: 73% - Historical comparison Ford approval: Plus 16 net approval - Cited as the only modern president comparable in weakness at that stage NYPD departures in 2020: Over 5,300 retired or quit - Used to argue anti-police rhetoric is already driving attrition NYPD retirements/quits in one month: 272 officers left in a month (May 25-June 24, 2020) - Illustrates accelerated departure after anti-police protests Officers already left NYPD in 2021 at time of report: Over 830 - Supports claim of worsening manpower problems Carjackings in Minneapolis area: Nearly tripled - Referenced around George Floyd Square after reduced police presence Stores shuttered: At least five stores along one block - Economic fallout near George Floyd Square

Pivotal Quotes: "Hollywood despises its own audience, despises it." — Ben Shapiro: His central claim about the Oscars and the film industry "Joe Biden has, since he took office, passed a $2 trillion unnecessary stimulus package." — Ben Shapiro: Critique of Biden’s early economic agenda "If you want to destroy policing in America, make sure that every cop can be sued when they leave the house." — Lindsey Graham: Quoted to argue the George Floyd Act would cripple policing

Implications: The episode frames 2022 as a backlash election: if spending, policing, and cultural elitism remain central, Republicans could gain ground. It warns that elite institutions are increasingly out of step with public opinion and face political consequences.