Ep. 1249 - The Biggest Story In The Country Nobody Will Report

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode argues that Biden-era policies have worsened crime, racial polarization, COVID messaging, and inflation, while praising Ron DeSantis as a science-based counterexample. It highlights a reported BLM activist on the Chauvin jury, uses crime in Chicago and D.C. to criticize anti-police rhetoric, and frames critical race theory and mask guidance as examples of left-wing institutional overreach.

Main Topics: Urban crime and the failure of progressive policing rhetoric (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro links rising violent crime in Chicago and Washington, D.C. to anti-police messaging and Democratic governance, arguing that blaming police undermines public safety and contributes to more deaths, especially in blue cities. Reported BLM activism on the Derek Chauvin jury (Priority: 5/5): The transcript emphasizes the revelation that juror Brandon Mitchell allegedly wore BLM apparel and discussed racial justice online, arguing this raises serious questions about jury impartiality and could support a mistrial claim. Critical race theory and schooling (Priority: 4/5): He criticizes the expansion of racial equity programs and CRT in schools as ideological indoctrination, arguing conservatives are justified in opposing curricula that portray America as fundamentally racist. COVID policy and mask guidance (Priority: 4/5): The show attacks Biden administration and CDC guidance as inconsistent and anti-scientific, especially the continued push for masking after vaccination, which Shapiro says undermines confidence in vaccines. Ron DeSantis as a contrast to Biden (Priority: 4/5): DeSantis is presented as a leader who follows science and communicates clearly about vaccines, contrasting with Biden’s allegedly confusing public-health messaging. Inflation, spending, and economic warnings (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro argues Biden’s spending plans will fuel inflation and shortages, citing rising material costs and warning that excessive government spending will reduce prosperity and hurt ordinary Americans.

Key Arguments: Rhetoric that frames police as the enemy leads to worse policing, more public disrespect, and higher crime, especially in cities governed by Democrats. The BLM-related juror revelation suggests the Chauvin trial may have been compromised by pre-existing activism and bias. Critical race theory and “equity” programs are portrayed as ideological efforts to shame students and rewrite schooling around grievance rather than merit. CDC and Biden messaging on masks and vaccination is inconsistent and discourages vaccination by implying vaccines do not work. DeSantis’s message is described as scientifically coherent because it treats vaccination as a path back to normal life. Massive federal spending amid supply constraints will predictably raise prices, worsen shortages, and reduce real economic freedom. The media selectively amplify narratives that support the left while ignoring evidence that contradicts them, such as crime victims or juror bias.

Data Points: Chicago weekend shootings: More than 45 shot, 7 killed - Cited as evidence of escalating violence over one weekend in Chicago. Chicago shootings timeframe: 36 shootings from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday - Chicago PD figure cited in the crime discussion. D.C. homicides this year: 66 - Used to argue that anti-police rhetoric has not improved safety. D.C. homicide increase: 38% increase from the same time in 2020 - Compared to the previous year in Washington, D.C. Unarmed Black people shot by police annually: About 20 per year in the U.S. - Used to argue police are not the primary threat to Black Americans. COVID breakthrough deaths after full vaccination: 88 out of 87 million - Presented as evidence that vaccinated people face extremely low death risk. Vaccination and mask willingness among Republicans: 53% likely to get vaccinated if masks could be removed vs. 35% if masks remained - New York Times poll cited to show masks reduce vaccine uptake. Overall increased willingness to vaccinate if masks end: 13% more likely - Poll result across Americans overall. White respondents: 15% more likely - Would get vaccinated if they could stop wearing masks. Black respondents: 14% more likely - Would get vaccinated if they could stop wearing masks. Commodity price increases: 10% to 20% more - Reported increases for lumber, drywall, aluminum, and steel. Lumber price increase: Almost tripled - Construction cost example from the New York Times inflation piece. Free community college proposal: Two years - Jill Biden’s proposal discussed as an example of spending expansion.

Pivotal Quotes: "Our communities wouldn't have needed to spark a national movement to save black lives if America weren't racist AF." — Corey Bush: Cited as an example of anti-American racial rhetoric. "If the vaccines worked, that would be your ticket to basically live normally and make decisions for yourself." — Ron DeSantis: Used to contrast DeSantis’s messaging with Biden’s mask guidance. "They painted Black Lives Matter in giant yellow letters on the street, for God's sake." — Ben Shapiro: Used to argue that symbolic gestures did not improve public safety in Washington, D.C.

Implications: Listeners are urged to distrust elite institutions on crime, race, COVID, and spending. The episode predicts continued backlash against CRT, mask mandates, and progressive governance, with political gains likely for leaders seen as clearer and more science-based.