Ep. 173 - Hillary Should Sit For The National Anthem, Too

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode attacks Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest as privileged, dishonest, and embraced by a left-leaning media culture that allegedly weaponizes racial grievance. It broadens into criticism of Hillary Clinton, the Clinton Foundation, Beyonce, Kanye West, and progressive activism, while praising Donald Trump’s outreach to black voters despite mocking his social-media missteps. It ends with culture-war riffs and advice about relationships and friendship.

Main Topics: Kaepernick’s anthem protest and media response (Priority: 5/5): Ben Shapiro argues that Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem is hypocritical, statistically misguided, and elevated by the press into fake heroism. He frames the protest as part of a broader left-wing racial narrative. Race, policing, and the 'alt-left' framing (Priority: 5/5): The show contends that mainstream Democrats and media exaggerate systemic racism and police violence, portraying the left as the functional counterpart to the alt-right through racial solidarity politics. Hillary Clinton, the Clinton Foundation, and corruption claims (Priority: 4/5): The transcript criticizes Hillary Clinton’s defense of her State Department decisions and the Clinton Foundation, arguing that the media are minimizing corruption and shielding the Clintons. Trump’s black outreach and messaging problems (Priority: 4/5): The episode praises Trump’s decision to engage black communities and discuss urban problems, while condemning his tweet about Dwyane Wade’s cousin as tone-deaf and self-centered. Entertainment industry politics: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Kanye West (Priority: 3/5): Shapiro says major entertainers use award-show performances to signal agreement with Democratic racial politics, citing Beyonce’s VMAs segment, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West’s rambling appearance. Other culture-war reactions and social commentary (Priority: 3/5): The episode includes reactions to Jill Stein’s Harambe tweet, an Ann Coulter roast, a New Jersey Transit suicide-rescue video, and a Lyft dispute over a hula doll, all used to mock modern social sensibilities. Relationship and friendship advice (Priority: 2/5): The show ends with general personal advice: don’t stay friends with exes, distinguish real friends from acquaintances, and prioritize deeper ties over performative social connections.

Key Arguments: Kaepernick’s protest is presented as privilege-driven grandstanding rather than principled dissent; Shapiro argues it is especially hollow given Kaepernick’s salary and status. The media and sports institutions allegedly reward left-wing racial activism while condemning conservative religious or patriotic displays when they come from the right. Claims that police broadly target black people are described as statistically false, and America is argued to be one of the best places for black people to live. The Democratic Party is portrayed as embracing racial grievance politics similar to the alt-right, just oriented toward minority solidarity instead of white identity. Trump’s attempt to court black voters is framed as a potentially positive strategic move if tied to real policy and outreach, especially on education and urban safety. Trump’s tweet about Dwyane Wade’s cousin is criticized because it turns a tragedy into a political prop and undercuts his outreach message. Hillary Clinton’s corruption concerns are treated as real and ongoing; the Clinton Foundation is depicted as a vehicle for influence-peddling rather than charity. Entertainment figures like Beyonce and Alicia Keys are said to reinforce Democratic racial narratives through symbolic performances rather than substantive policy arguments.

Data Points: Colin Kaepernick 2015 quarterback rating: 78.5 - Used to mock his on-field performance while discussing his protest Average annual salary: $19 million - Cited to frame Kaepernick as privileged March on Washington anniversary: 53rd anniversary - Referenced in the discussion of Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Hillary Clinton messaging Hillary Clinton favorability/standing in polls: 43 to 50 range, with tight swing states - Described as fluctuating rather than surging Ohio polling status: Tied - Mentioned as evidence that the race was tightening Pennsylvania polling margin: Within 3 - Used to show close race conditions Florida polling margin: Very close - Part of the swing-state polling discussion Kaepernick’s anthem protest timing: Over the weekend - The catalyst for the episode’s opening segment Anthony Weiner texting scandal exposure: Approximately 40-year-old brunette recipient - Discussed as part of a separate media and politics segment Child age in Weiner story: 4-year-old - Referenced in the description of the child sleeping nearby in a photo Freedom Alliance donation pitch: Support Gold Star children - Mentioned as a response to the Gold Star mom letter Birch Gold contact number: 800-496-6663 - Sponsor callout during the episode

Pivotal Quotes: "I'm not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color" — Colin Kaepernick: Explaining why he sat during the national anthem "white silence is violence" — Isaiah Thomas: Quoted as an example of mainstream left racial rhetoric "My work as secretary of state was not influenced by any outside forces." — Hillary Clinton: Her defense against Clinton Foundation influence-peddling allegations

Implications: The episode reinforces a combative conservative view of race, media, and elite culture. Listeners are urged to distrust symbolic activism, scrutinize Democratic narratives, and separate performative outrage from real policy or character.