Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode is a combative Election Day monologue arguing that the media has protected Hillary Clinton, dissecting pro- and anti-Trump conservative voting arguments, and warning that the 2016 race discredits both media and celebrity politics. Shapiro says there are real reasons both to support and oppose Trump, but he personally rejects both major candidates while urging down-ballot voting against Democrats.
Main Topics: Media bias and Hillary Clinton’s rise (Priority: 5/5): The host argues mainstream media boosted Clinton, minimized her scandals until forced by WikiLeaks/FBI, and helped discredit itself by showing open partisan alignment. Arguments for voting for Donald Trump (Priority: 5/5): Five pro-Trump arguments are presented: voting against Clinton and her agenda, Trump as the better binary choice, Clinton as more corrupt, holding one’s nose to match Democratic behavior, and the 'Flight 93' existential urgency. Arguments against voting for Donald Trump (Priority: 5/5): Five anti-Trump arguments are laid out: a vote signals character standards, fantasy expectations about Trump are unrealistic, Trump would weaken conservatism, Republicans should not mimic Democrats’ tactics, and this is not the last election so short-term sacrifice may be wiser. Election rhetoric and closing pitches (Priority: 4/5): Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump are all mocked for their final appeals; the host contrasts Democratic celebrity-heavy messaging with Trump’s populist, repetitive rhetoric. Celebrity influence in politics (Priority: 3/5): Madonna and Lady Gaga are cited as symbols of superficial celebrity intervention, which the host sees as degrading political discourse and helping produce an unserious campaign. Media credibility collapse and post-election backlash (Priority: 5/5): The host predicts the press has permanently damaged its credibility, and criticizes Trump allies like Sean Hannity for pushing revenge against anti-Trump conservatives. Cultural recommendation and media dislikes (Priority: 2/5): The episode ends with a positive review of Doctor Strange and a denunciation of Madonna, plus warnings about intra-party revenge politics after the election.
Key Arguments: The mainstream media protected Hillary Clinton and only covered her problems after outside forces like WikiLeaks and the FBI forced the issue. Voting for Trump can be justified as voting against Clinton’s policies, corruption, and the broader leftward direction of government. Trump is presented by supporters as the lesser evil compared with Hillary Clinton in a binary election. A vote should reflect more than policy; it also signals minimum moral and character standards for office. Trump is criticized as unrealistic fantasy material: he is unlikely to deliver the conservative outcomes his supporters imagine. Handing Trump control of the Republican Party would convert conservatism into a nationalist-populist movement that weakens traditional constitutional conservatism. This is not the final election; a weak Clinton presidency may be reversible, so some argue Trump’s short-term appeal is strategically unnecessary. Down-ballot voting against Democrats is urged even by someone withholding a top-of-ticket vote, because a Democratic Senate would enable Clinton’s agenda. The media’s open partisanship in 2016 will make future Republican voters distrust press narratives about GOP candidates. Celebrity endorsements and messaging are portrayed as unserious substitutes for actual political argument.
Data Points: Trump support rally size: 20,000-31,000 people - Used to describe the size of Trump crowds in the final stretch of the campaign and to argue enthusiasm may be underestimated. Philadelphia Clinton rally attendance: 33,000 people - Mentioned as the size of Hillary Clinton’s final rally with celebrity support. 538 Senate probability: 50.3% Democrats / 49.7% Republicans - Referenced as the Senate control outlook on Election Day. Hillary Clinton general-election estimate: 321 electoral votes to 217 - The host’s prediction for the final Electoral College outcome. Popular vote estimate: 49% to 44% - The host’s prediction for Clinton over Trump in the national popular vote. Bottom-income mobility: 95% - Cited to argue that the 'working class' is not a fixed caste in the U.S.; most people leave the bottom 20% within 15 years. Top 1% mobility timeframe: 10 years - Used to show that income status changes significantly over time. Bottom 20% mobility timeframe: 15 years - Used to support the claim that class labels are fluid in America. Lyft promo: $30 off / 3 free rides of $10 - Advertising offer mentioned during the episode. Birch Gold free kit: 16-page free kit - Advertising offer for precious metals IRA information.
Pivotal Quotes: "the media pushed Clinton to her perch atop the Democratic Party, then ensured that she would stay there" — Ben Shapiro: Opening indictment of media favoritism toward Hillary Clinton. "you've now seen the Democrats and the media, but I repeat myself" — Ben Shapiro: Critique of media-Democratic alignment and repeated partisan behavior. "Your vote is more than an instrument of policy" — Ben Shapiro: Core argument against treating a Trump vote as merely transactional.
Implications: The episode frames 2016 as a trust crisis: media credibility, party identity, and celebrity influence are all degraded. It suggests future Republican politics will be shaped by backlash against both Trumpism and press partisanship.
About The Ben Shapiro Show
Tired of the lies? Tired of the spin? Are you ready to hear the hard-hitting truth in comprehensive, conservative, principled fashion? The Ben Shapiro Show brings you all the news you need to know in the most fast moving daily program in America. Ben brutally breaks down the culture and never gives an inch! Monday thru Friday.