Ep. 314 - The Left Frets Over Comey, The Right Frets Over Radical Islam

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Ben Shapiro contrasts media/left outrage over Trump leaving the Paris Climate Accord with muted reactions to Islamic terror attacks, arguing this reveals a deeper divide: the left sees evil as socially produced, while the right sees innate human capacity for evil and ideological violence. He then shifts to Comey/Russia, saying Trump looks irritated and reckless, not clearly obstructive, and should stop tweeting to avoid feeding the narrative.

Main Topics: Left-right divide on climate politics vs. terror attacks: Shapiro opens by contrasting the intense backlash to Trump leaving the Paris Climate Accord with the comparatively muted reaction to ISIS-linked terror attacks in London and elsewhere, using it to frame partisan differences in moral emphasis. Nature of humanity and the roots of evil: He argues the central divide is philosophical: the left emphasizes environment and systemic causes, while the right emphasizes individual agency, ideology, and inherent human capacity for evil. Islamic terrorism and Western response: Shapiro warns of growing global terror threats, criticizes politically correct policing and surveillance priorities, and argues Western governments are misallocating law-enforcement resources. Trump, Comey, and Russia investigation: He discusses reports that Trump asked officials to push back on the Russia probe, but concludes there is no clear evidence of obstruction and that Trump is more likely angry and impulsive than criminally strategic. Media and Democratic overreach: Shapiro says Democrats and media figures are exaggerating the Trump-Russia story while ignoring terrorism, using high-profile commentators like James Clapper and Lawrence O’Donnell as examples. Culture, sports, and identity politics: He criticizes Colin Kaepernick defenders and Shannon Sharpe’s claims of racism, arguing Kaepernick’s unemployment is due to poor quarterback performance rather than discrimination. Wonder Woman, feminism, and family values: Shapiro praises the film as compatible with a traditional view of feminism—women can be strong, maternal, and married—and says radical feminism distorts the concept.

Key Arguments: The Paris Climate Accord was largely symbolic and non-binding, so outrage over Trump's withdrawal was disproportionate. Islamic terror, not climate policy, is the immediate threat Western leaders should focus on. The left explains evil as a product of environment and systems; the right sees ideology and personal choice as the main drivers. Political correctness has distorted policing priorities, leading governments to surveil broadly instead of focusing on likely jihadist threats. Reports about Trump pressuring officials are suggestive but do not prove obstruction of justice; Trump may simply be frustrated and impulsive. Trump’s best strategy is to stop tweeting and let the Mueller investigation proceed, reducing the oxygen for accusations. Colin Kaepernick’s inability to find work is better explained by poor performance than racism. Wonder Woman can be read as feminist without rejecting marriage, motherhood, or men; radical feminist criticism misses that. Parents are not always morally responsible for adult children’s wrong choices, a point illustrated by the Haftorah reading on Joshua the high priest.

Data Points: Paris Climate Accord: non-binding commitments - Shapiro describes the accord as requesting future emissions cuts without serious enforceable obligations. Trump-Russia investigation: special prosecutor Robert Mueller - He notes Mueller is now investigating and Trump should avoid interference. Gallup party registration advantage: 7 percentage points more Democrats than Republicans - He cites this as a warning sign for Republicans ahead of midterms. Trump approval rating: 38% to 40% - Shapiro says polling is weak for Republicans heading into election season. RealtyShares minimum investment: $5,000 - Advertising segment on real estate investing platform. RealtyShares investor return: $60 million in principal returned - Promotional claim about platform performance. RealtyShares bonus: $100 toward first investment - Offer for new users who sign up through the promo code. ProFlowers discount: $10 off $29 or more - Sponsor promotion using promo code BENSHOW. FrameBridge discount: 15% off first order - Sponsor promotion using promo code Shapiro. Kaepernick passer rating: negative 0.3 - Shapiro cites this as evidence Kaepernick’s poor play, not racism, explains his unemployment. Kaepernick completion percentage: 59.2% - He mentions this as part of Kaepernick’s 2016 performance stats. Kaepernick yards per attempt: 6.77 yards - Presented as part of the argument that his quarterbacking was weak. Kaepernick touchdowns/interceptions: 16 TDs, 4 INTs - Cited while evaluating his on-field performance. Wonder Woman discussion: 1 week old - He says he will avoid spoilers because the film had just been released.

Pivotal Quotes: "The gap is not bridgeable. It goes to the nature of humanity and our perception of that nature." — Ben Shapiro: Explaining the philosophical divide between left and right after contrasting climate outrage with terror responses. "It is a witch hunt, which it very well may be." — Ben Shapiro: His view of the Russia investigation, while still arguing Trump should remain quiet and let it proceed. "I wish him luck." — Donald Trump: Trump’s public response when asked ahead of James Comey’s congressional testimony.

Implications: The episode frames current politics as a struggle over moral anthropology, not just policy. Shapiro urges restraint from Trump, predicts continued media escalation, and argues conservatives should focus on terrorism, law, and performance rather than identity narratives.