Ep. 417 - Moore Comes Unmoored

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on the Roy Moore scandal, arguing that credible sexual misconduct allegations should disqualify him regardless of political stakes, while criticizing both left and right for using partisan logic to excuse bad behavior. Shapiro also condemns New York Times hypocrisy on Bill Clinton, downplays the Trump Jr.-WikiLeaks story as non-probative, and closes with sponsor reads, a film recommendation, and culture commentary.

Main Topics: Roy Moore allegations and moral disqualification (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues the new accusations against Roy Moore are credible and severe enough that Moore should leave the race, framing the issue as a moral one rather than a partisan one. Bill Clinton, MeToo, and left-wing hypocrisy (Priority: 5/5): He criticizes the New York Times and liberal commentators for finally acknowledging Clinton-era allegations while justifying why they were ignored for decades, especially Juanita Broaddrick’s claims. Political tribalism and the collapse of character politics (Priority: 4/5): The episode traces how Clinton-era defenses of misconduct allegedly destroyed the idea that character matters, encouraging both parties to excuse immoral behavior if the policy outcome is desirable. Republican establishment vs anti-establishment framing (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro warns against turning the Roy Moore case into a fight between insiders and populist outsiders, arguing that the real question is the credibility of the allegations, not motives of critics. Donald Trump Jr. and WikiLeaks reporting (Priority: 3/5): He dismisses the new reporting on Trump Jr.'s messages with WikiLeaks as exaggerated, saying it shows willingness to engage, but not proof of meaningful collusion. Personal media and sponsor segments (Priority: 2/5): The episode includes extended ad reads for ZipRecruiter, Saucy, RealtyShares, and ProFlowers, plus Daily Wire promotion and a live-show announcement. Culture segment: Post Malone and rap tropes (Priority: 2/5): Shapiro criticizes rap lyrics glorifying violence, drugs, and misogyny, while also rejecting left-wing complaints focused only on cultural appropriation because the artist is white.

Key Arguments: Roy Moore should step aside because the allegations are credible and morally disqualifying, regardless of partisan advantage. The Clinton years normalized defending sexual misconduct for political gain, helping break the idea that character should matter in public office. Michelle Goldberg’s acknowledgment of Juanita Broaddrick is undermined by her simultaneous attempt to excuse decades of dismissive behavior toward Clinton accusers. The left’s current outrage over Roy Moore mirrors the right’s current excuses, showing that partisan tribalism cuts across ideological lines. Motivations of accusers or journalists are less important than the credibility of the underlying allegations; avoiding that question is a moral cop-out. Trump Jr.'s WikiLeaks exchanges show openness to helpful tips and retweets, but not enough to prove the kind of collusion the media suggests. Turning the Moore controversy into an establishment-vs-populist rebellion obscures the actual issue: whether a man credibly accused of assault belongs in the Senate. The same logic used by Moore defenders—ignore conduct if the vote is right—was pioneered by Clinton defenders, and both are equally corrosive. Criticism of Post Malone for cultural appropriation misses the broader problem that the underlying lyrical content itself is degrading and harmful.

Data Points: Roy Moore polling margin: 10 or 11 points ahead - Moore cited polling to argue the accusations were a political maneuver. Accuser age at time of alleged assault: 16 years old - Beverly Young Nelson said Moore assaulted her when she was 16. Earlier Roy Moore accuser age: 14 years old - Shapiro referenced the first allegation against Moore as involving a 14-year-old girl. Time since alleged incident: 1977 - The year in Moore’s yearbook signature shown by Nelson as corroboration. Yearbook signature date: 12-22-77 - The yearbook entry Nelson presented reportedly bore this date. Mall ban period: Early 1980s - Report that Moore was banned from Gadsden mall for allegedly bothering teenage girls. Legislative race context: 28 days off - Moore argued the allegations were a political maneuver because the election was close. Alabama Senate Democratic wins: Since 1994 - Shapiro noted no Democrat had won Alabama’s Senate seat in a long time. Cook Political Report rating: Toss-up - The Alabama Senate race was moved to toss-up status because of the scandal. ZipRecruiter hiring stat: 80% - Sponsor claim: 80% of employers get a quality candidate through the site in one day. ZipRecruiter job-board reach: Over 100 job boards - Sponsor claim about posting jobs with one click. RealtyShares minimum investment: $5,000 - Sponsor explanation of the platform’s minimum investment threshold. RealtyShares listener offer: $100 toward first investment - Promo code BEN offer described during the ad read. ProFlowers discount: 20% off - Promo code BENSHOW for bouquets of $29 or more. Saucy discount: $15 off - Promo code BEN for app users.

Pivotal Quotes: "We should err on the side of believing women, but sometimes that belief will be used against us." — Michelle Goldberg (quoted by Shapiro): Used by Shapiro to show the New York Times article’s internal contradiction about believing accusers. "This is absolutely false. I never did what she said I did." — Roy Moore: Moore’s denial after Beverly Young Nelson described the alleged assault and presented a signed yearbook. "The idea here is that the smear campaign against the Clintons means that you get to crap all over a bunch of credible allegations." — Ben Shapiro: Shapiro’s critique of left-wing defenses of Clinton-era conduct.

Implications: Shapiro argues that partisan excuses for misconduct are poisoning American politics on both sides, making character meaningless and encouraging future scandals. He urges viewers to judge allegations on credibility, not tribal loyalty.