Ep. 418 - How Prevalent Is Sexual Harassment?

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on the widening sexual-harassment reckoning across politics and media, especially Roy Moore’s Senate race, while arguing that Democratic and media outrage is often selective and politically motivated. It also covers Jeff Sessions’ Hill testimony, the case for and against a Hillary Clinton investigation, the Uranium One controversy, and brief commentary on gun politics, Colin Kaepernick, and culture-war hypocrisy.

Main Topics: Roy Moore and the Alabama Senate race (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro examines the allegations against Roy Moore, the split among Republican leaders and media figures, the polling showing Moore still competitive, and the possible outcomes if he stays on the ballot or wins. He argues the Senate should refuse to seat Moore if elected. Selective outrage over sexual harassment (Priority: 5/5): The show argues that harassment is pervasive in Congress, Hollywood, and media, but that institutions and political actors only treat it seriously when it helps their side. Examples include Jackie Spier’s comments, Hollywood cases, and the HuffPost allegations. Hypocrisy in media and left-wing responses (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro criticizes Democrats and left-leaning commentators for retroactively treating Clinton-era misconduct as unacceptable while excusing past allies, framing the current moral outrage as politically convenient rather than principled. Jeff Sessions and the call for a Hillary investigation (Priority: 4/5): Sessions’ House testimony is discussed in two parts: his defense against accusations he lied about Russian contacts and whether a special counsel should investigate Hillary Clinton-related issues such as Fusion GPS and Uranium One. Uranium One and foreign influence concerns (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro rebuts simplified dismissals of Uranium One and argues there are enough questions about Clinton Foundation donations, CFIUS approval, and Russian/Kazakh-linked interests to justify investigation, even if a special counsel is not necessary. Cultural commentary and side takes (Priority: 2/5): The episode closes with short takes on Joe Biden’s gun comments and Shannon Sharpe’s praise of Colin Kaepernick, both used to illustrate what Shapiro sees as flawed left-wing narratives.

Key Arguments: Sexual harassment is widespread in politics, media, and entertainment, but institutions often ignore it until it becomes politically useful. Republican leaders should not seat Roy Moore if he wins, because credible allegations of child molestation outweigh raw electoral legitimacy. A write-in or replacement strategy would be preferable to allowing Moore to win outright and hand the seat to Democrats. The left’s current seriousness about harassment is inconsistent; it tolerated or minimized similar conduct when committed by figures like Bill Clinton or allies in media and Hollywood. Matt Iglesias’ retrospective criticism of Clinton is used as evidence that liberals apply moral standards based on political convenience. Uranium One deserves investigation because the timeline involves Clinton-connected donations, foreign-linked interests, and State Department/CFIUS approvals. A special counsel is not automatically warranted; a standard DOJ investigation may be sufficient unless a legal basis for special counsel is shown. Jeff Sessions is presented as doing his job on leaks and investigations despite attacks from both parties. Joe Biden’s gun-control rhetoric is used to argue that Democrats overreach and misunderstand firearms. Colin Kaepernick is likely to be mythologized by the left, demonstrating how history can be reshaped to fit ideology.

Data Points: House sexual harassment payouts: $15 million - Amount reportedly paid out over 10–15 years in harassment claims involving members/staff of the House. Roy Moore polling: 49-43 - Latest poll cited with Moore leading Doug Jones. Bill O'Reilly settlement reference: $32 million - Used as a comparison point for sexual-harassment settlements. My Patriot Supply emergency kit: 102 servings for $99 - Sponsor offer described during the episode. Emergency food storage life: up to 25 years - Shelf life claimed for the survival food kit. Leak investigations in DOJ: 27 open investigations - Sessions says DOJ has 27 active leak investigations. Prior leak investigations: 9 open investigations - Sessions cites the number open over the previous three years. Clinton Foundation donations tied to Uranium One: more than $140 million claimed; about $4 million acknowledged in a narrowed version - Comparison between allegations and the more limited amount Shapiro describes as directly tied to Uranium One-linked sources. Bill Clinton speaking fee in Moscow: $500,000 - Described as Clinton’s highest speaking fee, paid by Renaissance Capital. Uranium One acquisition stake: 51% then 100% - Rosatom bought a controlling interest in 2010 and later the full company in 2013. Uranium production capacity: about 20% then 10% - NRC figures cited for Uranium One’s share of U.S. uranium production capacity over time. Colin Kaepernick accolade: GQ Citizen of the Year - Referenced as an example of cultural mythmaking.

Pivotal Quotes: "harassers stop harassing when they feel there are consequences" — Ben Shapiro: Arguing that training alone is less effective than accountability and punishment. "God is not accused of trolling for teenagers in shopping malls." — Tucker Carlson: Quoted approvingly as a rebuke to Roy Moore’s use of Christianity as a shield. "I would say looks like is not enough basis to appoint a special counsel." — Jeff Sessions: Sessions explaining why he would not launch a special counsel for Hillary Clinton.

Implications: The episode frames sexual-harassment scandals as a long-term credibility test for both parties and media institutions. It suggests Republicans risk electoral self-destruction if they back Moore, while the Uranium One debate may keep Clinton-era investigations alive without requiring a special counsel.