Ep. 517 - Come-y On Already

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on Ben Shapiro’s dismissal of James Comey’s memoir as petty, self-serving, and devoid of real revelations, alongside a critique of media obsession with Trump-era salaciousness. It then pivots to Cory Booker’s questioning of Mike Pompeo on sexuality and religion as an example of ideological excess, before ending with a mailbag on law, taxes, family planning, and conservatism, plus commentary on cultural and campus controversies.

Main Topics: James Comey memoir and media hype (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues Comey’s book offers no substantive bombshells, only petty anecdotes and self-justification, while the media inflate it to advance an anti-Trump narrative. Trump, the Steele dossier, and P-tape coverage (Priority: 5/5): The show mocks the Russia-prostitute 'P-tape' story and criticizes Comey and the press for treating unverified allegations as political reality. Cory Booker vs. Mike Pompeo confirmation hearing (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro frames Booker’s questioning about gay sex, religion, and associated activists as a religious test and a partisan smear rather than legitimate oversight. Democratic Party strategy and 2020 politics (Priority: 4/5): The episode argues that figures like Booker, Gillibrand, and Harris are too ideological to beat Trump, while Biden is seen as the most viable Democrat. Mailbag: law, taxes, marriage, family, and economics (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro answers listener questions about ABA licensing, prenuptial agreements, separate bank accounts, flat vs. fair tax, property tax, and career/family tradeoffs. Cultural and campus commentary (Priority: 3/5): Shapiro highlights Rosamund Pike’s rejection of a female James Bond reboot, praises musical theater discussion, and condemns a law-school protest chanting against the law.

Key Arguments: Comey’s memoir is portrayed as a cash-in: if the disclosures were truly vital, he should have revealed them earlier instead of waiting for a book deal. The supposed Comey bombshells are mostly insulting, childish, or speculative anecdotes about Trump’s appearance, hand size, and alleged private behavior. The media are said to center everything through Trump, but Shapiro argues the true engine is media self-reference and agenda-setting. Questioning Pompeo about whether gay sex is a 'perversion' is framed as a religious test against Christians who view homosexuality as sinful while supporting legal equality. Booker’s questions about Pompeo’s ties to anti-Islam activists are portrayed as inconsistent, since Booker simultaneously rejects religious bigotry and imposes his own ideological litmus test. The Democratic Party’s leftward, identity-driven politics are presented as electorally damaging, especially if they prioritize investigations and ideological purity over broad appeal. Licensing and guild structures, especially in law, are criticized as barriers that inflate costs and delay practical learning. A prenuptial agreement is presented as potentially prudent when it protects both parties, but suspicious if used to evade responsibility. Property taxes are criticized as conceptually akin to renting from the government, while sales taxes are viewed as less distortive than income taxes. Campus activists shouting 'F the law' are used to illustrate a broader contempt for institutions and free speech on the left.

Data Points: Helix Sleep discount: up to $125 off - Sponsor offer for mattress orders via helixsleep.com/ben Helix trial period: 100 nights - Helix Sleep mattress trial guarantee USCCA gun giveaway chance: up to 17 chances - Promotion to win a gun daily during the week USCCA giveaway duration: every single day this week - Daily gun giveaway tied to April promotion Comey book timing: 1 year - Shapiro notes Comey waited about a year and got a book contract before publicizing claims Trump alleged affair payment: $30,000 - Reported payment by American Media Inc. to a doorman for a Trump story Trump alleged affair timeframe: 1980s - Reported rumor involving a maid and a child 2020 Democratic race comment: Joe Biden as most credible challenger - Shapiro contrasts Biden with Booker, Gillibrand, and Harris Millennial political lean: 55–21 Democrat over Republican - Shapiro cites this as a long-term warning sign for Republicans Medical training delay: 6 years - Listener says residency will not begin for six years Booker questioning topic: gay sex - Booker asks Pompeo whether gay sex is a perversion Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach: 7 commandments - Shapiro explains the Jewish view on non-Jews and salvation/heaven Ketubah amount: $10 million - Shapiro recounts a prenup-like marriage contract figure in his own ketubah

Pivotal Quotes: "There are no bombshells in former FBI director James Comey's new book." — Ben Shapiro: Opening critique of Comey’s memoir and the media reaction "Do you believe that gay sex is a perversion?" — Cory Booker: Question posed to Mike Pompeo during the confirmation hearing discussion "Your cacistocracy is collapsing after its lamentable journey." — John Brennan: Shapiro highlights Brennan’s ornate response to Trump’s attack on Comey

Implications: The episode reinforces a media- and culture-war lens on politics: Shapiro argues that narrative inflation, ideological litmus tests, and campus hostility are eroding trust in institutions and shaping the 2018–2020 political environment.