Ep. 618 - The Molehunt Is On!

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode is a rapid-fire critique of Washington and media chaos: an anonymous anti-Trump New York Times op-ed is framed as self-serving “deep state” theater, the Kavanaugh hearings are dismissed as partisan grandstanding by Democrats like Booker and Harris, and Alex Jones’ Hill appearance is used to illustrate the incentives of outrage media. The show also attacks social-media censorship, corporate political signaling, and performative activism in politics and branding.

Main Topics: Anonymous New York Times op-ed and the ‘resistance’ inside Trump’s administration (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues the anonymous op-ed is disingenuous, self-protective, and designed to trigger a White House mole hunt rather than inform the public. He says it confirms two-track governance: Trump says one thing while staff steer policy another way. Brett Kavanaugh hearings as partisan theater (Priority: 5/5): The hearing is portrayed as a scripted arena for Democrats to perform for 2020 rather than seriously evaluate Kavanaugh. Shapiro says Kavanaugh skillfully avoids answering confirmation-bait questions while Democrats seek viral moments. Cory Booker’s ‘Spartacus’ moment and document release (Priority: 4/5): Booker is ridiculed for violating committee rules to release Kavanaugh-related documents, presenting himself as a martyr while allegedly revealing little of substance and inadvertently undermining his own attack. Kamala Harris’ line of questioning (Priority: 4/5): Harris is described as more effective than Booker but still grandstanding, especially in questions about abortion and alleged ties between Kavanaugh and Trump lawyers that Shapiro says are flimsy. Alex Jones on Capitol Hill and the media’s incentive structure (Priority: 4/5): Jones’ confrontation with Marco Rubio is used to argue that the media and politicians amplify fringe figures by rewarding spectacle. Shapiro notes he opposes deplatforming without a clear standard, but thinks Jones is outrageous and attention-seeking. Big Tech censorship and platform responsibility (Priority: 4/5): A Senate hearing with Twitter and Facebook is used to discuss whether platforms are acting as neutral carriers or editorial publishers. Shapiro argues they should have clear, articulable rules if they are policing speech unevenly. Corporate virtue signaling and political branding (Priority: 3/5): The episode criticizes Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad and Levi’s gun-control donation as examples of companies using politics to sell products and appeal to socially conscious consumers.

Key Arguments: The anonymous op-ed is less a public service than a self-protective move by a senior staffer seeking later praise, media contracts, and a safe exit. The op-ed validates long-standing claims that Trump’s administration often runs on two tracks: Trump’s public rhetoric and staff implementation are not the same. Kavanaugh hearings are largely designed for partisan performance, since nominees are trained not to answer hypothetical or case-specific questions. Cory Booker’s document release was self-conscious grandstanding that weakened his own message and accidentally showed Kavanaugh’s non-racist policy reasoning. Kamala Harris’ questioning aimed at viral confrontation rather than substantive constitutional inquiry. Alex Jones should not be banned without a clear standard, but media attention and political engagement only increase his influence. Big Tech’s moderation practices are opaque and inconsistent; if they act like publishers, they should be treated like publishers. Corporate political campaigns increasingly function as signaling devices to consumers rather than neutral business decisions.

Data Points: Anonymous op-ed publication: 1 New York Times anonymous op-ed - Central controversy discussed at the start of the episode. Trump administration leadership: Senior official (unnamed) - The op-ed author is described as a senior official whose identity is known to the Times. Judicial hearing target: Brett Kavanaugh - The Senate confirmation hearing is the main legal/political topic. Committee confidential documents released: 1 batch of emails/documents - Cory Booker publicly released classified/committee-confidential Kavanaugh material. Booker’s self-description: “I am Spartacus” - Booker likens himself to the film character while announcing his rule violation. Kasowitz law firm size: 266 attorneys - Used by Shapiro to mock Harris’ question about whether Kavanaugh spoke to anyone from the firm. Black Rifle Coffee discount: 15% off - Sponsor promotion for listeners. Movement watch discount: 15% off - Sponsor promotion for listeners. Blinds.com promo: 20% off everything - Sponsor promotion with promo code Ben. Dollar Shave Club starter set: $5 - Sponsor promotion for starter sets. Daily Wire annual subscription: $99 a year - Promoted as a cheaper annual option including a tumbler. Daily Wire monthly subscription: $9.99 a month - Promoted as access to full shows and mailbag.

Pivotal Quotes: "This is why many Trump appointees have vowed to do what we can to preserve our democratic institutions while thwarting Mr. Trump’s more misguided impulses until he’s out of office." — Anonymous op-ed author: Core claim from the New York Times op-ed that Shapiro says reveals a resistance inside the administration. "This is about the closest I’ll probably ever have in my life to an I am Spartacus moment." — Cory Booker: Booker explains his decision to violate committee rules and release confidential Kavanaugh documents. "The New York Times and CNN and all of these phony media outlets will be out of business, folks." — Donald Trump: Trump’s reaction to the anonymous op-ed and the media coverage around it.

Implications: The episode argues that media, politics, and corporate branding increasingly reward performance over substance. Expect more partisan spectacle, opaque tech moderation fights, and public distrust of institutions seen as hypocritical or self-serving.