Ep. 635 - The End Of Civility

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode argues that Democrats, especially Hillary Clinton, have embraced mob-style political rage and civility-stripping rhetoric after the Kavanaugh fight, while the media deny or minimize it. Shapiro links this polarization to electoral backlash, then pivots to a broader conservative case that America remains prosperous and that cultural fear-mongering—especially around sexual assault—has gone too far, illustrated by campus Title IX cases and a viral anti-Kavanaugh song.

Main Topics: Democratic rage and the collapse of civility (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro frames Hillary Clinton and other Democrats as openly rejecting civility and legitimizing intimidation, protests, and mob tactics against political opponents. Media gaslighting on 'mob' politics (Priority: 5/5): He criticizes CNN and other outlets for denying that left-wing protests and harassment constitute mob behavior, arguing that the media selectively recognize only right-wing mobs. Kavanaugh backlash and political polarization (Priority: 5/5): The show connects the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation battle to rising partisan hatred, arguing that Democratic escalation energized Republicans and may help GOP midterm prospects. America’s living standards and gratitude (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro argues that despite claims of wage stagnation, Americans are materially better off than in 1979 due to cheaper goods, better products, and expanded benefits, and should be more grateful. Campus sexual misconduct and due process (Priority: 5/5): A UC Davis case involving a student named James is used to argue that Title IX processes can impose major costs and reputational harm even when accusations are weak or mutually consensual. Fear politics and the Kavanaugh/gender narrative (Priority: 4/5): He criticizes a viral song and the broader left-wing narrative that women’s vulnerability justifies dismissing men’s due-process concerns about false accusations. Political entertainment and media spectacles (Priority: 2/5): The episode closes with criticism of recurring media obsession with Stormy Daniels and praise for a Netflix Medal of Honor series as a more constructive cultural product.

Key Arguments: Democrats have normalized rage, intimidation, and public harassment as political tools, then call for civility only when they regain power. Mainstream media selectively redefine or deny obvious mob behavior when it comes from the left, while obsessing over isolated right-wing extremism. The Kavanaugh controversy and similar tactics likely backfired electorally by reactivating Republican voters and increasing anti-Democratic sentiment. Claims that Americans are economically worse off since 1979 ignore non-wage benefits, falling prices for consumer goods, and improved product quality. Housing, education, and healthcare are major cost pressures, but these are attributed largely to regulation rather than free markets. The UC Davis Title IX case shows that even consensual or ambiguous encounters can impose severe legal and financial burdens on accused students. Women’s safety concerns are real, but they do not logically justify presuming guilt in sexual-assault accusations or dismissing due process for men. The broader cultural mood of anger is destabilizing and could contribute to real-world violence or political retaliation.

Data Points: Martha McSally polling shift: from down 5-7 points to up 6 points - Used to illustrate Republican improvement in Arizona after the Kavanaugh saga Phil Bredesen polling position: down into the 30s - Tennessee Senate race described as swinging toward Marsha Blackburn Jonathan Haidt polarization chart: Since 1980; Democrats hated Republicans more than Republicans hated Democrats until 2016 - Presented as evidence that Democratic partisan animus historically exceeded Republican animus Average hourly earnings in 1979 (2015 dollars): $21.20 - Adjusted wage comparison for production and nonsupervisory workers Average hourly earnings in 2015: $21.18 - Used to show nominal wage stagnation over time Real GDP growth: 149% - Cited from Economic Policy Institute context to contrast with wage stagnation Net productivity growth: 64% - Used to argue economic gains existed even if wages lagged Non-wage benefits share: 30-40% of workers' earnings - Estimate of the value of benefits beyond cash wages University of California, Davis legal fees: $12,000 - Cost incurred by James defending himself in the Title IX proceeding Watch/viral song views: 5 million views - Mercedes Lenz song about women’s fears and men’s silence Credit card consolidation limit: up to 40 grand - LendingClub promotional detail for personal loans Daily Wire subscription price: $99 - Promotion tied to access to bonus content and merchandise

Pivotal Quotes: "The time for civility is over." — Hillary Clinton: Clinton argues Democrats should stop being civil with Republicans until they win back power "You cannot be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for, what you care about." — Hillary Clinton: Her justification for rejecting civility toward Republicans "I feel that there's going to be an assassination. I really worry that someone is going to be killed." — Rand Paul: Paul warns that escalating rhetoric could lead to political violence

Implications: The episode argues that escalating partisan rage is politically costly, socially corrosive, and potentially dangerous. It urges skepticism toward media narratives, stronger protection for due process, and a more grateful, less apocalyptic view of America.