Ep. 707 - Whoops, They Said It Out Loud

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on Ben Shapiro’s critique of Democratic Party shifts, especially late-term abortion legislation in Virginia and what he frames as a broader devaluation of unborn life. He also argues Democrats are overreacting to Howard Schultz’s independent presidential bid because it threatens their leftward drift. The show closes with commentary on Jussie Smollett’s case and media bias, plus ads and lighter cultural recommendations.

Main Topics: Democratic abortion policy and late-term abortion (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues that Democrats have embraced abortion rights up to birth, citing Virginia legislation, Kathy Tran’s comments, and Ralph Northam’s response as evidence that the party now treats near-term fetuses as morally disposable. Critique of the left’s priorities and moral framing (Priority: 4/5): He contrasts the left’s alarm over climate change with what he sees as its indifference to abortion, arguing that human evil—not weather—is the true moral crisis. Howard Schultz and the threat of a centrist independent (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro analyzes Schultz’s possible independent run as a challenge to Democrats, arguing that the party’s attack on Schultz reflects fear of a moderate alternative that could split the vote. Intersectionality and class/identity politics (Priority: 4/5): He criticizes the Democratic tendency to dismiss success stories like Schultz’s as privilege-based while elevating identity over individual biography, arguing this logic distorts political reality. Electoral realignment and demographic assumptions (Priority: 3/5): Shapiro contends Democrats wrongly assume minority voters will naturally move left, and that more religious or culturally conservative minority communities may not support increasingly secular, socialist policies. Jussie Smollett case and media credulity (Priority: 3/5): He questions the plausibility of Smollett’s alleged hate-crime account and criticizes media outlets for amplifying the accusation before facts were established. Personal updates, ads, and media recommendations (Priority: 2/5): The episode includes brief personal updates on Shapiro’s family health, multiple sponsor spots, a Netflix recommendation for Travelers, and promotional reminders for Daily Wire subscriptions and other products.

Key Arguments: Democrats have moved beyond restricting abortion to allowing abortion up to the moment of birth, which Shapiro frames as morally equivalent to infanticide. Kathy Tran’s exchange in the Virginia legislature is presented as clear evidence that a doctor could perform a late-term abortion even when a woman is dilating and about to give birth. Ralph Northam’s defense is portrayed as inconsistent with the bill’s actual language and as further proof of Democratic willingness to normalize killing near-term babies. The left’s focus on climate change is criticized as disproportionate compared with its tolerance for abortion and other forms of what Shapiro views as moral destruction. Howard Schultz’s independent bid is dangerous to Democrats because it offers voters a non-radical alternative and reveals that anti-Trump sentiment does not automatically translate into support for socialism. Intersectional ideology allows Democrats to dismiss a self-made success like Schultz as privileged while protecting members of favored identity groups from criticism. Democrats wrongly assume minority voters are naturally aligned with far-left positions; Shapiro argues many minority voters are more culturally conservative than the white progressive base. The Jussie Smollett story demonstrates how media and political narratives can rush to judgment when allegations fit an existing anti-Trump storyline.

Data Points: Late-term abortion restriction: None at any time in DNC platform - Shapiro says the Democratic National Committee platform has no abortion limits. Virginia bill standard: Any harm at all - He describes the proposed Virginia legislation as allowing late-term abortion for any physical or mental health issue, even temporary ones. Kathy Tran question: Through the third trimester / to the end of the third trimester - Tran is quoted saying the bill would allow abortion late into pregnancy, including when a woman is dilating. Demographic estimate: 66% - Shapiro states whites are declining to 66% of the U.S. vote in 2020 projections. Minority voting shift: More Hispanic than black voters in 2020 - He notes changing demographics in the electorate. Schultz polling: 25% to low 30s - Interior polling cited for a generic centrist independent option. Trump support in Schultz polling: 29% to 30% - He cites polling in which Trump is consistently near 30% against a centrist independent. Warren support in Schultz polling: 26% to 30% - Polling cited to show a three-way split in a possible general election. Republican support for Trump in polling: Around 70% - He cites strong Republican loyalty in the same survey data. Schultz business scale: $84 billion corporation - Shapiro references Starbucks as an enormous success story linked to Schultz. Schultz early life: Grew up in federally subsidized housing - Used to argue Schultz’s story is rags-to-riches rather than privileged.

Pivotal Quotes: "“These are done with the consent of, obviously, the mother... So in this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable.”" — Ralph Northam: Northam’s explanation of what happens if a baby is born alive during a late-term abortion discussion. "“The left has the same perspective about human babies that slave owners used to have about black folks in the United States.”" — Ben Shapiro: His moral analogy used to criticize how the left distinguishes personhood based on location/birth canal. "“Democrats are becoming the party of late term abortion, high taxes, open borders and crime.”" — Ben Shapiro: He identifies this as Trump’s most effective 2020 campaign message.

Implications: The episode argues Democrats are exposing a radical image that could alienate moderates, religious minorities, and independents. Schultz-style centrism may split the electorate, while abortion politics and identity politics remain potent fault lines in future elections.