Ep. 92 - Hillary Is Anti-Israel, Obama Is Pro-Cuba, Is Anybody Pro-America?

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on Ben Shapiro’s critique of Hillary Clinton’s pro-Israel rhetoric, President Obama’s Cuba trip as a legitimizing gesture toward a communist regime, and Donald Trump’s rise as a reaction to media and Republican establishment failures. Shapiro argues that rhetoric, not records, is misleading, that the left romanticizes tyranny and poverty, and that conservatism must not abandon principle for anger or electability.

Main Topics: Hillary Clinton and AIPAC (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues Clinton’s warm AIPAC speech masks a long record he characterizes as anti-Israel, citing the Iran deal, criticism of Israel’s actions, and her ties to Sidney Blumenthal. AIPAC’s Political Inconsistency (Priority: 5/5): He criticizes AIPAC as insufficiently pro-Israel and too accommodating to Democrats, saying it fails to pressure politicians when Israel and Democratic priorities conflict. Obama’s Cuba Visit (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro frames Obama’s trip as a humiliation for the U.S. and a propaganda win for the Castro regime, emphasizing repression of dissidents, Che Guevara imagery, and media romanticization of Cuba. Media Romanticization of Authoritarianism (Priority: 4/5): He condemns outlets like the New York Times, ESPN, and Time for soft-pedaling communist repression and portraying poverty or dictatorship as culturally rich or morally complex. Trump, Protests, and Political Violence (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro discusses Trump-supporter violence, Trump’s response to protests, and the broader normalization of political intimidation on both left and right. Conservatism, Principle, and Backlash (Priority: 5/5): He warns that Trump is a backlash candidate created by media double standards and Republican weakness, but argues conservatives must preserve rule-of-law principles rather than embrace raw anger. Rule of Law as a Civic Safeguard (Priority: 4/5): Using A Man for All Seasons, Shapiro defends legal restraint against expedient mob action, arguing civilization depends on law even against perceived enemies.

Key Arguments: Hillary Clinton’s pro-Israel statements are presented as rhetoric that conflicts with her record, which Shapiro describes as hostile to Israel. AIPAC is criticized for claiming bipartisanship while allegedly protecting Democrats over Israel when tensions arise. Obama’s Cuba policy is said to legitimize a repressive communist regime while weakening America’s moral standing. The media are accused of sanitizing dictators and romanticizing poverty, thereby normalizing authoritarian ideology. Trump’s rise is portrayed as a reaction to years of left-wing violence tolerance and establishment conservatism, but Shapiro says reaction is not enough. Violence and suppression of speech are condemned regardless of target; both left and right lose legitimacy when they endorse it. Conservatives should not sacrifice principle for a candidate who merely channels anger; preserving rule of law matters more than short-term victory.

Data Points: AIPAC attendance: tens of thousands - Shapiro says the annual AIPAC convention draws very large crowds. Obama administration timeline: 8 years - He references Obama’s long-running foreign policy approach and apology tour. Iran deal economic impact: $100 billion a year - Shapiro claims the deal provides large annual economic growth to Iran. Supreme Court nominee reference: Merrick Garland - Used as an example in a constitutional norms discussion and GOP Senate strategy. Trump polling concern: possible loss in Utah - Shapiro cites a poll suggesting Trump could lose even in heavily Republican Utah. Demographic claim: people 50 years old and older - Trump says many potential voters at rallies have never voted before, including older first-time voters. Historical threshold: more than a half century - New York Times coverage of U.S.-Cuba hostility before Obama’s visit. Time span referenced: 10 years - Shapiro compares Hillary Clinton’s pro-Israel rhetoric from 2005 to 2016. Cuba protest arrests: dozens - The New York Times reports arrests of Ladies in White demonstrators before Obama’s arrival. Media/party comparison: 40 percent - Shapiro references defectors as a significant share of Republicans unwilling to support Trump.

Pivotal Quotes: "If you cut down all the laws, and the devil turns round on you, where would you hide, Roper?" — Paul Schofield as Sir Thomas More: Quoted from A Man for All Seasons to argue for rule of law over expedient morality. "The people are more alive because they're poor, you see." — Ben Shapiro: Used sarcastically to criticize media romanticization of Cuban poverty and socialism. "Conservatives ought not participate in it." — Ben Shapiro: His conclusion that Republicans should not abandon principles in response to Trump or the left.

Implications: Listeners are urged to judge politicians by records, not speeches, and to reject both authoritarian apologetics and political violence. Shapiro warns that conservative credibility depends on preserving law, principle, and intellectual consistency, even under pressure to rally behind anger-driven politics.