Episode Summary
Executive Summary: Ben Shapiro frames the episode around Donald Trump’s dishonesty, arguing that Trump’s campaign lies about polling, women, and controversies like Corey Lewandowski’s alleged battery of Michelle Fields. He contrasts Trump’s and Hillary Clinton’s ethical failings, criticizes Democratic hypocrisy on Clinton, briefly reviews Batman v Superman positively, and dismisses John Kasich’s claim that he can still win the GOP nomination.
Main Topics: Trump’s polling weakness despite rhetoric of dominance (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues Trump falsely presents himself as an inevitable winner, while actual polling shows him trailing Clinton broadly and performing poorly among women and black voters. Corey Lewandowski / Michelle Fields incident (Priority: 5/5): The show focuses on the newly released video and Shapiro’s claim that it confirms Lewandowski grabbed Fields, proving the Trump campaign lied in denying the incident. Trump campaign dishonesty and smear tactics (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro says the Trump operation repeatedly lies, including attacks tied to the National Enquirer Cruz affair story and the Heidi Cruz tweet, then lies again to deny responsibility. Hillary Clinton and Democratic hypocrisy (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro argues Democrats tolerate Clinton’s dishonesty and corruption for power, contrasting that with conservative claims of principle and rule of law. Media/political commentary on Trump vs. Clinton ethics (Priority: 4/5): The episode broadens into a moral critique of both major candidates, portraying Trump as a liar and Clinton as equally or more corrupt. Entertainment and culture: Batman v Superman review (Priority: 2/5): Shapiro offers a favorable review, praising its darker tone, fidelity to DC comics, and rejecting criticism that it is too moody or sincere. John Kasich’s continued campaign (Priority: 3/5): He ridicules Kasich’s assertion that others should consolidate behind him despite his delegate deficit and unlikely path to the nomination.
Key Arguments: Trump’s claim that he is a decisive winner is contradicted by polling showing him behind Clinton in nearly every major survey cited. The video of Corey Lewandowski and Michelle Fields supports Fields’ account and shows the Trump campaign lied when denying physical contact. Trump’s campaign culture rewards thuggery and smear tactics, then denies responsibility when exposed. The National Enquirer Cruz-affair story was likely tied to Trump allies and used as a dirty-tricks smear, despite Trump’s denial. Hillary Clinton is portrayed as equally dishonest and corrupt, but Democrats overlook this because they prioritize power over principle. Republicans and Democrats should reject candidates who violate basic decency and legality, rather than excuse misconduct for strategic advantage. Batman v Superman is defended as a serious, comic-faithful DC film that critics unfairly rejected for being dark. John Kasich’s claim that he can still win is treated as mathematically delusional given his delegate position.
Data Points: Polls since last July: 50 total polls - Shapiro says Trump has won only five and tied two. Trump’s success in those polls: 5 wins, 2 ties out of 50 - Used to argue Trump is not actually winning the race overall. Trump negative rating among women: 70% negative - Cited from the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. White women margin vs. Clinton: Trump loses by 10 points - Shapiro contrasts this with Romney’s past performance. Suburban women margin vs. Clinton: Trump loses by 30 points - Used to illustrate Trump’s weak gender performance. Romney’s white women margin: Won by 14 points - Historical contrast to Trump. Black support outlier: 25% - One September 2015 outlier poll mentioned for Trump. February black support figures: 10%, 7%, 12%, 11%, 4%, 10% - Series of polls cited to show Trump’s low support among black voters. Margin of error in one black-support poll: 9% - Shapiro notes Trump could have been as low as 1%. Margin of error in another black-support poll: 10% - Used to emphasize uncertainty but still weak support. Hillary Clinton primary votes: About 9 million - Compared against Trump’s 7.8 million primary votes. Donald Trump primary votes: 7.8 million - Shapiro argues Trump is not producing a massive new coalition. Ohio polling cited: Clinton +6, Clinton +5, Clinton +7 - Latest polls mentioned for Ohio. Florida polling cited: Clinton +8, Clinton +7, Trump +1 - Used to show Trump’s only recent bright spot is still narrow. New York polling cited: Clinton +19 - Statewide poll cited as evidence Trump is weak in blue states. Michigan polling cited: Clinton +11 - Part of the state-by-state polling rundown. North Carolina polling cited: Clinton +2 - Shown as another competitive state not comfortably in Trump’s column. Virginia polling cited: Clinton +17 - Used to show Trump is far behind in another key state. Utah polling cited: Clinton +2 - Presented as surprising evidence of weakness even in Utah. Arizona polling cited: Tie - Trump only ties Clinton in a border state. Democratic debate stance cited: $4 million in negative ads before March 15 - Used to criticize Sanders campaign negativity and Clinton’s complaint about tone. Kasich delegate position: Fewer delegates than Marco Rubio - Used to mock his continued candidacy despite Rubio being out of the race.
Pivotal Quotes: "Donald Trump is a huge, ginormous, huge winner." — Ben Shapiro: Opening sarcastic line mocking Trump’s self-presentation versus polling reality. "The pattern from the Trump campaign: First, you lie about something. Then you lie that you lied about it. And then you lie that you lied about it." — Ben Shapiro: Summary of his critique of the campaign’s handling of Michelle Fields, Cruz smear stories, and Heidi Cruz tweets. "How about decency for everybody?" — Ben Shapiro: Closing appeal urging voters to reject candidates and campaigns that excuse dishonesty and abuse.
Implications: Listeners are urged to judge candidates by honesty and basic decency, not partisan loyalty. The episode frames 2016 as a test of whether voters will excuse obvious misconduct from Trump or Clinton for perceived political gain.
About The Ben Shapiro Show
Tired of the lies? Tired of the spin? Are you ready to hear the hard-hitting truth in comprehensive, conservative, principled fashion? The Ben Shapiro Show brings you all the news you need to know in the most fast moving daily program in America. Ben brutally breaks down the culture and never gives an inch! Monday thru Friday.