Ep. 999 - The Media Can’t Reade

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode argues that reopening the economy will inevitably increase COVID-19 deaths, but that some increase is acceptable given the severity of shutdown costs. It highlights expanding testing, antibody studies, and the Oxford vaccine as hopeful developments, while criticizing media, Hollywood, and Democrats for hypocrisy and bias—especially in coverage of Trump and Joe Biden's accuser.

Main Topics: COVID-19 reopening tradeoffs (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro contends that reopening will inevitably raise deaths, but that public policy must balance those deaths against economic collapse, unemployment, and the harms of prolonged lockdowns. Testing, contact tracing, and antibody research (Priority: 5/5): The show discusses state and federal testing expansion, asymptomatic testing, and antibody tests as useful but insufficient tools for fully suppressing the virus in the U.S. at current scale. Oxford vaccine breakthrough (Priority: 5/5): The strongest optimism in the episode comes from reports that Oxford's vaccine candidate produced promising monkey results and could potentially be available sooner than expected. Media credibility and White House coverage (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro attacks mainstream media for sensationalism, political posturing, and biased questions at press briefings, arguing this has destroyed trust in their COVID-19 reporting. Joe Biden/Tara Reade controversy and double standards (Priority: 4/5): He argues media outlets are downplaying new corroborating claims in Tara Reade's allegation against Biden, contrasting this with what he sees as harsher treatment of Republicans such as Brett Kavanaugh. Constitutional limits and government overreach (Priority: 3/5): The episode praises William Barr for reminding states that lockdowns must still respect the Constitution, especially religious liberty and free speech. Culture-war criticism of Hollywood (Priority: 3/5): Shapiro condemns Netflix/Hollywood for producing celebratory content about Michelle Obama while rarely honoring conservative figures, using it as evidence of ideological bias in entertainment.

Key Arguments: Coronavirus deaths will rise when Americans reopen, but that does not mean the economy can or should remain shut indefinitely. A realistic policy choice is not zero deaths versus safety, but how many additional deaths society is willing to accept to restore work and normal life. Testing and tracing are helpful, but the U.S. is too far into widespread transmission to replicate a South Korea-style reset without a long economic shutdown. Current public behavior suggests many Americans are already social distancing responsibly and will not rush into unsafe mass gatherings. The Oxford vaccine candidate is the most promising near-term path out of the crisis and could accelerate economic recovery if successful. Mainstream media coverage is biased toward political theater rather than useful public-health information, reducing public trust. The reporting on Tara Reade shows a sharp double standard: allegations against Biden receive softer framing than allegations against Republicans. Lockdown policies must remain subject to constitutional protections and not become a pretext for unlimited government power.

Data Points: U.S. COVID-19 deaths: more than 56,000 - The episode states the death toll had already surpassed this level by Tuesday morning. U.S. infections: over 1 million - Used to emphasize the scale of spread and difficulty of containment. Projected COVID-19 deaths: 60,000 to 74,000 - Shapiro cites updated University of Washington/IHME-style projections tied to reopening and distancing behavior. Projected deaths by August: 74,000 - Referenced as the updated forecast if people resume activity with some distancing. Typical daily deaths in the U.S.: 74,500 people a day typically die - Used in an argument comparing current COVID-19 death levels with overall mortality. COVID-19 infection fatality rate: roughly 0.3% to 0.6% - Shapiro argues the virus is less deadly than initial feared estimates but still significantly deadlier than flu. U.S. flu comparison: 0.1% infection fatality rate as a baseline - He frames COVID mortality in multiples of flu lethality. Survey sample size: 1,900 adults - Kelton Global survey on lockdown fatigue. Survey finding: 1 in 4 Americans already at breaking point - Cited as evidence that compliance with extended stay-at-home orders is waning. Survey expectation by mid-June: 72% expect to hit a breaking point - Used to argue lockdown endurance is limited. Survey on prolonged lockdown: 100% would snap if it lasts longer than six months - Shapiro uses this to underscore public exhaustion. Oxford vaccine trial size: more than 6,000 participants - Planned next phase of the Oxford vaccine testing program. Potential Oxford vaccine availability: first few million doses by September - Quoted as an optimistic estimate if emergency approval and efficacy hold. Monkey trial result: 6 of 6 rhesus macaques remained healthy - NIH Montana testing after exposure to the virus. Quest antibody test price: $119 or less with insurance - Commercial antibody testing announced by Quest Diagnostics. LA testing expansion: delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, taxi drivers - Example of asymptomatic testing for people likely to encounter many contacts. Georgia restaurant rules: 39 requirements - State reopening measures for dining establishments. Restaurant occupancy limit: 10 customers per 500 square feet - Part of Georgia's reopening guidelines. Federal spending: $7 trillion - Paul Krugman is quoted/criticized for downplaying deficit concerns during massive relief spending. Debt-to-GDP projection: 100% from 79% - CBO projection cited to argue debt is rising sharply.

Pivotal Quotes: "There is no scenario in which people go back out and start to socially distance and engage in meaningful economic activity, where the death rates don't go up." — Ben Shapiro: Core claim in the reopening discussion; he argues that reopening necessarily increases COVID deaths. "The Constitution also forbids discrimination against disfavored speech and undue interference with the national economy." — William Barr: Quoted while discussing DOJ limits on state lockdown authority. "Developments in allegations against Biden amplify efforts to question his behavior." — Washington Post headline cited in transcript: Used to criticize media framing of new corroboration in the Tara Reade story.

Implications: Listeners are pushed toward a reopening stance: accept some added COVID deaths, expand testing and antibodies, and prioritize economic recovery while demanding constitutional limits on state power. The episode also warns that media bias may permanently erode public trust.