Making Sense with Sam Harris – Episode #416: “More From Sam”: Biden's Big Lie, Review of Tapper Interview, Trump, & a Case Against Israel's Actions in Gaza

Release Date: May 23, 2025

In Episode #416 of Making Sense with Sam Harris, host Sam Harris engages in a robust and unfiltered discussion with guests Brett Weinstein, Eric Weinstein, Ben Shapiro, and Jake Tapper. The conversation delves deep into the current state of American politics, focusing on the perceived threats to democracy from both Democratic and Republican leadership, the media's role in political discourse, and contentious issues surrounding President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The episode is a blend of incisive analysis, heated debates, and poignant reflections on the direction of the United States.

1. The State of American Democracy

The podcast opens with a critical examination of the integrity of American democracy. The guests express concerns over actions by both political parties that may undermine democratic principles.

• Brett Weinstein initiates the conversation by contrasting concerns about Donald Trump’s refusal to ensure a peaceful transfer of power with what he perceives as a massive cover-up involving President Biden. He questions whether these situations genuinely threaten democracy or if they exemplify moments when democratic processes were not adequately upheld.

2. Biden’s Cognitive Deficits and the Democratic Cover-Up

A significant portion of the discussion centers on allegations regarding President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities and the Democratic Party’s alleged efforts to conceal these issues.

• Eric Weinstein asserts, “You have to ask the questions. Why would anyone prefer a nearly comatose president to Donald Trump? [02:53]” highlighting his preference for perceived incompetence over outright malfeasance.

• Ben Shapiro and Eric Weinstein delve into the Democratic Party’s handling of Biden’s candidacy, suggesting a deliberate cover-up. Shapiro remarks, “The level of delusion and hubris and... [01:25] dishonesty that birthed that project... [03:15]” indicating deep-seated issues within the party structure.

• Brett Weinstein expresses personal turmoil, stating, “I feel betrayed. I feel like I relied on many of those sources to get this information and get it right. And again, when I saw with my own eyes... [08:38]” underscoring the emotional impact of these revelations.

3. Media’s Role in Political Narratives

The conversation shifts to scrutinize the mainstream media’s role in shaping and sometimes obscuring political narratives.

• Ben Shapiro criticizes the media's failure to adequately report on Biden’s cognitive state, noting, “The media were... [03:28] not being more interested in just how far from Campos Mentis Biden has been...” [03:43]

• Jake Tapper is referenced regarding his book and reporting, with Eric Weinstein stating, “We know this from Jake and Alex's reporting in that book...” [04:40], emphasizing the depth of the alleged cover-up.

4. Donald Trump’s Corruption and Lies

The discussion intensifies as the guests pivot to former President Donald Trump, focusing on his actions and the broader implications for American governance.

• Eric Weinstein labels Trump’s behavior as “a sociopathic level of detachment from the real suffering he's causing...” [16:38], critiquing his disregard for due process and ethical governance.

• Ben Shapiro underscores the constitutional issues surrounding Trump, asserting, “Should be impeached for it... [12:57]” in reference to violations like the emoluments clause.

• Brett Weinstein and Eric Weinstein highlight specific incidents, such as Trump's involvement in questionable hotel deals and the mishandling of deportations, further painting a picture of systemic corruption.

5. Comparisons Between Democratic and Republican Failures

The guests draw parallels between the shortcomings of both major political parties, suggesting that both sides contribute to the erosion of democratic norms.

• Ben Shapiro points out longstanding issues within the Democratic Party, referencing figures like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, and lamenting the loss of progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders: “It screwed Bernie Sanders... [13:49]”

• Eric Weinstein adds, “All of that... [13:57]” acknowledging the cumulative damage to the Democratic machine over the years.

• Brett Weinstein questions the Democrats' strategy and its long-term ramifications: “I mean, it was a..." [06:28].

6. The Role of Advisors and Political Advisors

A critical look is taken at the advisors surrounding both Biden and Trump, examining their influence and accountability.

• Ben Shapiro demands accountability: “All we're gonna wanna know are the names of the people who have enabled... [08:07]”

• Eric Weinstein echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for consequences: “The people who covered for Biden... [08:19] ... have discredited themselves fatally.”

7. The Path Toward Potential Fascism

The conversation takes a darker turn as the guests discuss the alarming signs of authoritarianism creeping into American politics.

• Ben Shapiro warns, “Depolitizing agencies like the FBI... [14:25] ... is the road to fascism.”

• Eric Weinstein concurs, stating, “It's a sociopathic level of detachment... [16:50]” and elaborates on how actions taken by political leaders could institutionalize fascist tendencies.

8. Potential Solutions and Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, the guests ponder possible solutions and the future of American political integrity.

• Eric Weinstein contemplates, “I would rather have a president in a coma where the duties of the presidency are executed by a committee of just normal people.” [11:26], suggesting unconventional measures to restore sanity in leadership.

• Ben Shapiro emphasizes the importance of returning to foundational democratic principles: “I would return to the so-called swamp over what we have now and for good reason.” [13:39]

Notable Quotes

• Eric Weinstein on Biden's preference: “You have to ask the questions. Why would anyone prefer a nearly comatose president to Donald Trump?” [02:53]

• Brett Weinstein expressing betrayal: “I feel betrayed. I feel like I relied on many of those sources to get this information and get it right.” [08:38]

• Ben Shapiro on media's negligence: “The media were... not being more interested in just how far from Campos Mentis Biden has been...” [03:43]

• Eric Weinstein on Trump’s detachment: “It's a sociopathic level of detachment from the real suffering he's causing.” [16:38]

• Ben Shapiro on constitutional violations: “Should be impeached for it.” [12:57]

Conclusion

Episode #416 of Making Sense with Sam Harris offers a critical and comprehensive exploration of the tumultuous state of American politics. The guests provide passionate insights into the failures of both major political parties, the media’s complicity in obscuring the truth, and the dire consequences of such systemic issues on democracy. Through incisive analysis and fervent debate, the episode underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and a recommitment to democratic principles to steer the United States away from potential authoritarianism and restore faith in its political institutions.

For those interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed, subscribing to the full episodes of the Making Sense podcast is recommended. The podcast is ad-free and relies entirely on listener support. To subscribe, visit samharris.org.