Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – "Do you know more presidential trivia than Ben Shapiro?! | Vol 2"
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Platform: The Daily Wire
Introduction to Presidential Jeopardy
In the February 17, 2025 episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro engages his guests in a spirited game of presidential trivia, aptly titled "Presidential Jeopardy." Aimed at testing their knowledge of U.S. presidents, the segment is both educational and entertaining, blending serious historical facts with humorous banter.
Categories and Gameplay
Ben Shapiro introduces the game with a clear set of categories, setting the stage for a competitive yet informative session. The primary categories include:
- Scandals
- Presidential Deaths
- The White House
- First Ladies
- Founding Fathers
- Fast Facts
The gameplay involves posing Jeopardy-style clues, with guests Phil, Jess, Huff, and Doug competing to answer correctly. Each correct response earns points, while the competitive nature fosters engaging discussions and occasional humorous exchanges.
Scandals
The game kicks off with the "Scandals" category, delving into controversial moments from various presidencies. Notable discussions include:
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Bill Clinton's Affair:
Phil: "This president admitted to having an affair during his second term as president."
Ben Shapiro [00:34]: "Who is Bill Clinton?"
Phil confirms the correct answer, adding historical context. -
Grover Cleveland's Affair:
Ben acknowledges that Cleveland also had an affair during his presidency, showcasing the nuanced nature of presidential scandals. -
Joe Biden and Military Equipment:
Phil: "President Joe Biden left billions of dollars in military equipment after withdrawing troops from this country."
Ben Shapiro [01:18]: "Where is Afghanistan?"
Phil praises the correct response, highlighting recent geopolitical issues. -
Jimmy Carter and Queen Elizabeth:
The clue about Jimmy Carter kissing Queen Elizabeth sparks Ben's surprise and amusement.
Jess [01:40]: "Peanuts."
Ben humorously misattributes the scandal, reflecting on Carter's personal admissions:
Ben Shapiro [01:43]: "He did say that he had sinned in his own mind many times. So weird." -
George H.W. Bush and Broccoli:
Phil: "President George H.W. bush caused quite a stir with many of the nation's farmers when he stated his dislike over this certain vegetable."
Ben Shapiro [02:06]: "What is broccoli?"
Adam: "No, it's broccoli."
Ben reflects on the triviality of some scandals compared to major historical events like Teapot Dome. -
Warren G. Harding and Teapot Dome:
The discussion shifts to the significant Teapot Dome scandal during Warren G. Harding's presidency.
Ben Shapiro [02:38]: "Who is Warren G. Harding?"
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [00:28]: “Okay, why don't we start with scandals, since that's what people want to get to first, probably.”
Presidential Deaths
Transitioning to "Presidential Deaths," Ben and his guests explore the untimely passings of several U.S. presidents. Highlights include:
-
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams:
Both presidents, principal authors of the Declaration of Independence, notably died on July 4, 1826.
Ben Shapiro [03:05]: “Who is Thomas Jefferson?”
Huff: "That's like the Notebook." -
William Henry Harrison:
Harrison's short-lived presidency, lasting only one month due to illness, is discussed.
Ben Shapiro [03:51]: "Who is President William Henry Harrison?" -
James Monroe and Zachary Taylor:
The death dates and circumstances surrounding these presidents are examined, with Ben demonstrating impressive recall.
Ben Shapiro [04:28]: "Who is James Monroe?"
Ben Shapiro [05:01]: "Who is Zachary Taylor?"
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [03:22]: “That's like the Notebook.”
Founding Fathers
In the "Founding Fathers" category, the focus shifts to the architects of American independence and their contributions:
-
Founding Fathers' Education:
Doug: "Of the founding Fathers who became president, this one did not attend college."
Ben Shapiro [07:47]: "Who is George Washington?" -
James Hoban and the White House Design:
The episode touches upon the architect behind the White House, Armstrong's architectural legacy.
Jess [09:47]: "It was James Hoban."
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [07:14]: “There are a lot of main guys. That is 100% subjective.”
First Ladies
The segment on "First Ladies" delves into the lives and impacts of those who have held the nation's highest office alongside their spouses:
-
Abigail Adams:
Adam: "This was the first first lady to live in the White House."
Ben Shapiro [10:04]: "Who was Abigail Adams?" -
Non-Native First Ladies:
Discussion on first ladies born outside the United States, highlighting Melania Trump and Louisa Adams.
Ben Shapiro [10:26]: "Who's Melania Trump?"
Jess: "She was born in London." -
First First Lady to Drive:
Doug: "This is the first first lady to own and drive a car."
Ben Shapiro [11:32]: "Who is Eleanor Roosevelt?"
After multiple attempts, he correctly identifies Edith Wilson.
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [10:22]: "He's total. It is a massive downgrade from Mar a Lago."
The White House
Exploring the iconic residence of the U.S. presidency, Ben and his guests tackle questions about its history and features:
-
Design and Architecture:
Jess: "The White House was designed by this Irish American architect after he won the Design competition in 1792."
Ben Shapiro [09:47]: "Who was James Hoban?" -
Number of Rooms:
Jess: "There are this many rooms in the White House."
Ben Shapiro [09:28]: "Over 100, 132."
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [09:24]: "They're all tiny. I've been there. It's like a tiny person's house."
Fast Facts
The "Fast Facts" category brings rapid-fire questions about presidential trivia, showcasing Ben's breadth of knowledge:
-
Youngest President:
Huff: "This man was the youngest president taking office at the age of 42."
Ben Shapiro [12:16]: "Who is Teddy Roosevelt?" -
The $500 Bill:
Huff: "This president appeared on the $500 bill, which was discontinued in 1969."
Ben Shapiro [12:30]: "Who is William McKinley?" -
Presidential Athletics:
Huff: "A star football player at the University of Michigan, this president turned down offers from both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers."
Ben Shapiro [13:33]: "Who is Gerald Ford?" -
Gerald Ford's Athletics and SNL Portrayal:
Ben humorously critiques Saturday Night Live's portrayal of Ford, emphasizing his actual athletic prowess.
Ben Shapiro [13:42]: "He's probably the most physically adept president in the history of all the presidents."
Notable Quote:
Ben Shapiro [12:43]: "In honor of Donald Trump, I have to get the McKinley $500 bill. That's cool."
Advertisements and Sponsorships
Interspersed within the game are sponsorship segments promoting Home Title Lock, emphasizing the importance of protecting home equity from scams. Ben highlights the services offered and shares a personal endorsement:
Ben Shapiro [05:22]: “Our own senior video editor, Adam, trusts them to protect his home. You can too.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the game concludes, Ben reflects on his performance with a mix of humor and humility:
Ben Shapiro [14:05]: “I played against nobody, so yeah, that was great.”
Jess: “We still want you to play against your dad one day.”
Ben Shapiro [14:08]: “My dad might crush me at this.”
Ben wraps up the segment by acknowledging the fun and educational nature of the game, inviting listeners to engage in similar trivia challenges.
Final Quote:
Ben Shapiro [14:25]: “I've tried the other leg.”
Key Takeaways
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Educational Entertainment: The episode successfully combines presidential trivia with engaging discussions, making history accessible and entertaining.
-
Guest Dynamics: The playful interactions among Ben and his guests add a lively dynamic, enhancing listener enjoyment.
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Humorous Insights: Ben's humorous takes on historical events and modern-day references provide a unique blend of education and comedy.
Conclusion
In "Do you know more presidential trivia than Ben Shapiro?! | Vol 2," Ben Shapiro delivers an informative and entertaining exploration of U.S. presidential history through a competitive game format. By blending factual knowledge with witty banter, the episode serves both as a fun quiz and a deep dive into the lesser-known aspects of America's leaders. Whether you're a history buff or a casual listener, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs.