The Ben Shapiro Show - Ep. 2088: Joe and Mika Bend the Knee

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Ben Shapiro
Platform: The Daily Wire

Introduction: The Unexpected Reconciliation with Donald Trump

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by discussing the surprising reunion between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of Morning Joe with former President Donald Trump. This reconciliation marks a significant shift from their previously adversarial relationship, especially considering their pivotal role in Trump's 2016 Republican nomination.

Key Points:

• Historical Context (00:00 - 01:34): Shapiro traces Joe and Mika's journey from being major supporters of Trump during his rise to deliberately antagonistic critics during his presidency.

  Ben Shapiro (00:00): "Joe and Mika of Morning Joe ... were largely responsible for Donald Trump receiving the Republican nomination."

• Current Reconciliation (04:58 - 05:49): The duo visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence to "restart communications," citing a need for open dialogue despite past disagreements.

  Mika Brzezinski (05:09): "We talked about a lot of issues... and it's going to come as no surprise... we didn't see eye to eye on a lot of issues."

Legacy Media's Inconsistency and Betrayal

Shapiro criticizes Joe and Mika for their abrupt shift from staunch Trump allies to fierce opponents, arguing that such inconsistency undermines the credibility of legacy media.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro (06:28): "They have to maintain that they are just doing this for the sake of their journalistic objectivity."

• Ben Shapiro (08:00): "The legacy media led the Democratic Party into a box canyon and now they are stuck there."

Democrats' Struggles and Media Backlash

The episode delves into the Democratic Party's ongoing challenges, highlighting their inability to reconnect with white working-class voters and the repercussions of their shifting narratives.

Key Points:

• Election Outcomes (13:27 - 14:33): Shapiro references the New York Times on Democrats losing more ground in blue-collar areas, exacerbated by mishandling of key issues like immigration and economic policies.

• Internal Conflicts (38:19 - 38:24): Discussion on Democratic leaders like Rubin Gallego struggling to redefine the party's future amidst internal disagreements.

Immigration and National Security

A significant portion of the discussion centers on upcoming immigration policies under the Trump administration and critiques of the Biden administration's prior approach.

Key Points:

• Trump's Immigration Plans (19:00 - 22:13): Shapiro anticipates Trump's aggressive stance on illegal immigration, including mass deportations and the use of military assets.

  Ben Shapiro (20:14): "Apparent plans include ending the parole program for undocumented immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."

• Biden's Legacy (21:48 - 22:13): Critique of Biden's handling of immigration and his policies leading to what Shapiro describes as a "giant, wide open border."

Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Foreign Policy

Shapiro analyzes the Biden administration's strategies in handling the Ukraine conflict, juxtaposing them with anticipated Trump approaches.

Key Points:

• Biden's Strategy (25:00 - 31:21): Shapiro criticizes Biden's method of gradual escalation in Ukraine, comparing it unfavorably to what he predicts Trump will do.

  Ben Shapiro (29:00): "Joe Biden pursued ... a strategy of graduated escalation... That's a pretty bad strategy."

• Trump's Potential Approach (31:21 - 31:46): While acknowledging concerns about Trump potentially cutting military support, Shapiro remains optimistic about Trump's ability to negotiate effectively.

  Ben Shapiro (31:46): "Trump has never actually articulated the idea that he's going to fully cut off military support to Ukraine."

Cultural and Social Issues

The show addresses the Democratic Party's focus on social issues, particularly transgender rights, and how it affects their political standing.

Key Points:

• Transgender Rights Debate (37:00 - 38:24): Shapiro argues that Democrats' emphasis on transgender issues alienates a significant portion of the electorate.

  Ben Shapiro (38:24): "Three quarters of voters say it should be illegal to subject children to transgender medical interventions."

• Polling Data (38:16 - 38:27): Reference to polls showing majority opposition to transgender medical interventions for minors across both major political parties.

International Relations and Sanctions

The episode covers U.S. foreign policy moves, particularly sanctions against Israeli organizations and their implications.

Key Points:

• Sanctions on Amana (39:00 - 43:03): Shapiro critiques the Biden administration's sanctions on Israeli settler groups, labeling them as misguided and harmful to U.S.-Israel relations.

  Ben Shapiro (41:45): "The Biden administration sanctions list ... was built with the support of anti-Israel non-governmental organizations including the Muslim Brotherhood."

• Pope Francis's Statements (43:03 - 44:00): Discussion on Pope Francis calling for a genocide investigation in Gaza, which Shapiro dismisses as "absurdity."

Conclusion: Media Integrity and Political Future

Shapiro wraps up the episode by reflecting on the integrity of legacy media and the future political landscape as Donald Trump prepares for office.

Key Points:

• Media Credibility (44:00 - End): Emphasis on how the inconsistencies and perceived betrayals by legacy media have eroded public trust.

• Trump's Return (45:00 - End): Optimism about Trump's potential to rectify current policies and restore media integrity.

Notable Quotes:

1. Ben Shapiro (00:00):
   "Joe and Mika of Morning Joe ... were largely responsible for Donald Trump receiving the Republican nomination."

2. Joe Scarborough (02:13):
   "Donald Trump keeps talking about how America sucks..."

3. Mika Brzezinski (05:09):
   "We talked about a lot of issues ... and we told him so."

4. Ben Shapiro (06:28):
   "You didn't push back hard with Joe Biden. You just called Donald Trump Hitler for eight years."

5. Sunny Hostin (09:26):
   "There are people who change their stripes."

6. Mika Brzezinski (21:50):
   "88 billion to just process and deport 1 million people."

7. Melissa Murphy (38:16):
   "None of this is new from Republicans, but unfortunately, some Democrats seem to be."

Insights and Conclusions:

• Media Consistency is Crucial: Shapiro underscores the importance of media consistency and integrity, criticizing Joe and Mika for their abrupt change in stance toward Trump.

• Democrats' Disconnect with Voters: The Democratic Party's focus on social issues like transgender rights and their handling of economic policies have alienated key voter bases, particularly among the white working class.

• Trump's Potential Policy Shifts: Anticipation of Trump's aggressive immigration policies and more straightforward foreign policy approaches contrasts sharply with Biden's perceived indecisiveness.

• Erosion of Legacy Media Trust: The episode highlights how perceived betrayals and inconsistencies by legacy media have significantly damaged public trust, contributing to the rise of alternative media voices.

• Future Political Landscape: With Trump's return, Shapiro is optimistic about potential policy reversals and a restoration of traditional media values, while remaining critical of Democratic strategies and policies.

This episode offers a comprehensive critique of recent shifts in media alliances, Democratic policies, and anticipates significant changes with the potential return of Donald Trump to the political arena. For listeners seeking an in-depth conservative analysis of current events and media dynamics, this episode serves as a pertinent exploration of the evolving American political landscape.