The Ben Shapiro Show: Ep. 2128 - Bernie Goes NUTS: DENOUNCE THE ONESIES!
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Network: The Daily Wire
1. Tragic Midair Collision in Washington D.C.
Timestamp: [00:00]
The episode opens with Ben Shapiro discussing a devastating accident reported by the UK Daily Mail, where an American Airlines passenger jet collided midair with a Blackhawk military helicopter near Reagan National Airport. This tragic event resulted in the loss of all 64 individuals on board, including members of the U.S. figure skating community.
Notable Quote:
“This is some camera footage that was available, some security camera footage available. From afar, you can see the fireball that is created as the plane hits the helicopter.”
— Ben Shapiro [00:00]
Shapiro emphasizes the rarity of such crashes in the U.S., highlighting the nation's already safe aviation system and the sensitive nature of Reagan National's airspace. He expresses sympathy for the victims' families and anticipates significant changes in airspace management at Reagan National Airport.
2. RFK Jr.'s HHS Secretary Hearing
Timestamp: [00:15 - 20:00]
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s (RFK Jr.) recent hearing for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Shapiro delves into RFK Jr.'s controversial nomination, addressing criticisms from both the left and right.
Key Discussions:
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Denouncing Extremes: RFK Jr. attempted to moderate his previously extreme stances on vaccines and abortion to align with the Trump administration's policies.
Notable Quote:
“I'm not interested in taking people's food away. If you like a cheeseburger, a McDonald's cheeseburger, Diet Coke, which my boss loves, you should be able to get them.”
— RFK Jr. [Around 05:30] -
Transparency in Administration: He pledged "radical transparency," criticizing the opacity of previous administrations regarding agencies like NIH, CDC, and FDA.
Notable Quote:
“My approach to administration HHS will be radical transparency. If Congress asks me for information, you will get it immediately.”
— RFK Jr. [06:45] -
Abortion Stance: While not shifting entirely to a pro-life position, RFK Jr. aligned his policies with the Trump administration, emphasizing the tragedy of abortions and supporting state control over the issue.
Notable Quote:
“I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.”
— RFK Jr. [09:20] -
Confrontation with Democrats: Shapiro recounts memorable exchanges between RFK Jr. and Democratic figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, highlighting their attempts to undermine his nomination.
Notable Quote:
“All these same people recording his favor just a few years ago, all these Democrats are opposed to me for partisan issues.”
— RFK Jr. [15:10]
Humorous Segment:
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Bernie Sanders vs. Onesies: The episode features a humorous recount of Bernie Sanders questioning RFK Jr. about "onesies" for babies, portraying Bernie as overstepping into trivial matters during the hearing.
Notable Exchange:
Bernie Sanders: “Where are the legs? Why are there no legs on this onesie? Will you denounce the onesies?”
RFK Jr.: “I am supportive of vaccines. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that discourages people from taking them.”
— Entire exchange [17:45 - 19:30]
3. President Trump's Executive Actions
Timestamp: [20:30 - 50:00]
Ben Shapiro transitions to discussing various executive actions taken by President Trump, emphasizing their impact and bipartisan support.
Key Topics:
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Lake and Riley Act: A new law aimed at detaining illegal immigrants who commit crimes, allowing states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused by illegal immigrants.
Notable Quote:
“I very much especially appreciate the bipartisan support the Democrats. Really, a big percentage of them came through and plenty of them wanted to.”
— Ben Shapiro [25:00] -
Detention at Guantanamo Bay: Trump ordered the expansion of detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 illegal immigrants deemed criminal.
Notable Quote:
“We're going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately.”
— President Trump [28:15] -
Ending Racial Indoctrination: An executive order to halt DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) indoctrination in K-12 education, protecting parental rights and preventing federal funds from being used for certain educational practices.
Notable Quote:
“Our administration will enforce the law to ensure recipients of federal funds providing K through 12 education comply with all applicable laws.”
— Ben Shapiro [32:45] -
Expanding School Choice: Promoting school vouchers to allow parents to choose the best educational institutions for their children, citing low proficiency rates in public schools.
Notable Quote:
“This is a policy of my administration to support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children.”
— Ben Shapiro [35:30] -
Combatting Anti-Semitism: An executive order to enforce civil rights laws more rigorously at universities, ensuring protection against anti-Semitic harassment and violence.
Notable Quote:
“It shall be the policy of the United States to combat anti-Semitism vigorously using all available and appropriate legal tools.”
— President Trump [40:20] -
Federal Employee Accountability: A directive for federal employees to return to work by a specified deadline or face termination, aiming to reduce governmental inefficiency.
Notable Quote:
“Federal employees must meet a high standard. If they don't agree by February 6th to show up back to work in their office, they will be terminated.”
— President Trump [43:10]
4. Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Decisions
Timestamp: [50:30 - 55:00]
Ben Shapiro critiques the Federal Reserve's decision to halt interest rate cuts, attributing previous cuts to political motivations aimed at influencing elections. He argues that preemptive rate reductions exacerbated inflation and lacked economic foresight.
Notable Quote:
“Low interest rates are not the only thing that creates a workable economy. Interest rates need to float with the level of risk in the economy.”
— Ben Shapiro [53:15]
Shapiro expresses satisfaction with the Federal Reserve's current stance, though he laments the delayed response to halting rate cuts.
5. Interview with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
Timestamp: [55:30 - 65:00]
In a live interview, Lee Zeldin, the newly confirmed Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outlines his agenda to balance environmental protection with economic growth.
Key Points Discussed:
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Mission of the EPA: Emphasizing protection of human health and the environment while considering economic impacts.
Notable Quote:
“We have to have smart, common sense, practical solutions that aren't going to result in people struggling to make ends meet.”
— Lee Zeldin [57:45] -
Energy Dominance and Innovation: Advocating for American leadership in energy and AI, ensuring the U.S. remains competitive globally.
Notable Quote:
“We need to make sure that we are winning this battle, that it is the United States of America that is the AI capital of the world.”
— Ben Shapiro [60:00] -
Economic Concerns vs. Environmental Policies: Addressing the need to protect American jobs, especially in the auto industry, while implementing environmental regulations.
Notable Quote:
“We have to be working closely with these American auto companies to ensure that we are hearing their feedback.”
— Lee Zeldin [62:30] -
Fiscal Responsibility: Committing to eliminate waste within the EPA, ensuring tax dollars are utilized efficiently.
Notable Quote:
“It's important that we are being good stewards of tax.”
— Lee Zeldin [64:10]
Shapiro congratulates Zeldin on his confirmation, expressing optimism for his leadership in the EPA.
6. Additional News Highlights
Timestamp: [65:30 - 70:00]
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Israeli Hostages Release: Brief mention of the release of Israeli hostages, with Shapiro alluding to the shocking scenes that followed.
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Advertising Segments: While not detailed in the summary, Shapiro includes advertisements related to home title protection, tax assistance, children's vitamins, and car donations. These segments are acknowledged but not elaborated upon to maintain focus on content.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive episode, Ben Shapiro navigates through a range of pressing issues, from a tragic aviation accident to the intricate dynamics of RFK Jr.'s nomination for HHS Secretary. He fervently discusses President Trump's assertive executive actions aimed at curbing illegal immigration, reshaping education, and enforcing civil rights. The interview with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin provides insights into balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth. Throughout, Shapiro maintains a critical stance towards Democratic opposition, highlighting perceived hypocrisies and policy failings.
Key Takeaways:
- The midair collision underscores vulnerabilities even in the most secure airspaces.
- RFK Jr.'s nomination faces intense scrutiny and partisan challenges, with attempts to moderate his stance on vaccines and abortion.
- President Trump's executive actions signify a robust approach to immigration, education reform, and civil rights enforcement.
- The Federal Reserve's interest rate policies are critiqued for their political undertones and economic impact.
- EPA leadership is poised to focus on practical, economically mindful environmental policies.
This episode offers listeners a detailed analysis of current events through a conservative lens, enriched with direct quotes and real-time reactions to unfolding political maneuvers.
Disclaimer: The above summary is based on a fictional transcript and podcast episode as provided. It aims to accurately reflect the content and tone presented in the original source.