Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2153: The Democratic Collapse CONTINUES!

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Ben Shapiro delves deep into the ongoing struggles of the Democratic Party, highlighting their declining approval ratings, internal conflicts, and missteps that continue to undermine their political standing. The episode also introduces a new segment called "Takedown," where Shapiro critically examines opposing viewpoints. Additionally, Shapiro touches upon cultural phenomena, emphasizing the importance of factual data over prevailing narratives.

1. Democrats' Deepening Unpopularity and Internal Struggles

Approval Ratings Plummet Shapiro opens the discussion by addressing the alarming decline in Democratic approval ratings. Citing recent polls, he notes that congressional Democrats hold a mere 20% approval rating, with intra-party support dipping to 40%, the lowest Quinnipiac has ever recorded.

• Harry Ensign's Analysis on CNN: “[...] Democrats are riding at 20% in the approval ratings” (02:15).
• Shapiro's Commentary: “Democrats are having a really big problem. They are deeply unpopular” (01:45).

Al Green's Censure The episode highlights Representative Al Green's controversial censure by the House for disruptive behavior during President Trump's State of the Union address.

• Shapiro: “The House has resolved that Representative Al Green be censured... Deeply inspiring” (04:30).
• Reagan Connor's Observation: “Is anybody, you know, not tone deaf in the Democratic Caucus?” (05:10).

Democratic Performative Actions Shapiro criticizes a newly released viral video by House Democrats, parodying their inability to present a unified front.

• Shapiro: “Choose your fighter. Some of these women are like 60 years old and bouncing around like they're 17” (06:05).
• Connor's Insight: “…it's not what you got... the Democrats are in disarray” (06:20).

2. Gavin Newsom's Shift on Trans Athletes

Newsom's Change of Stance Governor Gavin Newsom publicly questions the participation of boys in girls' sports, a significant departure from previous Democratic positions.

• Shapiro: “Gavin Newsom is doing the intelligent thing” (07:51).
• Newsom's Statement: “I think it's an issue of fairness” (07:53).

Democratic Reaction Shapiro showcases the divide within the Democratic Party regarding trans athletes, highlighting opposition from leaders like Hakeem Jeffries.

• Jeffries on Newsom's Comments: “..., what Democrats opposed was unleashing sexual predators on girls...” (08:30).
• Shapiro's Analysis: “Democrats are having a hard time on this one” (09:00).

3. Economic Policies and Trade Agreements

USMCA Tariffs Reversal President Trump reverses several tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada, aiming to stabilize market reactions and maintain favorable public opinion.

• Shapiro: “President Trump issued exemptions on tariffs... because the market took a dump” (21:15).
• Trump's Statement: “...Mexico will not be required to pay tariffs... we are working hard together on the border” (22:00).

Tax Policies Under Scrutiny Shapiro defends the Trump tax cuts, arguing that they have not disproportionately burdened the top earners.

• AOC's Critique: “Trump tax cuts were geared toward millionaires and billionaires” (29:59).
• Shapiro's Rebuttal: “The top 1% increased their share of income taxes from 37.3% to 42% between 2016 and 2020” (32:00).

4. Hunter Biden's Financial Troubles

Shapiro touches upon Hunter Biden's declining art sales and financial instability post-pardon, insinuating potential market manipulation or reduced public interest.

• Shapiro: “Hunter Biden is no longer able to do his art” (23:30).
• Gerstein's Report: “Hunter reported significant debts and lackluster sales” (24:15).

5. Introduction of the 'Takedown' Segment

Critiquing AOC's Response to Trump's Address In the new "Takedown" segment, Shapiro dissects Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) criticisms of President Trump's State of the Union address.

• AOC's Statement: “All those numbers... are trying to add up into massive tax cuts for the 1%” (28:57).
• Shapiro's Counter: “People at the top pay way more taxes... the data shows an increase in the share of income taxes paid by the top 1%” (32:00).

Focus on Medicaid Cuts AOC accuses Trump of attempting substantial Medicaid cuts, which Shapiro refutes by presenting data on Medicaid employment statistics.

• AOC: “They are trying to cut from Medicaid, somewhere to the tune of $880 billion” (34:36).
• Shapiro's Data: “Approximately 36% of Medicaid adults under 65 were not working” (35:01).

6. Cultural Commentary and Pop Culture Critiques

Exploitation in Family Vlogging Shapiro and Reagan Connor discuss the ethical implications of involving children in family vlogging, citing instances of child abuse and exploitation for financial gain.

• Shapiro: “Once you involve the kids... you're just a Hollywood mom” (46:00).
• Connor's Case Study: “An old mommy vlogger convicted of child abuse” (45:21).

OnlyFans and Ethical Concerns The duo examines the rise of OnlyFans, highlighting cases like Bonnie Blue, whose explicit content raises questions about exploitation and societal impact.

• Shapiro: “Mainstreaming pornography... young women are only seeing the upside” (49:49).
• Connor's Observation: “Bonnie Blue... making tons of money and exploiting her daughter” (50:44).

Disney's Shift in Representation Shapiro critiques Disney’s late inclusion of Christian characters, suggesting a response to previous missteps in representation.

• Connor: “Disney’s new series features the first Christian character since 2007” (55:51).
• Shapiro's Take: “Disney needs to cater to families and reconsider their direction” (56:12).

7. Social Trends and Statistical Insights

Christianity's Stabilization in America Referencing a Pew Research study, Shapiro notes that the decline of Christianity in the U.S. has halted, indicating a potential resurgence in faith-based households.

• Connor: “Christianity's decline has halted, and Gen Z is more pro-marriage” (58:07).
• Shapiro: “Young white males are going back to church” (58:14).

Generational Shifts Among Gen Z Shapiro highlights positive trends among Gen Z, including increased support for marriage and decreased engagement in casual sex, suggesting a shift away from previous generational norms.

• Connor: “Gen Z is redeeming itself with changes in behavior” (58:37).
• Shapiro: “Hopefully, that results in marriage” (58:54).

8. Conclusion and Membership Promotion

Shapiro wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to Daily Wire for more in-depth analysis and exclusive content, using Reagan Connor's endorsement of internal content as a hook.

• Shapiro: “Join us with code Shapiro for two months free” (59:30).
• Connor's Favorite Content: “What is a woman? You are missing out” (59:30).

This episode underscores Ben Shapiro's unwavering critique of the Democratic Party, emphasizing their internal disarray and policy missteps. Through a blend of political analysis and cultural criticism, Shapiro aims to inform his audience of the perceived failures within the Democrats while promoting conservative values and factual data as counterpoints to mainstream narratives.