The Ben Shapiro Show – Episode 2258: "NYC’s Whiny Brats Pick A Mayor"

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Platform: The Daily Wire

1. Introduction and Top Story: Zoran Mamdani's Surge in NYC Mayoral Polls

Overview:
Ben Shapiro kicks off the episode by addressing the surprising lead of Zoran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee in New York City, in recent polls. Shapiro delves into the reasons behind Mamdani’s rising popularity among young voters and scrutinizes his professional background.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [00:00]: "A new poll shows Zoran Mamdani leading by leaps and bounds in New York. What the hell is happening?"
• Pollster Stephen Greenberg [04:50]: "City voters under 35 are overwhelmingly supporting Mamdani as our plurality of voters."

2. Analyzing Zoran Mamdani's Resume and Generational Appeal

Overview:
Shapiro provides a detailed examination of Mamdani’s employment history, highlighting gaps and questioning his qualifications. He argues that Mamdani's lack of substantial professional experience is emblematic of a broader generational trend among Gen Z voters, who he believes undervalue the traditional American work ethic and aspiration.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [05:30]: "He graduated with a BA in Africana Studies—the most useful BA, the kind of degree that will earn you millions at a hedge fund somewhere or allow you to TA at a low-ranking university."
• Ben Shapiro [12:15]: "Zoran Mamdani is the definition of a career useless person. This human would be the human. I've talked about Bernie Sanders being completely useless; Zoran Mamdani is that, but younger."

3. The Decline of American Mobility and Its Impact on Politics

Overview:
Shapiro discusses the historical American value of mobility and its decline in recent years. He presents data showing a significant drop in annual migration rates within the U.S., attributing this stagnation to restrictive housing policies like rent stabilization in cities like New York. Shapiro contends that these policies create a dependent population that benefits from government support rather than striving for personal advancement.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [20:45]: "The traditional American idea is to cross an ocean with nothing to guarantee what is going to happen, build a house, start a business, and if it doesn’t work, move west. But migration rates have halved since 1947."
• Ben Shapiro [25:00]: "50% of all units in NYC are rent stabilized, leading to artificially low supply and skyrocketing rents. People are living off government subsidies, not contributing to the tax base."

4. Generation Z’s Perception of the American Dream

Overview:
Shapiro criticizes Generation Z’s widespread belief that the American Dream is unattainable, attributing this sentiment to a combination of economic policies and cultural shifts. He argues that younger generations are being molded to expect government assistance rather than pursuing entrepreneurial or career-driven paths.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [27:32]: "When I hear from Generation Z that the American dream is dead to them, I think, 'You've got to be kidding me.'"
• Ben Shapiro [34:10]: "The only person who can make your life better is likely you. Not Zoran Mamdani, not Bernie Sanders. You are the person who makes your life better."

5. Redistricting and Gerrymandering in Texas: Interview with Governor Greg Abbott

Overview:
Ben Shapiro hosts Governor Greg Abbott of Texas to discuss the contentious issue of redistricting and gerrymandering. Abbott explains the legal framework enabling Texas to redraw congressional maps without the constitutional constraints faced by states like California. Shapiro probes into the Democratic strategy of absenting themselves to block redistricting efforts and the legal repercussions they face.

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Greg Abbott [50:00]: "Democrats have fled the session, but we're determined to pass the new maps. If they don’t return, they face fines and other consequences."
• Ben Shapiro [52:18]: "What punishments do they face? They can be fined $500 a day and lose committee privileges."

6. Beto O'Rourke and Democratic Fundraising Controversies

Overview:
Shapiro critiques Beto O'Rourke’s efforts to raise funds for absent Texas Democrats, alleging that it constitutes illegal bribery under Texas law. He highlights Attorney General Ken Paxton’s legal actions against O’Rourke for these activities, portraying O’Rourke as a perennial loser seeking attention through questionable means.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [53:18]: "Beto O'Rourke is a three-time loser in politics, now raising funds illegally for Texas Democrats."
• Governor Greg Abbott [53:22]: "Under Texas law, offering money to influence votes is bribery—a second-degree felony."

7. President Trump's Cultural Interventions: Smithsonian and Kennedy Center

Overview:
Shapiro discusses President Trump’s initiatives to "reclaim" American cultural institutions from what he describes as leftist influences. This includes efforts to overhaul Smithsonian exhibits and reserve the hosting of the Kennedy Center Honors to promote American exceptionalism. Shapiro defends these actions as necessary corrections to a culture he believes has been hijacked by progressive ideologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [32:28]: "President Trump is leading a comprehensive review of Smithsonian museums to align them with American exceptionalism, removing divisive narratives."
• Donald Trump [35:39]: "I'm delighted to host the Kennedy Center Honors. We're removing all the woke elements. It’s going to be great."

8. International Affairs: President Trump's Alaska Summit with Vladimir Putin

Overview:
Shapiro provides an update on President Trump's planned summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, addressing concerns about possible concessions. He emphasizes Trump’s firm stance on security guarantees that exclude NATO involvement, aiming for a ceasefire in Ukraine without compromising American strategic interests.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [56:34]: "President Trump is setting red lines for his talks with Putin, insisting on a ceasefire without Ukraine joining NATO."
• Donald Trump [36:59]: "Vladimir Putin could face very serious consequences if he refuses to ceasefire."

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

Overview:
Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming discussions, including updates on international negotiations and further insights from conservative commentators. He reiterates the importance of personal responsibility over reliance on government solutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Shapiro [56:40]: "The only person who can make your life better is you. Stop giving power to politicians who tell you the system has failed."

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Shapiro critically examines the political landscape of New York City, particularly focusing on the rise of Zoran Mamdani and what it signifies about Generation Z's outlook. Through an incisive critique of current social and economic policies, Shapiro argues for personal responsibility and highlights the challenges posed by political manipulation and cultural shifts. The discussion with Governor Greg Abbott further underscores the ongoing battle over political representation and redistricting in Texas, while commentary on President Trump's cultural initiatives reflects broader themes of political and ideological conflict in the United States.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotional content, and non-essential segments, focusing solely on the substantive discussions and key points presented during the episode.