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Get Ready For The Censorship

By Ben Shapiro

Join Ben Shapiro on "The Ben Shapiro Show" as he navigates the tightrope of truth, bias, and censorship shaping our modern media landscape. With guests Philip Bump, Karine Jean-Pierre, Sunny Hostin, Brianna Keilar, Jared Bernstein, and Bill Maher, this insightful episode peels back the layers of "disinformation" and "misinformation," examining their evolving definitions since the 2016 presidential election. Shapiro critically analyzes the media's self-appointed role as truth gatekeepers and predicts a resurgence in censorship efforts leading up to the contentious 2024 presidential election.

From scrutinizing the media's handling of the Biden family's controversies to debating former President Trump's eligibility for re-election, Shapiro cuts through the political narratives with a sharp eye for accountability. He further delves into societal issues such as COVID-19, law enforcement, and analyses the effectiveness of "Bidenomics" amidst public disdain over inflation and government spending. Engage with Ben Shapiro’s cultural commentary and unfettered discussion on liberal identity politics as he aligns with Bill Maher’s critical views and offers a sneak preview of "Convicting a Murderer," promising to challenge entrenched narratives. Don't miss the opportunity for deeper insights – Shapiro rounds off the episode by inviting listeners to join the Daily Wire Plus community.

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Get Ready For The Censorship

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Get Ready For The Censorship

1-Page Summary

Dissecting Truth and Bias in Modern Media

The Evolution and Impact of "Disinformation" and "Misinformation" in Reporting

Ben Shapiro delves into how the concepts of "disinformation" and "misinformation" have been increasingly used by media since the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Initially, these terms were linked to Russian influence efforts but have since been generalized to describe a variety of content that media outlets disapprove of, even when such content has a factual basis. Shapiro points to the use of these terms as a tactic to control the narrative by discrediting certain sources.

The Media's Role as Self-Appointed Guardians of Truth

Shapiro criticizes the media's portrayal of themselves as arbiters of truth. He argues that there is a concerted effort to shape the narrative by branding inconvenient sources as misinformation. Acknowledging that there is consensus on certain obvious falsehoods, like flat earth theories, he stresses the need for the public to independently discern truth from falsehood, without media or partisan interference.

2024 Election: Anticipating Censorship and Narrative Control

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Shapiro predicts a rise in media censorship, particularly aimed at influencing public perception of Joe Biden. Citing a Washington Post article, he underscores concerns that misinformation may be a pivotal factor in the election, while questioning if concerns over misinformation are genuine or merely a political tactic.

Scrutinizing Political Narratives and Accountability

Examining the Biden Family: Allegations and the Media's Response

Shapiro scrutinizes Philip Bump of The Washington Post for sidestepping questions regarding Joe and Hunter Biden's alleged corrupt dealings. He refers to evidence from Hunter Biden's laptop that implies financial benefits to Joe Biden and lambasts the media for their selective coverage and lack of objective reporting.

The discussion turns to Donald Trump's potential legal challenges in running for president again. Shapiro argues against the notion that Trump should be disqualified based on accusations related to the events of January 6th, emphasizing that legally, Trump faces no insurrection charges that would bar him from office.

Shapiro criticizes Biden's immigration approach, pointing to dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party. He spotlights the public disagreements among Democrats, such as those between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, and compares criticism of Texas' immigration policies to what he sees as hypocrisy in handling Massachusetts' current issues.

Delving into Health, Public Safety, and Societal Issues

Managing COVID-19: Questioning the Efficacy of Revived Precautions

Shapiro throws skepticism towards the renewal of COVID-19 precautions like masking, questioning CDC statistics and the expert advice of health authorities. He ironically contrasts this skepticism with an ad for Rough Greens, a pet health product, juxtaposing it against his doubts about public health recommendations.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety: A Look at Austin's Policing Challenges

Shapiro concludes his segment with an example of Austin's overwhelmed police force, advising robbery victims to call a non-emergency number, and attributes the city's rising crime rates to leftist policy failures.

Economic Policy: Ideology versus Reality

The Reality Behind "Bidenomics": Exploring Economic Dissatisfaction

Shapiro criticizes the Biden administration's portrayal of the economy and contrasts official rhetoric with public opinion, pointing out the misalignment between the two.

Tackling Inflation: The Misalignment of Government Spending and Public Sentiment

Highlighting the public's dissatisfaction with government spending, Shapiro connects current economic issues, such as low wages and high inflation, to the administration's fiscal policies.

Drawing Parallels: China's Economic Woes as a Cautionary Tale

Shapiro addresses China's real estate crisis and criticizes the use of GDP growth as a flawed economic health indicator. He warns against similar U.S. economic practices that prioritize artificial growth over sustainable development.

Exploring Cultural Commentary and Free Speech

Shapiro previews "Convicting a Murderer," a series by Candace Owens set to re-examine the Steven Avery case. He emphasizes that it will offer a new perspective differing from the popular "Making a Murderer" narrative.

Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro: Converging Views on Modern Liberalism

Shapiro resonates with Bill Maher’s critiques of identity politics and defunding the police. Noting Maher’s appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, he shares the sentiment that the left's ideological shift has made traditional liberal views seem conservative by comparison.

Show Promotion: Gaining Exclusive Insights with Daily Wire Plus Membership

Finally, Shapiro promotes his new show and encourages listeners to subscribe to Daily Wire Plus for exclusive early access, complemented by a discount for new members.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The promotion of Daily Wire Plus membership by Ben Shapiro at the end of the text is a marketing strategy to encourage listeners to subscribe for exclusive content and early access to his new show. Daily Wire Plus offers additional benefits and content beyond what is available for free, and the promotion aims to attract new members by offering a discount for joining. This type of promotion is common in media and entertainment industries to monetize content and build a loyal audience base.

Counterarguments

  • Media organizations often argue that their use of "disinformation" and "misinformation" labels is based on fact-checking and journalistic standards, not to control the narrative but to inform the public.
  • Some argue that media outlets play a crucial role in fact-checking and providing context, which can be beneficial in a landscape filled with unverified information.
  • Concerns about media censorship are often met with the argument that platforms have a responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful or false information, especially during critical times like elections.
  • The media's coverage of the Biden family allegations is defended by some who claim that reporting has been proportional to the credibility and relevance of the evidence presented.
  • There are legal experts who believe that the events of January 6th could have implications for Trump's eligibility, depending on ongoing investigations and potential legal outcomes.
  • Biden's immigration policies are sometimes defended as being more humane and in line with international obligations compared to previous administrations.
  • Public health officials and experts argue that renewed COVID-19 precautions are based on evolving scientific data and are necessary to protect public health.
  • The rise in crime rates in cities like Austin is complex and may not be solely attributed to policy failures; factors such as economic distress and gun availability are also considered.
  • Some economists support the Biden administration's economic policies as necessary interventions to stabilize the economy and support recovery from the pandemic.
  • Government spending is often justified as necessary for stimulating the economy, especially during downturns, and as an investment in long-term growth and stability.
  • The argument against prioritizing GDP growth is met with the counterargument that GDP is one of many metrics used to gauge economic health, and policymakers consider a range of indicators.
  • The new perspective offered by "Convicting a Murderer" is countered by those who believe "Making a Murderer" provided a thorough and critical examination of the justice system.
  • Bill Maher's critiques of identity politics and defunding the police are often debated, with some arguing that these movements address systemic issues and are misunderstood or misrepresented.
  • The promotion of Daily Wire Plus membership is a marketing strategy, and the value of exclusive insights and early access is subjective and depends on the consumer's perspective.

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Get Ready For The Censorship

Dissecting Truth and Bias in Modern Media

The Evolution and Impact of "Disinformation" and "Misinformation" in Reporting

Ben Shapiro delves into how the concepts of "disinformation" and "misinformation" have proliferated since the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Initially, "disinformation" was specifically tied to allegations of Russian influence in the election, but this angle was eventually abated due to a dearth of corroborative data.

The media then broadened their approach by using "misinformation" as a label for a variety of disapproved content, even when that content may be factually sound. Shapiro sees this as a strategic move to manage the narrative by branding such content negatively, thereby influencing public discourse.

He illustrates this by comparing media figures who dismiss non-conforming evidence to characters in "Westworld," unable to see anything that conflicts with their pre-set narrative.

The Media's Role as Self-Appointed Guardians of Truth

Shapiro criticizes the media's portrayal of themselves as arbiters of truth. He argues that there is a concerted effort to shape the narrative by branding inconvenient sources as misinformation.

Acknowledging that there is consensus on certain obvious falsehoods, like flat earth theories, he stresses the need for the public to independently discern truth from falsehood, without media or partisan interference.

2024 Election: Anticipating Censorship and Narrative Control

With the 2024 pr ...

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Dissecting Truth and Bias in Modern Media

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The 2016 U.S. presidential election was a highly contentious race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Allegations of Russian interference in the election surfaced, leading to investigations and debates about the impact of foreign influence on the electoral process. The election ultimately resulted in a surprise victory for Donald Trump, sparking ongoing discussions about the role of disinformation and misinformation in shaping public opinion.
  • In "Westworld," characters are hosts programmed to follow predetermined narratives and cannot deviate from them. The comparison suggests that some media figures may similarly be fixed in their perspectives, unable to consider information that contradicts their established beliefs or narratives. This analogy highlights the idea that certain media personalities may be closed off to alternative viewpoints or facts that challenge their existing worldview.
  • Media censorship and narrative control involve the deliberate suppression or manipulation of information by medi ...

Counterarguments

  • The term "disinformation" may still be relevant if new evidence emerges or if ongoing investigations provide more insights into foreign influence in elections.
  • The use of "misinformation" might not always be to discredit factually accurate content but to highlight content that is misleading or taken out of context.
  • Media figures may not be ignoring evidence but could be prioritizing information based on editorial judgment and credibility assessments.
  • The media's role as fact-checkers can be seen as a necessary function in an era of widespread false information, rather than an overreach of power.
  • There are established methods and standards in journalism that aim to ensure accuracy and accountability, which can serve as a check against arbitrary narrative control.
  • Independent discernment of truth is important, but expert analysis and fact-checking by the media can aid the public in understanding complex issues.
  • Predictions of increased media censorship could be speculative and not take into account the nuanced ways in which media outlets approach election covera ...

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Scrutinizing Political Narratives and Accountability

Examining the Biden Family: Allegations and the Media's Response

Shapiro scrutinizes Philip Bump of The Washington Post for sidestepping questions regarding Joe and Hunter Biden's alleged corrupt dealings. He refers to evidence from Hunter Biden's laptop that suggests Joe Biden might have been involved in Hunter's business ventures, including a proposed 10% equity share for 'the big guy,' presumably Joe Biden, and Joe's alleged attendance at related meetings. A text to Hunter's daughter about paying half of Joe's expenses suggests financial ties.

Bump's responses are characterized by evasion and claimed confusion, highlighting a perceived reluctance in the media to objectively report on the matter.

In contrast, Shapiro shares his positive personal experiences with Preborn, an organization providing ultrasounds to women with unexpected pregnancies, demonstrating his support for entities he believes contribute positively to society.

The discussion turns to Donald Trump's potential legal challenges in running for president again. Trump has aired grievances on Truth Social concerning legal challenges he might face, specifically citing a strategy involving the 14th Amendment purported to keep him from being elected in 2024.

Shapiro agrees with Trump and foresees that the argument that Trump should be disqualified from the ballot will persist. Additionally, Shapiro predicts that Joe Biden will avoid debating Trump during the campaign.

Shapiro points out a Politico report which indicates that Trump's personal and political allies are showing sig ...

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Scrutinizing Political Narratives and Accountability

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Trump's potential legal challenges for running for president again involve concerns about the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment addresses issues of citizenship, equal protection under the law, and due process. Trump has expressed worries that this amendment could be used to prevent him from being elected in 2024. This legal debate revolves around interpretations of the 14th Amendment's provisions and how they may impact Trump's eligibility for the presidency.
  • Shapiro predicts that Joe Biden will avoid debating Trump during the campaign due to potential legal challenges. He highlights a Politico report indicating that Trump's allies, including Michael Cohen, are showing signs of shifting loyalties amidst legal pressures. This shift suggests a significant change in support dynamics, with confidants like Mark Meadows and Walt Nauta potentially distancing themselves ...

Counterarguments

  • The evidence from Hunter Biden's laptop has not led to any formal charges against Joe Biden, suggesting that there may not be sufficient proof of wrongdoing.
  • Media scrutiny of political figures often varies, and what may seem like reluctance could be due to editorial standards or lack of verifiable evidence.
  • Positive experiences with organizations like Preborn are subjective and may not address the broader complexities of the abortion debate.
  • Legal challenges based on the 14th Amendment against Trump's candidacy would need to be adjudicated in court, and until then, they remain speculative.
  • Predictions about Joe Biden avoiding debates with Trump are conjecture and do not reflect an official campaign strategy.
  • Politico's report on Trump's shifting alliances may not fully represent the loyalty dynamics within his ...

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Delving into Health, Public Safety, and Societal Issues

Managing COVID-19: Questioning the Efficacy of Revived Precautions

Shapiro expresses skepticism towards the reinstatement of COVID-19 precautions such as mask mandates, questioning the statistical validity and advice from health authorities. He discusses the potentially misleading nature of percentage increases in COVID-19 statistics and advocates for focusing on raw numbers for a clearer picture.

Shapiro relays Mandy Cohen of the CDC's remarks on the improvement of the current situation compared to the past, while still urging unvaccinated individuals to be cautious.

Criticizing the approach taken towards the new Eris variant, he voices his view that it is more contagious but not more harmful than previous strains, suggesting that continued advocacy for masking and vaccination may be an excessive response. He also directly challenges the public positions of health figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci on mask mandates and Dr. Van Gupt's vaccine recommendations for young children, exemplifying his distrust in their guidance.

Law Enforcement and Public Safet ...

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Delving into Health, Public Safety, and Societal Issues

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The statistical validity concerns regarding COVID-19 precautions raised by Shapiro pertain to questioning the accuracy and relevance of the data used to justify the reinstatement of measures like mask mandates. He suggests that focusing on raw numbers rather than percentage increases could provide a clearer understanding of the situation. Shapiro's skepticism revolves around the interpretation and presentation of COVID-19 statistics by health authorities, which he believes may not always reflect the true impact of the virus.
  • The mention of the new Eris variant in the text is referring to a hypothetical variant of the COVID-19 virus. This variant is described as potentially more contagious but not necessarily more harmful than previous strains. The comparison to previous strains suggests that while it may spread more easily, it might not lead to more severe illness or outcomes. The discussion around the Eris variant highlights ongoing debates about the appropriate level of response needed in terms of public health measures like masking and vaccination.
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci is a prominent immunologist and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States. Dr. Vivek Murthy, also known as Dr. Van Gupt, is the Surgeon General of the United States. Both are key figures in providing public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been involved ...

Counterarguments

  • The efficacy of COVID-19 precautions, including mask mandates, is supported by numerous studies showing that they can reduce the spread of the virus, especially in high-risk settings.
  • Percentage increases in COVID-19 statistics can provide important context for understanding the rate of change in infections, which raw numbers alone may not capture.
  • Health authorities' advice is based on a broad range of data and expertise, and their recommendations are often made with the intention of protecting public health, especially in the face of new and uncertain threats like the Eris variant.
  • The contagiousness of a virus variant is a significant concern because even if the variant is not more harmful, increased transmission can lead to more cases, which can overwhelm healthcare systems and lead to more deaths indirectly.
  • Public health figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Van Gupt base their recommendations on the latest scientific evidence, and their guidance is aimed at minimizing harm and protecting the most vulnerable, including young children.
  • The challenges ...

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Economic Policy: Ideology versus Reality

The Reality Behind "Bidenomics": Exploring Economic Dissatisfaction

Shapiro criticizes the Biden administration's portrayal of the economy and contrasts official rhetoric with public opinion, particularly emphasizing a disconnect identified by CNN's Brianna Keilar, who noted a widespread voter sentiment of economic deterioration over recent years.

Furthermore, Shapiro references Jared Bernstein, a member of the Council of Economic Advisors, promoting the successes of the Biden administration's economic strategies despite widespread economic dissatisfaction among the American public. This tension between official claims and personal financial experiences contributes to Shapiro's critique of federal economic policy.

Tackling Inflation: The Misalignment of Government Spending and Public Sentiment

Highlighting the public's dissatisfaction with government spending, Shapiro connects current economic issues, such as low wages and high inflation, to the administration's fiscal policies.

He uses the significant increase in car-related expenses to illustrate everyday effects of inflation, citing a Washington Post article that discusses rising insurance premiums, car repair costs, labor charges, and used vehicle prices. Shapiro emphasizes the perspective of industry insiders like Frank Palmer from Root Insurance and mechanic David Woodall, who detail factors contributing to these increased expend ...

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Economic Policy: Ideology versus Reality

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The disconnect between the Biden administration's portrayal of the economy and public opinion stems from contrasting views on the success of economic strategies versus widespread dissatisfaction with personal financial experiences. Public sentiment reflects concerns about economic deterioration despite official claims of success, creating a notable discrepancy in perceptions. This discrepancy fuels criticism of federal economic policy and highlights the challenge of aligning government messaging with the realities faced by the American public.
  • Jared Bernstein is a member of the Council of Economic Advisers, a group that provides the President of the United States with economic analysis and advice. In this role, Bernstein supports and advocates for the economic strategies and policies put forth by the Biden administration. He plays a key part in communicating the successes and rationale behind these strategies to the public and policymakers. Bernstein's expertise and insights help shape the administration's economic agenda and responses to various economic challenges.
  • The link between low wages and high inflation to the administration's fiscal policies can be understood as follows: Fiscal policies, such as government spending and taxation decisions, can impact the overall economy. When government spending is high, it can lead to inflation if it outpaces the economy's ability to produce goods and services. Low wages can be a result of inflation eroding the purchasing power of workers' salaries, making it harder for them to afford goods and services. This can create a cycle where high inflation and low wages are intertwined outcomes of fiscal policy decisions.
  • The financial strains on the insurance industry from natural disaster-related losses occur when insurance companies face significant payouts due to damages caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods. These losses can impact the industry's profitability, leading to increased insurance premiums for policyholders to offset the financial burden. Insurers may also need to reassess their risk management strategies and reserves to ensure they can cover future claims effectively. The frequency and severity of natural disasters can directly influence the financial stability and operational capacity of insurance companies.
  • Country Garden is on ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration may argue that economic policies take time to show results and that the positive impacts of their strategies are not immediately visible to the public.
  • Economic dissatisfaction could be influenced by factors beyond the administration's control, such as global economic trends or the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • It's possible that the public's perception of economic deterioration is influenced by media narratives or a lack of understanding of complex economic indicators.
  • Government spending is often a contentious issue, with some economists and policymakers arguing that increased spending is necessary to stimulate growth and support vulnerable populations, especially during economic downturns.
  • Inflation is a multifaceted issue that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including supply chain disruptions, global demand, and monetary policy, not just government spending.
  • The rise in car-related expenses could be partially attributed to external factors such as supply chain issues or increased demand, rather than solely on inflation.
  • The insurance industry's challenges may be due to a range of issues, including changing risk profiles and market dynamics, not just government economic policy.
  • While China's real estate crisis is concerning, the economic context and regulatory environment in the U.S. are different, and ...

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Get Ready For The Censorship

Exploring Cultural Commentary and Free Speech

Shapiro previews "Convicting a Murderer," a new show that will be available on Daily Wire Plus, challenging the established narrative of Steven Avery's case as presented in "Making a Murderer." The series aims to provide a fresh perspective by incorporating various testimonies and evidence.

By promoting the show on his platform and offering an initial discount for Daily Wire Plus subscribers, Shapiro encourages his audience to gain early exclusive access.

Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro: Converging Views on Modern Liberalism

Shapiro resonates with Bill Maher's critique of identity politics and defunding the police, particularly Maher's likening of the 'woke' mentality to white supremacist ideologies, which emphasize racial identity above all else.

While Maher clarifies he does not equate the actions or values of ...

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Exploring Cultural Commentary and Free Speech

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Steven Avery is a man from Wisconsin who was wrongfully convicted of a crime in 1985 and exonerated in 2003. "Making a Murderer" is a documentary series that explores Avery's life and his subsequent arrest for a different crime in 2005. The series raises questions about the criminal justice system and whether Avery was wrongfully convicted again.
  • Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro share concerns about identity politics, criticizing its focus on racial identity. They both oppose the idea of defunding the police, with Maher drawing parallels between 'woke' ideology and white supremacist beliefs. Shapiro agrees with Maher's comparison, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing race above other aspects of individual identity.
  • The comparison between 'woke' mentality and white supremacist ideologies often revolves around the emphasis on racial identity as a defining factor. Critics argue that both ideologies prioritize race abo ...

Counterarguments

  • Challenging established narratives can be valuable, but it's important to ensure that new perspectives don't dismiss valid evidence or the experiences of those involved in the original case.
  • Providing a fresh perspective is commendable, but it should be done with care to avoid sensationalism or misrepresentation of facts for entertainment value.
  • Encouraging early access to content can be seen as a marketing strategy that may prioritize profit over the dissemination of information.
  • Critiques of identity politics and defunding the police should be balanced with discussions on the reasons these movements exist and the systemic issues they aim to address.
  • Comparing 'woke' me ...

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