Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro discusses the news and events making headlines across the nation. He critiques the Senate's dismissal of impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, as well as Congress members' reactions to pro-Palestinian protests involving anti-Semitic chants and flags.

Shapiro also analyzes Google's termination of disruptive employees protesting an Israeli cloud contract, Biden's retelling of an unlikely WWII story involving his uncle, and Trump's visit with a bodega owner cleared in a self-defense case during the former president's trip to New York City.

Through these varied topics, the podcast sheds light on the interplay between political actions, free speech, and ongoing disputes both at home and abroad.

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

1-Page Summary

Impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas Dismissed by Senate Democrats

Senate Democrats voted to reject impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas brought by House Republicans, without considering evidence. McConnell warns this sets a precedent where the Senate can dismiss House impeachments without a trial when the president's party holds the majority.

Anti-Semitism at Protests in NYC and Columbia University

Shapiro criticizes Ocasio-Cortez for not condemning protesters waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags, chanting "death to America." Columbia's president acknowledges combatting campus anti-Semitism, a shift Shapiro suggests reflects growing mainstream concern over pro-Hamas sentiments.

Google Fires Employees Over Disruptive Pro-Palestinian Protests

Google dismissed 28 employees for extremely disruptive protests against the company's Israeli government cloud contract, which threatened co-workers.

Biden's Storytelling and Mixed Details

Biden recounted an improbable WWII story about his uncle being a downed pilot potentially eaten by cannibals in New Guinea, exemplifying his tendency to blend personal anecdotes with historical events.

Trump Visits NYC Bodega Worker

Trump met with a bodega owner cleared in a 2022 self-defense stabbing case during a visit to New York City for his trial, drawing crowds of supporters and hecklers.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas were brought by House Republicans but were rejected by Senate Democrats without a trial or consideration of evidence. This decision raised concerns about setting a precedent for dismissing House impeachments without a trial when the president's party holds the majority in the Senate.
  • House Republicans brought impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of misconduct or wrongdoing in his role. Impeachment is a formal process in the U.S. Congress to investigate and potentially remove a federal official from office. In this case, the House Republicans initiated the impeachment process, but the Senate Democrats ultimately voted to reject the charges, preventing further action against Mayorkas. The decision to impeach or not impeach a federal official involves a complex political and legal process that can vary depending on the circumstances and the balance of power in Congress.
  • McConnell's warning about setting a precedent is related to the Senate Democrats' decision to reject impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Mayorkas without a trial. McConnell is concerned that this action could establish a new norm where Senate majorities could dismiss House impeachments without a full trial, based solely on political affiliations. This could impact the balance of power between the House and Senate in future impeachment proceedings.
  • Shapiro criticized Ocasio-Cortez for not condemning protesters displaying Hamas and Hezbollah flags and chanting anti-American slogans, suggesting her silence implied tolerance or support for such sentiments. This criticism stemmed from concerns over the rise of anti-Semitism and pro-Hamas sentiments, especially in the context of public protests and political stances.
  • Waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags at protests signifies support for these organizations, which are designated as terrorist groups by several countries. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group, while Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. The display of these flags can be controversial due to the violent histories and ideologies of these organizations.
  • Google fired 28 employees due to disruptive protests against the company's Israeli government cloud contract. The protests were considered extremely disruptive and posed a threat to their co-workers. This action was taken to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
  • Biden's WWII story about his uncle involves a recounting of a dramatic and improbable event where his uncle, a downed pilot in New Guinea, was potentially at risk of being eaten by cannibals. This story showcases Biden's tendency to blend personal anecdotes with historical events, creating a vivid and memorable narrative. The tale has sparked discussions about the accuracy and embellishment of Biden's storytelling style, drawing attention to the fine line between personal recollection and historical facts.
  • Trump's visit to a bodega owner during his trial was a notable event where he met with the owner who had been involved in a self-defense stabbing case in 2022. This meeting drew attention due to the circumstances surrounding the case and Trump's public appearance in support of the bodega owner.

Counterarguments

  • The Senate Democrats may argue that the impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Mayorkas lacked sufficient evidence or merit, and that their decision was in line with procedural norms and the constitutional requirement of a substantial case for impeachment.
  • Some may argue that the Senate has the constitutional right to determine its own procedures and that the dismissal of charges could be seen as a form of checks and balances within the impeachment process.
  • Regarding Shapiro's criticism of Ocasio-Cortez, it could be argued that public figures must choose their battles and statements carefully, and that silence on a specific incident does not necessarily imply support for the actions being protested.
  • Columbia University's actions against anti-Semitism could be seen as part of a broader commitment to inclusivity and safety on campus, rather than a reaction to external pressures or a shift in mainstream concern.
  • Google's firing of employees could be defended on the grounds of maintaining a safe and productive work environment, and that the protests may have crossed the line from free speech to workplace disruption.
  • Biden's storytelling could be interpreted as a rhetorical device to engage listeners and not intended to be a factual recounting of history, thus criticisms may overlook the purpose and context of his anecdotes.
  • Trump's visit to the bodega owner could be seen as an act of support for self-defense rights and the legal system's decision, rather than a political stunt, and the presence of both supporters and hecklers could be viewed as a normal part of the political process in a democratic society.

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Impeachment Charges Against DHS Secretary Mayorkas Voted Down by Senate Democrats

In an unprecedented move, Senate Democrats voted to reject impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas without considering the merits of the case.

Charges brought by House Republicans voted down in unprecedented move

The House of Representatives had narrowly impeached Secretary Mayorkas by just one vote; however, when the charges reached the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim 51-49 majority, they were voted down solely by Democratic senators, with no Republicans in favor of dismissing the impeachment without a hearing.

Sets precedent that impeachment can be dismissed for policy disagreements

Senate Democrats defended their decision by stating that impeachment should not be turned into a tool for settling policy disputes. They believe that this rationale sets a new precedent, one that is particularly distinct from the treatment of the impeachment hearings against former President Donald Trump, which the Senate heard despite their roots in policy disagreements.

Mitch McConnell issued a warning that the Senate’s decision may establish a pr ...

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Impeachment Charges Against DHS Secretary Mayorkas Voted Down by Senate Democrats

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Senate Democrats rejected the impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Mayorkas without considering the merits of the case because they believed impeachment should not be used to settle policy disputes. This decision sets a new precedent different from past impeachment hearings, like those against former President Donald Trump, which were heard despite policy disagreements. The Democrats' action could lead to a scenario where impeachments from the House could be summarily rejected without a trial when the president's party holds a Senate majority.
  • The decision to dismiss the impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Mayorkas without a hearing sets a precedent that impeachment can be rejected based on policy disagreements. This action raises concerns about the potential erosion of the impeachment process's integrity and the Senate's role in overseeing such proceedings. Critics warn that this move could lead to future impeachments being summarily dismissed without following standard procedures or conducting a trial. The implications include the possibility of weakening the accountability mechanisms designed to hold government officials, including cabinet members, to a high standard of conduct.
  • The potential consequences of the established precedent where Senate Democrats dismissed impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Mayorkas without a trial could le ...

Counterarguments

  • The Senate has the constitutional right to conduct impeachment trials as it sees fit, and the decision to dismiss charges could be based on a belief that the impeachment was not warranted or was politically motivated.
  • The concept of impeachment is inherently political, and the framers of the Constitution may have intended for the process to be subject to the political will of Congress.
  • The precedent set by the Senate Democrats could be viewed as a safeguard against the potential abuse of the impeachment process for partisan gain.
  • The Senate's decision to dismiss the charges without a trial could be seen as an effort to maintain the separation of powers by preventing the legislative branch from overreaching into the executive branch's operations.
  • The Senate's actions could be interpreted as a move to preserve the stability of the government by avoiding what they might consider unnecessary and divisive impeachment trials.
  • The decision to dismiss the charges might reflect a belief that the impeachment did not meet the constitutional standard of "high crimes an ...

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Progressive Anti-Semitism on Display in Protests in New York City

Protesters wave Hamas and Hezbollah flags, chant "death to America"

Shapiro criticizes Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez for not condemning protesters who chanted "death to America." He moc ...

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Progressive Anti-Semitism on Display in Protests in New York City

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Clarifications

  • The protesters waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags are showing support for these organizations. Hamas and Hezbollah are militant groups in the Middle East known for their anti-Israel stance and involvement in conflicts in the region. By waving their flags, the protesters are aligning themselves with the ideologies and actions of these groups.
  • Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong views on various issues. He often criticizes liberal politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their policies and statements. Shapiro's commentary is influential in conservative circles, and his opinions can shape public discourse on controversial topics.
  • Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez is a prominent Democratic congresswoman known for her pr ...

Counterarguments

  • It is possible that Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez was genuinely unaware of the incident at the time of the criticism, and therefore could not provide a comment or condemnation.
  • The presence of Hamas and Hezbollah flags at a protest does not necessarily mean that all protesters or the protest as a whole endorses the views or actions of those organizations.
  • The chant "death to America" could be interpreted as a radical fringe expression that does not represent the views of all protesters present.
  • Criticizing a public figure for the actions of independent protesters may not be fair if there is no direct connection between the figure and the protesters.
  • The term "Progressive Anti-Semitism" may not accurately represent the ent ...

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Columbia University President Pressed on Anti-Semitism at the School

During a congressional hearing, the president of Columbia University faces significant scrutiny concerning the handling of anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

Acknowledges need to combat anti-Semitism on campus

Shapiro reports that in a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, the president of Columbia University publicly acknowledged the existence of anti-Semitism within the university. The institution had faced previous criticism for its handling of anti-Semitic instances. Shapiro suggests that the president took lessons from past hearings where university heads failed to recognize certain expressions and actions as hallmarks of anti-Semitism.

Furthermore, Shapiro remarks that Columbia University, ...

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Columbia University President Pressed on Anti-Semitism at the School

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Clarifications

  • The concern among mainstream leftists regarding pro-Hamas affiliations stems from the perception that Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has been involved in violent actions and terrorism, which goes against the principles of non-violence and human rights often championed by the left. This shift in perspecti ...

Counterarguments

  • The acknowledgment of anti-Semitism by the Columbia University president could be seen as a positive step towards addressing the issue rather than a point of criticism.
  • The scrutiny faced by the president might not fully account for the complexities and challenges involved in addressing hate speech and discrimination in a university setting.
  • Criticism of the university's handling of anti-Semitic incidents may not consider efforts that have been made or the progress in creating a more inclusive environment.
  • The president's learning from past hearings could be indicative of a commitment to improvement rather than a failure to previously recognize anti-Semitism.
  • The perception of Columbia University as extraordinarily tolerant toward anti-Semitism may not reflect the experiences of all students and faculty, or the diversity of opinions and attitudes present on campus.
  • A shif ...

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Google Fires Employees Who Staged Pro-Palestinian Protests

Google has dismissed 28 employees following their participation in protests at the company's offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California.

28 employees dismissed for extremely disruptive protests

The reason for their dismissal was the nature of the protests, which opposed Google's cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. The company characterized the prot ...

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Google Fires Employees Who Staged Pro-Palestinian Protests

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Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic principle, and the employees may argue that they were exercising their freedom of speech and assembly.
  • The employees might contend that their protests were aimed at raising awareness about ethical concerns regarding Google's business decisions, which they believe are important for the company's integrity and social responsibility.
  • It could be argued that the dismissals were a disproportionate response and that other, less severe measures could have been taken to address the situation.
  • Some may view Google's action as potentially chilling employee activism and expression within the company, which could stifle open dialogue and the exchange of diverse viewpoints.
  • There may be questions about whether Google has consistent policies regarding employee protests and whether these policies were clearly communicated and fairly enforced in this instance.
  • The employees might argue th ...

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

President Biden's Storytelling Abilities and Tendency to Mix Up Details

Joe Biden, known for his storytelling, recounted an improbable tale involving his uncle during World War II, raising eyebrows about the accuracy of his narratives.

Tells improbable story about uncle being eaten by cannibals in WWII

The president spoke of his Uncle Ambrose Finnegan, whom he affectionally called Uncle Bozy, who served as a pilot during World War II. Biden's story placed his uncle in New Guinea, a region then rumored to be inhabited by cannibals. According to Biden, Uncle Bozy volunteered to take the place of another for what would become a fateful reconnaissance flight. Tragic ...

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President Biden's Storytelling Abilities and Tendency to Mix Up Details

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Clarifications

  • Joe Biden is known for his tendency to mix personal anecdotes with historical events in his storytelling, sometimes leading to confusion about the accuracy of his narratives. This blending of personal and historical details has been a characteristic feature of his speeches and public appearances. Biden's storytelling style often involves emotional and vivid accounts that aim to connect with his audience on a personal level. Over the years, this storytelling approach has become a notable aspect of his public persona.
  • The discovery of parts of Uncle Bozy's plane is significant as it provides tangi ...

Counterarguments

  • The story's improbability does not necessarily mean it is untrue; extraordinary events do occur in war.
  • The presence of cannibalism in New Guinea during WWII is a sensitive topic and may be based on rumors or misunderstandings of indigenous practices.
  • The act of volunteering for a dangerous mission is consistent with wartime narratives of heroism and sacrifice.
  • The lack of a recovered body is not uncommon in wartime scenarios, especially in cases of downed aircraft in remote areas.
  • Finding parts of a plane does not confirm the fate of its pilot, and without direct evidence, the story remains speculative.
  • Storytell ...

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Will America’s Cowardly Streak Continue?

Former President Trump Greeting Supporters at a New York City Bodega

Visits bodega owner cleared in self-defense stabbing case

In Hamilton Heights, New York City, former President Donald Trump made an appearance at a local bodega to meet with Jose Alba, a worker who had fatally stabbed a man in self-defense back in July of 2022.

Trump, who was in New York for his trial, took the opportunity to interact with Manhattan residents as his trial schedule prevented him from traveling ...

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Former President Trump Greeting Supporters at a New York City Bodega

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Clarifications

  • The location of 139th and Broadway in Hamilton Heights, New York City, is significant as it is where the bodega is situated, and where the interaction between former President Trump and the bodega worker took place. This specific intersection is a notable spot in the neighborhood, and the presence of Trump there would naturally draw attention and reactions from the local residents.
  • The mixed reactions from the crowd towards former President Trump were due to his polarizing nature, with some individuals supporting him while others opposed his policies and actions during his presidency. Trump's prese ...

Counterarguments

...

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