Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro examines the recent primary election defeat of Jamal Bowman, a high-profile left-wing candidate who lost by nearly 20 points. He suggests this outcome reflects a broader voter backlash against radical politics in favor of more moderate candidates.

Shapiro critiques the divisive "victim vs. victimizer" ideology he associates with the radical left, highlighting Bowman's loss as a potential consequence. He also discusses the disconnect between online political discourse, often amplifying fringe views, and real-world voter behavior that seems to prefer pragmatic over extreme solutions. Ultimately, the episode uses Bowman's loss to illustrate how money alone may not sway voters if a candidate's local appeal and messaging do not resonate.

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Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

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Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

1-Page Summary

The backlash against radical leftism

According to Ben Shapiro, there is growing voter backlash against radical left-wing candidates like Jamal Bowman, who lost his primary race by nearly 20 points. Shapiro argues that positions considered radical, such as Bowman's stances on Israel, are unpopular outside of select districts. He suggests moderates like George Latimer—who he describes as a "normal Democrat"—are faring better in primaries, indicating many voters prefer centrist candidates over those embracing radical politics.

Shapiro criticizes the "omni-cause" ideology of the radical left, portraying it as fostering a divisive, "victim vs. victimizer" worldview. He implies this binary perspective enables concerning beliefs, like anti-Semitism, pointing to backlash over Bowman's loss as an example of this divisiveness emerging.

The disconnect between online and real-world politics

Shapiro and others highlight the disparity between online discourse and actual voter behavior. Despite large social media followings, like Bowman's 360,000 Twitter followers, candidates embracing more extreme politics are still losing elections decisively.

Shapiro argues that online spaces disproportionately amplify fringe views through algorithms and echo chambers, creating a skewed perception of the political landscape. He suggests moderate politicians focusing on pragmatic solutions, not radical populism, tend to resonate better with the broader electorate in real-world elections.

The role of money and messaging

Shapiro uses Bowman's loss as an example that money alone cannot guarantee primary success—a candidate's local appeal, alignment with constituents, and effective messaging matter more. While Bowman raised millions, including from out-of-district donors, Shapiro argues AIPAC's spending was in response to Bowman already being seen as vulnerable.

Additionally, problematic behavior like promoting conspiracy theories, or unpopular policy stances like Bowman's votes against Biden's infrastructure bill, proved too costly. Conversely, Ocasio-Cortez—though radical—has done better by minding her public image and voting record.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Voter backlash against radical left-wing candidates may not solely be due to their political positions but could also result from broader political trends or specific campaign issues.
  • Radical positions on issues like Israel may actually resonate with certain constituencies who feel that traditional approaches have failed to address their concerns.
  • The success of moderates in primaries could be attributed to a variety of factors, including name recognition, incumbency advantages, or local political dynamics, rather than a wholesale rejection of progressive policies.
  • The "omni-cause" ideology might be seen by its proponents as a comprehensive approach to interconnected social issues rather than a divisive worldview.
  • The binary perspective of victim vs. victimizer is not inherently linked to anti-Semitism or other concerning beliefs; it can also be a framework for understanding systemic oppression.
  • The disconnect between online discourse and voter behavior could also suggest that online engagement does not translate to voter turnout, rather than indicating a rejection of the views expressed online.
  • Online spaces might amplify fringe views, but they also provide a platform for marginalized voices and grassroots movements that lack traditional media representation.
  • Pragmatic solutions offered by moderate politicians may not address the root causes of issues for some voters who seek more transformative changes.
  • While money alone cannot guarantee success, the influence of money in politics, including spending by political action committees, remains a significant factor in election outcomes.
  • A candidate's local appeal and alignment with constituents are subjective measures that can be influenced by media representation and the political climate.
  • Promoting conspiracy theories or holding unpopular policy stances might reflect a candidate's commitment to certain principles or their constituency's views, rather than mere problematic behavior.
  • Ocasio-Cortez's success could be attributed to the appeal of her policy positions and her skill in communicating them, in addition to her public image and voting record.

Actionables

  • You can critically evaluate political candidates by researching their policies and comparing them to the needs of your community. Start by listing the most pressing issues in your area and then look up the stances of various candidates on these issues. Check their voting records if they have previously held office, and see how well their actions align with their promises. This will help you make an informed decision that goes beyond social media popularity or campaign spending.
  • Engage in conversations with people from different political spectrums to understand the broader electorate's concerns. Organize or participate in small, local discussion groups where community members can share their views on political issues. This can provide a more accurate picture of the electorate's mood than online discourse and help you grasp the complexity of voter behavior.
  • Develop a habit of critically analyzing online content by checking the credibility of sources and the context of shared information. When you come across a political post or news article online, take a moment to research the publisher, look for other sources reporting on the same issue, and consider the potential biases involved. This practice can help you avoid the pitfalls of echo chambers and algorithmic amplification of fringe views.

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Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

The backlash against radical leftism and intersectional politics

Ben Shapiro highlights a growing backlash against radical left-wing candidates and intersectional politics, using Jamal Bowman's primary loss as a case study for wider voter sentiment.

Radical leftism is unpopular outside of a few specific districts

Shapiro points out that voters in diversely populated districts like New York's 16th are rejecting candidates such as Jamal Bowman, who lost his primary by nearly 20 points. This district, which includes about a 9% Jewish population, did not respond well to Bowman's stances on issues such as Israel. This outcome suggests that the electorate may not align with radical left-wing positions as much as some portray.

Moderate Democrats are faring better in primaries

Shapiro continues by arguing that "the evils of capitalism" is not a particularly persuasive argument for most voters, outside of very limited circles. He describes Bowman as a "refugee from the radical intersectional insane asylum," suggesting that voters in the district preferred George Latimer, who he describes as "a normal Democrat in a normal Democratic district," indicating the electorate's preference for more moderate Democrats in primaries.

Shapiro comments that the media may be overemphasizing the popularity of radical leftism due to figures like AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, which might mislead Democrats regarding the broader electoral appeal of their politics.

The "omni-cause" of the radical left is divisive and harmful

Describing the "omni-cause" as a binary worldview of victims versus victimizers, Shapiro implies that this radical left perspective fosters harmful ideologies, including a ...

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The backlash against radical leftism and intersectional politics

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Radical left-wing candidates have won in various districts, indicating that their views do resonate with certain electorates.
  • Jamal Bowman's loss in one primary does not necessarily reflect the popularity of radical leftism across all districts or the national mood.
  • The success of moderate Democrats in some primaries does not preclude the success of more progressive candidates in others, as the Democratic Party is a big tent with diverse viewpoints.
  • Media coverage of politicians like AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib may reflect their influence and the genuine support they have among their constituents.
  • The "omni-cause" perspective can also be seen as an attempt to address systemic issues that intersect various aspects of society and identity.
  • The binary worldview of victims versus victimizers can also be interpreted as a framework for understanding power dynamics and advocat ...

Actionables

  • You can analyze voting patterns in your area to understand local political leanings by accessing public records of past election results and comparing the success of different political platforms. This helps you become more informed about your community's preferences and could guide you if you're considering running for local office or supporting a candidate.
  • Engage in conversations with your neighbors to gauge their political views and concerns, focusing on listening rather than debating. This can provide a grassroots sense of what issues are most important to your community and whether there's a desire for more moderate or radical approaches to these issues.
  • Write an ...

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Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

The disconnect between online discourse and real-world politics

The digital age has warped the perception of political landscapes, with online discourse often not reflecting the real-world politics that drive election outcomes. Ben Shapiro and other observers point to the gap between social media popularity and voter preferences at the polls, revealing that the most vocal online voices do not necessarily represent the broader electorate.

Online political discourse is not representative of the broader electorate

Social media algorithms and echo chambers heavily influence online political discourse, presenting a skewed version of the political landscape.

Candidates with large online followings can still lose decisively in actual elections

Shapiro highlights the disparity between social media reactions and real-life election outcomes, noting the general moderate stance of most Americans and how social media algorithms tend to amplify extreme viewpoints. Jamal Bowman, having an ostensibly significant online backing with 360,000 Twitter followers, lost his primary election by a considerable margin, proving that a robust online presence might not always translate to success in elections.

Shapiro also notes that online support, such as an appearance on Stephen Colbert's show, did not equate to measurable voter turnout for Bowman, referencing his performance falling short in a real election context, where at one point he was "losing by nearly 20 points before APAC even got into the race."

Echoing Shapiro's sentiments, a video released by a candidate's campaign can present the illusion of a large, energetic following, with the reality being a sparse crowd. Shapiro underscores this point by stating, "online is not real life," suggesting that while internet buzz can create a façade of popularity, it does not necessarily correlate with actual political sentiment or voting behavior.

Moderate, pragmatic politicians tend to fare better in the real world

Shapiro's observations regarding George Latimer point to a trend where voters seem to prefer moderate, practical politicians over those with radical or extreme online personas. While specific details of George Latimer's election and his platforms are not provided, the assertion is that Latimer's victory indicates voters' inclination towards unifyi ...

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The disconnect between online discourse and real-world politics

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator, highlights the discrepancy between online social media presence and actual election results. He points out that candidates with significant online followings may not necessarily translate that support into electoral success, emphasizing the importance of real-world voter sentiment over online popularity. Shapiro suggests that the online realm can distort political realities, with social media algorithms often amplifying extreme viewpoints that may not align with the broader electorate's preferences. His observations underscore the idea that a candidate's performance in online spaces does not always reflect their viability in traditional election settings.
  • Punchbowl News is a political news outlet founded by journalists Jake Sherman, Anna Palmer, and John Bresnahan. It is known for its in-depth coverage of Capitol Hill and Washington politics, providing insights into congressional activities and political developments. The publication offers a subscription-based model for its content, focusing on delivering exclusive news and analysis for its audience. Punchbowl News has gained recognition for its detailed reporting and insider perspectives on the political landscape in the United States.
  • An "echo chamber" in online discourse describes an ...

Counterarguments

  • Social media can be a powerful tool for grassroots movements and can influence public opinion and policy when leveraged effectively.
  • Online discourse may sometimes predict or influence real-world political shifts, especially as younger, more internet-engaged demographics become a larger portion of the electorate.
  • The impact of social media on politics can be subtle and long-term, affecting awareness and engagement rather than immediate election outcomes.
  • The success of moderate politicians does not necessarily invalidate the concerns or the popularity of more progressive or conservative ideas; it may reflect strategic voting or a lack of viable alternatives.
  • Online popularity can be an indicator of a candidate's ability to mobilize a particular base, which can be crucial in close races or primaries.
  • The appearance on popular shows and a strong online presence can be beneficial for fundraising and building name recognition, which are important aspects of political campaigns.
  • The assertion that online support creates a facade of popularity may overlook the genuine engagement and activism that can occur within online communities.
  • The idea that voters prefer mode ...

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Nut Job Congressman Jamaal Bowman IS OUT

The role of money and messaging in primary elections

The analysis of Jamal Bowman's campaign illustrates that in primary elections, a candidate's local appeal and electoral fit matter more than financial muscle, and the ability to communicate effectively and maintain a congruent voting record can be crucial for success.

Money follows vulnerable Waldates, not ideological purity

Despite having a strong financial backing, Jamal Bowman lost by a significant margin, demonstrating that ideological purity and money are not enough to guarantee a win in primary elections.

Jamal Bowman's loss despite massive spending shows that money alone cannot overcome a poor electoral fit

Jamal Bowman had substantial financial support, with millions of dollars flowing into his campaign from different regions like California and support from places like Dearborn, Michigan. However, his campaign still ended in defeat, indicating that alignment with the district's electorate is pivotal rather than the amount of money raised.

AIPAC's involvement was a response to Bowman's vulnerability, not the cause of it

Analyst Shapiro indicates that AIPAC invested heavily in the election because Bowman was already perceived as a vulnerable candidate. The spending by AIPAC was a response to Jamal Bowman's fundamental misalignment with his district, not the original cause of his electoral struggles.

Effective messaging and a strong voting record are crucial

Bowman's loss suggests that more than financial support, candidates need to maintain a strong voting record and effective messaging that resonates with their constituents.

Bowman's missteps, like his 9/11 conspiracy theories and alienation of local supporters, contributed to his downfall

Bowman faced opposition advertising that focused on his voting record, including votes against popular measures like President Joe Biden's infrastructure law and against raising th ...

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The role of money and messaging in primary elections

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a prominent pro-Israel lobbying group that advocates for Israeli policies to the U.S. government. It is known for its significant influence in shaping U.S. policies related to Israel and the Middle East. AIPAC's involvement in elections or political campaigns can draw attention due to its reputation and resources. Critics have raised concerns about AIPAC's perceived influence on U.S. politics and its ties to the Israeli government.
  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as AOC, is a prominent left-wing American politician and activist who represents New York's 14th congressional district as a member of the Democratic Party. She gained national attention in 2 ...

Counterarguments

  • While financial support may not guarantee victory, it is still a significant factor in elections, providing resources for outreach and advertising that can influence voter perceptions.
  • Voter alignment with a candidate can be shaped over time, suggesting that a candidate's initial misalignment with their electorate could potentially be overcome with effective campaigning and outreach.
  • AIPAC's involvement, while a response to perceived vulnerability, could still have a substantial impact on the election outcome by amplifying negative perceptions of a candidate.
  • A strong voting record and effective messaging are important, but they must also be coupled with a robust ground game and voter engagement strategy to translate into electoral success.
  • ...

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