Practicality vs. Moral Character? | Ep. 839

ABC News Bias

Ben Shapiro critiques an ABC News report that links President Trump to 36 cases of violence, arguing it exemplifies media bias. He points out that the report includes cases where Trump was invoked in court without direct evidence of his rhetoric inciting violence, suggesting that defense attorneys may use Trump's name for media attention 1. Shapiro questions the report's methodology, noting that some cases involved acts against Trump and his allies, which were still counted as linked to him 2.

Criminal acts committed by Trump supporters or his detractors have nothing to do with the president. But in 36 cases, court records and police reports indicated some sort of link.

--- Ben Shapiro

He argues that the media selectively reports on violence to fit a narrative, ignoring similar cases involving figures like Bernie Sanders.

   

Sanders & Media

Shapiro analyzes Bernie Sanders' evolving relationship with the media, noting a shift from favorable coverage to criticism as Sanders faces competition from Elizabeth Warren. He sympathizes with Sanders, acknowledging that the media once praised him but now favors Warren, reflecting a bias in media narratives 3. Shapiro highlights Sanders' frustration with the media's lack of focus on issues like income inequality, which he believes are central to his campaign.

Bernie Sanders starting to get desperate on his own, and he has turned against a new enemy, and that is the media.

--- Ben Shapiro

This shift illustrates how media outlets can influence political narratives by choosing which candidates to support or undermine.

   

Rhetoric & Violence

Shapiro explores how media reports on Trump's rhetoric are used to connect him to national violence, arguing this reflects media bias. He criticizes ABC News for suggesting Trump is responsible for violence without substantial evidence, comparing it to blaming Bernie Sanders for the congressional baseball shooting 1. Shapiro contends that the media's portrayal of Trump exacerbates political tensions rather than providing balanced coverage.

Trump has raised the temperature in the country. The temperature was already quite hot politically, and Trump cannot be blamed for these acts of violence any more than Bernie Sanders can be blamed for a congressional baseball shooting.

--- Ben Shapiro

He suggests that such reporting skews public perception, contributing to a polarized political climate 4.