Ben Shapiro is Washed...
HasanAbi
24,910 views • 9 hours ago
Video Summary
The video critiques Ben Shapiro's role and influence within the conservative movement, arguing that his pronouncements, particularly on Israel, are disingenuous and serve a performative purpose rather than genuine conviction. It highlights a perceived shift in conservative discourse away from intellectualism towards more emotionally driven and confrontational rhetoric, a trend Ben Shapiro is seen as failing to adapt to. The critique extends to the broader conservative landscape, detailing infighting, the rise of grifters, and the weaponization of terms like "anti-semitism" to deflect criticism. A significant portion of the video dissects the USS Liberty incident, contrasting Ben Shapiro's explanation with a more critical perspective on Israel's actions and the US-Israel relationship.
An interesting fact is that the video suggests Ben Shapiro's primary, and perhaps only, sincere stance is his pro-Israel advocacy, which is propped up by institutional donors and specific factions within the Republican party.
Short Highlights
- Ben Shapiro is criticized for lacking genuine conviction and for his strong pro-Israel stance, which is seen as his only sincere position.
- The video suggests a shift in conservative discourse towards less intellectual, more confrontational styles, leaving Shapiro behind.
- Infighting and "grifting" are prevalent in the conservative movement, with figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens being prominent.
- The term "anti-semitism" is perceived as being weaponized to deflect criticism, particularly regarding Israel.
- The USS Liberty incident is discussed, with a critical examination of Israel's actions and the US-Israel relationship.
Key Details
Criticism of Ben Shapiro's Stance and Influence [0:00]
- Ben Shapiro's recent speech is described as "glazing" by many, with some even calling him a "savior."
- The speaker argues that Shapiro has "no motion whatsoever" and was only invited to the event due to his investment in anti-semitism and Israel.
- Shapiro is seen as "washed" and no longer having influence, partly due to a shift in the audience seeking less "nerdy commentary" and more "jock style."
- A major turning point was Shapiro's consistent pro-Israel rhetoric, which alienated some of his audience.
- He fired Candace Owens, whom he previously hired despite knowing she was hateful and potentially anti-semitic, for being anti-Israel as well as anti-Semitic.
- Despite this, Shapiro is now delivering a "amazing speech," drawing excitement from MAGA Twitter and establishment Republicans.
"Ben Shapiro has no motion whatsoever."
Charlie Kirk's Mission and the Future of Conservatism [01:56]
- Ben Shapiro's speech at a TPUSA event is framed as a "bittersweet moment" due to the passing of Charlie Kirk.
- Kirk is remembered as a powerful exponent of conservatism and a coalition builder.
- Shapiro outlines TPUSA's core mission: freedom, free markets, and limited government.
- The speaker derides this as unappealing to younger conservatives, who are now more interested in "dominating ordained enemies."
- Charlie Kirk is said to have understood this, attempting to "ramp up the racism" to retain his fanbase.
- Shapiro emphasizes that the future of the country relies on truth, and victory without truth is a victory for lies.
"This country relies on truth because victory, true, real lasting victory cannot be achieved without truth."
The "Truth Meta" vs. Emotional Appeals [03:09]
- The speaker claims the "truth meta" is outdated, and people desire lies that humiliate opponents.
- Ben Shapiro is seen as trying to revert to a "facts over feelings" narrative, which the speaker believes he abandoned himself.
- The era of "debate lord" tactics is considered a "dying breed."
- The fundamental disagreements in politics are not about trivial matters but about the dignity and right to exist for entire populations.
"What they want is lies that humiliate their opponents. Lies, no matter how ridiculous, no matter how silly, makes their opponents feel better or makes themselves feel better as opposed to their opponents."
Shapiro's Shift and the Conservative "Libtard Beam" [04:53]
- Shapiro is accused of becoming a "libtard" due to his stance on anti-semitism.
- The argument is made that it's impossible to cultivate an audience based on hate towards various groups and not expect them to eventually target Jewish people.
- The "anti-woke" conservative Jewish individuals are questioned for their involvement in fermenting hatred, referencing the "great replacement" theories and Nazi ideology.
- Shapiro's situation is described as a "leopards eat my face" moment, leaving him with "no motion" and relying on institutional donors.
"You can't develop an audience whose galvanizing factor whose entire organizational principle revolves around [expletive] on black people, brown people, women, gay people, trans people, and then not expect them to also tie that all up and say, 'Yeah, you know, Jews are a part of that, too.'"
The "Liz Cheney Dynamic" and Simple Disagreements [07:07]
- The speaker criticizes the idea that differences with figures like Ben Shapiro are just "simple disagreements," comparing it to a "Liz Cheney dynamic."
- These disagreements are about fundamental issues of dignity and the right to exist, not trivial matters.
- Shapiro is seen as railing against the "conspiratorial right" while being considered a "champion of anti-semitism" by the speaker.
"Bitch, what do you mean simple disagreement? What is the [expletive] simple disagreement here? We're not talking about which milkshake flavor is the best tasting. We're talking about entire swaths of the population being worthy of dignity or not, being worthy of of existing on US soil or not."
The Call for Unconditional Anti-Bigotry [09:09]
- The argument is made that if one is "anti-woke," they must expect to be targeted by those who are also "anti-woke" against Jews.
- The left is criticized for making calculations that mirror the Trump administration's approach.
- Anti-bigotry must be unconditional, not based on the premise that someone is "shitty to trans people, shitty to black people, but at least he's good to Jews."
"If you're gonna actually stand against bigotry and harmful opinions and conspiratorial thinking, you got to do it unconditionally."
Shapiro's Role as a Grifter and the "Zio Conservatism" Reign [11:00]
- Ben Shapiro is labeled a "conservative grifter" whose only sincere area is Israel.
- His audience is seen as propped up by mainstream help, unlike figures like Nick Fuentes who have built a more independent following.
- The "reign of zio conservatism is over," with Shapiro's attempt to disavow parts of the American right being seen as tasteless and self-serving.
- Tucker Carlson is criticized for building up Nick Fuentes, whom he knew to be an "evil troll."
"The only area that he does not grift on is Israel. Okay, that's it. That's his only sincere moment."
The Five Obligations of Public Speakers [12:39]
- Shapiro outlines five obligations for those who speak on matters of importance: truth, clarity, honesty, evidence, and proposing solutions.
- The speaker criticizes Shapiro for his own lack of clarity and honesty, particularly regarding the "they" who shot Charlie Kirk.
- The idea of "truthful conservatism" is mocked in the context of the Turning Point USA conference.
"Our first duty is truth. We owe you the truth. That means we should not mislead you. It means we shouldn't hide the ball."
Candace Owens' Attacks and Moral Obligations [16:46]
- Candace Owens is accused of casting aspersions at TPUSA and its members, implicating them in Charlie Kirk's murder.
- The speaker criticizes those who refuse to condemn Owens' "vicious attacks" as cowards.
- Public figures have a moral obligation to call out evil and dishonesty, regardless of personal feelings or political solidarity.
- Friendship is not an excuse to cover up wrongdoing or shy away from addressing it.
"Politics is not the sisterhood of the traveling pants. Politics is about principle."
Shapiro's "Jewish Supremacy" and Anti-Zionist Jews [23:40]
- Ben Shapiro is described as a "Jewish supremacist" and Zionist, meaning he believes in Jewish supremacy as part of Zionism.
- He actively "lashes on" anti-Zionist Jews, calling them "bad Jews," "copos," or "collaborators."
- The speaker argues that reactionary rhetoric will eventually target Jews, and Shapiro's selective anti-bigotry is inconsistent.
"Ben Shapiro is a Jewish supremacist. Sure, if you're a Zionist, yes, of course Ben Shapiro is a Jewish supremacist. That that is true. That's Zionism. a part of Zionism is uh Jewish supremacy."
The USS Liberty Incident and Shapiro's Defense [28:08]
- The speaker questions Shapiro's loyalty, arguing that his consistent pro-Israel stance over 15-20 years indicates a preference for Israel's interests over America's.
- Shapiro's past advocacy for the "complete ethnic cleansing of all Palestinians" is cited.
- Shapiro's defense of Israel's actions in the USS Liberty attack is presented as a "grift" to maintain relevance.
- The argument is made that Shapiro's defense of Israel is disingenuous and he would abandon Trump if it served his interests.
"Ben Shapiro is not a random Jewish person walking down the street. We have 15 to 20 years of his commentary that we can just look back at to try to figure out whether he is where his loyalty is."
Conspiracy Theories and Evidence [32:34]
- Conspiracies require evidence, and simply "asking questions" is not a substitute for truth.
- The speaker criticizes figures who claim special providence to information and seed distrust.
- The video points out the hypocrisy of some conservatives who decry "cancel culture" but then call for the cancellation of figures like Nick Fuentes.
- Shapiro's own statements are analyzed, suggesting he is a "rational right-winger" only in appearance, while still holding contradictory views.
"When forced to demonstrate their evidence, these same people will often refuse to provide it. They'll claim ignorance."
The "Rational Right-Winger" Hypocrisy [36:15]
- The speaker calls out Shapiro's claim of being a "rational right-winger" while having taken all the COVID-19 vaccines.
- This is contrasted with the anti-vax rhetoric promoted by some media figures, suggesting hypocrisy among the wealthy elite.
- The TPUSA conference is described as "getting ugly" with Steve Bannon calling Shapiro a "cancer."
"You got every vaccine. Your children are vaccinated. You're vaccinated. Shut the [expletive] up."
Solutions vs. Endless Problems [38:07]
- The speaker argues that the job of public figures is to propose solutions to common problems, not just to endlessly discuss problems.
- Raving like Alex Jones about "secret confederacies" makes life worse.
- Shapiro is accused of attacking the modern conservative movement while claiming to lead it.
"If we speak endlessly about the problems we face without ever positing a solution other than wrecking the system or centralizing power in a cult-like figure, we are not finding solutions. We are merely making problems worse."
The USS Liberty Debate Continues [41:03]
- The discussion returns to the USS Liberty incident, with a question about the motivation for the attack.
- Shapiro reiterates his stance that citing the incident to undermine current US-Israel relations is irrelevant.
- The speaker counters that the dynamic between Israel and America has worsened, with Israel routinely acting against American interests.
- The comparison of the US-Israel relationship to that of England and America is deemed idiotic.
"The Israeli side in this uh in this uh ongoing relationship has demanded more and more and given back less and has routinely done stuff uh that is at odds with the interests of American citizens literally killing American citizens."
Intent and Motivation in Questioning [48:09]
- The speaker questions the motivation behind bringing up the USS Liberty incident, suggesting it's not just about the specifics of the attack but a broader agenda.
- Shapiro's argument is that the incident is not relevant to assessing current US-Israel relations.
- The speaker suggests that organized Jewry puts its own interests over those of American Christians, and that America is being used as "cattle for the Jews."
"The groper position on this is supposed to be that organized jewelry puts its own interests over the interests of of uh you know, regular American Christians."
Israel's Overextension and Privilege [50:51]
- The speaker reiterates that Israel overextends its allegiance, which should be at the behest of American interests.
- Israel is described as an "imperial vassal state" and a "settler colony" that cannot "lash back out at the big dog."
- The claim is made that no other country has the same privilege as Israel.
"It's ridiculous. And no other country gets to have this privilege that Israel does."
Other People Also See