PATRIOTISM IS BACK! The Big Game Review

A New Mood for America

Shapiro begins by congratulating the Philadelphia Eagles while also critiquing the city of Philadelphia for its tendency to react dramatically to both victories and defeats. He highlights the performance of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who expressed his desire to root himself in faith, a sentiment that resonates with many Americans. This kind of "Normie American" attitude, according to Shapiro, is refreshing in the current cultural climate.

The Super Bowl opened with a patriotic advertisement featuring Brad Pitt, which set the tone for the event. Shapiro describes the ad as reminiscent of a Trump-era message, emphasizing American values and unity. He contrasts this with previous Super Bowl messaging that often leaned towards social justice themes, such as "end racism" slogans and performances that focused on identity politics. The absence of these elements, he argues, reflects a broader cultural shift back towards traditional American values.

The Halftime Show and Commercials

Shapiro critiques the halftime show, particularly Kendrick Lamar's performance, which he found difficult to understand and lacking in energy. He expresses disappointment that the show did not resonate with a wider audience, suggesting that it failed to deliver the excitement typically expected from such a high-profile event.

In discussing the commercials, Shapiro notes that many brands are attempting to distance themselves from previous "woke" campaigns. He points to Bud Light's new approach, which aims to reclaim its brand by focusing on traditional masculinity and "bro culture." This shift indicates a recognition among companies that the woke messaging has not resonated with consumers, leading to a backlash.

While some ads, like Nike's, still leaned into feminist themes, Shapiro observes that they lacked the same level of engagement as in previous years. He argues that the general sentiment during the Super Bowl was one of comfort and normalcy, contrasting sharply with the divisive messaging that has characterized recent cultural moments.

Trump’s Presence and Approval Ratings

Shapiro discusses the appearance of former President Donald Trump at the Super Bowl, noting the enthusiastic reception he received from the crowd. He highlights Trump's rising approval ratings, particularly among younger voters, suggesting that this reflects a growing discontent with the current administration and a desire for a return to traditional values. Shapiro cites polling data indicating that Trump enjoys significant support across various demographics, including a surprising level of approval among young voters.

The podcast emphasizes that Trump's appeal lies in his perceived authenticity and willingness to challenge the status quo. Shapiro argues that the left's overreach in cultural and political matters has created a countercultural movement that embraces patriotism and traditional American values, positioning Trump as a symbol of this resurgence.

Critique of Government Spending and Aid

Shapiro shifts the discussion to government spending, particularly focusing on the role of USAID and its funding practices. He criticizes the agency for its lack of accountability and the perception that taxpayer money is being wasted on ineffective programs. He highlights the growing sentiment among Americans that foreign aid should be scrutinized and aligned with national interests.

The podcast also touches on the recent actions of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, which aims to cut unnecessary spending and streamline government operations. Shapiro notes that this initiative has drawn criticism from Democrats, who view it as a threat to established bureaucratic norms. He argues that the push for efficiency and accountability in government is a positive development that resonates with the American public.

The Left’s Reaction and Cultural Commentary

Throughout the episode, Shapiro critiques the left's reaction to these cultural shifts, particularly their attempts to frame Trump's actions and policies as dangerous or unconstitutional. He points out the irony in their claims, given their previous discussions about packing the Supreme Court and other radical proposals. Shapiro argues that the left's inability to connect with mainstream Americans is contributing to their declining approval ratings.

He concludes by emphasizing the importance of returning to foundational American values and the need for a cultural reset. The Super Bowl, in his view, served as a microcosm of this larger movement, showcasing a desire for unity, patriotism, and a rejection of divisive ideologies.