RNC NIGHT 2...Plus, The Secret Service's SHOCKING Failures
Added: Jul 18, 2024
In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro discusses the second night of the Republican National Convention (RNC) and provides updates on the recent assassination attempt against Donald Trump. He argues that the RNC is showcasing a unity convention among Republicans, with Donald Trump's unique ability to cobble together a non-ideological coalition. He suggests that Trump's personal influence has shaped the party and brought together diverse groups of people who may disagree on various issues but are united in their opposition to the left.
Shapiro delves into the details of the assassination attempt against Trump, describing it as a miraculous escape. He presents a graphic showing how close the bullets came to hitting Trump, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He criticizes the Secret Service for their failures in protecting the former president, citing their decision not to place personnel on the roof of a nearby building due to its sloped nature.
He also mentions increased threats against Trump from Iran, as reported by the Biden administration. He questions the effectiveness of heightened security measures given the close call during the assassination attempt.
RNC Speeches and Highlights
Shapiro discusses various speeches and highlights from the second night of the RNC. He mentions Ann Funer, who spoke about losing her son to fentanyl poisoning, and Mina Bra, who talked about her veteran son's murder in New York City. These personal stories, Shapiro argues, are effective in reaching independent and moderate voters. He notes the diversity of speakers and their unified support for Donald Trump, despite some having been previous rivals or critics.
Shapiro highlights Vivek Ramaswamy's speech as one of the best of the night, praising his articulation of what it means to be a Republican in 2024. He also mentions Nikki Haley's endorsement of Trump as a significant moment for party unity.
Joe Biden's Struggles and Democratic Party Concerns
The podcast shifts focus to Joe Biden's recent struggles and growing concerns within the Democratic Party. Shapiro discusses a phone call Biden had with Democratic representatives, during which he reportedly became defensive and incoherent when questioned about his chances of winning the election. The host cites reports of Democrats in swing districts feeling despondent about Biden's candidacy and the potential for widespread losses in November.
Shapiro mentions efforts by some Democrats to replace Biden as the nominee, including a circulating letter arguing against an early virtual roll call. He highlights comments from Adam Schiff warning of potential losses in both the Senate and House if Biden remains the nominee.
The podcast covers Biden's recent public appearances, including a speech at the NAACP where he made several gaffes and misstatements. Shapiro points out Biden's difficulty in reading from a teleprompter and his tendency to ramble or lose track of his thoughts.
Shapiro also discusses reports that Biden is considering endorsing major changes to the Supreme Court, including term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code. He suggests these proposals are an attempt to secure support from the Democratic base.
Interview with Dan Bongino
Ben Shapiro interviews Dan Bongino, who is attending the RNC. Bongino describes the energy at the convention as electric and palpable, noting a significant difference from the 2020 virtual RNC. He mentions Trump's recent debate performance, the Jack Smith e-cannon decision, and Biden's poor interviews as factors contributing to the positive atmosphere for Republicans.
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, provides insight into the recent assassination attempt against Trump. He dismisses claims about rules of engagement requiring a shooter to fire first before agents can respond, explaining that law enforcement is allowed to use lethal force if they reasonably believe someone is trying to cause serious physical injury or death.
Regarding the Secret Service's failure to secure the roof where the shooter was positioned, Bongino shares information from his sources within the agency. He reveals that the post on the roof was supposed to be manned by a local police department counter-sniper team, but they never showed up. He suggests that the Secret Service's changing explanations for the security lapse stem from attempts to cover up this failure.
The former agent also criticizes the decision to allow Trump on stage despite the known threat, emphasizing that the primary rule of executive protection is to remove the protectee from danger when a threat presents itself. He expresses disappointment in the agency's handling of the situation, describing it as a "colossal, apocalyptic embarrassment."
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