Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Leads 2028 Democratic Primary Poll for First Time

About this episode

Ben Shapiro opened his show defending President Trump's statement that he doesn't consider Americans' financial situations when negotiating with Iran over nuclear weapons, arguing media took Trump out of context to portray him as uncaring about the economy. Shapiro accused left-wing media of 'virtual treason' for sympathizing with Iran during the conflict, endorsing Trump's claim that such coverage gives false hope to America's enemies. He reported Saudi Arabia and UAE conducted unprecedented direct military strikes on Iranian soil for the first time, contradicting narratives the war serves only Israeli interests. Trump claimed Iran lost all 159 naval vessels and its entire Air Force. Shapiro highlighted new Atlas Intel polling showing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading the 2028 Democratic primary at 26%, arguing this demonstrates the party's embrace of radicalism as a feature. He extensively criticized Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdulrahman Muhammad El-Sayed, who surged to a 9-point lead despite never holding a medical license while calling himself a doctor and allegedly refusing to condemn Ayatollah Khomeini supporters. Shapiro covered New York Mayor Zarin Mamdani's budget claiming to balance a $12 billion deficit through what critics call accounting gimmicks and pension restructuring. He praised FDA Commissioner Marty McCary's resignation after pushing 50 reforms but facing pressure over flavored vapes and abortion pill policy. The episode concluded with cultural commentary on HBO's Euphoria depicting OnlyFans as soul-destroying and The View attacking Billy Bob Thornton for refusing to discuss politics, plus new DHS counterterrorism strategy correcting the record on domestic terror threats beyond right-wing extremism.