You Won't Believe What Hasan Piker Said on Camera

Summary

Ben Shapiro argues that the left tolerates rhetoric and behavior from Hasan Piker that it would condemn from political opponents. He cites Piker’s reported praise for communist leaders, his stated preference for a “dictatorship of the proletariat” if dictatorship were inevitable, and his description of a “United Soviet Republic” as his ideal for America.

Shapiro also discusses Piker’s podcast interview with Ziwe. Piker declines to urge his audience to take up pitchforks against the government, then echoes Ziwe’s prompts to “calm down” and “don’t be cruel.” Shapiro presents the exchange as evidence that Piker treats political violence too casually.

Piker’s Comments and Influence

The segment reviews Piker’s past inflammatory comments about women and political opponents. Shapiro accuses Ziwe of making those remarks seem normal by raising them in a mocking tone. He also criticizes Piker for responding to a Vietnamese woman with sexual vulgarity rather than addressing her arguments, and argues that media and Democratic circles excuse Piker’s conduct.

The show features Jennifer Welch recounting that her son became more progressive after listening to Piker. Shapiro presents the anecdote—and her son’s description of himself as “president of Antifa”—as evidence of Piker’s influence.

Democrats and Political Violence

Shapiro points to Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin’s supportive response when asked whether the Democratic Socialists of America are allies or a burden. Shapiro interprets Martin’s response as indicating that the party welcomes the group and argues that this acceptance helps normalize political violence.

He cites the 2020 riots and describes threats and confrontations directed at his film crew in Livingston, Montana, as examples of left-wing political intimidation.

Media Coverage of Threats

Shapiro criticizes a New York Times report about threats against public officials, arguing that it emphasizes threats associated with MAGA while overlooking violence and threats from the left. He acknowledges that far-right threats exist but disputes the framing of political violence as primarily a MAGA problem.

The segment also includes a PureTalk advertisement.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenter: Ben Shapiro
• Featured or quoted: Hasan Piker, Ziwe, Jennifer Welch, Ken Martin, and Jonathan Chait