The Big Ben Show

Latest Episodes:

David Byler & The State of The Midterms Sep 15, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with Data Analyst and Political Columnist at The Washington Post, David Byler to dive deep into the issues, candidates, and underlying political forces that will shape the results of the November midterm elections.

Ben and David discuss the difference between Trump and non-Trump candidates, whether the polls may be as far off as they were in 2016 and 2020, and how Washington leadership may deal with a vastly different Congressional and Senate makeup come January.

Later, Ben explains why the 2024 presidential election might look a lot different than the conventional thinking of how it may play out.

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Jack McGuire & Inside Barstool’s World Of Football Sep 12, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with Barstool Sport’s Jack McGuire to discuss some of the early dynamics of the football season, what’s happening in the world of sports media, as well as a conversation about the state of sports gambling.

Later, Ben explains why he believes a Politico article claiming Democrats are currently winning the culture war is fundamentally flawed.

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Alexander Larman & A Tribute To The Queen Sep 08, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with Author and Books Editor of Spectator World, Alexander Larman to discuss the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Larman laments what he believes the significance of the Queen's life was so historically significant, as well as why her passing is such a huge loss for the monarchy.

Later, Ben pontificates on the significance of Queen Elizabeth II's life of elegance, humility, and grace, and how her passing represents the end of the era of the old world.

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Spencer Klavan & The Multiverse, Movies, & Culture Sep 05, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with the assistant editor of The Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind at the Claremont Institute, Spencer Klavan. Spencer tells Ben how he was able to get his bosses to allow him to publish a piece based on the multiverse. In the piece, Spencer writes about why the current Marvel series occupies an important place in the American psyche, and why multiverses have played a popular role in ancient philosophy and literature. Spencer explains how current movies can explain a lot about where American culture is in the present moment.

Later, Ben weighs in on the abortion debate.

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Jared Kushner & What Really Happened In The Trump White House Sep 01, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with former Special Advisor to President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner to discuss his new book Breaking History: A White House Memoir.

Jared explains how Washington D.C. was an entirely different animal from the business world but found that if one learns how to play the game, there is a lot of positive change that can be made. He sheds light on many of the battles on issues such as criminal justice reform, as well as diplomacy in the Middle East. Plus, Jared shares unique insight on what former President Trump is like behind closed doors, and whether another campaign is in the works.

Later, Ben discusses the internal debates within the Republican party over

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Eli Lake & How Partisan Politics Hurt The FBI Aug 30, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with the Host of The Host Re-Education Podcast and a Fellow at the Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin, Eli Lake.

Ben and Eli discuss the state of the FBI, not just regarding the Mar-a-Lago raid, but also a larger conversation about why the Bureau has lost some credibility. They lay out how partisanship of some rank-and-file members has affected major decisions involving political actors. Eli gives a background on a history of actions from the FISA warrant on Carter Page, the Steele Dossier, former FBI Director James Comey's handling of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, and the Russia collusion investigation.

Later, Ben gives his nuanced outlook on why, at the moment, fortunes look better for Democrats than they did earlier in the summer.

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Kristen Waggoner & Religious Freedom In America Aug 25, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with General Counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a faith-based legal advocacy group, Kristen Waggoner. As Waggoner prepares to take over as CEO of the organization in October, she talks with Ben about the fight for religious liberties, as well as how she believes real change starts with parenting and at the community level. They also discuss her organization's role in the Dobbs v. Jackson case, as well as upcoming cases that may deal with medical malpractice for doctors allowing children to undergo medical gender transition.

Later, Ben gives his unique analysis on how he believes the Dobbs v. Jackson decision will affect midterm results.

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Henry Olsen & A Nuanced View Of The 2022 Political Arena Aug 22, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with Washington Post Columnist and Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Henry Olsen, to discuss the most important storylines heading into the 2022 Midterm Elections, as well as some of those Ben and Henry feel, are being glossed over.

Ben and Henry bounce back and forth with their political expertise on issues such as how the progressive left has made serious inroads this summer and the psychology behind why President Trump has made unwise politically long-term moves. As well as how the House of Representatives may look radically different in January of 2023 and a look at why Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's presidential hopes may not be as far-fetched as some may believe.

Later, Ben discusses the intricacies of how he sees money and interest groups controlling the levers of power in the 2022 primaries, and how it affects the ideologies of the candidates that end up on the ballot in November.

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Major Tom Schueman, Zainullah Zaki & Inside The Fall Of Afghanistan Aug 18, 2022

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Ben sits down with United States Marine Major Tom Schueman and former Afghan interpreter Zainullah Zaki to discuss their new book, Always Faithful, A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter.

They discuss the inside story of how the events of 9/11 set them on paths that eventually intersected in their fight against the Taliban. Now, as the United States comes up on one year since the fall of Kabul and withdrawal from Afghanistan, Major Tom and 'Zak' share the touching and thrilling story of how Major Tom was able to fight both behind the scenes and through a media campaign to help get Zak out of Afghanistan.

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Yoram Hazony & A Unique Perspective On Conservatism Aug 15, 2022

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On this episode, Ben sits down with Israeli philosopher, bible scholar, and political theorist Yoram Hazony, to discuss his latest book, Conservatism, A Rediscovery.Ben and Yoram exchange ideas about where the conservative movement is going. Yoram explains how the background and readings behind what formed his beliefs, as well as the importance of forces such as religion and nationalism in the political arena. Plus, Ben and Yoram explain why they believe classical liberal values need to continue to be the foundations upon which societies are built.

Later, Ben gives his thoughts on the Mar-a-Lago raid, the IRS's 87,000 new agents, as well as the many efforts to prevent former President Donald Trump from re-entering the White House in January of 2025.

Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech

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