In a House Judiciary Committee hearing that was anything but mundane, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) provided the fireworks. The hearing, ostensibly about “Collusion in the Global Alliance for Responsible Media,” quickly became a stage for sharp exchanges and memorable zingers.
Setting the Stage: The Hearing Begins
The committee was delving into the implications of alleged collusion within the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), accused of demonetizing content from conservative outlets. Shapiro, co-founder of The Daily Wire, was there to testify about media censorship and the perceived bias against right-leaning platforms. He aimed to highlight how GARM’s practices impact media liberty, specifically targeting voices like those at The Daily Wire, Fox News, and Breitbart.
The Verbal Duel: Swalwell vs. Shapiro
The tension ramped up when Eric Swalwell took the floor. Attempting to steer the conversation towards government efficiency and conservative views on bureaucracy, Swalwell asked Shapiro if he supported spending taxpayer money wisely. Shapiro’s response was as quick as it was cutting:
“You probably want less bureaucracy, right?” Swalwell asked.
“I do,” said Shapiro.
“You want more efficiency?” Swalwell asked again.
“I do,” Shapiro said again.
“You want taxpayer money spent wisely?” he followed up one last time.
“I do. Congrats on becoming a Republican,” Shapiro joked.
The courtroom’s reaction was palpable, with gasps and chuckles emanating from those present. Shapiro’s quip wasn’t just a witty retort; it underscored the growing frustration among conservatives over what they perceive as selective scrutiny by their liberal counterparts.
Unpacking the Allegations: Media Bias and Censorship
Shapiro didn’t stop at one-liners. His testimony laid out a detailed indictment of GARM’s actions, alleging that the organization collaborates with Democratic legislators, the White House, and other entities to suppress conservative viewpoints. “There is in fact an informal pressure system created by Democratic legislators, this White House, legacy media, advertisers, and pseudo-objective brand safety organizations,” Shapiro claimed. According to him, this system ensures that advertising dollars are funneled exclusively to left-wing media brands.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) echoed Shapiro’s sentiments, pointing out internal communications within Group M, a key player in GARM, which expressed disdain for conservative outlets. On the other side, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) defended GARM, arguing that eliminating “r-cist” content was essential, accusing platforms like The Daily Wire of spreading “hate speech”.
Wow, thank you Mr. Shapiro, you made Swalwell look like the fool that he is. Of course, most people can see that.