The Big Ben Show

Ben delivers a monologue live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, drawing on his years of experience at political conventions. He notes a difference between what he is hearing from delegates that initially had expected this to be a convention nominating President Biden, compared to the heavily produced product broadcasted on television. Plus, Ben emphasizes how scarily radical the views of some DNC protestors have been and how this convention will affect the race for the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and a month after Vice President Harris made her way to the top of the national ticket, fractured opinions surrounding her candidacy have been restored. Ben is joined by Historian and Author, Edward Luttwak to discuss how the Democratic party has managed to engineer a seemingly smooth transition from the Biden-Harris to the Harris-Walz ticket, despite infringing on centuries of campaign ethics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris has the momentum in the 2024 race for the White House, but Ben points out that the fundamentals of this election still heavily favor former President Trump. Ben looks at the changing strategy of the Trump-Vance campaign, and notes the two states that if he carries, the election would be settled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the Harris-Walz ticket say about the United States’ ethical character? With the announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, the Harris-Walz campaign has hit the ground running gaining support from the Hollywood elite and big name political pundits. Ben emphasizes why this sugar high is based on “vibes” as opposed to policy and why VP Harris poses a true threat to the future of ethical campaigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the big leagues. Vice President Harris has introduced Governor Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election. After only two weeks as the presidential candidate Vice President Harris has managed to rally momentum and enthusiasm from the Democratic base. Will her VP pick maintain the same support? Ben analyzes whether VP Harris made this decision based on “vibes” as opposed to credentials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this week, former President Trump attended an event held by the National Association of Black Journalists, where ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott, opened the conversation with the former President by questioning his credibility. Ben shares his thoughts on what could've been a respectful interview quickly turning into what many believe was more of an interrogation. Ben points out that in a political cycle where Republicans and Democrats are so focused on personally attacking the other party's leaders, Americans must remember the primary ingredient that should be at the core of a presidential election: the issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben sounds the alarm on the state of the 2024 presidential race as he believes the media's reengineering of Vice President Harrs into someone, she fundamentally is not, posing a major threat to former President Trump's White House chances. However, he digs deep into her record and makes the case that she is uniquely unqualified to serve as President of the United States. Ben sets the stage for how the next three plus months in American politics will play out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben revisits a long-form interview with Senator JD Vance (R-OH) from shortly after he became the Republican nominee for the Ohio Senate seat in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Misinformation from the Left regarding Project 2025, a policy initiative developed by the Heritage Foundation and conservative allies, has been spreading like wildfire. President of The Heritage Foundation Kevin Roberts clarifies the goals of Project 2025 and clears up the lies that the Left has been spewing about the initiative. Plus, they discuss their predictions for the upcoming election and how difficult it has become to find qualified people to serve in government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amidst growing pressure from the media and Democratic elites, President Biden announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 Presidential Race; it now appears that Vice President Kamala Harris is close to clinching the Democratic nomination. Ben analyzes Vice President Harris' record, as well as how she will run her campaign. He notes how the political class, media, and pop culture stars will prop her up to avoid showing some of her more unhinged tendencies and poor record to the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben recaps one of the most monumental weeks in American political history as former President Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt, accepted a Presidential nomination, and selected a vice-presidential nominee all within the course of around 52 hours. Plus, the wagons are circling around President Biden as key ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) publicly called for the President to step aside. Later, Ben gives his unique perspective on these major political stories and shares where we will go as a nation in the coming days and years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this encore episode, Ben revisits his thoughts on both President Biden and former President Trump agreeing to two debates this year. With one debate down and the other two months away, voters can see both candidates in full view. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following President Biden’s shaky CNN Presidential debate performance, Democratic voters tuned into his exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos hoping to settle their hesitation surrounding the President’s capability to defeat former President Trump come November. Unfortunately, that hope did not come to pass. Ben reacts to the speculation regarding President Biden’s political future and whether his party will seek out alternative options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To commemorate the Fourth of July, Ben revisits some historical passages he finds relevant to the holiday and the current political climate. A few of the selections include President George Washington, political philosopher Alexander De Tocqueville, and abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The politics of abortion is sparking concern among many Republican candidates ahead of the 2024 election. However, Ben examines the reality of the abortion issue and explains why it isn't as motivating as Democrats make it out to be. Later, Ben discusses how the pro-life movement can move forward, more effectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the country stands just a week out from the CNN presidential debate, in a consequential election viewed by most experts as a toss-up, Ben shares some of the most important histories, narratives, and skills of storytelling. Ben illustrates what Republicans can do better across the country to shape their stories to win elections and improve the lives of everyday Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Hunter Biden is found guilty on three charges related to the illegal purchase of a gun, Ben breaks down what the verdict means for the country, President Biden, and why it goes far beyond Hunter's addiction problems. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Mexico elects a socialist climate scientist as their new president, Ben weighs in on how ridiculous the media coverage of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum might be if former President Donald Trump wins in November. Her election could also pose more issues for the United States at the Southern Border. Plus, he breaks down the cartel's massive influence in Mexico, and why it may be even more powerful than the government itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S.-built temporary pier that was responsible for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians is being removed from the coast of Gaza after becoming damaged in rough seas and weather, after less than two weeks in operation. This, after it became clear that more of the attempted aid somehow ended up in the hands of Hamas than those suffering in Gaza. Ben shares why he believes the Gaza pier policy was one of the worst decisions seen in years and one that could only have been conjured up by someone who spent their entire life in Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the time for closing arguments approaches in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, Ben explains some of the baffling politics that we are seeing in this unique election year. Ben then pontificates on how the rest of the election may play out once the trial is in the rearview mirror. Plus, he shares why Judge Merchan has trampled upon normal legal norms to create an unlevel playing field for the former president. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This morning, President Biden released a video on 'X' challenging former President Trump to two debates this year. Bypassing the Commission on Presidential Debates, President Trump subsequently agreed to the debates, and details were quickly released by the respective networks hosting them. Ben breaks down why it was time for the outdated Commission to go and what future debates should look like to best serve the American public. Plus, Ben weighs in on Independent candidate RFK Jr.'s effect on the race and his potential non-presence at the debates. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben analyzes South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's career after she admitted to killing her 14-month-old dog in her new book, and notes that when it comes to politics, Americans aren't sending their best. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As anti-Semitic protests take over college campuses across the nation, most Democratic leaders have remained silent and not offered staunch reports to the state of Israel. Ben offers a sharp takedown of the lack of intellectual capacity of the protestors and puts harsh blame on academic and political institutions for allowing nonsensical behavior to continue. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces a motion to vacate from Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and is currently attempting to pass Ukraine funding with a razor-thin Republican majority. Opposing forces within his own party believe he has sacrificed any potential deal on border security that could have given Republicans momentum heading into the election. Ben ponders what lessons can be learned from the GOP's governing majority failures and how it could eventually lead to a 'Trump-Reagan' fusion on foreign policy. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As spring and baseball season are fully underway, Ben revisits a conversation with one of the most influential people in the history of baseball, writer and statistician, Bill James. Bill weighs in on which reforms the MLB can implement to improve gameplay and fan engagement. They also explore the intersection of politics and culture in professional sports. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Name, Image, and Likeness laws continue to drastically alter the landscape of college sports, Ben revisits a conversation with former Head Auburn Football Coach, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AB). Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the 2024 Presidential Election passes from the Primary to the General Election, former President Donald Trump released a statement detailing his official position on the issue of abortion. Despite being the President responsible for appointing the Supreme Court Justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, the former president has received criticism from former Vice President Mike Pence and other Republicans for having too moderate of a stance. Ben gives his analysis of former President Trump's policy position both on its merits, and how it will affect his and other Republican's electoral chances in November. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, Ben commemorates the life of the recently passed Senator Jospeh Lieberman (D-CT) by revisiting a conversation he had with the 2000 Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee and close of companion of the recently parted Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Senator Lieberman examines the only way true legislative progress can be made is if both parties can reject extremism and embrace constructive compromise in the center and how the solutions to the nation's most pressing issue lie in working together with those you disagree with. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Several MSNBC hosts and contributors publicly shared harsh backlash to the hiring of former RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. Ben delivers a strong critique over some of the delivered rhetoric and explains why it outs supposedly neutral arbiters as bleeding blue liberals. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a bill forcing the sale of Tik Tok by the Chinese-operated Byte Dance in the next 6 months passed in the House of Representatives with a 362-55 bipartisan vote, Ben analyzes why former President Trump seems to have moved on the issue and why 200 Republicans ignored his wished. Plus, Ben pontificates on why opinion on the issue by major lawmakers has changed so rapidly. He mentions the donor influences, and why former President Trump's heart may not be in it on this particular issue. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With President Trump and President Biden well on their way to becoming the presumptive nominees of their parties, Ben analyzes the General Election strategy of both candidates. For President Trump, Ben notes the lack of an endorsement from former Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley and what that might say about the former President's ability to grow a coalition beyond his base. And as for President Biden, Ben lambasts a partisan State of the Union Address and predicts President Biden will run a campaign that appeals more to the base of the Left than as the centrist candidate he professed to be in 2020. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Biden prepares to send his budget deal to Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to need major changes from the initial proposal to get it through a thin Republican majority. Ben Domenech revisits a profile on the freshly elected Speaker after he succeeded former Speaker McCarthy last fall. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announces his decision to step down from leadership after the 2024 election, Ben reflects on his career and his impact on the Senate, the judiciary, his party, and the country. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As multiple polls show trust in media is at an all-time low with major print outfits like the Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated laying off thousands of employees, Ben analyzes where they went wrong. Ben emphasizes the industry's inability to look in the mirror and hold itself accountable for reasons for the recent failures. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As former President Donald Trump faces a judgement of $355 million in fees and a lifetime ban on doing business in New York, his luck may have turned in his Fulton County, Georgia case. Ben breaks down Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' day in court and her 'mess of a response' to the allegations of an improper relationship and cash payments to the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election fraud case against former President Trump. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to debate over America's role in Ukraine, the Middle East, and potentially Taiwan, Ben looks back at the Trump Administration and argues that despite the former president's sometimes inflammatory rhetoric on social media, the world was safer and more secure during his presidency. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Biden's approvals continue to fall following a report from Special Counsel Robert Tur that he is not mentally fit to stand trial, Independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr spent 7 million dollars on a Super Bowl ad, invoking the 1960 campaign of his uncle former President John F. Kennedy. Ben revisits a monologue shared after Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he will not seek re-election for his seat in 2024, but rather will be "traveling the country and speaking out, to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together." Ben gives an in-depth history of Senator Manchin and why his potential third-party run should be taken far more seriously than previous candidacies. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX News Correspondent, Lucas Tomlinson, is live from Las Vegas as the President campaigns in Nevada, a state he won by only two points in 2020. However, more attention is on Vegas' newly minted football stadium for the big rematch between The Kansas City Chiefs and San Fransico 49ers. Lucas shares the latest from his trip and the inside scoop on traveling with the President, while also previewing Sunday's big game. Plus, Ben and Lucas discuss their beloved Washington Commanders' latest moves from hiring Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn, to what the Commanders might do with the number two overall pick in the NFL Draft. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the borders crisis reaches a fever pitch, overwhelming the resources of major American cities, Senators from both parties are working to pass major restrictions on the flow of immigration on the Southern border. However, Speaker Mike Johnson has called the deal "dead on arrival" as former President Trump has delivered sharp rebukes of the potential agreement. Ben addresses the crisis giving historical background on how failures to address the issue across a multitude of administrations have led to the crisis the country faces today. Plus, using their own words, he delivers sharp criticism of the Biden Administration that is struggling to reframe the issue in wake of an election year. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the New Hampshire primary Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign this past weekend, endorsing former President Donald Trump and leveling harsh criticism of former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. On FOX & Friends this morning, former President Trump referred to his criticism of the Florida Governor was "water under the bridge." To discuss what went wrong for a campaign that once looked poise to take on Donald Trump until the bitter end, Ben brings on his "anonymous DC insider friends Dan and John." Follow Ben on X: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following former President Trump's sweeping victory in the Iowa Caucuses, Ben overviews the impact this win will have on the remaining Republican presidential primary candidates and 2024 Presidential Election. Plus, as a potential Biden-Trump rematch seems imminent, Ben analyzes why a new generation of candidates appear to be missing from prominent political conversations. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just a week to go before the Iowa Caucuses and 15 days before the New Hampshire primaries, Ben gives historical background about the importance of the early states in shaping the outcome of the presidential race. He draws on primary history from Ronald Reagan's showdowns with his eventual Vice President, George H.W. Bush, as well as the battles between Bush, Dole, and various other Republican also-rans. Plus, Ben shares an anecdote from the infamous and consequential Republican fixer, Lee Atwater. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the country braces itself for a monumental and eventful election year, Ben looks back upon not just the biggest affairs of 2023 in terms of world events and politics. Plus, he shares his top ten cultural moments of the past year. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this encore episode... Does the Biden family corruption go straight to the top? House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) weighs in on developments concerning alleged bribery schemes between the Biden family and foreign entities. Plus, Congressman Comer lays out how decisions President Biden made both during this current administration and the Obama administration were directly affected by payments that were made to his family. Plus, Ben and Congressman Comer discuss what real reforms could be made to both the FBI and the Department of Justice. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis is poised to move both the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals from Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. to a new arena in Northern Virginia, he has received criticism from local politicians. However, Ben refutes this pushback, and highlights D.C.'s crime crisis and the lack of competent leadership on the part of Mayor Bowser. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a controversial, and what some are calling, antisemitic SNL cold open, depicting Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) grilling the Presidents of elite universities, Ben responds in kind, explaining why the show's live audience remained silent during this segment when usually cold opens are known to invoke laughter. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American Diplomat, Secretary of State under President Nixon and Ford, and Political Scientist Henry Kissinger died last week at the age of 100. While Kissinger was a controversial figure in American politics, many argue that it is undeniable that he shaped modern foreign policy. Ben takes a look at the life of Kissinger, from his rise to political office in the Nixon Administration to his ideological differences with President Reagan, and explains how his background as a European immigrant shaped his views on foreign affairs. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the ceasefire allowing hostages to be released into Israel has now been extended for two more days, New York Businessman Seth Sklar, who just returned from Israel, accounts for the situation on the ground as well as how the Jewish community is dealing with antisemitic rhetoric throughout the United States. Later, Ben is joined by Jewish Insider Reporter, Haley Cohen, who shares some of the incomprehensible details of what it is like for Jewish students at U.S. colleges currently and why some are hiding their Jewish identities. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Americans head into Thanksgiving week, Ben draws on the history of Thanksgiving, from the Pilgrims on the Mayflower to President George Washington's creation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, to explain why despite America's modern struggles, we still have a lot to be thankful for in our unique American experiment. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a New York Times/Siena Poll shows former President Trump leading President Biden in multiple key swing states, the calls to replace Biden on the Democratic ticket look far more serious today than just a few weeks ago. This, as Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he will not seek re-election for his seat in 2024, but rather will be "traveling the country and speaking out, to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together." Ben gives an in-depth history of Senator Manchin and why his potential third-party run should be taken far more seriously than previous candidacies. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices