"For every Ben Shapiro or Mark Levin or even Michael J. Knowles, there are a number of other, more thoughtful conservative commentators who simply don’t exhaust their creative energies manufacturing outrage at all the things libs say and do, and as a result their engagement numbers don’t come anywhere near those enjoyed by the grievance entrepreneurs."

One of the problems I have is that I spent a lot of time getting my news from sources that get their news from other sources. I think to really get Ben Shapiro, to see why he is so popular, you have to actually listen to his show. And trust me, when I told people this on Twitter I was met with the exact reaction Shapiro often uses to describe "the left." When you are repeatedly attacked, dehumanized and the recipient of disgut, hatred and rage you become defensive. I wanted to know the truth for myself about Shapiro especially because his podcast is in the top five consistently and topped the year as one of the most popular. I'm sure Itunes did not know what to do with that. I think we have created an insular bubble on the left and we speak to that bubble all too often so there are many people out there who are simply suffering in silence. They find their way to Shapiro and they hear in him a guy who is unafraid to mock the left's transformation from being snowflakes to being the most vicious people you will ever encounter online. Thus, it's a vicious cycle. I've been listening to Shapiro's show for a while now and I can tell you that most everyone who doesn't listen, who relies on his Twitter, for instance, really can't understand why he is popular and so well liked.

I agree that his stance and his take on Obama is overly harsh. I don't agree with his conservative politcs. I can sense him what I sense in so many on the right feel, especially since (I think I heard) he was bullied when he was younger. And that is, if you're paying close attention, a need to connect with the very people who hate him. I am not sure at what point the "left" or liberals or whatever you want to call the blue side of the aisle became so mean and full of hate. But we have arrived at this point and honestly it has driven many away. One of the best reasons to be on the left at all is to not be on the side of hate.

I would just recommend to anyone to listen before rendering judgment because we can't really trust "perception" anymore, nor in general mainstream news.