Left-wing late-night comedian Samantha Bee launched a “full frontal” attack last week on conservative nonprofit PragerU over its popular series of informational videos, which have amassed over a 3 billion views (one of the new series stars The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles).
While Bee’s critique of PragerU was supposed to convince her audience that its informational videos are “actually dangerous,” the organization’s founder Dennis Prager told Fox News Sunday that Bee has only “validated” what PragerU has frequently stated about left-wing censorship and further confirmed the importance of its videos. PragerU has also noted online that Bee’s attack has resulted in some strong fundraising numbers.
In a 6-minute segment on her show Wednesday, Bee warned the “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” audience about PragerU’s supposedly “dangerous” informational videos. Her show tweeted out a summary of her talking points afterward:
While Fox continues its lifelong quest to scare your grandparents into hoarding Franklin Mint coins, one growing conservative outlet is using colorful graphics and social media to appeal to a new generation. That outlet is Prager U. Prager U’s website says “Prager University is not an accredited academic institution…but it is a place where you are free to learn.” That describes every single place! The last place Sam learned something for free was in a bra store. She learned she’s been wrong for 35 years. Prager U is actually dangerous. They’re reaching a new, younger audience with bullshit conservative propaganda. They trick kids into thinking their videos are educational even though Prager U is as much of a real college as Monsters University
Prager U is actually dangerous. They’re reaching a new, younger audience with bullshit conservative propaganda. They trick kids into thinking their videos are educational even though Prager U is as much of a real college as Monsters University.
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) February 13, 2020
In an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend” Sunday, Prager described Bee’s criticism as both a “compliment” and “depressing” — and more evidence of conservatives’ complaint about the Left’s “arguments.”
“I do take it as a compliment, but I want to open up my heart to you, it’s actually a bit depressing,” said Prager, as reported by Fox News. “This is the level of criticism that always comes from the left. Not from liberals, but from the left. It’s mockery and lies. That’s all it consists of.”
In the end, the anti-free speech attack by Bee, which failed to counter conservative argument with actual facts, just “validates” conservatives’ characterization of the Left.
“The left validates what we say all the time,” said Prager. “They reconfirm the need for PragerU, why it’s so effective. They never actually answer what we say. All they do is mock. ‘Oh, PragerU, it’s a right-wing propaganda site.’ No, it’s not.”
Prager went on to explain that people involved in the videos represent a wide range of political and ideological backgrounds, including “never Trumpers” and Democrats. Among those who have helped PragerU “teach what isn’t taught” by the increasingly left-wing school system are “four Pulitzer Prize winners” and “three former prime ministers,” Prager pointed out. “It’s a very serious place to learn,” he said.
Thank you, Samantha! https://t.co/z25JXyBYl9
— PragerU (@prageru) February 17, 2020
Shortly after Bee targeted the organization last week, PragerU gave “Full Frontal” a big “THANK YOU” for helping them bring in big money:
THANK YOU @FullFrontalSamB! $25,000+ raised & counting to ensure we continue to reach more young people with our "dangerous" videos.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in honor of Samantha Bee to help us continue our impact.
DONATE HERE: https://t.co/fbR6gnH36A pic.twitter.com/j8Oiymoo4g
— PragerU (@prageru) February 14, 2020
Criticism of Bee’s PragerU attack isn’t only coming from the nonprofit. Among those who’ve blasted Bee for her attempt to tear down the organization is Daily Wire contributor Christian Toto, who asked, sincerely, over the weekend, “Is Samantha Bee Late Night Comedy At Its Very Worst?” (formatting adjusted)
PragerU’s real crime, to Bee, is its unparalleled success. So, weeks after The New York Times (a former newspaper) railed against PragerU, Bee took her own bat to the YouTube channel. She called PragerU a “dangerous” outlet brimming with “brainwashing” content.
PragerU rolled with the punches, announcing it received $25,000 in new donations as a result of Bee’s attack. Game, set, match PragerU.
Not so fast. It’s worth noting WHAT Bee said on the broadcast and how it captures a progressive mindset that can’t defend its own positions and lashes out in the cruelest of ways.
The six-plus minute segment is Bee at her very worst – no small statement. Out of context news clips. Personal attacks. Faux outrage. And an obvious distaste for the First Amendment.
Why else savage PragerU? Is there a dearth of progressive YouTube channels? Is she afraid the “other side” will be heard? That’s rhetorical.