Biden’s Final U.N. Speech & Courting Amish Voters | 9.25.24
In this Morning Wire episode, the topics range from President Biden's potential final UN speech to the role of immigration in U.S. elections and the Republican courtship of Amish voters in Pennsylvania. The podcast examines Biden's outlook on global conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine, and his defense of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.
It also delves into the efforts by organizations funded by George Soros to naturalize immigrants and mobilize them as voters, potentially swaying key swing states. The episode further explores the GOP's grassroots push to turn out the historically low-turnout Amish population in Pennsylvania and how issues like government overreach on Amish farming practices could rally their support.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 25, 2024 episode of the Morning Wire
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
President Biden's UN Speech and Foreign Policy Legacy
President Biden offered a thoughtful perspective on global issues and America's role in the world during what could be his final UN speech as president. While acknowledging current challenges, Biden expressed resilient hope in humanity's ability to progress.
Key Global Conflicts
Gaza
Biden sharply condemned the violence afflicting innocent civilians in Gaza. He credited efforts with Qatar and Egypt for establishing a UN-backed ceasefire and hostage deal, while holding Hamas responsible for initiating the suffering.
Ukraine
Biden affirmed U.S. commitment to Ukraine against Russian aggression, asserting Putin's core aim to destroy Ukraine has failed. He advocated for continued Western aid and support for Ukraine until a just peace is achieved.
Defending his "hard decision" to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Biden maintained it was ultimately the right choice.
The Impact of Immigration and Naturalization on U.S. Elections
Organizations funded by George Soros, like the National Partnership for New Americans and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, are actively working to naturalize non-citizens and mobilize them as voters. Soros has provided millions to facilitate integrating immigrants into the civic process as engaged voters.
Demographic shifts due to increased immigration and naturalization could sway key swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, where naturalized citizen populations now far exceed recent margins of victory.
Illegal immigration that drives population growth in certain areas could also inadvertently benefit Democratic strongholds by granting them greater representation in Congress and the Electoral College.
The Amish Vote in Pennsylvania
With a significant Amish population concentrated in Pennsylvania, the Republican Party is courting the historically low-turnout Amish vote through grassroots efforts and promoting mail-in ballots.
Conservative activists like Scott Pressler argue that mobilizing the Amish in Pennsylvania could critically influence elections. The GOP sees the Amish vote as pivotal in their push to flip the crucial swing state red in 2024.
Issues like government restrictions on raw milk sales that impact Amish farmers are being leveraged to denounce overreach and rally Amish support for Republican causes.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- President Biden's emphasis on global issues and America's role may be seen as overlooking domestic concerns that some citizens feel are more pressing.
- The credit given to Biden for the UN-backed ceasefire in Gaza could be challenged by those who argue that the situation remains volatile and that long-term solutions are still out of reach.
- Some may argue that the U.S. commitment to Ukraine could escalate tensions with Russia and lead to a prolonged conflict without a clear end.
- The decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan has been criticized for the manner in which it was executed and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban.
- The work of organizations funded by George Soros to naturalize non-citizens could be viewed critically by those who believe this could lead to partisan advantages rather than purely democratic enrichment.
- The impact of demographic shifts on elections could be debated, with some suggesting that the focus should be on policies and candidate quality rather than demographic changes.
- The argument that illegal immigration benefits Democratic strongholds by increasing representation could be countered by pointing out that representation is based on total population, not citizenship status, as per the Constitution.
- The targeting of the Amish vote in Pennsylvania by the Republican Party might be criticized for potentially exploiting a community that traditionally avoids political engagement.
- The belief that mobilizing the Amish vote could significantly influence elections may be overly optimistic given their historically low turnout and the diverse concerns of the broader electorate.
- The GOP's view of the Amish vote as pivotal in flipping Pennsylvania red could be challenged by those who argue that a single demographic group is unlikely to determine the outcome of state-wide elections.
- The use of issues like raw milk sales to rally Amish support for Republican causes could be seen as a narrow approach that may not address the wider range of issues important to the Amish community and other voters.
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of global politics by following the UN's live streams and press releases to observe how different countries address issues similar to those mentioned by President Biden.
- This helps you form your own opinions on international relations and the role of your country in global politics. For example, after watching a UN Security Council meeting, you might write a blog post or social media update sharing your thoughts on the discussions.
- Enhance your civic engagement by volunteering with local organizations that focus on voter education and registration drives.
- By doing so, you contribute to the democratic process and help ensure that all voices in your community are heard. You might, for instance, help set up a booth at a community event to inform citizens about the importance of voting and how to register.
- Educate yourself on local agricultural policies and support initiatives that align with your values, such as those concerning raw milk sales.
- This could involve joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) group or attending town hall meetings to voice your opinions. You might also start a petition to address specific agricultural issues that affect your community, leveraging social media to gather support.
Get access to the context and additional materials
President Biden's foreign policy legacy and messaging at the UN
President Biden, in what could be his final UN speech as the nation's leader, offered a reflective yet forward-looking perspective on the global challenges and the role of the United States in the world.
Biden highlighted the challenges facing the world but remained hopeful about the future
In a tone that balanced sober realism with experienced optimism, President Biden did not shy away from acknowledging the daunting adversities the world faces today. Drawing on his cumulative experience from decades in public service, he shared his unwavering hope for the future. "I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair. But maybe because all I've seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope," Biden remarked, emphasizing his resilient belief in progress despite the current turmoil.
Biden addressed key global conflicts, including the situations in Gaza and Ukraine
The situation in Gaza
Biden revealed his deep concern for the civilians suffering in Gaza, and he sharply condemned the violence that has inflicted widespread suffering. "Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands of kills, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding in the tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation," he said. Biden clarified his stance on the conflict, holding Hamas accountable for initiating the war and suffering. He detailed his efforts, together with Qatar and Egypt, to establish a ceasefire and a hostage deal, now backed by the UN Security Council.
The conflict in Ukraine
Turning to Ukraine, Biden reiterated the steadfast commitment of the United States to stand with Ukraine amidst the aggression from Russia. Biden boldly declared the failure of Putin's primary objectives, stating, "Good news is Putin's war has failed at his core aim. He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Uk ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
President Biden's foreign policy legacy and messaging at the UN
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The UN Security Council is a key international body responsible for maintaining peace and security. It consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power. The Council can issue resolutions that are legally binding on all UN member states, including decisions related to conflicts and humanitarian crises. The involvement of the UN Security Council in a situation signifies a significant level of international attention and potential for coordinated action.
- The withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan referred to President Biden's decision to pull out U.S. military forces from Afghanistan, ending America's longest war. The withdrawal process faced criticism due to the chaotic ev ...
Counterarguments
- While President Biden expressed hope for the future, critics might argue that hope is not a strategy and that concrete actions and policies are needed to address global challenges effectively.
- Some may counter that acknowledging adversities is not enough and that the Biden administration needs to take more decisive action to mitigate these challenges.
- Regarding Gaza, there could be criticism that the U.S. policy has not effectively led to a long-term solution and that more balanced pressure on all parties involved is necessary.
- In the context of Ukraine, critics might argue that while the U.S. support has been strong, the long-term strategy for peace and stability in the region remains unclear.
- Some may argue that NATO's unity and strength are being tested and that member countries have varying levels of commitment to the alliance's collective defense principle. ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
The role of immigration and naturalized citizens in shaping US elections
The influence of immigration and the naturalization of new citizens on U.S. elections is increasingly significant, affecting electoral outcomes and the balance of power within key swing states. Left-wing organizations funded by philanthropist and businessman George Soros are playing a prominent role in these demographic shifts.
Left-wing organizations funded by George Soros are actively working to naturalize non-citizens and mobilize them as voters
Groups like the National Partnership for New Americans and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center
The National Partnership for New Americans, financially supported by George Soros, is intensely focused on converting non-citizens into new Americans by facilitating their naturalization process. Meanwhile, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, also backed by Soros through his Open Society Foundation, has received substantial funding to help the process of integrating immigrants into the civic fabric of the country as engaged voters. Such measures include nearly $7 million provided to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and an additional $500,000 in 2021 aimed at unraveling the enforcement and deportation framework targeting immigrants.
Both organizations emphasize the potential political influence of newly naturalized citizens, portraying them as a "sleeping political giant," suggesting that their participation in the electoral process could significantly sway outcomes.
Demographic changes from increased immigration and naturalization could impact the electoral landscape in key swing states
Shifts in political balance due to naturalization
In states like Arizona, the immigrant population is poised to make an electoral impact. Since the 2020 election, where President Biden secured victory by a mere 11,000 votes, more than 62,000 voting-age non-citizens have been naturalized. Similarly, Georgia, which was decided by roughly 12,000 votes, has seen 86,000 individuals naturalized since then. In Michigan, where Trump narrowly won in 2016 by less than 11,000 votes, nearly 60,000 foreign-born residents have been naturalized over the past four years. These numbers far exceed the margins of victory in these pivotal states, ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The role of immigration and naturalized citizens in shaping US elections
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The focus on George Soros and left-wing organizations may oversimplify the complex factors that contribute to naturalization and voter mobilization efforts, which include a variety of non-partisan and community-based initiatives.
- The implication that naturalized citizens will vote in a way that benefits a particular political party does not account for the diverse political views and voting behaviors among immigrants.
- The assertion that illegal immigration benefits Democratic-leaning areas assumes that population growth in these areas is solely or primarily due to illegal immigration, which may not account for other demographic changes such as domestic migration or birth rates.
- The idea that the U.S. Census' method of counting residents could be used to manipulate political power does not consider the constitutional requirement to count the whole number of persons in each state, regardless of citizenship status.
- The text may imply a causative relationship between the efforts of specific organizations and electoral outcomes, which is dif ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the naturalization process to better understand the potential impact on electoral outcomes. Start by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about the steps involved in becoming a U.S. citizen. This knowledge will help you grasp the significance of organizations that facilitate naturalization and their possible influence on voting patterns.
- Engage in local community discussions to explore the effects of demographic changes on your area. Find online forums or social media groups focused on your state or city's political climate and initiate conversations about how immigration and naturalization might be influencing local and state elections. This can provide a grassroots perspective on the assertions made in the podcast.
- ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
The Republican Party's strategy to court the Amish vote in Pennsylvania
The Republican Party is actively working on strategies to engage the Amish population in Pennsylvania, leveraging their significant presence in the state to potentially sway election outcomes in favor of the GOP.
The Amish have historically low voter turnout, but make up a significant population in the key swing state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to approximately 87,000 Amish individuals, with Lancaster County alone hosting the largest Amish community in the country. Despite their substantial numbers, the Amish have maintained low voter participation rates. For instance, out of the 15,000 eligible Amish voters in Lancaster County during the 2016 elections, only about 1,000 cast their votes. By the 2020 election, this number had increased to roughly 3,000, indicating a tripling of voter turnout yet still falling short of full engagement.
Republican activists like Scott Pressler are specifically targeting the Amish vote through grassroots outreach and mail-in ballot initiatives
Scott Pressler, a leading figure in the PAC called Early Vote Action, is spearheading the initiative to mobilize the Amish community in Pennsylvania. Pressler emphasizes that, if activated, the Amish could critically influence the political landscape, potentially “saving Western civilization." His strategy involves registering Amish voters through grassroots movements, as well as advocating for mail-in ballots, which Pressler argues would present an appealing alternative for the Amish. The privacy and convenience of mail-in ballots allow the Amish to participate without the need to use transportation to polling places and face possible community scrutiny.
Pressler and his team have dedicated around 40 days to voter registration drives in Pennsylvania, focusing primarily on the Amish. The Republican Party has noted that their initiatives, including Pressler's work, have significantly aided voter registration in the state.
Conservative efforts to engage the Ami ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Republican Party's strategy to court the Amish vote in Pennsylvania
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of targeting a specific demographic, such as the Amish, may not necessarily translate into a significant shift in the overall voting patterns of a state as diverse as Pennsylvania.
- The increase in Amish voter turnout from 1,000 to 3,000 may not be solely attributable to the efforts of Republican activists; other factors could have contributed to this change.
- While grassroots movements and mail-in ballots may increase voter participation, they do not guarantee that the votes will be cast in favor of the Republican Party.
- The focus on issues like raw milk regulations, while relevant to the Amish community, may not be a decisive factor for the broader electorate in Pennsylvania.
- The assumption that the Amish community would uniformly support Republican candidates may overlook the diversity of opinions and beliefs within the community.
- The strategy of courting the Amish vote might be seen as opportunistic if it does not align with a genuine interest in addressing the needs and concerns of the Amish community beyond electoral gains.
- The impact of voter registration drives by activists like Scott Pressler could be overstated if the overall percentage of the Am ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the voting process and regulations in your area to better understand the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. By becoming informed about local election laws, registration deadlines, and the availability of mail-in ballots, you can identify potential barriers to voting that groups like the Amish might encounter. For example, if you learn that voter registration requires online access, which the Amish community may not use, you can advocate for alternative methods that are more accessible to them.
- Consider volunteering with nonpartisan organizations that aim to increase voter turnout. These groups often need help with tasks like distributing information, offering transportation to polling places, or assisting with voter registration. By volunteering, you contribute to the broader goal of engaging all eligible voters, including those from unique demographics like the Amish, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in elections.
- Engage in ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
