Lawrence: Houston Chronicle endorses accomplished Biden over Trump because ‘experience matters’

According to Gen. H.R. McMaster, the United States views the world through a self-centered lens, assuming that its policy decisions are the main driving force behind global events. Because of this distorted perspective, the US has lost influence on the global stage at a time when authoritarian aggression is on the rise. In Battlegrounds, McMaster, who was US national security adviser in 2017-18, contends that American leaders must learn to see the world through the eyes of the US's adversaries in order to defend against foreign threats and compete in the modern global landscape.

In this guide, we’ll explore McMaster’s criticism of the assumptions driving US foreign policy, his assessment of the threats America faces, and the steps he believes the US must take. We’ll compare McMaster’s views with those of other experts on diplomacy, while placing his assessments in their larger context and updating some of his information based on events since the book’s publication.

The Gulag Archipelago is a work of historical nonfiction that describes life in Soviet prison labor camps, popularly known as gulags, in the USSR from the late 1910s to the mid-50s. Prisoners like author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn were arrested on minor or even fabricated charges, tortured and robbed by security officials, and held in camps for decades, where many were worked to death.

Though the book was banned and Solzhenitsyn persecuted by his own government for publishing it, it exposed human rights abuses by the Soviet Union to the world, counteracting decades of propaganda. In the modern day, it acts as a warning of how governments can use violence, paranoia, and repression to control and exploit their citizens. This guide will consider the book’s historical context, the tools used by authoritarian governments, and how Solzhenitsyn’s account compares to the treatment of prisoners worldwide today.

In The White Man’s Burden, economist, NYU professor, and Brookings Institution senior fellow William Easterly argues that the global humanitarian aid system is fundamentally flawed. His main critique is that the international aid system prioritizes top-down, centralized, and tightly directed aid distribution—all controlled by people in rich countries (primarily the United States and those in Western Europe), far away from the developing world that they're meant to be serving. Because the aid community is so disconnected, it creates big plans and sweeping missions that are overly ambitious and completely unsuited for the reality on the ground, it overlooks local needs and concerns, and it rarely holds itself accountable for its failures.

In this guide, we’ve updated some of Easterly’s statistics, supplemented his ideas with more recent examples, and incorporated alternative and opposing viewpoints from leading experts in the fields of economics, political theory, and business.

In this riveting episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show", Ben Shapiro takes listeners on a global journey, examining the media's response to Argentine libertarian politician Javier Milei's electoral success, while drawing parallels with conservative leaders in the U.S. like Donald Trump. Shapiro delves into Milei's bold economic reform proposals aimed at rectifying Argentina's hyperinflation and government corruption, highlighting both domestic challenges and international critiques. With a sharp eye on the repercussions of Milei’s potential failure, Shapiro weighs the impact on global perceptions of capitalism and draws connections to U.S. economic concerns.

As the conversation shifts back to American soil, Shapiro unpacks the current political landscape, forecasting the 2024 Presidential election with insights on President Biden's wavering approval ratings, potential showdowns, and the sensitive debate over his ability to lead. With candid analysis, Shapiro scrutinizes the bias he perceives in media coverage, from the portrayal of conservative figures to Middle Eastern conflict reporting, challenging narratives that he argues aim to undermine credibility. Whether it's defending Israel's humanitarian actions or critiquing media interpretations of Trump, Shapiro leaves no stone unturned. The episode not only serves as a commentary on political and media dynamics but also includes Shapiro's promotion of products and content that resonate with his audience's lifestyle and personal interests.

Delve into "The Ben Shapiro Show" as Ben Shapiro engages with a gamut of today's pressing issues, from international conflicts to domestic political evolution. In a sweeping analysis, Shapiro critiques the international and domestic reactions to the Israel-Hamas conflict, condemns the U.S. government's handling of crises, and lambasts what he sees as the Democratic Party's inconsistent stances on sexual assault and support for Israel. Armed with poll data and international affairs context, Ben brings to light shifting political currents and the consequences of waning support within the American political landscape.

Shapiro doesn't shy away from contentious topics, offering sharp criticism of extremist ideologies and anti-Semitic incidents that rattle societal harmony. He offers a tough perspective on environmental policies, privacy concerns in the tech industry, and the cultural intersections compromising traditional values. Listen as Shapiro deconstructs the Biden administration's shortcomings, contrasts charismatic economic policies, and deems Trump's portrayal in the media as a strategic scare tactic. Subscribe to join Shapiro in dissecting the left's cultural narratives in the world of politics, with an opportunity to access exclusive content tailored for his audience.

In a new episode of The Ben Shapiro Show that uncovers the intricacies and geopolitical ripples of Israel's deal with Hamas, host Ben Shapiro leaves no stone unturned. Accompanied by an impressive lineup of voices, including Naftali Bennett, Pete Buttigieg, Joe Scarborough, and Janet Yellen, Shapiro dissects the military, media, and international dimensions of the conflict. From unpacking media bias to interrogating the regional implications of Israel's defense strategy, Shapiro navigates through the nuances of anti-Semitism and challenges the perception of Hamas, inviting listeners on a probing analysis of global affairs through the prism of Israel's staunch position.

The episode doesn't stop at Middle Eastern politics; it embarks on a macroscopic view of the United States' role in world affairs. Shapiro laments the pitfalls of U.S. isolationism, engaging with the complexities of American influence on global trade and power balances. In light of the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine, he scrutinizes U.S. military aid and the strategic interests at play, aiming to reveal the broader consequences of geopolitical actions. Meanwhile, domestic politics are explored through the lens of media criticism, financial regulation, and social justice, with Shapiro inviting a reflection on the current political and economic narratives shaping America.

In the latest edition of NPR News Now, Korva Coleman, alongside fellow correspondents Eleanor Beardsley, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and Brittany Patterson, navigate a world cautiously perched between peace and turmoil. The episode examines the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth day, against a backdrop of international involvement, exemplified by the poignant prisoner exchanges that saw several dual citizens regain their freedom. As the Middle East braces for uncertainty with the potential resumption of hostilities, the episode exposes the intricacies of peace efforts and the complexity of the related diplomatic dance.

But beyond the tense international scene, NPR News Now delves deep into the contentious U.S. political debates over assistance to Ukraine, a matter that has entwined domestic policy with international alliances. Moreover, the program casts light upon a disturbing hate crime investigation in Vermont, where the fabric of the community is tested by an act of violence against Palestinian students. The episode concludes on a reflective note, with preparations for a national memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Each story, eloquently reported and artfully woven together, underscores the delicate interplay between domestic issues and global events, reminding listeners of the seamless connection between the decisions within our borders and their ripple effects around the world.

Dive into the intricate world of Republican foreign policy with 'The Daily,' as Sabrina Tavernise and Catie Edmondson untangle the complexities of war funding debates that pulsate through the corridors of American power. In a landscape altered by the Trump administration and currently under Joe Biden's watch, explore the shift from a once steadfast commitment to international allies, to the increasing reluctance within the GOP. Discover how conservative voters' growing objections at town hall meetings are steering the once unopposed tide of support for foreign aid into a sea of skepticism—profoundly impacting legislative maneuvers and America's stance on global engagement.

Witness the strategic battlefields within Congress, where fiscal conservatism clashes with the urgency of global security. As President Biden attempts to align aid to Israel with support for Ukraine, and Mitch McConnell advocates for unwavering assistance as a security imperative, the power dynamics within the Republican Party reveal a chasm between the House and Senate. Uncover how geopolitical strategies, leadership dynamics, and fiscal concerns intersect, shaping the narrative and potentially the future of U.S. foreign policy. 'The Daily' offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of the delicate balance that political figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson must strike amidst international concerns over the stability of continued U.S. aid.

Embark on a compelling journey across global hotspots and domestic squabbles with NPR News Now, as Kristin Wright leads a team of correspondents, including Chuck Quirmbach, Jeff Mandell, and Stephan Bisaha, through a series of pressing issues. Discover the sobering reality of Gaza's failing health system as reported by the World Health Organization, and find a shard of hope in the potential ceasefire between the embattled Hamas and Israel. Simultaneously, cope with the devastating effects of natural disasters, as torrential rains exacerbate the suffering of those in already precarious living conditions.

Switch gears to internal matters with a dive into the heart of Wisconsin's Supreme Court, where the future representation of voters hangs in the balance, a topic explored by Quirmbach and debated by Mandell. As the lens widens, absorb the economic trends pulsing through the auto industry, where Bisaha sheds light on Nissan's preemptive wage raises, a stance echoing throughout the sector's giants as they navigate unionization and worker compensation. And at sea, witness Wright's account of a harrowing Navy aircraft incident near Honolulu, adding an element of human endurance against nature’s unpredictable challenges.

Have you noticed a shift in American politics throughout your lifetime? Over the past four decades, ideas like libertarianism and free market capitalism have gone from fringe beliefs held mostly by the elite to ideas with significant popular support and impact on our political sphere. In Dark Money, award-winning journalist and author Jane Mayer explores how a small group of extremely wealthy individuals, led largely by Charles and David Koch, have effectively legitimized far-right beliefs in America using their massive wealth.

In our guide, we’ll look at how the Kochs developed their political beliefs, the tactics they used to create their political movement, and how those tactics have affected American society and politics over recent decades. We’ll also examine the historical, social, and political contexts of the book’s events and how they have impacted society today.

Dive into the intricate workings of American politics, power shifts, and international leadership with the PBD Podcast's latest episode featuring Patrick Bet-David, Tom Ellsworth, Adam Sosnick, Vincent Oshana, and special guest Benjamin Netanyahu. Witness a robust dialogue that spans the significant migratory trends redefining the political landscape, the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, and the crucial role of charismatic leadership on a global scale. The panel sifts through the nuances of today's administration, contrasting real-life leaders with fictional ones like Eminem's character in "8 Mile," and scrutinizing the implications of endorsements in an ever-shifting political arena.

Join these insightful speakers as they pivot the conversation to pressing economic issues like consumer debt, the astonishing impact of retail crime, and inflationary pressures affecting everyday Americans. They analyze socioeconomic changes driving domestic migration and crime rates while debating the legacy of the pandemic on societal evolution. With their gaze firmly fixed on the essence of leadership, they explore the qualities that define effective leaders through historical parallels, contemplate the scandals and strategies in current politics, and tease the potential of upcoming political bids. The podcast ties together with invitations to further engagement, underscoring a strong commitment to dissecting complex issues facing today's society.