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Trump Is WAY Ahead

By Ben Shapiro

Unpack the political landscape with Ben Shapiro in "The Ben Shapiro Show" as he meticulously dissects the early indicators of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election landscape. Shapiro, renowned for his piercing political commentary, zeroes in on the strong foothold former President Donald Trump has so far, as shown by internal Republican polls and the undiminished vigor of his grassroots base. With his guests, Tim Walls, Matthew Dowd, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Mitt Romney, and Anthony Blinken, Shapiro navigates through the polls, the popularity contest, and strategies that could sway the future of American politics.

In this hard-hitting analysis, Shapiro extends the conversation beyond the election race to critique President Joe Biden's tenure, scrutinizing the economy, public communication, and national security policies with a critical eye. The episode also delves into the contentious academic and media realms, assessing Harvard's recent scandal and challenging the prevailing media narratives on hot-button issues like American leadership and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With his signature conservative lens, Ben Shapiro invites his listeners to reevaluate the efficacy of U.S. leadership and the authenticity of the stories portrayed by mainstream media.

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

1-Page Summary

Assessing the Political Horizon: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Political commentator Ben Shapiro delves into the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race, placing significant emphasis on Donald Trump's position. Trump is reported to have a substantial lead in polls, particularly within the Republican primary, and this is demonstrably apparent in places like Iowa. Enthusiasm for Trump is sustained by a resilient base of supporters—a factor that was echoed by analyst Steve Kornacki.

Trump's Front-Runner Status: Polls, Support, and Strategy

Shapiro hones in on Trump's robust lead over prospective Republican contenders like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. A hypothetical matchup between Trump and current President Joe Biden shows Trump with an edge, further widened by the inclusion of third-party candidates. Shapiro posits that this is a reflection of Biden's unpopularity and a widespread sentiment that Trump's tenure was more economically fruitful.

Biden's Presidential Tenure: Approval Ratings and Policy Efficacy

The critique of Biden's presidency by Shapiro includes issues concerning the housing market, where costs for new homeowners have escalated, and employment data that pointed to limited growth across sectors. This economic turbulence is juxtaposed with Warren Buffett's decision to offload stock, painting a picture of decreasing economic confidence. Shapiro also challenges Biden's public speaking skills, bringing up an incident that spotlighted his lack of lucidity.

Kamala Harris in the Spotlight: Vice Presidential Image and Impact

Comments are made on Kamala Harris's social media depiction of the Hanukkah story, which Shapiro deems inaccurate. Speculation over Biden's potential second term includes the chances of Harris succeeding him, should he not serve out his term.

Evaluating the Efficacy of U.S. Leadership

Shapiro digs into Biden's policies and public standing, contrasting it with praise from figures such as Governor Tim Walz, and overlaps it with Shapiro's broader critique on performance and communication. Likewise, Trump's relatively media-shy strategy is pointed out as a tactical move that has kept criticism at bay, much like Biden's 2020 campaign approach.

Economic Challenges and Policy Critique: Biden's Stewardship

Economic policies under Biden's leadership and corresponding public disapproval are accentuated by Shapiro with detailed analysis of the economy including housing and stock market activities.

National Security and Immigration: Foreign and Border Policy Analysis

The Biden administration's tactics in handling U.S. border security are thoroughly examined. Shapiro likens these to a broader decline in support for Western military power, articulating concerns over current crises, such as in Ukraine, where allies seem unprepared.

Public Communication and Perception: Leadership Presence and Competence

Public perception and leadership communication are essential pieces of Shapiro's assessment, providing critical observations on the leadership styles and visibility of both Trump and Biden.

Academic Integrity and Ideological Conflicts: Focus on Higher Education

Shapiro criticizes the academic sphere, particularly Harvard University, for what he sees as a contradiction in its stance on academic freedom, exemplified by a scandal involving President Claudine Gay and allegations of plagiarism.

The Claudine Gay Controversy: Academic Standards at Harvard University

Shapiro challenges the university's defenses surrounding Gay's controversy, underlining inconsistencies and the broader implications for Harvard's policies on speech and academic freedom.

The DEI Agenda: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges

The diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda within academia is scrutinized, with Shapiro expressing concern over how these frameworks could obscure meritocracy and overlook complexities in the discourse on success and oppression.

Academic Responses to American and Israeli Relations

The discussion extends to broader ideological positions against Israel and America on campuses, putting forward the idea that there is a fundamental assault on Western values in the academic dialogue.

Media vs. Reality: A Sociopolitical Perspective

Shapiro provides a critique of the current socio-political media narratives, especially around the contentious Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the portrayal of Trump as an autocratic leader.

Unpacking the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Media Representations

The discussion delves into how the media covers the actions between Israel and Palestine, with Shapiro decrying what he perceives to be one-sided narratives and lack of context in mainstream reporting.

Autocracy vs. Democratic Values: The Narrative in U.S. Politics

The episode touches on the framing of the political debate as a choice between democratic values and autocratic tendencies, with Shapiro challenging the narrative that holds Trump as a threat to freedom.

Critiquing Mainstream Media: Bias and Alternative Views

Shapiro emphasizes his stance on the role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion, suggesting that certain outlets may offer skewed narratives on both national and international issues. He juxtaposes his perspective against what he believes to be biased coverage.

In the concluding remarks, Shapiro delivers a mixed bag of product endorsements and further dissects the U.S. political landscape, both domestic and abroad, with the aim of challenging prevailing notions and endorsing a more conservative viewpoint.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shapiro criticizes Biden's presidency for issues in the housing market, citing rising costs for new homeowners. He also highlights concerns about limited employment growth across sectors under Biden's leadership. Additionally, Shapiro questions Biden's public speaking skills, pointing out an incident that raised doubts about his clarity.
  • The DEI agenda stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It aims to promote fairness and equality by addressing systemic biases and barriers. Critics argue that focusing solely on DEI initiatives may lead to overlooking merit-based achievements and qualifications. This can potentially impact meritocracy by shifting emphasis away from individual accomplishments towards group representation and diversity metrics.
  • Ideological positions against Israel and America in academia can involve criticisms of these countries' policies, actions, and historical narratives. Some scholars and students may challenge traditional perspectives on issues like foreign policy, human rights, and colonial legacies. These critiques can spark debates on topics such as military interventions, international relations, and cultural representations. It's important to note that academia often encourages diverse viewpoints and critical analysis of complex geopolitical issues.
  • Shapiro criticizes mainstream media for what he sees as biased and one-sided coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argues that the media lacks context and presents narratives that do not accurately represent the complexities of the situation. Shapiro believes that this skewed reporting influences public opinion and perpetuates misunderstandings about the conflict.

Counterarguments

  • Trump's lead in the polls may not necessarily translate to a general election victory, as primary support within a party does not always reflect broader national support.
  • Other Republican contenders may gain momentum as the primary season progresses, potentially narrowing Trump's lead.
  • Biden's perceived unpopularity could be contested by pointing to specific policy achievements or areas where public opinion may be more favorable.
  • Economic challenges during Biden's tenure could be attributed to global factors beyond the control of any single administration, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or international market fluctuations.
  • The depiction of Kamala Harris's Hanukkah story could be defended as a minor error that does not significantly impact her overall effectiveness as Vice President.
  • Critiques of Biden's economic policies could be countered by highlighting positive economic indicators or successful policy initiatives that have benefited certain sectors or demographics.
  • The handling of U.S. border security by the Biden administration could be defended by emphasizing humanitarian concerns or the complexity of immigration issues.
  • Concerns over Western military power might be addressed by pointing to strategic diplomatic efforts or successful alliances that bolster security without direct military intervention.
  • The leadership styles and visibility of Trump and Biden could be seen as reflective of their different approaches to governance and communication, with each having its own merits.
  • The Claudine Gay controversy at Harvard could be contextualized within the broader challenges of maintaining academic integrity in a complex and high-pressure environment.
  • The diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda in academia could be defended as necessary for addressing historical inequities and creating a more inclusive educational environment.
  • Ideological positions against Israel and America on campuses could be seen as part of a healthy debate and critical thinking within academic institutions.
  • Media representations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be argued to include diverse perspectives and the complexity of the issue, with different outlets providing varying levels of context and analysis.
  • The framing of the political debate as a choice between democratic values and autocratic tendencies could be supported by citing specific actions or policies that raise concerns about democratic norms.
  • Allegations of mainstream media bias could be countered by pointing to journalistic standards, efforts to provide balanced reporting, and the existence of a wide range of media outlets with different editorial viewpoints.

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

Assessing the Political Horizon: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Political commentator Ben Shapiro delves into the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race, placing significant emphasis on Donald Trump's position.

Trump is reported to have a substantial lead in polls, particularly within the Republican primary, and this is demonstrably apparent in places like Iowa. Enthusiasm for Trump is sustained by a resilient base of supporters—a factor that was echoed by analyst Steve Kornacki.

Trump's Front-Runner Status: Polls, Support, and Strategy

Shapiro hones in on Trump's robust lead over prospective Republican contenders like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, especially noting Trump's commanding lead in Iowa. In addition, Shapiro highlights the Democratic Party's portrayal of Trump as an agent of disorder through the emphasis on his legal charges, such as the improper handling of confidential materials and the potential offenses related to January 6th.

He also discusses the Supreme Court's expedited consideration of a request from special counsel Jack Smith about Trump's assertion of immunity as evidence of the Democrats possibly using Trump's legal battles to distract from President Biden's record. Shapiro views the current legal situation as potentially influencing the perception of the 2024 elections and notes that for Democrats to succeed in their strategy, it is imperative that Biden appears stable compared to the portrayed chaos surrounding Trump.

Biden's Presidential Tenure: Approval Ratings and Policy Efficacy

The critique of Biden's presidency by Shapiro includes issues concerning the housing market, where costs for new homeowners have escalated, and employment data that pointed to limited growth across sectors. This economic turbulence is juxtaposed with Warren Buffett's decision to offload stock, painting a picture of decreasing economic ...

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Assessing the Political Horizon: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Warren Buffett's decision to offload stock can be seen as a signal of his outlook on the market. As a renowned investor, his actions are often closely watched by others in the financial world. The move may indicate his concerns about the future direction of the economy or s ...

Counterarguments

  • Trump's lead in polls may not necessarily predict election outcomes, as voter sentiment can change rapidly, especially closer to the election.
  • A strong base of supporters does not guarantee electoral victory, as winning an election often requires appealing to a broader spectrum of voters, including independents and moderates.
  • Portraying Trump as a source of disorder could be a subjective interpretation, and some may argue that his actions are indicative of a leader unafraid to challenge the status quo.
  • The Supreme Court's consideration of Trump's immunity request is a legal process that should not be presumed to be politically motivated.
  • It could be argued that Trump's legal battles are of legitimate public interest and not merely a distraction from Biden's record.
  • Criticisms of Biden's handling of the housing market and employment growth may overlook external factors such as global economic trends and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Warren Buffett's decision to offload stock may not necessarily reflect a broader economic sentiment, as investment decisions can be based on a variety of individual or strategic considerations.
  • Approval ratings for Biden's policies might be more nuanced, with some policies receiving majority support among certain demographics or on s ...

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

Evaluating the Efficacy of U.S. Leadership

Shapiro digs into Biden's policies and public standing, contrasting it with praise from figures such as Governor Tim Walz, and overlaps it with Shapiro's broader critique on performance and communication.

Likewise, Trump's relatively media-shy strategy is pointed out as a tactical move that has kept criticism at bay, much like Biden's 2020 campaign approach.

Economic Challenges and Policy Critique: Biden's Stewardship

Economic policies under Biden's leadership and corresponding public disapproval are accentuated by Shapiro with detailed analysis of the economy including housing and stock market activities.

National Security and Immigration: Foreign and Border Policy Analysis

The Biden administration's tactics in handling U.S. border security are thoroughly examined. Shapiro likens these to a broader decline in support for Western military power, articulating concerns over current crises, such as in Ukraine, where he criticizes the administration for not providing adequate support in the face of Russian aggression. Specific countries like the U.K., Denmark, France, and Germany are mentioned as dealing with a significant depletion in their military arsenal due to a post-Cold War reduction in military expenditure, highlighting the vulnerability of NATO allies in ongoing conflicts.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has voiced his concerns about the possibility of assistance to Ukraine being exhausted and underscores the critical need for further financial support. Shapiro expresses confusion over the Democrats' resistance to Republican demands for border security in exchange for Ukrainian aid, framing it as unnecessary political posturing.

Senator Tim Walls suggests it is the Republicans who need to demonstrate a willingness to compromise on border policy and warns that their inflexibility could put the Ukrainian aid package at risk. Shapiro also references a CBS News report that paints a picture of disarray along a specific U.S.-Mexico border area, where migrants endure long waits and harsh conditions because of inadequate border patrol resources. He accuses the Biden administration of inaction in addressing the escalating border crisis.

Public Communication and Perception: Leadership Presence and Competence

Public ...

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Evaluating the Efficacy of U.S. Leadership

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shapiro's broader critique on performance and communication involves his analysis and evaluation of how political leaders like Biden and Trump perform in their roles and communicate with the public. He assesses their effectiveness in areas such as policy implementation, decision-making, public speaking, and media interactions. Shapiro scrutinizes their actions and messaging to determine their overall effectiveness and impact on governance and public perception.
  • The mention of countries like the U.K., Denmark, France, and Germany dealing with military arsenal depletion could be referring to the trend of reduced military spending and downsizing of armed forces that occurred in many Western countries after the end of the Cold War. This reduction in military capabilities has raised concerns about the readiness and effectiveness of these nations' defense forces in the face of evolving security challenges. The contex ...

Counterarguments

  • While Shapiro contrasts Biden's policies with praise from Governor Tim Walz, it's important to consider that political figures often have partisan biases, and praise from a governor of the same party may not be indicative of broader public opinion or policy success.
  • Trump's media-shy strategy could be interpreted not just as a way to avoid criticism but also as a potential lack of transparency or engagement with the media and, by extension, the public.
  • Critiques of Biden's economic policies should be balanced with the context of global economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath and supply chain disruptions, which can significantly impact housing and stock markets.
  • The handling of U.S. border security and foreign policy, particularly in Ukraine, can be complex, and some may argue that the Biden administration's approach is measured and seeks to balance various international and domestic interests.
  • The exhaustion of assistance to Ukraine and the need for further financial support could be seen as a reflection of the ongoing and unpredictable nature of international conflicts, rather than a straightforward policy failure.
  • The Democrats' resistance to Republican demands for border security in exchange for Ukrainian aid could be based on principled stands on immigration policy or concerns about the efficacy of proposed border security measures.
  • Senator Tim Walls' suggestion that Republicans need to compromise could be countered by the argument that both parties have a responsibility to find common ground on critical issues like border policy and foreign aid.
  • Criticisms of the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis should consider the broader challenges of immigra ...

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

Academic Integrity and Ideological Conflicts: Focus on Higher Education

Shapiro criticizes the academic sphere, particularly Harvard University, for what he sees as a contradiction in its stance on academic freedom, exemplified by a scandal involving President Claudine Gay and allegations of plagiarism.

The Claudine Gay Controversy: Academic Standards at Harvard University

Shapiro criticizes the academic sphere, particularly Harvard University, for what he sees as a contradiction in its stance on academic freedom, exemplified by a scandal involving President Claudine Gay and allegations of plagiarism in her scholarly work, including her Ph.D. thesis. He expresses skepticism toward the university's statements of confidence in Gay's leadership amidst the controversy.

He accuses Gay of showing indifference to anti-Semitism, underscored by her lackluster responses to Congressional inquiries on the issue, and he highlights the National Association of Scholars' demand for Gay's removal due to her plagiaristic work and disregard for anti-Semitic instances at Harvard.

Despite this, Shapiro notes that Harvard remains supportive, which he speculatively attributes to her identity, indicating a perceived inconsistency in Harvard's approach to enforcing academic freedom versus protecting its leadership.

The DEI Agenda: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges

The diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda within academia is scrutinized, with Shapiro expressing concern over how these frameworks could obscure meritocracy and overlook complexities in the discourse on success and oppression.

He delves into how anti-Semitism intersects with DEI tenets, arguing that Jewish success is difficult to assimilate into the narrative of oppression that DEI often promotes. This complicates the inclusion of the Jewish community within these frameworks.

Additionally, Shapiro advises Harvard alumni and donors who are disillusioned with President Gay's performance and the DEI agenda to recognize that the current leadership is a reflection of the ideologies that shaped the university's principles. He suggests that any change in the presidency would not be sufficient to address the underpinnin ...

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Academic Integrity and Ideological Conflicts: Focus on Higher Education

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The National Association of Scholars is a conservative-leaning organization focused on higher education. In this context, their demand for Claudine Gay's removal from Harvard University is based on allegations of plagiarism in her academic work and her perceived indifference to anti-Semitism issues. The organization's call for her removal reflects their concerns about academic integrity and leadership ethics within the university setting.
  • The intersection of anti-Semitism with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) tenets involves examining how efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity may inadvertently overlook or complicate the experiences and successes of Jewish individuals. This intersection raises questions about how DEI frameworks address the unique challenges faced by the Jewish community, particularly in contexts where their achievements may not align neatly with narratives of oppression. It highlights the need to ensure that DEI initiatives are comprehensive and sensitive to the diverse experiences of all marginalized groups, including Jewish individuals.
  • The criticisms of Israel and America on campuses often revolve around perceived issues such as colonialism, human rights violations, and foreign policy decisions. Some campus groups may equate the actions of entities like the NYPD, KKK, and IDF, suggesting a broader critique of power structures and policies. These criticisms can reflect broader ideological stances on Western values, colonial legacies, and social justice movements. The complexities of these debates can involve intersecting narratives of oppression, nationalism, and international relations.
  • Equating the NYPD, KKK, and IDF is a comparison that has been made in certain contexts to highlight perceived issues with policing practices and military actions. The comparison suggests a critique of power dynamics, use of force, and perceived injustices associated with these entities. It is a controversial analogy that aims to draw attention to concerns about systemic discrimination, violence, and human rights violations.
  • Criticism of perceived colonialism in relation to Western society's values ...

Counterarguments

  • Academic institutions may argue that they uphold academic freedom while also thoroughly investigating allegations of misconduct, including plagiarism, and that due process is essential before drawing conclusions about an individual's integrity or leadership capabilities.
  • Harvard University or other academic institutions might emphasize their commitment to anti-discrimination, including combating anti-Semitism, and may have policies and initiatives in place that are not fully captured in the criticism presented.
  • The diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda could be defended as an effort to create a more inclusive and fair environment for all students, which can coexist with a commitment to meritocracy and academic excellence.
  • Proponents of DEI might argue that the framework is complex and capable of recognizing a variety of experiences with oppression, including those of the Jewish community, and that it seeks to address systemic inequalities rather than oversimplify narratives of success and oppression.
  • Some may argue that leadership changes can indeed have a significant impact on institutional values and culture, and that new leadership can bring about meaningful reform wi ...

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Trump Is WAY Ahead

Media vs. Reality: A Sociopolitical Perspective

Shapiro provides a critique of the current socio-political media narratives, especially around the contentious Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the portrayal of Trump as an autocratic leader.

Unpacking the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Media Representations

Shapiro criticizes mainstream media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for presenting misleading narratives that fail to convey the complexities of the situation. He cites a specific instance from the Washington Post, an article by Atif Abu Saif, in which Saif laments the destruction of his family home due to an Israeli airstrike.

Shapiro points out that the report omits crucial context about Israel's defensive actions against terrorism, suggesting a biased portrayal of the events. Furthermore, Shapiro challenges the depiction of Palestinian leaders as moderate figures, referencing a past statement by Saif comparing Israeli military actions to Nazi atrocities, questioning the impartiality of such media representations.

Autocracy vs. Democratic Values: The Narrative in U.S. Politics

Shapiro challenges the narrative employed by Democrats and the media that compares Trump to dictatorial figures, suggesting such portrayals are overly simplistic and dramatized.

Matthew Dowd suggests that the Biden campaign should present the election choice as one between democratic values and autocratic control, emphasizing the stakes in personal and economic liberties.

Academic Ruth Ben-Ghiat draws parallels between Trump and historical dictators like Mussolini and Pinochet, noting tactics such as allying with powerful industries and exploiting immigration issues for political gain. However, Shapiro criticizes the effectiveness of framing Trump as a freedom-eroding leader, considering his previous term as president without clear evidence of such accusations.

Mitt Romney's depiction of Trump as authoritarian is highlighted with references to instances like Trump's call to his supporters on January 6th, which Romney interprets as manipulative and power-seeking behavior.

Moreover, Nikki Haley's argument is show ...

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Media vs. Reality: A Sociopolitical Perspective

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mussolini and Pinochet were historical dictators known for their authoritarian rule. Mussolini was the fascist leader of Italy during World War II, while Pinochet was a military dictator in Chile in the 1970s. Both leaders were associated with repressive regimes and human rights abuses during their time in power. Comparing Trump to these figures suggests similarities in their leadership styles or actions.
  • The Biden campaign framed the election choice as a decision between upholding democratic values and preventing autocratic control. They emphasized the importance of protecting personal and economic liberties by contrasting these values with the perceived authoritarian tendencies of Trump's leadership style.
  • Criticism of the portrayal of Trump as a freedom-eroding leader without clear evidence: Some critics argue that labeling Trump as a threat to freedom lacks substantial proof of direct actions that significantly eroded democratic values during his presidency. They suggest that while there were concerns and controversies surrounding his leadership style, the direct evidence of him actively undermining fundamental freedoms is not always clearly demonstrated. This viewpoint challenges the narrative that paints Trump as an authoritarian figure who posed an immediate danger to democratic principles without concrete examples of such actions.
  • Mitt Romney interpreted Trump's call to his supporters on January 6th as manipulative and power- ...

Counterarguments

  • The media often strives to provide balanced coverage, and accusations of bias must be substantiated with comprehensive analysis across various reports and time periods.
  • Some argue that the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are indeed covered by various media outlets, which offer a range of perspectives including those of human rights organizations and international law experts.
  • The portrayal of Palestinian leaders as moderate or otherwise is subject to interpretation, and different media outlets may provide a spectrum of views on their political stances.
  • Critics of Trump may argue that the comparison to autocratic leaders is not without merit, citing various actions and statements made during his presidency that they believe exhibit authoritarian tendencies.
  • The framing of the election choice as one between democratic values and autocratic control can be seen as a legitimate political strategy to highlight perceived threats to democracy.
  • Drawing parallels between Trump and historical dictators could be based on academic research into authoritarianism and is a point of debate among historians and political scientists.
  • Some may argue that there is evidence suggesting Trump's presidency had elements that could erode freedoms, such as attempts to undermine the press or the judiciary.
  • Romney's depiction of Trump as authoritarian may be supported by other instances and interpretations of ...

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