Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

By Ben Shapiro

Dive into the latest compelling episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show," where Shapiro leads a dynamic conversation on the potential disqualification of Donald Trump before the next election cycle and grapples with the Biden administration's foreign policy strategies. With a diverse panel of high-profile guests, including Kamala Harris, Bill Barr, Mary Trump, and Dan Patrick, the discussion is ripe with insight and controversy. As the Colorado Supreme Court rules against Trump's primary ballot access—echoing through states like Arizona and Michigan—the implications for both Republican and Democratic strategies crystalize amidst public opinion, setting the stage for an episode steeped in political intrigue and future speculation.

Then, Shapiro steers the conversation towards global concerns, addressing threats to vital shipping routes and the significance of capitalist economics. With analysis from Antony Blinken to Tucker Carlson, this episode dissects the delicate balance of powers in areas like the Taiwan Strait and the implications of underfunded U.S. Naval forces for international trade. Shapiro's staunch defense of capitalism and global economic engagement adds another layer to the debate, challenging critiques of the system and advocating for the benefits of free trade and supply chains. Join these thought leaders as they unpack the complexities of politics, economics, and global stability in an episode that's as timely as it is enlightening.

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 21, 2023 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

1-Page Summary

Colorado Supreme Court ruling barring Trump's ballot access

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the Republican primary ballot in Colorado, a decision Trump's supporters criticize and plan to oppose. Republican figures, like Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, play with the idea of similar actions against President Joe Biden in Texas, reflecting a broader sentiment of using legal means to advance political goals.

Despite the ruling, Trump maintains a significant lead in the Republican nominating contest, and according to a YouGov poll, most Americans, particularly Democrats, approve of the court's decision. Mary Trump expresses approval of the news, while Ben Shapiro hints at the possibility of President Biden supporting the reasoning behind the ban. At least 15 states are considering similar legal challenges, though courts in Arizona and Michigan have initially dismissed such cases. The consequences of these legal strategies may deeply affect the political climate and the 2024 presidential election process.

Biden administration's foreign policy weakness

Ben Shapiro offers harsh criticism of President Joe Biden's foreign policy, particularly towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and overall international strategy. He accuses the Biden administration of having an unclear stance and lack of conviction, resulting in a confusing and inconsistent foreign policy. Shapiro criticizes the discrepancy between the support of Israel's right to self-defense by the State Department and Secretary of State Tony Blinken's demands placed on Israel rather than Hamas. He perceives the administration's negotiations with the United Nations for a Security Council resolution as indicative of a broader foreign policy failure.

Threats to global shipping routes

Global shipping routes are facing threats, significantly impacted by geopolitical tensions such as China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan. Shapiro explains that the Taiwan Strait is a key shipping lane and that China's aspirations to reunify with Taiwan, potentially by force, endanger it. President Xi's military readiness instructions and messages to President Biden exemplify the severity of this threat, and Shapiro warns that Western weakness could prompt China to act sooner than later.

The conversation also highlights the U.S. Navy's underinvestment, posing risks to essential global shipping choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. With a budget smaller than the Army and Air Force, an aging fleet, and China's rapid military advancements, the U.S. needs to invest more in its naval capabilities to ensure free navigation and respond to global threats.

The value of capitalist economics

Ben Shapiro defends capitalist economics, countering criticism that it only serves the system's defenders, such as Tucker Carlson's attack on the prevalence of dollar stores as a sign of decline. Shapiro praises dollar stores for their accessibility and value to many Americans, rejecting claims of economic betrayal. He articulates the benefits of supply chains and free trade, pointing out how they've raised the quality of life through greater efficiency, better products, and reduced prices.

Shapiro stresses that while globalization has shifted certain industries overseas, it has made life more accessible and prosperous in the United States, debunking the idea of autarky as costly and unnecessary. He emphasizes that America's global economic engagement has historically led to its prosperity and cautions against the risks of retreating from these principles, such as allowing other nations to control vital shipping lanes. Shapiro concludes by advocating for capitalism as an effective tool for innovation, job creation, and societal benefit, responsible for solving economic issues and promoting the common good through the emphasis on free trade and comparative advantage.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Colorado Supreme Court ruling on Trump's ballot access is significant as it impacts his ability to participate in the Republican primary in Colorado. This decision has sparked criticism and opposition from Trump's supporters, potentially influencing his campaign strategy. The ruling reflects a broader trend of using legal means to shape political outcomes, with implications for the 2024 presidential election process. The court's decision could have repercussions on Trump's standing in the Republican nominating contest and the overall political landscape.
  • Ben Shapiro criticizes President Biden's foreign policy for its perceived lack of clarity and consistency, particularly in handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shapiro highlights what he sees as a discrepancy between the administration's support for Israel's right to self-defense and its demands on Israel's actions. He also questions the effectiveness of the administration's approach to negotiations with the United Nations regarding the conflict. Overall, Shapiro believes that these factors contribute to what he views as a broader failure in the Biden administration's foreign policy strategy.
  • The threats to global shipping routes, particularly due to geopolitical tensions like China's actions towards Taiwan, could lead to disruptions in international trade and impact the global economy. The potential risks include increased shipping costs, delays in goods delivery, and potential conflicts that could escalate into broader geopolitical crises. Ensuring the security and stability of these critical shipping lanes is essential for maintaining global trade flow and preventing economic disruptions on a worldwide scale. The U.S. Navy's underinvestment in naval capabilities poses challenges in safeguarding these vital routes, emphasizing the need for strategic investments to protect international maritime trade.
  • China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has expressed intentions to reunify with Taiwan, even by force if necessary. The Taiwan Strait is a crucial shipping lane, and China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan poses a threat to global shipping routes. President Xi Jinping's military readiness directives and messages to President Biden underscore the seriousness of this issue. Geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan could potentially lead to disruptions in global trade and maritime activities.
  • The U.S. Navy's underinvestment is primarily due to budget allocations favoring the Army and Air Force, leading to an aging fleet and limited resources for naval capabilities. This underinvestment poses risks to critical global shipping choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. China's rapid military advancements further highlight the importance of investing more in naval capabilities to ensure free navigation and respond to global threats. The implications of this underinvestment could weaken the U.S.'s ability to protect vital shipping routes and maintain a strong presence in key geopolitical regions.
  • Ben Shapiro defends capitalist economics by highlighting its benefits, such as efficiency, better products, and reduced prices through supply chains and free trade. He argues that globalization, despite shifting some industries overseas, has improved accessibility and prosperity in the United States. Shapiro emphasizes capitalism's role in innovation, job creation, and societal benefit through free trade and comparative advantage. He cautions against retreating from these principles, advocating for capitalism as a tool for solving economic issues and promoting the common good.

Counterarguments

  • The Colorado Supreme Court's decision to bar Trump from the ballot could be seen as a legal interpretation of election laws rather than a political maneuver.
  • Legal challenges to candidates' eligibility might be viewed as part of the democratic process to ensure that all candidates meet the necessary requirements.
  • Some Republicans and Trump supporters may believe that the court's decision undermines the democratic process by preventing voters from choosing their preferred candidate.
  • The approval of the court's decision by most Americans, particularly Democrats, could be interpreted as partisan bias rather than a consensus on the legal merits of the case.
  • The suggestion that President Biden might support the reasoning behind Trump's ban could be speculative without direct statements or evidence from Biden or his administration.
  • Criticism of President Biden's foreign policy might overlook complexities in international relations and the need for diplomatic nuance.
  • The U.S. Navy's budget and capabilities could be defended by pointing out the strategic allocation of resources across different branches of the military and the need for a balanced defense strategy.
  • The benefits of capitalist economics and globalization could be balanced with acknowledgment of the negative impacts on certain domestic industries and the working class.
  • The argument for the value of dollar stores might be countered with concerns about the quality of products and the economic health of communities that rely heavily on such stores.
  • The idea that autarky is costly and unnecessary could be challenged by advocating for more self-sufficiency in critical industries to enhance national security.
  • The claim that capitalism is an effective tool for societal benefit might be met with arguments for the need for regulation to address issues like income inequality and environmental sustainability.

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

Colorado Supreme Court ruling barring Trump's ballot access

The Colorado Supreme Court has made a controversial ruling regarding Donald Trump's eligibility to appear on the ballot for the Republican primary in Colorado.

Republicans planning retaliation efforts

Following these unprecedented legal moves, Republicans are discussing retaliation strategies. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick of Texas, taking a cue from the Colorado decision, joked about the idea of potentially removing Joe Biden from the Texas ballot due to his border policies. This mirrors the sentiment suggested by Ben Shapiro, who indicates that Republicans may be considering using legal mechanisms to their own advantage in future elections.

Trump's response and lead in polls

The Supreme Court's potential intervention remains a topic of discussion. If the Supreme Court refuses to take up the Colorado case, Donald Trump will remain excluded from the state's ballot. Despite the Colorado ruling, Trump continues to lead significantly in the Republican nominating contest. Additionally, a YouGov poll reports that a majority of Americans, cutting across party lines, approve of the Colorado State Supreme Court's decision. However, Ben Shapiro points out that this includes a large number of Democrats, with 84% approving the court's decision.

Mary Trump celebrates the news of the ruling, and Ben Shapiro sugge ...

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Colorado Supreme Court ruling barring Trump's ballot access

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The retaliation strategies being discussed by Republicans involve potentially using legal means to target Joe Biden in response to the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling on Donald Trump's ballot access. This includes suggestions of removing Biden from the ballot in certain states, similar to what happened with Trump in Colorado, as a form of political retaliation. The idea is to leverage legal mechanisms to challenge Biden's eligibility based on specific policy decisions, such as his approach to border policies. These discussions reflect a growing trend of using legal battles and election strategies to gain advantages in the political landscape.
  • The legal actions against Trump in various states could lead to a significant impact on his ability to appear on the ballot for the 2024 presidential election. If multiple ...

Counterarguments

  • The Colorado Supreme Court's decision may be seen as a partisan move, potentially undermining the impartiality of the judiciary.
  • Retaliation strategies could escalate political tensions and further divide the country.
  • Joking about removing a sitting president from a state ballot could be considered irresponsible and may undermine the democratic process.
  • Using legal mechanisms for political gain might set a dangerous precedent for future elections.
  • The Supreme Court's refusal to intervene could be viewed as a failure to protect the rights of candidates and voters.
  • Trump's lead in polls does not necessarily legitimize his candidacy if legal or constitutional issues are at play.
  • The YouGov poll's findings might not accurately represent the entire population's views, especially if the sample is biased.
  • Approval of the court's decision by Democrats could be interpreted as partisan satisfaction rather than an endorsement of the legal merits of the case.
  • Celebrating the exclusion of a political candidate could be seen as celebrating the limitation of democratic choice.
  • The support of the Colorado ban by President Biden could be perceived as executive overreach or interference in the judicial pro ...

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

Biden administration's foreign policy weakness

Ben Shapiro offers a scathing review of Joe Biden's administration, focusing on what he perceives as an inadequacy in their foreign policy stance, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the administration's international strategies.

Economic impacts of libertarian vs protectionist policies

Shapiro accuses the Biden administration of having unclear political positions and a lack of courage in their convictions, which he suggests leads to confusion and inconsistency in foreign policy. He points out what he sees as contradictions between different sections of the government.

Shapiro highlights the dissonance between the State Department's acknowledgment of Israel’s right to defend itself through its military actions targeting Hamas, and Secretary of State Tony Blinken's remarks. Shapiro criticizes Blinken for not making any demands of the aggressor, Hamas, while instead focusing demands on Israel, the victim in their view. Shapiro int ...

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Biden administration's foreign policy weakness

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong support of Israel and criticism of liberal policies. His criticisms of the Biden administration's foreign policy often stem from his pro-Israel stance and libertarian beliefs. Shapiro's viewpoints are influenced by his background as a conservative commentator and his vocal opposition to what he perceives as weaknesses in the current administration's approach to international affairs.
  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing dispute over land and governance between Israelis and Palestinians. It involves issues such as borders, security, and the status of Jerusalem. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that c ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration's approach to foreign policy may be seen as cautious and measured, rather than weak, aiming to build consensus and avoid escalation.
  • Clear political positions can sometimes be detrimental if they limit a government's ability to adapt to changing international circumstances; flexibility can be a strategic asset.
  • Contradictions between different sections of the government could reflect a healthy debate within a diverse administration, leading to more balanced policy decisions.
  • Secretary of State Tony Blinken's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict might be part of a broader strategy to encourage de-escalation and a return to negotiations, rather than a sign of weakness.
  • Engaging with the United Nations and seeking a Sec ...

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

Threats to global shipping routes

Global shipping routes face serious challenges, with key geopolitical situations threatening the open sea lanes that are critical for international trade.

China's threats to Taiwan

Ben Shapiro discusses the global implications of the Chinese threats toward Taiwan. By expressing an intention to reunify with Taiwan, potentially through force, China presents a major threat to the Taiwan Strait, a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. President Xi Jinping has instructed his military to be ready by 2027 to take action on Taiwan and has communicated directly to President Joe Biden that China will pursue reunification. Shapiro stresses that if the West shows weakness, China may move up the timeline for aggressive action.

Underinvestment in the US Navy

The conversation also touches on concerns about the United States' naval power. Shapiro implies that the U.S. has underinvested in its Navy, which is necessary for maintaining freedom of the seas and countering threats at key choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Suez Canal, which are at risk from Iranian proxies and other forces. These choke points, including the Strait of Malacca, are vital to global supply chains and their disruption could lead to significant economic repercussions.

The U.S. Navy represents about 23 percent of the annual U.S. military budget, which is lower ...

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Threats to global shipping routes

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The relationship between China and Taiwan is complex due to historical and political factors. Taiwan considers itself a separate entity from China, while China views Taiwan as a part of its territory. The issue dates back to the Chinese Civil War in the mid-20th century, leading to the current "One China" policy. Tensions have persisted, with China asserting its sovereignty over Taiwan and not ruling out the use of force to achieve reunification. The situation remains a sensitive and contentious issue in international relations.
  • Choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Suez Canal are narrow passages that are crucial for global trade as they connect major bodies of water. These strategic locations are vital for the transportation of oil and goods between regions, serving as key arteries for international maritime commerce. Disruption at these choke points can lead to significant economic impacts worldwide due to the potential interruption of vital shipping routes. Safeguarding these passages is essential to ensure the smooth flow of goods and maintain the stability of the global economy.
  • The underinvestment in the U.S. Navy impacts its ability to effectively patrol and secure key maritime chokepoints worldwide, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, which are crucial for global trade. A lack of sufficient naval resources can lead to vulnerabilities in safeguarding these strategic sea routes from potential threats like piracy, terrorism, or military aggression. This underinvestment may result in a diminished U.S. presence in critical regions, potentially allowing other nations to exert greater influence over internation ...

Counterarguments

  • China's actions towards Taiwan are often framed as aggressive, but from China's perspective, they may view it as a matter of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • The timeline set by President Xi Jinping for military readiness by 2027 does not necessarily mean that China will take military action against Taiwan by that date.
  • Direct communication between China and the U.S. regarding Taiwan could be interpreted as a form of diplomatic transparency rather than an outright threat.
  • The concept of the West showing weakness is subjective and could be seen as a simplification of the complex international dynamics at play.
  • The U.S. Navy's budget and force structure should be considered in the context of overall military capabilities, including advancements in technology that may offset the need for larger numbers of ships.
  • The strategic importance of choke points is recognized, but the risk of their disruption might be mitigated through diplomatic efforts and international cooperation.
  • The comparison of the current U.S. Navy to its size four decades ago may not take into account changes in naval warfare, technology, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
  • The focus on technology over the number of ships could be part of a strategic shift towar ...

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Will Trump Be Disqualified Before The Election Even Starts?

The value of capitalist economics

Ben Shapiro delves into the benefits of capitalist economics, challenging critiques and emphasizing the importance of free trade and supply chains for improving lives.

Critiques of libertarian economics and dollar stores

Shapiro notes that libertarian economics often comes under fire, with Tucker Carlson suggesting it's a scam that benefits only the defenders of the system. Carlson asserts that an economic system should be judged by its results, lambasting a system that produces widespread dollar stores as inherently evil and indicative of societal decline. Shapiro, on the other hand, holds a different perspective. He defends the value of dollar stores, arguing against the elitism of aesthetic critiques and the notion that libertarian economics have betrayed the populace. He counters the criticism by emphasizing the practical importance and economic value of such stores to middle-class and lower-income Americans.

Benefits of supply chains and free trade

Shapiro argues powerfully in favor of the efficiencies created by supply chains and the doctrine of comparative advantage, highlighting how they’ve led to an increase in the standard of living over time. He suggests that better products at cheaper prices, a direct result of trade liberties like the freedom of the seas, substantially improve the lives of people. Shapiro discusses the spread of democracy and liberalism and how free trade has real-world impacts, such as improving purchasing power and quality of life as demonstrated by the reduction in work time required to buy food from 1919 to today.

He also notes the practicality and pragmatism of Americans in creating economic opportunity and amassing success as a world power. Shapiro insists that while certain industries have moved away due to global supply chains becoming broader, these changes have overall made life easier and more prosperous for Americ ...

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The value of capitalist economics

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Autarky is the concept of a self-sufficient economic system or entity that aims to rely on its own resources without external assistance. It involves reducing dependence on foreign influences and promoting self-reliance in various aspects, such as production and trade. Autarky can be pursued at different levels, from complete national self-sufficiency to specific sectors like food or key resources. The term originates from the Ancient Greek words for "self" and "to suffice," reflecting the idea of independence and self-sustainability.
  • Comparative advantage is the ability of a country, individual, or firm to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than others. It explains why countries trade even if one country is more efficient in producing all goods. This concept highlights the benefits of specialization and trade based on differences in productivity and resources. David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage is a fundamental principle in economics that emphasizes the gains from trade and specialization.
  • Dollar stores are often criticized as a symbol of societal decline and evil due to concerns about their impact on local businesses, employment practices, and the quality of goods they offer at low prices. Critics argue that the prevalence of dollar stores in certain communities can contribute to economic challenges and perpetuate cycles of poverty. However, proponents like Ben Shapiro defend dollar stores as providing essential goods at affordable prices, particularly benefiting middle-class and lower-income individuals who rely on these stores for everyday necessities. The debate surrounding dollar stores reflects broader discussions ...

Counterarguments

  • Dollar stores may indicate economic disparities where only low-cost options are viable for a significant portion of the population, suggesting underlying issues with wealth distribution.
  • The efficiencies of supply chains can lead to over-reliance on global trade, making local economies vulnerable to international disruptions.
  • Comparative advantage may result in the loss of domestic industries and jobs, which can have negative social and economic impacts on local communities.
  • Free trade can sometimes lead to environmental degradation and exploitation of workers in countries with less stringent regulations.
  • The increase in purchasing power does not necessarily equate to an increase in overall well-being if it is accompanied by longer working hours, less job security, or poorer working conditions.
  • The success of America as a world power may also be attributed to historical factors such as colonialism and military interventions, which are not solely economic in nature.
  • The movement of industries overseas can lead to a hollowing out of the middle class and increased economic inequality within developed nations.
  • Auta ...

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