Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > 2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

By Ben Shapiro

Join Ben Shapiro and an array of guests—Jamie Raskin, Joe Biden, Chris Sununu, Brandon Johnson, Bree Fram, and Nikki Haley—on "The Ben Shapiro Show" as they tackle the pivotal moments leading up to the monumental 2024 Presidential Election. Shapiro dives deep into the polarizing dynamics between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, exploring Trump’s legal woes and Biden's alleged cognitive struggles. With controversies from Maine to Georgia, the unfolding legal dramas, and the public’s scrutinizing eye, Shapiro illustrates the high-stakes battleground that could decisively shape America’s political landscape.

In a swift pivot from domestic politics, the podcast highlights America's waning global influence, as Shapiro echoes historian Neil Ferguson’s concerns about the Biden administration's foreign policy. The discussion paints a concerning picture of America's Goliath opponents—Russia, China, and Iran—taking strides amid perceived American uncertainty. Additionally, Shapiro addresses the rise of pro-Palestinian and antisemitic fervor within leftist political circles, a trend punctuated by increasingly bold activism. He does not shy away from the ripples of the Epstein scandal either, gearing up for a discussion about the anticipated disclosures that threaten to weave a closer web between Epstein's notorious acts and high-profile figures. "The Ben Shapiro Show" delivers an in-depth analysis that promises to reveal the complex tapestry of the nation’s current and future challenges.

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

1-Page Summary

The All-Important 2024 Presidential Election

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, former President Donald Trump leads the Republican polls, amidst legal challenges and targeted character scrutiny by Democrats. His position is seemingly strengthened by concerns about President Joe Biden's leadership and cognitive clarity. Donald Trump's legal entanglements span several states, including Georgia and New York, and attempts to eliminate him from the Maine ballot reflect tactics like Colorado's past actions regarding insurrection allegations. Justice Clarence Thomas also faces calls for recusal over his wife's January 6th involvement.

Biden, labeled as "rambly McRamble face" by Shapiro, struggles to appear focused, raising concerns about his capability to lead. Past policy decisions are coming back to haunt him as "bills" become due. Both candidates face arduous paths ahead, with the election's outcome poised to significantly influence America's future direction.

US Retreat from the World Under Biden

Historians like Neil Ferguson and figures like Ben Shapiro criticize the Biden administration for America's perceived retreat on the global stage, emboldening adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Russia under Putin is poised to capitalize on Western weariness over Ukraine, while China's increased assertiveness under Xi Jinping may be opportunistic. Shapiro argues that the lack of a defined US strategy in the Ukraine conflict results in diminished credibility and leverage. The aggression from Iran and its proxies, like harassing shipping routes, may be symptomatic of America's fading assertiveness.

Pro-Palestinian and Antisemitic Activism Growing in Left Circles

Ben Shapiro discusses the escalation of pro-Palestinian activism within progressive political groups, noting disruptive protests at airports like New York's JFK and LA's LAX, where demonstrators have caused significant disruptions and have been arrested. These protests align with a broader trend toward mainstreaming the support for groups considered terrorist organizations by Israel.

Shapiro observes a troubling affiliation between progressive politics and radical antisemitic sentiments, suggesting a fraying of traditional US alliances and a potentially more hostile attitude toward Israel, reflected in the lenient stance against groups like Hamas. These developments underscore a perceived increase in extremism within certain political factions on the American left.

Epstein Scandal Still Reverberating

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal maintains its grip on the public's attention, with expectations building around the imminent release of court documents. These files may disclose the identities of prominent figures who visited Epstein's island. Past allegations against Bill Clinton, fueled by claims from Virginia Roberts and Doug Band, his former aide, continue to riddle the case with questions. Although Clinton denies such claims, a photograph showing him with Epstein's masseuse fuels speculation. The upcoming document dispersal may shed more light on the issue and perhaps alter public perception of Epstein's connections.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Biden facing consequences from previous policy decisions as they require attention and resolution. This phrase suggests that the effects of decisions made in the past are catching up to Biden in the present. The metaphorical reference to "bills" implies that there are obligations or consequences from earlier actions that need to be addressed now. This could indicate challenges or problems arising from choices made during Biden's time in office that are now demanding his attention and action.
  • Iran and its proxies have been known to engage in aggressive actions in the region, including harassing commercial shipping routes in strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. This behavior is seen as a way for Iran to exert influence and pressure on its adversaries, disrupt global trade, and showcase its military capabilities. Such actions can lead to tensions with other countries and impact international maritime security. The harassment of shipping routes is often viewed as a form of asymmetric warfare employed by Iran and its allies to advance their political and strategic objectives.
  • The phrase "troubling affiliation between progressive politics and radical antisemitic sentiments" suggests a concerning connection between certain progressive political groups and extreme anti-Jewish views. This association implies that within some progressive circles, there is a growing trend of supporting causes aligned with anti-Semitic ideologies. The concern is that this alignment may lead to a more hostile stance towards Israel and traditional alliances, reflecting an increase in extremist beliefs within certain segments of the American left.
  • The Jeffrey Epstein scandal involves allegations of sex trafficking and abuse of minors. Court documents related to Epstein's case could potentially reveal more information about individuals who associated with him, visited his properties, or were involved in his activities. The release of these documents is anticipated to provide further insight into the extent of Epstein's network and connections to prominent figures. This disclosure may impact public perception and understanding of the scandal and those implicated.
  • Bill Clinton has faced allegations related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. These allegations suggest that Clinton visited Epstein's private island, raising questions about the nature of their relationship. Speculation and scrutiny have intensified due to claims made by individuals like Virginia Roberts and Doug Band, leading to ongoing public interest and debate. The upcoming release of court documents is expected to provide more insight into these allegations and shed light on Clinton's connections to Epstein.

Counterarguments

  • Trump's lead in the polls may not necessarily translate to electoral success, as public opinion can change rapidly, especially in the face of legal challenges.
  • Biden's public speaking style may not be indicative of his cognitive abilities or leadership skills; many effective leaders have had different communication styles.
  • Legal challenges are a normal part of the political process, and Trump's ability to navigate them may demonstrate resilience rather than culpability.
  • Justice Clarence Thomas's recusal is a matter of judicial ethics, and there is a debate about whether personal relationships should mandate recusal in all instances.
  • The perception of a US retreat from the global stage under Biden could be seen as a strategic realignment or a focus on domestic issues rather than a sign of weakness.
  • The US strategy in Ukraine might be more nuanced and diplomatic than critics suggest, prioritizing long-term stability over short-term gains.
  • Iran's aggression could be influenced by a variety of regional factors, not solely the perceived assertiveness of the US.
  • Pro-Palestinian activism can be part of legitimate political discourse and does not inherently equate to antisemitism.
  • The affiliation between progressive politics and antisemitic sentiments is not universally accepted, and many progressives strongly condemn antisemitism.
  • The Epstein scandal's impact on public perception will depend on the content of the released documents, and it is premature to draw conclusions about individuals' involvement without evidence.
  • Allegations against public figures like Bill Clinton should be treated with caution, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

The All-Important 2024 Presidential Election

The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a contentious battle, with former President Donald Trump leading the Republican polls despite facing legal challenges and personal character attacks, while President Joe Biden's perceived failures and concerns about his mental acuity appear to be fortifying Trump's position.

Donald Trump is currently leading the Republican polls, with the latest numbers from Real Clear Politics showing him ahead by about 2.4%, which is within the margin of error. Despite this lead, a significant number of undecided voters remain, and some are contemplating the option of a third-party candidate. Shapiro suggests that the 2024 election will revolve around events external to the candidates themselves, as the public is already familiar with both Trump and Biden.

As Shapiro notes, there is growing tension surrounding the upcoming election, even though it's still many months away. The left reportedly views Trump as the most beatable Republican candidate and has set its sights on facing him in the 2024 contest.

The strategy employed against Trump extends beyond political tactics to include attempts at undermining his character and employing the power of the law. Trump is currently subject to various legal actions across states such as Georgia, New York, Washington DC, and Florida.

One significant legal maneuver involves an attempt to remove Trump from the ballot in Maine, a move reminiscent of the Colorado Supreme Court's decision based on allegations of insurrection. Additionally, there is a movement to delegitimize the Supreme Court in decisions related to Trump, with some suggesting that justices appointed by Trump or Republicans should recuse themselves.

Congressperson Jamie Raskin, for example, wants Justice Clarence Thomas to take a step back because of his wife's involvement in activities related to January 6th. Shapiro criticizes these tactics as tyrannical efforts to target Trump, framing them as a misuse of legal measures.

Biden's failures and declining mental state fortifying Trump's lead

On the opposing side, Shapiro scrutinizes President Joe Biden's manner ...

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The All-Important 2024 Presidential Election

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The movement to delegitimize Supreme Court decisions related to Trump stems from concerns about bias due to justices appointed by Trump or Republicans. Critics argue that these justices may not be impartial when ruling on cases involving Trump, leading to calls for recusal. This effort aims to ensure fairness and the perception of justice in legal matters concerning Trump.
  • President Biden's standing being impacted by "bills" from past policy decisions means that the consequences of policies he implemented earlier are now becoming apparent and could affect his popularity and support. This could include issues like economic repercussions, social changes, or other outcomes resulting from his previous decisions as president. The reference to "bills" symbolizes the debts or consequences that are now coming due as a result of actions taken during Biden's time in office. These consequences may influence public perception of Biden's effectiveness and leadership as he deals with the fallout of his past policy choices.
  • External events in the contex ...

Counterarguments

  • Trump's lead in the polls may not be as secure as it seems due to the margin of error and the presence of undecided voters.
  • A third-party candidate could potentially draw votes away from both major party candidates, not just one.
  • The 2024 election may not solely focus on external events; candidate policies, debates, and campaigns could significantly influence voter decisions.
  • The left's perception of Trump as the most beatable candidate could be a misjudgment, as his base remains loyal and could be galvanized by opposition.
  • Legal challenges against Trump could be viewed as legitimate accountability for alleged misconduct rather than character attacks or misuse of legal measures.
  • The movement to remove Trump from the ballot or delegitimize Supreme Court decisions could be based on genuine concerns about legal and ethical standards.
  • Calls for justices to recuse themselves in cases where there may be conflicts of interest could be seen as upholding judicial integrity.
  • Biden's manner of speaking might be seen as more authentic or relatable to some voters, rather than unfocused or incoherent.
  • Public appearances and responses to questions lik ...

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

US Retreat from the World Under Biden

Shapiro references historian Neil Ferguson’s observations on the challenges faced by Pax Americana, as adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea push the boundaries in the early 2020s.

Failed strategies emboldening enemies like Russia, China, Iran

Putin is seen as betting on the West’s fatigue with Ukraine, due to fuzzy goals and strategies. China, according to a Wall Street Journal article, is becoming more aggressive. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is preparing for economic challenges and might view the current time as an opportunity to act, potentially while Biden is in office. Shapiro implies that these global players are not intimidated by America's actions—or lack thereof—and instead see a chance to assert their power.

Loss of US credibility and lack of defined goals in Ukraine war

Shapiro criticizes Biden for not clarifying the US’s interest in the Ukraine conflict. He suggests that a stated goal, such as repelling future invasions and providing the necessary military support, could have created a perception of US success in the region. Instead, Putin seems to be playing t ...

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US Retreat from the World Under Biden

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Pax Americana is a term that describes a period of relative peace and stability in the world, particularly after World War II, when the United States emerged as a dominant global power. It signifies the influence and leadership of the U.S. in maintaining peace and order on a global scale, akin to historical periods like Pax Romana and Pax Britannica. The concept highlights the economic, cultural, and military supremacy of the U.S. in shaping international relations and promoting stability. The term encapsulates the idea of the U.S. playing a central role in maintaining peace and prosperity worldwide.
  • In the context of the Ukraine conflict, "fuzzy goals and strategies" suggest that the objectives and plans of the Western countries, particularly the United States, were unclear or ambiguous. This lack of clarity could have made it difficult for adversaries like Russia to understand the intentions and responses of the Western powers, potentially emboldening them to take aggressive actions. The absence of well-defined goals and strategies may have contributed to a perception of indecisiveness or weakness on the part of the US and its allies, allowing adversaries to exploit the situation to their advantage. Clarifying and communicating clear objectives in conflicts like the one in Ukraine is crucial for signaling resolve, deterring aggression, and shaping perceptions of strength and commitment on the international stage.
  • In the context of the Ukraine conflict, the lack of defined goals for the US means that there is confusion or uncertainty about what specific outcomes or objectives the US aims to achieve in its involvement in the conflict. This lack of clarity can lead to ambiguity in understanding the purpose of US actions and may impact the effectiveness of its strategies in addressing the situation in Ukraine. Without clear goals, it becomes challenging to communicate a coherent and consistent message to both allies and adversaries, potentially weakening the US position in the conflict. Clarifying and articulating specific objectives could help establish a more focused and purposeful approach towards addressing the Ukraine conflict.
  • "Emboldened adversaries" in this context means that countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are feeling more confident and empowered in their actions. They are becoming bolder and more assertive in challenging the United States and its allies on the global stage. This increased boldness is often a result of perceiving weakness or lack of clear direction from the United States, which can embolden these countries to take actions that they might not have taken otherwise.
  • A lack of clear US strategy in the context of the Ukraine conflict implies that the United States has not clearly communicated its objectives or plans regarding its involvement in the region. This ambiguity can lead to uncertainty among allies, adversaries, and the public about America's intentions and actions in response to the situation. Without a defined strategy, it becomes challenging to assess progress, make informed decisions, or effectively deter aggressive actions by other nations. Clarity ...

Counterarguments

  • The US may be adopting a more multilateral approach to international relations, sharing the burden of global leadership with allies.
  • The perception of US retreat could be a strategic repositioning rather than a sign of weakness, focusing on domestic issues and long-term global challenges.
  • The Biden administration may have clear goals in Ukraine but chooses not to disclose them for strategic reasons.
  • The US continues to provide substantial support to Ukraine, which suggests a commitment rather than a retreat.
  • China's aggressive posturing could be a result of internal pressures rather than a direct response to US policies.
  • The US has a history of resilience and could be in a period of recalibration rather than decline.
  • Aggression against shipping might be addressed through international coalitions and diplomatic channels, which may not be immediately visible.
  • The concep ...

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

Pro-Palestinian and Antisemitic Activism Growing in Left Circles

Ben Shapiro reports on a worrisome trend of disruptive pro-Palestinian protests and their potential ties to antisemitism becoming more mainstream in progressive political circles.

Disruptive protests by Hamas supporters at airports, public spaces

Shapiro recounts incidents involving pro-Palestinian protesters who effectively blocked entry to major airports. At New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport, demonstrators went as far as releasing a large balloon to obstruct air traffic, which Shapiro highlights as a severe danger to passenger jets. Similarly, at LAX, the area was declared an unlawful assembly zone as protesters blocked traffic, holding signs with messages like "Ceasefire is not enough" and "Free Palestine." The police responded with arrests for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic.

Notably, Shapiro points out that pro-Hamas protesters commandeered Boston Common, timed with anticipations for New Year's Eve activities.

Mainstreaming calls for Israel's terrorist enemies

Shapiro calls out what he views as a tendency within certain progressive circles to mainstream calls for groups that Israel identifies as terrorist organizations. While the specifics of the conversation did not elaborate on such activism, the mention of the "war of Iran's proxies against Israel" indicates a heightened concern for activities seen as supporting Israel's enemies.

Protesters’ actions, such as those at JFK and LAX, are underscored as indicative of a growing boldness among pro-Palestinian groups within the United States.

Political alliances with radical antisemites

Although no specific statement ...

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Pro-Palestinian and Antisemitic Activism Growing in Left Circles

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • Pro-Palestinian activism is not inherently antisemitic; it often focuses on human rights and opposition to specific policies of the Israeli government rather than on Jewish people or Judaism.
  • Disruptive protests are a common tactic in social movements to draw attention to issues that protesters feel are ignored, and they do not necessarily indicate support for terrorism.
  • The conflation of pro-Palestinian activism with support for Hamas overlooks the diversity within the movement, which includes many who explicitly oppose violence.
  • Criticizing the Israeli government's policies is a legitimate part of political discourse, and doing so does not automatically equate to antisemitism or support for terrorism.
  • Political alliances are complex, and partnerships in certain areas do not necessarily imply agreement with all views held by those groups.
  • The U.S. government's approach to Israel and Hamas is a matter of foreign policy that can be debated on its merits, and different administrations may have different strategies based on a variety of factors.
  • The term "radical antisemites" is vague and could be us ...

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2024: The Year Of The Reckoning Is Upon Us

Epstein Scandal Still Reverberating

The consequences of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal continue to unfold as new developments could bring to light additional details regarding his high-profile associates.

Expectations that names of Epstein's guests may soon emerge

Recent court filings from a defamation case related to Jeffrey Epstein are expected to be unsealed soon. These documents may reveal names of visitors who went to Epstein's Little St. James Island. The implications of these impending disclosures are of particular interest to the public due to the potential association of prominent figures, including politicians and celebrities, with Epstein.

Previous claims and evidence regarding Bill Clinton

A central figure of interest in connection with Epstein is former President Bill Clinton. There have been previous claims alleging Clinton’s involvement with Epstein, notably by Virginia Roberts and Doug Band, Clinton's former aide, who both claimed that Clinton visited Epstein's island.

Further adding to the intrigue is the ...

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Epstein Scandal Still Reverberating

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Clarifications

  • Little St. James Island, also known as Epstein's Island, is a private island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was owned by Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier who was involved in a high-profile sex trafficking scandal. The island was known for its luxurious amenities and was a frequent destination for Epstein and his high-profile guests. It has gained notoriety due to allegations of illegal activities that took place there.
  • Virginia Roberts is a woman who has made allegations of sexual misconduct against Jeffrey Epstein and others, including Prince Andrew. Doug Band is a former aide to Bill Clinton w ...

Counterarguments

...

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