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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

By Ben Shapiro

In the latest episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show," host Ben Shapiro, along with prominent guests Cornel West, James Carville, and Karine Jean-Pierre, delves into the intricate dance between President Joe Biden and the radical wing of the Democratic Party. Shapiro critiques Biden's apparent shift from his once moderate platform towards progressive policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and foreign relations, driven by his reliance on low propensity but fervently radical voters within the Democratic base. This close observation of Biden's political maneuvers suggests a growing alignment with the radical elements of his party at the possible expense of his moderate appeal, raising questions about the implications for his presidential tenure.

The conversation also touches upon the internal fractures within the Republican Party that stall legislative initiatives on pivotal foreign policy issues such as aid to Ukraine and Israel. Shapiro underscores the paradoxical position where these divisions inadvertently cast Biden in a moderate light by comparison. The podcast further scrutinizes Biden's challenging stance on border security, juxtaposing the administration's sluggish response against public demand for robust measures. With insights on the current political landscape from various sides of the ideological spectrum, "The Ben Shapiro Show" paints a detailed picture of a presidency at crossroads, navigating through the conflicting demands of party factions and national interests.

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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

1-Page Summary

Biden’s Dependence on Democrat Party’s Radical Wing

Ben Shapiro critiques President Joe Biden for appearing heavily reliant on the radical wing of the Democratic Party, evidenced by actions and policy shifts post-election. Shapiro notes Biden's departure from his moderate platform, as seen during the Michigan primaries where many Democrats voted "uncommitted" in protest of Biden's stance on Israel. This signaled Biden's weakened moderate appeal and increasing dependence on the party's more progressive elements.

Shapiro further emphasizes that Biden's policy agenda reflects radical-left priorities such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and controversial foreign policy positions. Biden is said to cater to low propensity but radical voters within the Democratic base, shifting noticeably to the left to secure their support. Influential figures like Cornel West are cited as indicative of the demographics Biden targets, while moderates like James Carville ostensibly take a backseat.

The summary of the discussion suggests that Biden's adherence to radical pressures, despite previous moderate stances, positions him in a precarious political state. The White House memo, influenced by concerns from Democratic senators, is presented as evidence of Biden's growing alignment with the party's radical influences, driven by the goal of securing votes in key areas.

Republican Divisions Preventing Legislative Action

Shapiro points out the internal divisions within the Republican Party, which hinder legislative progress on important foreign policy matters, including support for Ukraine and Israel. Shapiro describes a Republican faction that challenges the consensus on aid to Ukraine by proposing a reduced aid package. This internal rift prevents the Republican House from taking action, indirectly benefiting Biden by allowing him to appear as a moderate.

Similarly, Shapiro discusses the divided Republican stance on supporting Israel. He mentions a specific bipartisan bill aimed at funding Israel's air defense interceptors, which has not advanced due to intra-party disagreements. Shapiro expresses confusion over Republicans’ inaction on such a bill, which could force a stance from Biden, highlighting a lack of unity preventing effective legislative action.

Securing the Southern Border

Shapiro critiques Biden's handling of border security, emphasizing that despite public support for stringent measures, no decisive action has been taken. The inactivity is presented as a vulnerability for Biden, who supposedly remains under the influence of the Democratic Party's radical elements. Shapiro notes that Biden's performance in border security polls is unimpressive compared to Donald Trump's and that inaction could be a result of catering to the progressive base rather than addressing public concerns.

Responses from White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre are said to avoid commitment to action on the border and shift blame onto Republicans for the lack of a bipartisan solution. Shapiro highlights the border patrol's arrests of individuals with violent criminal backgrounds as an example of the need for stronger border security measures. Furthermore, he discusses a proposed bill involving aid to Ukraine that includes a border control provision, urging migrants to remain in Mexico – a reversal of one of Biden's policies and a potential significant change, should the bill pass.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shapiro criticizes Biden for aligning with the more progressive elements of the Democratic Party, deviating from his previous moderate stance. He highlights Biden's shift towards policies favored by the radical left, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as controversial foreign policy decisions. Shapiro also points out Biden's perceived inaction on border security issues, suggesting a failure to address public concerns and a reliance on the progressive base for support.
  • The internal rift within the Republican Party on aid to Ukraine and Israel stems from disagreements among party members regarding the level of support and funding to provide to these countries. Some Republicans advocate for reduced aid packages, while others support maintaining or increasing assistance, leading to a lack of consensus and hindering legislative progress on these foreign policy matters. This division has implications for how the party presents itself on the international stage and affects its ability to take unified action on key issues related to Ukraine and Israel.
  • The lack of unity within the Republican Party preventing legislative action is due to internal divisions on key foreign policy issues like aid to Ukraine and support for Israel. These disagreements among Republicans lead to challenges in passing bipartisan bills, ultimately hindering progress on important matters. The inability to reach consensus within the party creates a roadblock in advancing legislation, allowing President Biden to appear more moderate in comparison.

Counterarguments

  • Biden's policy agenda may reflect a broader Democratic consensus rather than radical-left priorities, aiming to address systemic issues like racial inequality and climate change.
  • The term "radical" is subjective, and what is considered radical by some may be seen as necessary progress by others.
  • Biden's approach to policy could be seen as an attempt to balance the diverse views within his party rather than a sign of dependence on its more progressive elements.
  • The White House memo could be interpreted as an effort to address legitimate concerns from Democratic senators rather than an alignment with radical influences.
  • Divisions within political parties are a normal aspect of democratic discourse, and the Republican Party's internal debates on foreign policy could reflect healthy pluralism.
  • Bipartisan disagreements on funding for Israel's air defense interceptors may stem from legitimate fiscal concerns or strategic considerations rather than a lack of unity.
  • Border security is a complex issue, and inaction may be due to legal, humanitarian, or diplomatic challenges rather than influence from the Democratic Party's progressive base.
  • Comparing Biden's border security polls to Trump's may not account for differences in their administrations' policies, priorities, or the political context.
  • The White House's response to border issues could be seen as an attempt to encourage bipartisan cooperation rather than avoiding commitment to action.
  • The inclusion of a border control provision in a bill involving aid to Ukraine could be a strategic legislative move to address multiple issues simultaneously.

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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

Biden’s Dependence on Democrat Party’s Radical Wing

Shapiro critically analyzes President Joe Biden’s political strategy and influence within his party, suggesting that Biden’s actions indicate a deep dependency on the Democratic Party's more radical elements.

Impact of Michigan primary results showing weakness of Biden’s moderate appeal

Shapiro examines why Joe Biden seems so dependent on what he refers to as the "crazies" in his own party. He suggests that Biden's reliance on the radical wing was highlighted during the Michigan primaries, where a significant number of Democrats voted "uncommitted" to showcase their displeasure with Biden's stance on Israel.

Biden abandoning pledges of moderation to cater to radicals

Shapiro criticizes Joe Biden for trying to be a transformative president post-election and embracing some of the most radical positions on the left, ranging from domestic policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion, and trans politics, to foreign policy stances. Shapiro claims that Biden has made himself "totally dependent" on the radical wing of the Democratic Party, departing from moderate politics, and suggests that Biden’s politics have moved beyond the usual political disagreements into more disputable territory regarding foreign policies.

Shapiro continues to describe how Biden appears to be in "thrall to the radicals" within the Democratic Party. He speculates that the Democratic base comprises low propensity but radical voters, pushing Biden to cater to these radical elements to secure their support. This situation, Shapiro argues, has led to Biden pandering to the radical left through notable policy shifts.

Referring to influential figures on the far left like Cornel West, Shapiro implies that Biden’s campaign and actions in office are tailored to appeal to similar radical demographics within the party. Furthermore, Shapiro mentions that moderate party members like James Carville, traditionally emphasizing econom ...

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Biden’s Dependence on Democrat Party’s Radical Wing

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Cornel West is a prominent American philosopher, political activist, and public intellectual known for his progressive views and advocacy for social justice issues. James Carville is a veteran political strategist and commentator who gained fame for his work on Bill Clinton's presidential campaign in 1992. West represents the more progressive and left-leaning faction within the Democratic Party, while Carville i ...

Counterarguments

  • Biden's approach may reflect a pragmatic response to a diverse party base, rather than a dependency on its radical elements.
  • The Michigan primary results could be interpreted as a reflection of a diverse Democratic electorate rather than a weakness in Biden's moderate appeal.
  • Biden's policy shifts could be seen as an attempt to address evolving challenges and represent a broad coalition, rather than a simple abandonment of moderation.
  • Embracing progressive policies might be a strategic move to address systemic issues and could be supported by a significant portion of Americans, not just the "radical" left.
  • Biden's engagement with the progressive wing could be part of a broader strategy to unify the party and not an indication of total dependency.
  • The term "thrall to the radicals" may oversimplify complex policy negotiations within a big-tent party.
  • Policy shifts toward progressive stances could be a reflection of changing public opinion and not merely pandering.
  • Tailoring campaign strategies to appeal to different demographics is a common practice in politics and does not necessarily indicate radicalization.
  • Moderate party members' alignment with more progressive policies could be a recognition of the need for change rather than a con ...

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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

Republican Divisions Preventing Legislative Action

Commentators Shapiro and Cornel West discuss how internal divisions within the Republican Party are stalling legislative action on key foreign policy issues, particularly regarding aid to Ukraine and support for Israel.

On aid to Ukraine

Shapiro highlights the Republicans' missed opportunities to negotiate and take decisive action on Ukraine due to their internal disagreements. Despite American public opinion largely supporting the status quo on aid for Ukraine, Shapiro notes the emergence of a faction of Republican backbenchers proposing a different approach with an alternative aid bill.

This bipartisan effort suggests allocating $47 billion for Ukraine-related priorities, including border control measures - an amount less than what the Senate has already approved. Shapiro criticizes the Republican House for not taking any action on this aid package; he suggests their inaction allows President Biden to position himself as a moderate, playing into his political strategy. The lack of a coherent policy on Ukraine from the Republicans, according to Shapiro, is squandering their advantage on this issue as they demonstrate fragmentation and fail to pass legislation.

On support for Israel

Turning to the issue of Israel, Shapiro touches on a moral equivalence drawn by Cornel West between Israel and Hamas, to illustrate the contrasting views within the Democratic Party that Biden might appease. However, the implication here is of a stark difference from the Republican stance ...

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Republican Divisions Preventing Legislative Action

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Backbenchers are members of a legislative body who are not part of the government or opposition leadership. They typically sit towards the back of the chamber and are often newer or less experienced lawmakers. Backbenchers have less influence over the legislative agenda compared to frontbenchers who hold leadership positions. They can play a role in proposing legislation, scrutinizing government actions, and representing their constituents' interests.
  • President Biden positioning himself as a moderate suggests that he is trying to appeal to a broader range of voters by presenting himself as a centrist rather than aligning strongly with either the left or right. This positioning can help him navigate the political landscape by potentially attracting support from both sides of the political spectrum. It may also indicate a strategy to distance himself from more extreme policy positions, aiming for a more balanced and pragmatic approach to governance. Biden's moderate stance could be a deliberate effort to project stability and unity in a politically polarized environment.
  • Moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas is a concept that suggests both parties are viewed as equally responsible or morally equivalent in a conflict, despite differences in actions or intentions. This notion can be controversial as it overlooks the power dynamics, historical context, and differing approaches to conflict resolution between Israel, a state, and Hamas, a militant group. It can lead to oversimplification of complex geopolitical issues and undermine efforts to address the root causes of conflicts in the region.
  • Air defense interceptors are missiles designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy missiles or aircraft. In the context of Israel, these interceptors are crucial for the country's defense against threats like rockets and missiles. Israel's air defense system, which includes interceptors like the Iron Dome, provides a critical layer of protection against potential attacks. The allocation of funds for air defense interceptors in support of Israel aims to enhance its defensive capabilities and safeguard its population from aerial threats.
  • House Speaker Johnson, in this context, ...

Counterarguments

  • The Republican Party's internal disagreements could be a sign of a healthy democratic process where diverse opinions are considered before reaching a consensus.
  • The alternative aid bill proposed by Republican backbenchers may reflect a more fiscally responsible approach to foreign aid, considering the national budget and other domestic priorities.
  • The lack of action on the aid package could be due to a principled stance on non-interventionism or a focus on domestic issues that some Republicans believe are more pressing.
  • The fragmentation within the Republican Party on Ukraine policy might represent a broader debate on the role of the United States in international conflicts.
  • Criticism of the Republican House for inaction might overlook the complexities of legislative strategy and the importance of ensuring that any aid package is in the best interest of the United States.
  • The divisions within the Republican Party on support for Israel could be indicative of a nuanced approach to foreign policy rather than a lack of focus or unity.
  • The delay in advancing the bill for Israel's air defense interceptors might be due to due diligence in legisla ...

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For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

Securing the Southern Border

Biden not taking action despite public support to do so

Shapiro points out the issues of border security under the Biden administration, emphasizing the public support for more stringent measures.

Shapiro highlights that Republicans may see an advantage on border security issues and suggests that President Biden's policies are perceived as vulnerable due to apparent inaction, despite the lack of details presented on legislative proceedings.

Shapiro also states that although Donald Trump reportedly outperforms Biden on border security issues in polling data and border security has become a top concern for Americans, President Biden has not taken decisive action. Shapiro accuses President Biden of being beholden to the radical wing of his party, whom he labels as "crazies" and "nut jobs."

When Karine Jean-Pierre, likely the White House Press Secretary, was questioned about possible executive actions during Biden's visit to the Southern Border, she deflected specific commitments and instead pointed the finger at Republicans for the lack of progress on a bipartisan border deal.

Shapiro touches upon the apprehensions made by US Border Patrol agents, which included 11 individ ...

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Securing the Southern Border

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "radical wing" of President Biden's party typically refers to the more progressive or left-leaning faction within the Democratic Party. These individuals often advocate for more liberal policies on issues such as healthcare, climate change, social justice, and economic equality. They may push for more ambitious reforms com ...

Counterarguments

  • Public support for border security measures can be complex and multifaceted, with some segments of the population advocating for more humane and comprehensive immigration reform rather than simply more stringent measures.
  • Perceived inaction by President Biden on border security could be due to the complexity of immigration issues, which require careful consideration of legal, humanitarian, and logistical factors, rather than a simple lack of action.
  • Polling data showing Donald Trump outperforming Biden on border security may not capture the full spectrum of public opinion on immigration policy, which can be influenced by partisan framing and the phrasing of survey questions.
  • While border security is a concern for many Americans, there is also significant concern for the treatment of migrants and the need for a fair and effective immigration system.
  • President Biden's approach to border security may involve a broader strategy that includes addressing root causes of migration, such as economic instability and violence in home countries, rather than solely focusing on enforcement.
  • Accusations of President Biden being influenced by the radical wing of his party may not consider the diversity of opinions within the Democratic Party and the need for the administration to balance various perspectives.
  • Karine Jean-Pierre's deflection of questions about executive actions could be a reflection of ongoing policy development and the need for interagency coordination before making public commitments.
  • The apprehension of individuals with violent crimin ...

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