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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

By Ben Shapiro

Dive into the latest episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show," where Ben Shapiro and a roster of guests including Alejandro Mayorkas, Bill Maher, and others delve into recent political developments. The episode unpacks the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling against Colorado's effort to remove former President Donald Trump from the ballot, a decision with major constitutional implications. Analysis of the Court's opinion reveals the finer distinctions of federal election eligibility and hints at potential impacts on future enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Shapiro doesn't shy away from the current political climate, dissecting recent polls that position Trump ahead of President Joe Biden in hypothetical matchups—highlighting a surge in support from Hispanic voters. Detailed reflections on Biden's polling woes and a critique of the administration's policies paint a picture of the challenges facing the incumbent president. The episode also scrutinizes the controversial investigations surrounding Trump, exploring the notion that these may be driven more by politics than by impartial law enforcement. Engage with this analytical perspective on current and potential political realignments, and the complexities surrounding some of today's most hot-button legal and electoral issues.

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

1-Page Summary

Donald Trump's Colorado ballot court victory

The Supreme Court of the United States delivered a decisive and unanimous ruling that states cannot disqualify presidential candidates from the ballot by categorizing them as "insurrectionists." Colorado's attempt to remove former President Donald Trump from the ballot under this premise was struck down. The Court outlined that defining eligibility for federal offices, like the presidency, specifically the criteria for insurrectionists, falls exclusively under the purview of Congress, not the states. Despite agreement on the decision, the Court's liberal justices expressed concerns that this ruling could limit future federal enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Biden's disastrous polls showing Trump leading

Poll analyses by Ben Shapiro reveal that in hypothetical election scenarios, Donald Trump is currently leading President Joe Biden, with a notable rise in support from Hispanic voters and a declining backing from moderates and independents. Recent Gallup polling underscores the electoral significance of these independent voters. Additionally, Biden appears to be trailing in polls by CBS News and the Wall Street Journal, the former ranking his presidency below Trump's. Despite a more positive perception of the economy, Biden has been unable to capitalize on these sentiments. In the Hispanic demographic, Trump holds a lead, which could signal a shift in voter alignment and a potential gain in black voters for Republicans. Shapiro also identifies a growing frustration among working-class voters with the Democratic Party's approaches, alleging that the party blames its base rather than re-evaluating its political strategies.

Failures of the Biden administration

Criticism of the Biden administration focuses on various perceived policy failures, including a sharp increase in the number of migrants living in the U.S. without clear legal status, problematic dependency on migrant labor amid general labor shortages, and a soaring national debt that risks triggering a financial crisis. Shapiro cites a prediction by a Wharton professor that the burgeoning national debt is threatening global financial markets, critiquing Biden's economic measures for potentially aggravating the situation. Moreover, Shapiro portrays the administration as weak in terms of national security, portraying it as inefficient governance that could invite financial and security crises.

Trump investigations politicizing law enforcement

There are accusations that law enforcement actions against Donald Trump are being influenced by political bias and personal motivations. Shapiro discusses the lawsuit by Letitia James against the Trump Organization, suggesting it may be motivated by political ambitions rather than justice. Furthermore, criticism is directed at Fani Willis's prosecution in Georgia, which Shapiro labels a "legal joke," alleging conflicts of interest including personal misconduct and financial improprieties. These conflicts extend beyond financial concerns to political aspirations as well. Trump has himself openly criticized Willis's motivations and hinted at possible financial gains behind pursuing the case against him.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The criticisms of the Biden administration stem from perceived failures in handling issues such as a surge in migrants without legal status, reliance on migrant labor amidst labor shortages, and concerns about the increasing national debt. Critics argue that these policies could lead to financial instability and security risks, with some pointing to a lack of effectiveness in governance and economic decision-making. Additionally, there are concerns about the administration's approach to national security and its potential impact on both domestic and global stability.
  • The national debt of a country represents the total amount of money the government owes to its creditors. A high national debt can lead to concerns about the government's ability to repay its debts, potentially causing instability in financial markets. This can affect interest rates, inflation, and overall economic growth. Economists and analysts closely monitor the national debt levels to assess the country's financial health and its impact on the global economy.
  • The law enforcement actions against Donald Trump involve lawsuits and prosecutions led by individuals like Letitia James in New York and Fani Willis in Georgia. Critics suggest these legal actions may be politically motivated, with concerns raised about conflicts of interest and potential ulterior motives behind the investigations. Donald Trump has openly criticized the motivations of these prosecutors, hinting at personal and political agendas influencing the cases against him. The accusations of bias and improper influence in these investigations have sparked debates about the intersection of law enforcement and politics.

Counterarguments

  • The Supreme Court's unanimous decision reflects the constitutional separation of powers and reinforces the idea that states cannot overstep federal guidelines regarding the eligibility of presidential candidates.
  • The concerns of the liberal justices about the potential limitations on the enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between state and federal powers.
  • Polls are snapshots of public opinion at a given time and may not accurately predict election outcomes, especially when the election is still some time away.
  • The shift in support from various demographic groups, such as Hispanic voters, could be due to a complex set of factors and not solely attributable to the performance of either political party.
  • President Biden's ability to capitalize on a positive perception of the economy may be influenced by a variety of external factors, including global economic trends and public perception of economic policy effectiveness.
  • Criticisms of policy failures related to migrants, labor shortages, and national debt need to be contextualized within the broader challenges faced by any administration, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and international economic pressures.
  • The national debt is a long-term issue that predates the Biden administration and requires bipartisan cooperation to address effectively.
  • National security measures are often subject to classified information and strategic considerations that may not be fully disclosed to the public, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness from the outside.
  • Accusations of political bias in law enforcement actions against Trump require evidence, and the legal processes should be allowed to proceed without prejudgment.
  • Lawsuits and prosecutions involving high-profile figures like Trump are often subject to intense scrutiny, and it is the role of the judicial system to ensure that justice is served impartially, regardless of the political implications.
  • Criticisms of potential conflicts of interest in legal cases should be evaluated based on the facts and evidence presented in court, rather than assumptions about the motivations of the prosecutors.

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

Donald Trump's Colorado ballot court victory

The Supreme Court has had its say in a significant case concerning the role of states in federal elections, marking a clear division of powers.

Court unanimously rules states can't remove candidates as "insurrectionists"

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that states do not have the authority to remove presidential candidates from the ballot by labeling them "insurrectionists." This case arose after the Colorado Supreme Court determined it could disqualify former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot due to such claims.

States have no authority over federal election eligibility

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Colorado court's judgment, asserting that states lack the jurisdiction to define or enforce the criteria for insurrectionists, especially concerning federal offices such as the presidency. Shapiro highlighted two key arguments in the court's decision — the exclusive role of Congress in defining insurrectionists and the lack of state authority in this domain for federal elections.

Liberal justices try to limit future federal enforcement options

While the liber ...

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Donald Trump's Colorado ballot court victory

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The case that led to the Supreme Court ruling involved the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot by labeling him an "insurrectionist." The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned this decision, emphasizing that states do not have the authority to determine eligibility for federal elections, especially concerning the presidency. The ruling highlighted the exclusive role of Congress in defining insurrectionists and the limitations on state jurisdiction in federal election matters. Liberal justices expressed concerns about potential restrictions on future federal enforcement options related to the Fourteenth Amendment.
  • The role of Congress in defining insurrectionists is related to its authority to determine the criteria and consequences for individuals who engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States government. This authority is outlined in Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which grants Congress the power to pass legislation regarding individuals who have participated in insurrection or rebellion. Congress plays a crucial role in defining the legal implications and enforcement mechanisms concerning insurrectionists, particularly in the context of federal elections and eligibility for federal office. The Supreme Court's decision emphasized the exclusive role of Congress in defining and addressing issues related to insurrectionists, highlighting the limitations on state authority in this domain.
  • ...

Counterarguments

  • The Supreme Court's decision may be criticized for potentially undermining state sovereignty and the ability of states to regulate their own electoral processes.
  • Some may argue that the decision could lead to a slippery slope where individuals who are widely believed to have engaged in insurrectionist activities could still have access to federal ballots, which might undermine public trust in the electoral system.
  • There could be concerns that the ruling overly centralizes the power to determine candidate eligibility in the hands of Congress, possibly at the expense of more localized decision-making.
  • Critics might argue that the decision does not adequately address how to reconcile the enforcement of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment with states' rights and responsibilities in managing elections.
  • The liberal justices' concerns might be shared by others who fear that the ruling could limit the ability of federal agencies or the judiciary to take action against insurrectionists outside of Congressional action, which could be slow or politically unfeasible.
  • Some may argu ...

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

Biden's disastrous polls showing Trump leading

Ben Shapiro and others are closely analyzing polling data which suggests that former President Donald Trump may be leading President Joe Biden in hypothetical election matchups, highlighting a particular strength among Hispanic voters and a decline in support from moderates and independents.

Biden losing Hispanics, moderates, independents

Shapiro points out that President Biden is losing ground among moderate and independent voters, noting the significance of this shift. Nate Silver has commented on the Democratic strategy, suggesting that focusing on turnout rather than persuasion could be a miscalculation going into the 2024 election. Shapiro cites polling data, including a Gallup poll from 2023, showing that independent voters—who now form a larger percentage than those identifying strictly as Republican or Democratic—are crucial to Biden's administration.

Shapiro emphasizes that Donald Trump leads in the polls, including the CBS News and Wall Street Journal polls. The CBS News poll distinctly rates Biden's presidency lower than Trump's, with 33% for Biden and 46% for Trump. Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal shows Trump leading 47 to 45. Shapiro also notes that while voters are more positive about the economy, Biden is not receiving credit for these improvements, a factor that could contribute to Biden's potential loss.

Support collapsing among Hispanic voters

Shapiro stresses that demographics are not destiny and points out Trump's significant lead over Biden among Hispanic voters in a particular poll, 46 to 40. Shapiro also suggests that Trump could win a significant portion of the Black vote, potentially 20%, and he highlights a notable 23% support from the Black community as per the same poll. Winning over these demographics could pave a path to victory for the Republicans in the future.

Working class voters abandoning Democrats

It appears that working-class voters also feel abandoned by President Bi ...

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Biden's disastrous polls showing Trump leading

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Democratic Party's strategy has evolved from focusing on winning over white rural voters to now criticizing them as a threat to democracy. This shift reflects a change in approach towards these voters and a move away from previous attempts to appeal to them. The party's current stance involves attributing electoral challenges to factors like the war in Gaza and labeling certain voters negatively, rather than actively trying to regain support from the working class. This change in strategy has led to criticism from various analysts and commentators for its perceived lack of focus on reconnecting with key voter demographics.
  • Demographic shifts, such as changes in support among Hispanic, Black, and working-class voters, can significantly impact election outcomes by influencing which candidate gains a majority. Understanding these shifts is c ...

Counterarguments

  • Polls are snapshots of a moment in time and may not accurately predict future election outcomes.
  • Biden's policies may have long-term benefits that are not yet apparent to voters, which could shift public opinion.
  • The Democratic strategy of focusing on turnout could be effective if there is a large base of supporters who are not regular voters.
  • Independent voters' preferences can be volatile, and their support could swing back to Biden as the election approaches.
  • Economic perceptions are complex, and Biden's administration may yet succeed in communicating its achievements to the public.
  • Hispanic and Black voter support can be influenced by a wide range of issues, and it's possible for Democrats to regain ground with targeted policies and outreach.
  • Working-class voters' support can be regained if Democrats effectivel ...

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

Failures of the Biden administration

The Biden administration is facing criticism on multiple fronts according to Shapiro, who argues that the administration’s policies have led to significant challenges in border and immigration, increased the national debt burden, and have portrayed a weakness in national security.

Border and immigration failures

Massive increase in migrants living in US illegally

Shapiro cites data from Axios, highlighting a massive increase in the number of migrants living in the United States under uncertain legal status. By the end of September, the count of asylum seekers and other migrants living in the US in legal limbo has surged to more than eight million, marking a 167% increase over five years.

Dependent on migrant workers amid labor shortages

The dependence on migrant workers in the face of labor shortages is also seen as an area of concern. It implies that the administration lacks a coherent and effective immigration strategy to manage and integrate this workforce amidst broader economic challenges.

Soaring national debt burden risks financial crisis

A Wharton professor named Gomez warns that the burgeoning $34 trillion national debt of the United States poses a threat to global financial markets as early as next year. Shapiro uses this perspective to critique Biden's economic policies, suggesting they might exacerbate the national debt, potentially leading to more financial instability.

Perceived as weak on national security

Lastly, Shapi ...

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Failures of the Biden administration

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Biden administration's policies have been criticized for leading to challenges in border and immigration due to a significant increase in the number of migrants living in the US illegally, reaching over eight million by the end of September, which is a 167% surge over five years. Additionally, the administration's reliance on migrant workers amid labor shortages has raised concerns about the lack of a coherent immigration strategy to manage this workforce effectively.
  • The perceived weakness in national security under the Biden administration is attributed to concerns over the handling of border security issues, such as the surge in migrants living in the U.S. illegally. Critics argue that these challenges could potentially compromise the country's ability to protect its borders effectively and address security threats. Additionally, the critique suggests that the administration's broader immigration policies and economic decisions may impact national security readiness and response capabilities. This perception of weakness in national security is based on the belief that the administration's approach to these interconnected issues could leave the country vulnerable to potential security risks and crises.
  • Biden's economic policies, such as increased government spending and tax changes, can impact the national debt by potentially leading to budget deficits. When government spending exceeds revenue, it can contribute to the accumulation of national debt over time. The national debt can increase if the government borrows money to finance its operations, especially if spending outpaces economic growth and revenue generatio ...

Counterarguments

  • The increase in migrants living in the US illegally could be attributed to a variety of factors, including underlying issues in migrants' home countries and not solely the administration's policies.
  • Dependence on migrant workers may reflect broader economic trends and labor market dynamics rather than just policy failures.
  • The national debt has been rising over several administrations, and attributing the $34 trillion debt solely to the Biden administration overlooks the complexity of federal budgeting and previous spending decisions.
  • National security is multifaceted, and perceived weakness may not accurately reflect the administration's overall strategy or successes in other areas of national defense.
  • The reliance on migrant workers can also be seen as a recognition of their contribution to the economy, and efforts to integrate them could be part of a long-term economic strategy.
  • The causation between Biden's policies and price increases is debated among economists, with some attributing inflation to global economic condi ...

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UNANIMOUS Supreme Court Puts Trump Back On The Ballot

Trump investigations politicizing law enforcement

Recent developments suggest political bias and conflict of interest may be influencing law enforcement actions against former President Donald Trump.

Letitia James and Trump Organization lawsuit

The lawsuit filed by Letitia James against the Trump Organization is garnering attention for what some are interpreting as politically motivated actions rather than strictly legal proceedings. Critics imply that the motivation behind the lawsuit may stem from personal or political ambitions rather than a commitment to justice.

Fani Willis prosecution riddled with conflicts of interest

Shapiro critiques the case brought against Trump in Georgia by Fani Willis, referring to the RICO case as a legal joke. He asserts that Fani Willis has engaged in behaviors that suggest a conflict of interest within her prosecution efforts against Trump. Allegations of corruption — namely, Willis having an affair with one of her chief prosecutors and engaging in questionable financial movements — have been raised, indicating deeper issues of impropriety.

The conflicts of interest in the case managed by Fani Willis are not merely financial but are also connected to personal and ...

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Trump investigations politicizing law enforcement

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization. Some critics suggest that the lawsuit may be influenced by personal or political motives rather than solely legal considerations. The lawsuit has attracted attention for potential political bias and conflicts of interest in the legal proceedings.
  • Fani Willis is a district attorney in Georgia who has been involved in a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) case against former President Donald Trump. RICO is a federal law used to combat organized crime and corruption. The case alleges that Trump and his organization engaged in a pattern of criminal behavior. Willis's handling of the case has faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest and allegations of impropriety.
  • Fani Willis, the district attorney in Georgia, faced allegations of engaging in an affair with one of ...

Counterarguments

  • Law enforcement officials have a duty to investigate and prosecute potential legal violations without regard to political affiliation.
  • Letitia James' office may argue that the lawsuit against the Trump Organization is based on evidence of wrongdoing and is being pursued in accordance with the law.
  • Prosecutors often pursue high-profile cases, and doing so does not necessarily indicate political motivation.
  • The legal system includes checks and balances, such as judicial oversight and the right to a fair trial, to mitigate potential biases.
  • Allegations of personal misconduct against Fani Willis would need to be proven in a court of law or through appropriate disciplinary channels to be deemed relevant to the case.
  • The existence of a conflict of interest must be est ...

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