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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

By Ben Shapiro

Dive into "The Ben Shapiro Show," where host Ben Shapiro boldly slices through the political narratives of the day with a critical eye. In this episode, Shapiro unveils the curious political maneuvers of President Joe Biden, discussing how Biden's pivot away from center politics to appease the far left may be alienating crucial independent voters. He also dissects the economic turmoil and disapproval shadowing Biden's administration, providing a sharp analysis of the president's declining favor among swing state constituents and the perceived mishandling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Shapiro further navigates the murky waters of former President Donald Trump's legal woes, detailing the progression of the imminent New York trial and the battles over classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Amidst this legal labyrinth, he also identifies the dissonance of America's foreign policy stances, particularly the contentious aid to Ukraine and internal GOP disputes. Lastly, Shapiro turns the spotlight on criminal justice and public safety in Democrat-led urban domains, questioning the efficacy of liberal criminal justice policies in cities like New York and postulating on the larger implications for law and order.

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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

1-Page Summary

Biden's Strategy to Run Far Left Instead of Toward Center

Ben Shapiro asserts that President Joe Biden's strategic alignment with the far left is costing him the support of key independent voters, while also facing low approval ratings, especially concerning the economy. Biden's shift from the center, which was pivotal for his 2020 victory, has resulted in a drastic swing of independent voters towards Donald Trump. Shapiro criticizes Biden for embracing policies that cater to the far-left, specifically in healthcare, which he believes has led to widespread economic dissatisfaction. This is evidenced by a report revealing that a majority of swing state voters view the U.S. economy negatively.

Shapiro also challenges the notion put forth by Harry Enten that Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict is influencing Democratic support. Shapiro argues that the dissatisfaction with Biden's approach to Israel is due to perceived leniency, rather than any strong stance taken. Further, Shapiro disputes Chef Jose Andres' claims that Israel has targeted aid workers, attributing the incident to a tragic case of mistaken identity during conflict. He calls for recognition of the complexities of navigating aid delivery in conflict zones and condemns the spread of misinformation.

Former President Donald Trump’s ongoing legal battles include an impending New York trial and disputes with the special counsel regarding classified documents. Trump's New York trial, related to accusations of hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, will proceed as scheduled despite his efforts to delay it. In another legal arena, Jack Smith, the special counsel, is challenging Judge Eileen Cannon's legal interpretations in the case of classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago property. Smith insists on the precedence of the Espionage Act over the Presidential Records Act and has shown readiness to appeal if necessary.

Foreign Policy Incoherence

Shapiro criticizes President Biden’s foreign policy for its apparent incoherence, emphasizing the urgency of American aid to Ukraine. He highlights the desperate warnings from President Zelensky, citing the lack of immediate aid risking Ukrainian territorial losses and a potential collapse of the front lines. Shapiro reports on Ukraine's dire need for additional troops and advanced technology to counter Russian advances, pointing out the significant delay in U.S. assistance.

Lastly, Shapiro addresses internal GOP conflicts, exemplified by Marjorie Taylor Greene's baseless speculation against Speaker McCarthy regarding Ukraine aid. He emphasizes that these conspiracy theories contribute to the lack of coherent foreign policy.

Turning to domestic issues, Shapiro critiques the criminal justice policies in Democrat-run cities like New York City. Regarding a case of released migrant squatters, he questions the effectiveness of Mayor Eric Adams' promise to tackle crime, suggesting that liberal cities remain too lenient, leading to no real improvement in crime rates.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro criticizes President Biden for shifting towards far-left policies, which he believes is alienating independent voters and contributing to low approval ratings, particularly in the context of the economy. Shapiro also challenges the perception that Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict is positively influencing Democratic support, arguing that dissatisfaction stems from perceived leniency rather than a strong stance. Additionally, Shapiro addresses concerns about Biden's foreign policy, emphasizing the need for urgent American aid to Ukraine to prevent territorial losses and a collapse of front lines. Lastly, Shapiro highlights internal conflicts within the GOP, such as baseless conspiracy theories that hinder coherent foreign policy discussions.
  • Former President Donald Trump is facing legal challenges, including an upcoming trial in New York related to hush money payments. Additionally, there are disputes with the special counsel over the handling of classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago property. The special counsel is asserting the precedence of the Espionage Act in this matter and is prepared to appeal if needed.
  • President Biden's foreign policy has faced criticism for its handling of the Ukraine conflict. Urgent American aid to Ukraine is emphasized due to warnings from President Zelensky about the risk of territorial losses and frontline collapse. Ukraine requires additional troops and advanced technology to counter Russian advances, with delays in U.S. assistance noted. The situation underscores the need for swift and robust support to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican congresswoman, has been known for promoting conspiracy theories. Her speculation against Speaker McCarthy could be related to disagreements within the GOP regarding policies or leadership decisions. These conflicts can highlight divisions within the party and impact its ability to present a unified front on certain issues.
  • Aid delivery in conflict zones involves navigating complex challenges such as ensuring the safety of aid workers, coordinating with various parties involved in the conflict, and addressing logistical hurdles like transportation and access to affected populations. Aid organizations often face risks of being caught in the crossfire, encountering security threats, and dealing with issues of neutrality and impartiality. Balancing the urgent need to provide assistance with the need to maintain humanitarian principles can be a delicate and challenging task. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and misidentifications can occur in the chaotic and high-stress environments of conflict zones, leading to unintended consequences for aid operations.
  • The criminal justice policies in Democrat-run cities like New York City have been criticized for being perceived as too lenient, leading to concerns about public safety and crime rates. This criticism often focuses on issues such as bail reform, police funding, and approaches to handling low-level offenses. Critics argue that these policies may contribute to ongoing challenges with crime and public safety in urban areas.

Counterarguments

  • Biden's alignment with the far left may be a reflection of the Democratic Party's evolving priorities and could energize the base, potentially offsetting losses among independents.
  • The swing of independent voters towards Trump could be influenced by factors beyond Biden's policy positions, such as economic conditions or partisan messaging.
  • Economic dissatisfaction may not be solely due to healthcare policies but could also stem from broader economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain issues.
  • Swing state voters' negative views on the economy could be influenced by a variety of factors, including media coverage and personal circumstances, not just federal policies.
  • Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict might be seen as an attempt to balance diplomatic relations and could be supported by those who favor a more measured approach.
  • The complexities of conflict zones, such as the Israel-Hamas situation, often lead to differing interpretations of events, and calls for misinformation to be condemned may overlook the challenges in obtaining accurate information during conflict.
  • Trump's legal troubles are part of the judicial process, and the outcomes of these cases should be determined by the courts based on evidence and legal arguments, not public opinion.
  • The special counsel's emphasis on the Espionage Act over the Presidential Records Act may be subject to legal debate, and the judicial process allows for these interpretations to be challenged and reviewed.
  • Criticisms of Biden's foreign policy may not account for the complexities of international relations and the need for strategic decision-making that balances immediate action with long-term consequences.
  • The urgency of aid to Ukraine must be weighed against the need for oversight and strategic planning to ensure that assistance is effective and aligns with broader foreign policy goals.
  • Internal GOP conflicts could reflect a healthy democratic process where differing opinions are expressed and debated within the party.
  • Criminal justice policies in Democrat-run cities may be part of broader reform efforts aimed at addressing systemic issues, and the impact of these policies on crime rates may require more time to be accurately assessed.

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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

Biden's Strategy to Run Far Left Instead of Toward Center

Ben Shapiro criticizes President Joe Biden for aligning with the far left of his political base, losing key independent voter support, and facing low approval ratings on his handling of the economy.

Biden losing independent voters since 2020, a key reason he trails Trump

Shapiro points out that Biden's strategy of veering towards the far left is likely causing him to lose the independent voters that were crucial to his 2020 victory. He references an NPR Marist poll indicating that while Biden led among independents by 21 points in October 2020, Donald Trump now leads by 7 points as of March 2024, marking a significant swing of 28 points towards Trump.

Biden's low approval on handling the economy

According to Shapiro, the real reason for Biden's decline in approval is the poor perception of the economy among Americans, and the belief that Biden is too old and disconnected. He criticizes the administration's economic policies over the past three years, suggesting that poor economic performance has bred dissatisfaction among voters. Shapiro also comments on a report showing that 63% of swing state voters rate the U.S. economy as not so good or poor.

Shapiro additionally criticizes Biden for failing to apply economic pressure to Canada concerning drug pricing and caving to the influence of Bernie Sanders supporters. He cites Biden and Sanders touting lower healthcare costs legislation signed into law in 2022 as catering to far-left agendas, reinforcing his view that Biden is steering away from the center.

Harry Enten's flawed data analysis that the Israel-Hamas war is costing Biden votes

Shapiro takes aim at Harry Enten's analysis suggesting Democrats who approve of Biden's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict are more likely to support him. Shapiro argues that Enten has the logic backward, believing instead that voters are dissatisfied with Biden being too far to the right on Israel.

Chef Jose Andres' false accusations that Israel targeted aid workers

Shapiro refutes Chef Jose Andres' statement that Israel deliberately targeted a humanitarian convoy until everyone was dead. He describes the incident as accidental friendly fire, where Israeli forces mistook the convoy for being taken over by terrorists after seeing an armed man ride on top. Despite Andres' critici ...

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Biden's Strategy to Run Far Left Instead of Toward Center

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shapiro criticizes President Biden for aligning with the far left of his political base, losing key independent voter support, and facing low approval ratings on his handling of the economy. He believes Biden's shift towards the far left is causing him to lose crucial independent voters and that his economic policies are contributing to dissatisfaction among voters. Shapiro also disagrees with Harry Enten's analysis on the Israel-Hamas conflict and refutes Chef Jose Andres' accusations against Israel, emphasizing the complexities involved in such situations.
  • Shapiro criticizes Biden for failing to apply economic pressure to Canada concerning drug pricing and for signing legislation aimed at lowering healthcare costs in 2022, which he views as catering to far-left agendas.
  • Jose Andres is a renowned chef and humanitarian known for his work in disaster relief efforts worldwide. He has been vocal about various social and political issues, including criticizing government responses to crises like Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Andres has also been involved in providing aid in conflict zones, such as the Gaza Strip, where he has expressed concerns about civilian casualties and called for peace efforts. His statements often reflect his advocacy for humanitarian causes and his belief in the importance of addressing global challenges through collaboration and compassion.
  • Delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict zones involves navigating complex challenges like ensuring the safety of aid workers, coordinating with various parties involved i ...

Counterarguments

  • Biden's alignment with the far left may reflect a strategic decision to energize his base and push for progressive policies that he believes will benefit the country in the long term.
  • Independent voters' support can fluctuate for many reasons, and it may be too early to attribute their shift solely to Biden's political strategy.
  • Economic approval ratings can be influenced by global economic trends and factors beyond a president's control, and it's possible that Biden's policies will have long-term positive effects not yet visible.
  • The healthcare legislation signed into law may be seen by some as a necessary step towards reducing healthcare costs and improving access, which could benefit a broad spectrum of Americans, not just the far left.
  • Harry Enten's analysis could be based on data that accurately reflects a segment of the Democratic base that is concerned with foreign policy issues, and their support could be critical in tight elections.
  • The situation in Israel and Gaza is complex, and while Shapiro argues that the targeting of a humanitarian convoy was accidental, others may believe that such incidents warrant further investigation to prevent future occurrences.
  • Criticism of Israel's military actions, even if unfounded, can stem from a place of concern for human rights and the protection of civilians, which is a legitimate per ...

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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

Trump's Legal Troubles

Former President Donald Trump’s legal complications persist with upcoming trials and contentions with the special counsel.

The New York hush money trial set to start April 15

Trump's attempt to delay the start of his New York hush money trial has been denied. Set to start on April 15th, the trial will address 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, with each count corresponding to a separate payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Despite Trump's request to postpone the trial until the Supreme Court rules on his presidential immunity claims, a Manhattan judge refused, tagging the motion as untimely.

Special counsel Jack Smith clashing with the judge in the classified documents case

Special counsel Jack Smith is sparring with U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon over the legal foundations that could affect the upcoming trial regarding the mishandling of classified documents found in Trump's possession in Florida. Warned by Smith, Judge Cannon’s approach is criticized as fundamentally flawed, potentially distorting the trial's outcome.

Smith, who is simultaneously prosecuting Trump over the January 6th events in Washington D.C., argues that the Espionage Act's guidelines regarding the mishandling of classified documents should take precedence over the Presidential Records Act. He has ...

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Trump's Legal Troubles

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The New York hush money trial involves 34 felony counts related to payments made to Stormy Daniels. Each count corresponds to a separate payment made to the adult film star. The trial is set to start on April 15th, despite Trump's attempts to delay it. The charges include falsifying business records in connection with the payments.
  • The clash between Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Cannon revolves around differing interpretations of laws governing the mishandling of classified documents found in Trump's possession. Smith argues that the Espionage Act should take precedence over the Presidential Records Act in prosecuting Trump. Judge Cannon's approach, if upheld, could potentially impact the outcome of the trial and lead to appeals. The disagreement centers on legal foundations and potential implications for Trump's legal troubles.
  • The Espionage Act is a federal law that primarily deals with the mishandling of classified information that could harm the United States. It sets guidelines for how such information should be handled and the ...

Counterarguments

  • The denial of Trump's request to delay the trial may be seen as a denial of due process if his presidential immunity claims have merit.
  • The clash between Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Cannon could be interpreted as a necessary check on prosecutorial power, ensuring that the legal process is fair and balanced.
  • The precedence of the Espionage Act over the Presidential Records Act in prosecuting Trump could be debated, as the latter was specifically designed to address presidential documentation and may have provisions that are relevant to the case.
  • The criticism of Judge Cannon's approach might overlook the judge's responsibility to consider all legal interpretations and to ensure that the jury is properly instructed.
  • The potential for Judge Cannon ...

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Why Joe Biden Is Losing

Foreign Policy Incoherence

Ben Shapiro comments on what he views as the incoherence of Joe Biden's foreign policy, which he characterizes as inconsistent and poorly executed.

Dire warnings from Ukraine about needing more aid or losing territory

Shapiro criticizes President Biden for delayed aid to Ukraine. He references Ukrainian President Zelensky’s dire warnings that, without urgent multi-billion dollar aid packages from the United States, Ukrainian forces may have to retreat. Military officers in Ukraine express that the situation is grim, with a risk of the front lines collapsing due to concentrated Russian offensives.

Additionally, Ukraine faces a serious lack of technology to counter the Russian forces, and the West is unable to provide these technologies in adequate numbers. Shapiro points out Ukraine’s drastic measure of lowering the conscription age to 25 due to the mounting pressure from Russian assaults and the shortage of personnel and ammunition as the U.S. aid lags behind in Congress. Reports from frontline Ukrainian commanders further confirm the shortage of personnel and anticipation of a significant Russian offensive aimed to expand their territory during the summertime.

Shapiro emphasizes Zelensky’s mention of a military request for an additional 500,000 soldiers, although it remains uncertain if this number will be met.

Marjorie Taylor Greene's conspiratorial attack on Speaker McCarthy over Ukraine aid

Shapiro reacts to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s speculation that House Speaker Mike Johnson is being blackmailed over his support for a budget that includes aid to Ukraine. Greene insinuates that Johnson has become disconnected from his constituents' wishes and implies foul play behind his changed stance on the Ukraine aid. Shapiro dism ...

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Foreign Policy Incoherence

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro criticizes Joe Biden's foreign policy for what he perceives as delayed aid to Ukraine, leading to a dire situation where Ukrainian forces may have to retreat due to Russian offensives. Shapiro highlights the lack of technology support for Ukraine from the West and the challenges faced by Ukrainian military due to personnel and ammunition shortages. He emphasizes the urgency expressed by Ukrainian President Zelensky for substantial aid and additional soldiers to counter Russian aggression. Shapiro also criticizes the perceived incoherence in the foreign policy strategy regarding aid to Ukraine.
  • The text mentions a serious lack of technology in Ukraine to counter Russian forces. This shortage includes advanced military equipment and systems. The West, including the United States, faces challenges in providing these technologies to Ukraine in sufficient quantities due to various factors. This technology gap hampers Ukraine's ability to effectively defend against Russian offensives and contributes to the urgency for aid.
  • Lowering the conscription age in Ukraine to 25 is significant because it reflects the urgent need for more personnel to bolster the country's defense capabilities amid Russian offensives. This move aims to address the shortage of soldiers and ammunition faced by Ukrainian forces. By lowering the conscription age, Ukraine seeks to rapidly increase its military manpower to counter the escalating threats it faces. The decision underscores the severity of the security situation and the pressing need for reinforcements in the face of potential territorial expansion by Russian forces.
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene speculated that House Speaker Mike Johnson was being blackmailed over his support for aid to Ukraine, suggesting a hidden reason for his stance change. Greene implied that Johnson's shift in position was influenced by coercion rather than genuine policy considerations. This speculation was dismissed by Ben Shapiro as lacking credibility and being unfounded. Greene's comments were criticized for add ...

Counterarguments

  • The urgency of aid to Ukraine can be seen as a reflection of the Biden administration's commitment to supporting democracy and resisting authoritarian aggression, rather than a sign of incoherence.
  • Delays in aid could be due to the complex nature of government funding processes and the need for accountability in how funds are used, rather than poor execution of foreign policy.
  • The provision of technology and support to Ukraine may be constrained by strategic considerations, including the risk of escalation or the need to protect sensitive technologies, rather than an inability to provide adequate support.
  • Lowering the conscription age in Ukraine could be interpreted as a necessary response to an existential threat, rather than a direct consequence of U.S. aid policies.
  • The request for additional soldiers by Ukraine might reflect the scale of the threat they face and the need for international support, rather than a failure of U.S. policy.
  • Criticisms of Speaker McCarthy's support for Ukraine aid could be seen as part of healthy democratic debate and scrutiny of foreign policy decisions.
  • The handling of criminal justice in cities like New York City can be complex, and policies may be aimed at addressing systemic issues such as over-incarceration and racial disparities in the justice system.
  • The release of individuals without bail for certain of ...

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