Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Inflation Comes In HOT

Inflation Comes In HOT

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, the host covers pressing national issues facing the United States. He discusses the worsening border crisis, including record seizures of lethal drugs like fentanyl and disagreements within the Democratic party over how to handle immigration policies. The upcoming midterm elections are also examined, with Democrats framing abortion rights as crucial for preserving democracy.

Shapiro also highlights Republican infighting over policies such as renewing surveillance laws, providing aid to Ukraine, and threats of leadership challenges to House Speaker McCarthy. As political tensions intensify ahead of the elections, the podcast unpacks the debates surrounding these controversial topics.

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Inflation Comes In HOT

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Inflation Comes In HOT

1-Page Summary

Border Crisis

Record Drug Seizures at the Border

U.S. agents in Arizona's Tucson sector seized over 38,500 pounds of smuggled drugs in 2021, with a concerning increase in cocaine and fentanyl intercepted. In 2023 alone, they confiscated a record 12,700 pounds of the lethal fentanyl substance.

Democrats Struggle with Border Policies

Democratic Senator Jon Tester openly criticizes Biden's approach, advocating for tougher border control measures like shutting down crossings and keeping migrants in Mexico. Biden considers reinstating Trump's "remain in Mexico" policy if the situation worsens.

Abortion Debate Energizes Midterm Campaigns

Arizona's 1864 Abortion Ban Controversy

Democrats criticize Arizona's enforcement of a pre-statehood 1864 law instituting an almost total abortion ban, with potential for moderation to a 15-week ban. Trump implies the current law "goes too far."

Democrats Frame Abortion Rights as Protecting Democracy

Vice President Harris argues abortion bans threaten democracy, framing the issue as about preserving individual freedoms vital to democratic institutions, per Ben Shapiro.

Republican Infighting Over Policies

FISA Renewal and Ukraine Aid Debates

House conservatives oppose FISA surveillance law renewal terms. Marjorie Taylor Greene threatens vacating Speaker Johnson if he passes Ukraine aid with Democratic support.

Instability Risk for the Republican Majority

Speaker Johnson acknowledges Greene's revolt could spur chaos hindering legislative progress. He plans discussing consequences with Greene, fearing continuous leadership challenges.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) governs surveillance activities in the United States for national security purposes. The law includes provisions for obtaining warrants to monitor communications of foreign powers and agents within the U.S. The terms of FISA renewal often involve debates over the balance between national security needs and civil liberties protections. Renewing FISA involves discussions on the scope of surveillance powers, oversight mechanisms, and privacy safeguards.
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene's threat to vacate Speaker Johnson means she is suggesting removing him from his position as Speaker of the House. This action could lead to a significant disruption in the leadership of the House of Representatives. Greene's threat is a serious challenge to Speaker Johnson's authority and could impact the functioning of the legislative body.
  • Speaker Johnson's acknowledgment of the risk of instability within the Republican majority is related to the potential disruption caused by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's opposition to certain policies. Greene's actions could lead to internal conflicts within the party, hindering the smooth functioning of legislative processes. Speaker Johnson is concerned that ongoing challenges to leadership could create chaos and impede the Republicans' ability to make progress on key issues. This situation highlights the tensions and divisions within the Republican Party that could impact their effectiveness in governing.

Counterarguments

  • Record Drug Seizures at the Border:
    • It could be argued that while drug seizures are high, this indicates effective border enforcement rather than a policy failure.
    • Some may suggest that focusing solely on border security overlooks the need for comprehensive drug policy reform, including demand reduction and treatment strategies.
  • Democrats Struggle with Border Policies:
    • One could argue that tougher border control measures might not address the root causes of migration, such as violence and poverty in home countries.
    • There may be a perspective that maintaining open dialogue and cooperation with Mexico and Central American countries could be more effective than shutting down crossings.
  • Abortion Debate Energizes Midterm Campaigns:
    • Regarding the 1864 abortion ban, some may argue that historical laws should be re-evaluated in the context of modern values and medical ethics.
    • In response to the argument that abortion bans threaten democracy, others might contend that democracy also involves respecting the will of the people, which in some states may lean towards more restrictive abortion laws.
  • Republican Infighting Over Policies:
    • Concerning FISA renewal, it could be argued that there is a legitimate need to balance national security interests with the protection of civil liberties.
    • Regarding Ukraine aid, some might suggest that bipartisan support for international aid reflects a commitment to global stability and democratic values, which transcends party lines.
  • N/A

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Inflation Comes In HOT

Border Crisis

A crisis at the southern border of the United States is unfolding with record drug seizures and political contention regarding immigration policies.

Record drug seizures at the southern border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Tucson sector are facing a significant uptick in drug smuggling with inventive concealment methods such as hiding drugs in microwaves, children's bouncy houses, and watermelons. This sector, which spans 262 miles of the international border with Mexico, saw more than 38,500 pounds of drugs seized in fiscal year 2021. Although overall drug seizures decreased to 26,000 and 25,000 pounds in fiscal 2022 and 2023, respectively, there's been a concerning increase in cocaine and fentanyl interceptions. In fiscal 2023, agents seized a record 12,700 pounds of fentanyl. By March 5th of fiscal 2024, more than 4,700 pounds of fentanyl were taken, which is enough to kill over 3.9 billion people. This substance is extremely dangerous because even small amounts can cause overdose or poisoning. Just ahead of Easter weekend, agents confiscated over 1.1 million fentanyl pills at the Nogales point of entry, including significant finds inside domestic items and children's toys.

Democrats struggle to address border issues

The Democratic Party is facing challenges from within as U.S. Senator Jon Tester openly criticizes President Joe Biden's border policies. Tester is actively campaigning against Biden's approach, highlighting his collaboration with Republicans to strengthen border control. He advocates for shutting down the border, targeting fentanyl traffickers, adding border patrol agents, and i ...

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Border Crisis

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Drug smuggling at the southern border has seen an increase in creative concealment methods, such as hiding drugs in everyday items like microwaves, children's bouncy houses, and even fruits like watermelons. This inventive approach by smugglers aims to evade detection by border authorities and transport illegal substances across the border. These concealment methods pose challenges for law enforcement in detecting and intercepting illicit drugs entering the country. The use of unconventional hiding places underscores the ongoing efforts of smugglers to adapt and innovate their tactics to avoid detection and enforcement measures.
  • In the context of the text, "record drug seizures in fiscal years" refers to the amounts of illegal drugs confiscated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers during specific fiscal years. The text mentions the quantities seized in fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and part of 2024, highlighting a concerning increase in cocaine and fentanyl interceptions. These seizures are crucial indicators of the ongoing challenges and trends related to drug smuggling at the southern border.
  • The text mentions a concerning increase in cocaine and fentanyl interceptions at the southern border. Cocaine and fentanyl are potent and dangerous drugs often trafficked illegally. The rise in interceptions indicates a growing trend of these substances being smuggled across the border. This increase poses significant challenges for border security and public health efforts.
  • Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine and heroin. It is prescribed for severe pain but is also illegally manufactured and sold, leading to a high risk of overdose and death. Even small amounts of fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, leading to breathing difficulties and potentially fatal consequences. Due to its potency, fentanyl requires careful handling and monitoring to prevent accidental exposure and harm.
  • At the Nogales point of entry, law enforcement officials confiscated over 1.1 million fentanyl pills. These pills were being smuggled into the United States through this border crossing. The discovery included fentanyl pills hidden inside everyday items and children's toys, indicating the lengths to which drug traffickers go to conceal their illicit activities. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can be lethal even in small doses, making such seizures crucial in preventing harm and saving lives.
  • U.S. Senator Jon Tester has openly criticized President Biden's border policies, advocating for stronger border control measures. Tester's criticisms include calls to shut down the border, target fentanyl traffickers, increase border patrol agents, and insist that migrants should remain in Mexico rather than the United States. Tester's stance reflects internal challenges within the Democratic Party regarding how to address the ongoing border crisis.
  • President Biden is considering reinstating the "remain ...

Counterarguments

  • The increase in drug seizures could indicate more effective border enforcement rather than an actual increase in drug trafficking.
  • While fentanyl is dangerous, the figure stating that 4,700 pounds could kill over 3.9 billion people may not account for the complexity of drug distribution and usage patterns.
  • The criticism of President Biden's border policies by Senator Jon Tester may not reflect the views of the entire Democratic Party or the complexities of border policy.
  • The call for migrants to remain in Mexico could be challenged by human rights advocates who argue for the protection of asylum seekers and the legal right to seek asylum.
  • Reinstating the remain in Mexico policy could face opposition from those who believe it violates international obligations to refugees ...

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Inflation Comes In HOT

Democrats Attempt to Energize Abortion as a Midterm Issue

Ben Shapiro discusses Democrats’ focus on abortion rights as a key issue for the 2024 elections, tapping into recent controversy over an old Arizona statute.

Response to Arizona's 1864 abortion law

Democrats have criticized an Arizona ruling that falls back on a pre-statehood law from 1864, legislating a near-total abortion ban. Shapiro points out that despite the outdated nature of the law, there's potential for the Arizona legislature to update it since the current political landscape is nearly evenly split. This could lead to a more moderate 15-week abortion ban, should the 1864 law be repealed.

Trump says the law "goes too far"

Shapiro references Donald Trump’s reaction, which implies that even Trump believes the Arizona abortion law goes too far. Trump is quoted as saying, "I think it'll be straightened out. And as you know, it's all about states' rights and it will be straightened out. I'm sure the governor and everybody else have got to bring it back into reason and that it will be taken care of, I think."

Democrats claim abortion bans threaten democracy

Shapiro's discussion shifts focus toward Vice President Kamala Harris's commentary on democracy in relation to individual freedoms and rights ...

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Democrats Attempt to Energize Abortion as a Midterm Issue

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The reference to Arizona falling back on a pre-statehood law from 1864 means that the state is using a law that predates its official statehood to regulate abortion. This old law is being revisited in the context of current abortion debates and could potentially lead to changes in abortion regulations in Arizona. The mention of this historical law highlights the complexity and historical context of the ongoing discussions around abortion rights in the state.
  • In a nearly evenly split political landscape in Arizona, it means that there is a close balance between the two major political parties or ideologies in the state. This balance can impact the ability to pass or change laws, as both sides have significant influence. In the context of the abortion law discussion, this balance suggests that there is a possibility for moderate changes to be made to the existing law due to the need for bipartisan support.
  • Vice President Kamala Harris's commentary on de ...

Counterarguments

  • The 1864 Arizona law reflects historical values that may not align with modern societal norms, but some argue that it represents a continuity of legal precedent that should be respected until properly changed through the legislative process.
  • While a 15-week abortion ban might be seen as a compromise, opponents argue that any restriction infringes on women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
  • Trump's assertion that the Arizona law "goes too far" could be seen as a political strategy to appeal to moderate voters rather than a principled stance on abortion rights.
  • The claim that abortion bans threaten democracy could be countered by the argument that democracy also involves the protection of potential life, as some believe life begins at conception.
  • The emphasis on constant vigilance and fighting to preserve democracy can be seen as a partisan rallying cry rather than a universal principle, as different gro ...

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Inflation Comes In HOT

Republican Party Infighting in Congress

Discussions within the Republican Party in Congress have intensified, leading to potential conflicts and threats of leadership challenges.

Conflicts over FISA, aid to Ukraine

The party is currently embroiled in a debate around important issues like FISA Section 702 and aid to Ukraine. A congressional wing in the House made an effort to stop the renewal of FISA Section 702, which allows monitoring of overseas communications and can incidentally sweep up communications of U.S. persons. The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, supported by intelligence chairman Mike Turner, suggests new measures and criminal penalties for surveillance power misuse while allowing the government to act promptly without administrative delays.

House Judiciary leaders, including Chairman Jim Jordan and ranking Democrat Jerry Nadler, are considering an amendment requiring a warrant for searches of the 702 database that involve U.S. persons. However, conservatives in the House are critical of the policy and the process used, with Scott Perry denouncing the procedure as "convoluted" and "manipulated," preventing some amendments from being considered.

Greene threatens motion to vacate against Speaker Johnson

Marjorie Taylor Greene is leading a factional challenge against Speaker Mike Johnson. Should Johnson pass a Ukraine aid bill with Democratic support, Greene has threatened to bring forward a motion to vacate. Former President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to terminate the broader surveillance law, highlighting the disapproval House conservatives have regarding the policy and Speaker Johnson's methods.

Ben Shapiro notes that Greene is somewhat isolated in her revolt, but the threat remains. Johnson acknowledges the threat her a ...

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Republican Party Infighting in Congress

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • FISA Section 702 is a provision in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that allows the U.S. government to collect information on foreign targets located outside the United States, including their communications with individuals in the U.S. This provision has raised concerns about potential privacy violations as it can incidentally capture communications of American citizens. The debate often revolves around balancing national security needs with protecting civil liberties. Efforts to reform or renew this provision involve discussions on enhancing oversight, ensuring transparency, and preventing misuse of surveillance powers.
  • A motion to vacate against Speaker Johnson is a parliamentary procedure that could lead to the removal of the Speaker from their position. It is a formal process where a member of the House of Representatives can bring a motion to declare the Speaker's position vacant, potentially triggering a vote on the Speaker's removal. This action is significant as it can create instability within the House and impact the leadership and legislative processes. The threat of a motion to vacate is a serious challenge to the authority and position of the Speaker.
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican congresswoman known for her controversial statements and actions. She has been involved in various disputes within the Republican Party, particularly regarding issues like surveillance laws and aid to Ukraine. Greene's threats to challenge Speaker Mike Johnson and her alignment with former President Donald Trump have added to her significance in the ongoing party conflicts.
  • Speaker Johnson is facing potential challenges to his leadership within the Republican Party due to disagreements over key issues like FISA Section 702 and aid to Ukraine. Marjorie Taylor Greene has threatened to bring forward a motion to vacate against Speaker Johnson if he passes a Ukraine aid bill with Democratic support. This challenge could lead to instability within the party and hinder legislative progress, as it may trigger a process to remove Johnson from his position as Speaker of the House. The situation is further complicated by th ...

Counterarguments

  • The debate over FISA Section 702 is a matter of balancing national security interests with privacy rights, and some may argue that the current measures are necessary to protect the country from external threats.
  • The aid to Ukraine is a complex issue, and some may argue that supporting Ukraine is critical for maintaining international order and countering aggression from adversaries.
  • The process used to renew FISA Section 702 may be seen as thorough and necessary to ensure that the legislation is well-considered and effective.
  • The motion to vacate against Speaker Mike Johnson could be viewed as a legitimate exercise of democratic processes within the party, allowing for checks and balances on leadership.
  • The involvement of former President Donald Trump in the debate over FISA Section 702 and aid to Ukraine could be seen as an important voice given his experience and influence within the party.
  • The potential instability and hindrance to governing caused by leadership challenges may be considered a natural part of the political process, where differing vi ...

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