In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro dives into Greta Thunberg's involvement in an anti-Israel protest and discusses the implications of her alignment with certain activist groups. He also examines the Biden administration's decision to restrict offensive military aid to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas, a move that has drawn bipartisan backlash.
Shapiro analyzes how Biden's stance on Israel, occurring amid declining approval ratings, could potentially exacerbate his political challenges. While attempting to appease progressives, Biden risks alienating moderates—a liability that could hinder his re-election prospects if he does not recalibrate towards the center.
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Climate activist Greta Thunberg sparked controversy by participating in a protest in Malmo, Sweden against an Israeli Eurovision contestant. Ben Shapiro notes the crowd chanted in solidarity with Hamas and a Jewish reporter was attacked. He describes the protest as reflecting a broader anti-Western and anti-Semitic sentiment among certain activist groups Thunberg has aligned herself with, undermining her moral standing.
The Biden administration announced plans to withhold some offensive military aid to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas. Ben Shapiro and others have criticized this decision, arguing it unfairly limits Israel's self-defense while appeasing Hamas. Shapiro contrasts this with Biden's past statements supporting Israel. Simultaneously, the administration plans to waive arms sale restrictions to Iran-backed Qatar and Lebanon, exhibiting a double standard that prioritizes appeasing anti-Israel sentiment over upholding the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Biden's move has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Democrats like Senators Rosen and Blumenthal cite security concerns and undermining Israel's defense against threats like Iran. Representative Golden worries it signals weakness. Republicans like Senator Cotton suggest it could constitute an impeachable offense. The bipartisan backlash hints at potential severe political repercussions.
Shapiro argues Biden's Israel policy occurs amid his declining approval and could further erode his standing. Polls show him trailing Trump nationally and in swing states. Some Democrats like Senator Brown are distancing themselves, fearing electoral consequences. Biden seems to be appeasing his progressive base through increased spending, potentially alienating moderates. Shapiro warns Biden's Israel stance could become a significant liability hindering his re-election prospects if he doesn't recalibrate towards the center.
1-Page Summary
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has sparked controversy by participating in a protest in Malmo, Sweden that had anti-Israel underpinnings and purported anti-Semitic sentiments.
Greta Thunberg joined a protest in Malmo, Sweden, which was marked by the crowd's chants in support of Hamas. The protest was specifically directed against Eden Alene, an Israeli contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest. During this protest, the crowd expressed solidarity with Hamas, and Greta Thunberg, notable for wearing a keffiyeh scarf—a symbol often associated with Palestinian solidarity—was present. Ben Shapiro described the scarf as "a symbol of solidarity with terrorism."
The podcast transcript mentions the presence of radical Muslims at the protest and further suggests that the Jewish community avoids Malmo due to rampant anti-Semitism. It implies that by joining the protest, Greta Thunberg is aligning herself with individuals holding anti-Semitic views.
Ben Shapiro refers to the protesters as an “army of losers,” a term that implies a coalition of radical leftists, anti-cap ...
Greta Thunberg's involvement in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests
The Biden administration's recent decision to withhold some offensive military aid to Israel amid the conflict with Hamas has drawn bipartisan criticism and raised questions about its foreign policy strategy.
Ben Shapiro and others have voiced strong criticism of the Biden administration's approach to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, suggesting that the United States is unfairly restricting Israel's ability to respond. Shapiro characterizes the administration's actions as bending to the will of Hamas and argues that they effectively serve as propaganda for the group.
Joe Biden had tweeted earlier about the administration's commitment to keeping promises and not leaving anyone behind. Shapiro contrasts this tweet with the administration's decision to cut off arms to Israel—a critical American ally—when they are in a conflict aimed at countering Hamas.
The White House defended its decision stating that it was aimed at preventing further escalation and limiting civilian casualties, but critics like Shapiro view this rationale as nonsensical and ultimately beneficial to Hamas.
This policy shift signals a departure from Biden's previous stance affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. It suggests that internal political considerations, rather than security concerns, might be influencing Biden’s policy decisions.
As Shapiro points out, the administration has informed Congress of its plan to waive restrictions that prevent the U.S. from selling weapons to countries that boycott Israel. This includes arms sales to Qatar and Lebanon, the latt ...
The Biden administration's decision to withhold offensive military aid to Israel
Biden’s decision to withhold military aid has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, hinting at deep divides and potential political repercussions.
Several Democrats have vocally opposed Biden’s decision, citing security concerns and the potential emboldening of adversaries.
Senator Jackie Rosen underscores the importance of unconditional support for Israel, especially in light of increasing threats from Iran and its proxies. Without explicit military aid, Rosen asserts, the U.S. is failing to demonstrate unwavering support which is vital for Israel's self-defense. Senator Richard Blumenthal, though not completely informed of the details, expresses hope that military and diplomatic support will persist.
Senator Fetterman voices disappointment with the administration's decisions, and Representative Jared Golden worries that the President is signaling weakness to Hamas and others, which could have far-reaching implications. Representative Brad Schneider also expresses trepidation about the administration's course of action, concerned about the dangerous mixed messages it may convey.
The backlash from within Biden’s own party indicates a fracture among the Democrats, potentially leading to significant political ramifications.
Republicans have sharply condemned Biden’s move, questioning the loyalty to a longstanding ally and the larger ramifications.
Senator Tom Cotton goes as far as to suggest Biden’s withholding of military aid might rise to the level of an impeachable offense, drawing a parallel to former President Trump's impeachment over a similar issue regarding aid to Ukraine.
The political backlash against Biden's decision from both Democrats and Republicans
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The withholding of military aid to Israel by President Biden might carry severe political repercussions amidst his declining approval rates and the challenges his party confronts in the upcoming elections.
Ben Shapiro discusses the potential political fallout from President Biden's policy decisions, including the recent withholding of military aid to Israel. Shapiro suggests Biden's actions, which appear inconsistent with his past stance, could further damage his already declining political standing. Shapiro notes Biden previously described similar actions as "absolutely preposterous" and even potentially impeachable.
Biden's political position seems tenuous as polls show him lagging behind former President Trump, not only nationally but also in pivotal swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Senator Sherrod Brown, confronting a tight reelection race in Ohio, is one Democratic ally who is distancing himself from Biden's policies. Brown plans to support a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the administration's rules on the electric vehicle tax credit, citing too lenient domestic content rules concerning China.
As a strategy to consolidate his base, Biden seems to be doubling down on progressive policies, including increased spending amidst high inflation. Shapiro criticizes this approach, implying that Biden's policies might not be convincing to the broader American populace and could exacerbate his political issues.
This tactic risks alienating moderate voters and could exacerbate Biden's political vulnerabilities. Shapiro d ...
The potential political consequences for Biden due to his actions
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