Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

By Ben Shapiro

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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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

1-Page Summary

Greta Thunberg's Anti-Israel Protest Involvement

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.

Biden Restricts Israel's Military Aid

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.

Bipartisan Backlash Against Biden's Israel Policy

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.

Biden's Political Perils from Israel Stance

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

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro criticized Greta Thunberg's involvement in a protest against an Israeli Eurovision contestant, highlighting the crowd's support for Hamas and an attack on a Jewish reporter. He suggested that the protest reflected broader anti-Western and anti-Semitic sentiments among certain activist groups aligned with Thunberg, which, in his view, undermined her moral credibility.
  • The criticism from both Democrats and Republicans towards Biden's decision to withhold some offensive military aid to Israel stems from concerns about limiting Israel's self-defense capabilities against threats like Hamas and Iran. Democrats worry about security implications and weakening Israel's defense posture, while Republicans view the move as potentially damaging to the U.S.-Israel alliance and question the prioritization of appeasing anti-Israel sentiment. This bipartisan backlash reflects broader anxieties about the implications of the decision on regional stability and the longstanding relationship between the United States and Israel.
  • Biden's decision to restrict military aid to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas has sparked bipartisan criticism, with concerns raised about weakening Israel's defense capabilities and potential political fallout for Biden. This move comes at a time when Biden's approval ratings are declining, and he is facing challenges in maintaining support across different political factions. The backlash from both Democrats and Republicans suggests that Biden's stance on Israel could have significant implications for his political standing and re-election prospects.

Counterarguments

  • Greta Thunberg's participation in the protest could be seen as an exercise of her freedom of expression and her right to protest on issues beyond climate change.
  • The protest in Malmo may have included a diverse group of participants with varying viewpoints, and it may not be fair to attribute the actions or chants of some individuals to all attendees or to Thunberg herself.
  • Criticizing a government's policies, including those of Israel, does not necessarily equate to anti-Semitism or anti-Western sentiment.
  • The Biden administration's decision to withhold some military aid to Israel could be part of a broader strategy to encourage de-escalation and a return to negotiations rather than a simple appeasement of Hamas.
  • Waiving arms sale restrictions to Qatar and Lebanon might be part of a complex geopolitical strategy aimed at stabilizing the region or addressing other strategic goals.
  • Bipartisan criticism of a policy does not inherently validate the criticism; it could also reflect the polarized nature of U.S. politics or the influence of domestic and foreign policy lobbies.
  • A president's approval rating is influenced by a multitude of factors, and it may be overly simplistic to attribute declines solely to specific foreign policy decisions.
  • The notion that Biden's stance on Israel could be an impeachable offense is a matter of legal and constitutional debate and is not a universally accepted position.
  • Political distancing by some Democrats could be a strategic move to address local constituency concerns rather than a direct criticism of Biden's policy.
  • The assertion that Biden's policy may alienate moderates and hinder his re-election prospects is speculative and assumes that the electorate's voting decisions are primarily influenced by foreign policy, which may not be the case.

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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

Greta Thunberg's involvement in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests

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 participated in a protest in Malmo, Sweden against an Israeli Eurovision contestant, joining a crowd that chanted slogans supporting Hamas and attacked a Jewish reporter.

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 protest involved thousands of people, many of whom were radical Muslims, expressing solidarity with Palestinian terrorism and opposing the presence of an Israeli performer.

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.

The protest in Malmo reflects a broader pattern of anti-Semitism and anti-Western sentiment among certain activist groups that Greta Thunberg has allied herself with.

These groups, described as an "army of losers", are a coalition of radical leftists, anti-capitalists and Islamist sympathizers who view the West and Israel as inherently oppressive.

Ben Shapiro refers to the protesters as an “army of losers,” a term that implies a coalition of radical leftists, anti-cap ...

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Greta Thunberg's involvement in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The protest in Malmo, Sweden that Greta Thunberg participated in was directed against an Israeli Eurovision contestant, Eden Alene. The crowd at the protest expressed support for Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, and there were chants and actions that were perceived as anti-Semitic. Thunberg's presence at the protest, wearing a keffiyeh scarf, symbolized solidarity with Palestinians but was criticized by some for its perceived association with terrorism. The protest highlighted broader tensions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raised concerns about anti-Semitic sentiments within certain activist groups.
  • Greta Thunberg's participation in a protest in Malmo, Sweden against an Israeli Eurovision contestant led to controversy due to the crowd's anti-Israel chants and purported anti-Semitic actions. By joining the protest and wearing a keffiyeh scarf associated with Palestinian solidarity, Thunberg was seen as aligning herself with sentiments expressing solidarity with Hamas and opposing Israel. Critics argue that her involvement in such a protest undermines her reputation as an environmental activist and moral figure, suggesting her activism may be inadvertently promoting anti-Israel and anti-Semitic views.
  • Ben Shapiro's term "army of losers" is a derogatory label he uses to describe the protesters in a dismissive manner, suggesting they are misguided or ineffective in their activism. Shapiro implies that these individuals, who hold anti-Israel and anti-Western views, are part of a coalition that he perceives as lacking credibility or success in their causes. The term is meant to belittle and undermine the legitimacy of the protesters and their ideologies, according to Shapiro's perspective.
  • Greta Thunberg's alignment with certain activist groups, criticized by some like Ben Shapiro, raises concerns about her association with individuals holding anti-Semitic views and promoting anti-Western sentiments. This alignment could potentially tarnish her reputation as an ...

Counterarguments

  • Greta Thunberg's presence at the protest does not necessarily mean she supports all the views expressed there; she may have been focusing on the environmental aspects of the protest.
  • Wearing a keffiyeh does not automatically equate to supporting terrorism; it can also be seen as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their rights.
  • The presence of radical elements within a protest does not mean that all participants share those radical views; large protests often include a wide range of perspectives.
  • The characterization of activist groups as an "army of losers" is subjective and pejorative, and it does not acknowledge the legitimate concerns and grievances that may drive their activism.
  • Associating Greta Thunberg's environmental activism with an anti-Western or anti-Semitic agenda could be an oversimplification that ignores the complexity of her advocacy and the issues at hand.
  • The cla ...

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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

The Biden administration's decision to withhold offensive military aid to Israel

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.

The Biden administration announced it would withhold some offensive military aid to Israel amid the conflict with Hamas, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism

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 claimed this decision was aimed at preventing escalation and civilian casualties, but their reasoning has been widely panned as illogical and serving Hamas' interests

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 decision marks a significant departure from Biden's past statements and actions defending Israel's right to self-defense, suggesting political calculations are driving the policy

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.

The Biden administration has simultaneously waived restrictions on arms sales to Qatar and Lebanon, which are Iranian proxies, further undermining its credibility on the issue

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 ...

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The Biden administration's decision to withhold offensive military aid to Israel

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The conflict between Israel and Hamas is a long-standing and complex issue rooted in territorial disputes and differing political goals. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States. The conflict involves recurrent cycles of violence, with Israel aiming to protect its citizens from rocket attacks launched by Hamas while facing criticism for its military actions in densely populated areas like Gaza. Efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement have been challenging due to deep-seated historical, religious, and political factors influencing both sides.
  • Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer known for his strong support of Israel. He often criticizes actions or policies that he perceives as detrimental to Israel's interests. Shapiro's viewpoints are influenced by his conservative beliefs and his advocacy for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
  • The Biden administration waived restrictions on arms sales to Qatar and Lebanon, allowing the U.S. to sell weapons to these countries. Qatar and Lebanon are mentioned as Iranian proxies, with Lebanon specifically noted as being Hezbollah-controlled and backed by Iran. This decision has been criticized for its perceived double standard in treatment compared to the restrictions placed on military aid to Israel.
  • Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. It is strongly backed by Iran and is considered an Iranian proxy in th ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration's decision may reflect a nuanced approach to foreign policy that seeks to balance military support with diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
  • Withholding offensive military aid could be a strategic move to pressure all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution rather than escalating the violence.
  • Critics may not have access to all the intelligence and information that informed the administration's decision, which could be based on factors not publicly disclosed.
  • The decision to withhold aid could be part of a broader strategy to ensure that U.S. military support is used in a manner consistent with international law and human rights standards.
  • The waiver of restrictions on arms sales to Qatar and Lebanon might be part of a larger diplomatic effort to engage with various Middle Eastern countries on security cooperation and counterterrorism.
  • The administration's actions could be aimed at maintaining a balance of power in the region, rather than showing favoritism or a double standard.
  • The reassessment of military partnerships, as suggested by Chris Van Holle ...

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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

The political backlash against Biden's decision from both Democrats and Republicans

Biden’s decision to withhold military aid has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, hinting at deep divides and potential political repercussions.

Democrats' Critique

Mixed Messages and National Security Concerns

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.

Party Division and Political Consequences

The backlash from within Biden’s own party indicates a fracture among the Democrats, potentially leading to significant political ramifications.

Republicans' Outcry

Allegations of Impeachable Offenses

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.

Amplifying the Party ...

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The political backlash against Biden's decision from both Democrats and Republicans

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • The decision to withhold military aid could be part of a broader strategy to encourage diplomatic solutions and reduce reliance on military interventions.
  • Withholding aid may be a response to specific policy disagreements or actions taken by the ally that are inconsistent with U.S. values or objectives.
  • The administration may have intelligence or information that justifies a temporary halt in aid as a means to achieve a larger strategic goal.
  • The critique of signaling weakness to adversaries like Hamas could be countered by the argument that a more balanced approach could lead to better long-term stability in the region.
  • Concerns about party division might be seen as a healthy sign of democracy at work, with diverse opinions and debates within a political party.
  • The allegations of impeachable offenses may be premature or unfounded without clear evidence of wrongdoing or abuse of power.
  • The claim of internal division within the Democratic Party could be interpreted as a reflection of a vibrant and dynamic political discourse rather than a weakness.
  • The assertion that Republicans' support for Israel negates accusations of antisemitism within the party ...

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The Greta Thunberg Idiots’ Revolt

The potential political consequences for Biden due to his actions

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.

Biden's decision to withhold military aid from Israel comes at a time when he is struggling politically, with his approval ratings declining and his party facing headwinds 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.

Polls show Biden trailing former President Trump nationally and in key swing states, suggesting his actions on Israel could further erode his political standing.

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.

Some of Biden's own Democratic allies, such as Senator Sherrod Brown, are already distancing themselves from the administration's policies, fearing the electoral consequences.

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.

In response to the political pressures, Biden appears to be attempting to shore up support among his base by doubling down on progressive policy positions, such as shoveling out more spending despite high inflation.

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.

However, this strategy of appeasing the Democratic Party's radical wing risks further alienating moderate voters and undermining Biden's already tenuous political position.

This tactic risks alienating moderate voters and could exacerbate Biden's political vulnerabilities. Shapiro d ...

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The potential political consequences for Biden due to his actions

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • President Biden's declining approval ratings are a measure of public sentiment towards his performance as president. These ratings can fluctuate based on various factors such as policy decisions, economic conditions, and public perception. The challenges his party faces in upcoming elections could include competition from opposing parties, voter turnout, and the overall political climate at the time of the elections.
  • Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong opinions on various issues. In this context, Shapiro is critiquing President Biden's decisions, suggesting they could harm Biden politically. Shapiro's views often align with conservative perspectives and are influential in shaping discussions within conservative circles.
  • Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, is distancing himself from the Biden administration's policies by planning to support a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn rules on the electric vehicle tax credit. Brown is specifically concerned about the administration's lenient domestic content rules related to China in these policies. This move indicates Brown's focus on addressing issues related to trade and manufacturing, particularly in the context of China, which is a significant concern for him and his constituents. Brown's actions reflect a strategic move to differentiate himself from the administration on this particular policy matter, potentially to align more closely with the preferences of voters in Ohio.
  • ...

Counterarguments

  • Biden's withholding of military aid to Israel could be seen as a principled stand on human rights or international law, which might resonate with certain voter demographics.
  • Approval ratings can fluctuate significantly, and it is possible for a president to recover from a decline, especially if the decision is later viewed favorably by the public.
  • The decision to withhold military aid may align with Biden's long-term foreign policy goals and could be part of a strategic approach to international relations that is not immediately apparent.
  • Polls are snapshots of a moment in time and may not accurately predict future electoral outcomes, especially if new developments occur that change the public's perception.
  • Democratic allies distancing themselves from certain policies could be a strategic move to appeal to a broader base in their own constituencies, rather than a direct criticism of Biden's policies.
  • Focusing on progressive policies could energize the Democratic base and lead to increased voter turnout, which might counterbalance any loss of moderate voters.
  • The strategy of appealing to the Democrat ...

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