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Raging Bulls***

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro critiques President Biden's campaign and administration. Shapiro contends Biden struggles to regain support among voter groups like Black Americans and relies on unconventional celebrity endorsements, hinting at enthusiasm issues.

The host argues Biden inadequately addresses economic challenges like rising costs, while criticizing energy policies like "accelerating the energy transition" as disconnected from reality. Shapiro also accuses Biden of mishandling crises like immigration and undermining democratic allies in the Middle East. The episode examines media biases regarding Hamas and Israel, with Shapiro alleging media outlets readily accept Hamas propaganda while scrutinizing Israel.

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Raging Bulls***

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Raging Bulls***

1-Page Summary

Biden Campaign Struggles

According to Shapiro, the Biden campaign faces difficulties winning back crucial voter demographics it should already have secured, hinting at a broader lack of enthusiasm. Polling shows decreased support among black voters, a group Biden won comfortably in 2020.

Shapiro cites the campaign's unusual celebrity endorsement from Robert De Niro as a sign of desperation to generate attention. He criticizes this tactic and Biden's attempts at counterproductive headline-grabbing moves.

Economic and Policy Failures

Shapiro argues the Biden administration fails to address economic challenges like rising costs for everyday items. He points to a disconnect between policies like "accelerating the energy transition" and the reality Americans face, claiming solutions like releasing oil reserves are ineffective.

On border security, Shapiro cites Biden's former border chief saying the president never inquired about the crisis allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal crossings monthly.

Regarding the Middle East, Shapiro contends Biden undermines democratic allies like Israel in favor of negotiating with terrorists like Hamas, while staying silent on Hamas' actions.

Media Biases on Middle East

Shapiro accuses media of readily accepting Hamas' false narratives, even when proven inaccurate. He provides an example where outlets reported Israeli strikes killing civilians based solely on Hamas claims later disproven by the Israeli military.

He criticizes the media's lack of scrutiny on Hamas using human shields and deliberately targeting Israeli civilians, favoring instead a narrative scrutinizing Israel's administration.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Biden campaign is facing challenges in retaining crucial voter demographics, particularly among black voters. Criticism has been directed at the campaign's strategies, including celebrity endorsements like Robert De Niro's. These difficulties suggest a broader lack of enthusiasm for the campaign.
  • The economic challenges faced by Americans include rising costs for everyday items, which can strain household budgets. There is a perceived disconnect between certain policies, like "accelerating the energy transition," and the practical realities experienced by the population. Solutions such as releasing oil reserves are criticized as ineffective in addressing these challenges.
  • Regarding border security, Shapiro mentions Biden's former border chief stating that the president did not inquire about the crisis that allowed hundreds of thousands of illegal crossings monthly. This suggests a lack of direct involvement or oversight from Biden on the border situation.

In the Middle East, Shapiro argues that Biden is criticized for potentially undermining democratic allies like Israel in favor of negotiating with groups like Hamas. This implies a shift in diplomatic approach that some view as unfavorable towards traditional allies in the region.

Counterarguments

  • Voter enthusiasm can fluctuate throughout a campaign, and early struggles do not necessarily predict the final outcome.
  • Celebrity endorsements are a common tactic in political campaigns and can be effective in reaching different demographics.
  • Economic challenges such as rising costs are often multifaceted and can be influenced by global events outside the control of a single administration.
  • Energy transition policies may be aimed at long-term benefits, including job creation in renewable energy sectors and reducing dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.
  • Releasing oil reserves can be a short-term measure to stabilize markets and is used by many countries, not just the U.S.
  • Border security is a complex issue, and the lack of direct inquiry by the president does not necessarily indicate a lack of action or concern by the administration.
  • Diplomacy often involves engaging with various parties, and negotiations with groups like Hamas may be part of a broader strategy to achieve peace and stability.
  • Media scrutiny is essential in conflict zones, and while biases can exist, many outlets strive for balanced reporting and often rely on multiple sources.
  • Accusations of media bias should be substantiated with specific examples, and it's important to recognize that different media outlets may have varying editorial standards and perspectives.

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Raging Bulls***

The state of the Biden presidential campaign and signs it is in a "meltdown"

Shapiro assesses the conditions of President Joe Biden’s campaign, suggesting a sense of urgency and chaos that may be indicative of a campaign in crisis.

Biden campaign struggling to win back voters it should already have, indicating a broader lack of enthusiasm and support

Joe Biden is reportedly struggling to win back voters who were previously considered a stable part of his base. Shapiro points out to decreased enthusiasm among black voters—a demographic that Biden won with 92 percent against Donald Trump. Polling is showing a significant decline in support, leading the Biden campaign to rely on communities and organizations in swing states to improve his standing with black voters.

Shapiro discusses a Politico report stating the Biden team's frustration over the media's focus on Trump, which makes it difficult for Biden to gain attention for his campaign. Biden's need to campaign in historically Democrat voting areas, like parts of Philadelphia and Detroit, also points to potential trouble for his reelection campaign.

Biden campaign forced to deploy unusual tactics like bringing in celebrity Robert De Niro to generate attention, a sign of desperation

As an example of the campaign’s unusual efforts, Shapiro cites the enlistment of actor Robert De Niro to speak and appear on behalf of the Biden campaign. He criticizes this movement, associating it with desperation and questioning the logic behind the decision to deploy an 80-year-old movie star known for tough-guy roles to speak about a criminal trial. This tactic is paralleled with the Romney campaign’s use of Clint Eastwood in 2012, suggesting a pattern of relying on celebrity endorsements in times of challenge, which might indicate a degree of despair.

Biden campaign's attempts at bizarre and counterproductive tactics to generate headlines

Further, Shapiro describes Biden’s campaign as taking actions that are seen by so ...

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The state of the Biden presidential campaign and signs it is in a "meltdown"

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The text discusses challenges faced by President Joe Biden's campaign, including struggles to regain support from key voter demographics like black voters. It mentions the campaign's use of unconventional tactics, such as bringing in celebrities like Robert De Niro, to generate attention and counteract declining support. Additionally, the text highlights the campaign's efforts to combat negative media focus and its reluctance to acknowledge public polling data indicating a decrease in support.
  • Using celebrities in political campaigns is a common strategy to attract attention, increase visibility, and appeal to a br ...

Counterarguments

  • The campaign's outreach to previously supportive demographics could be a proactive strategy to solidify and energize the base rather than a sign of desperation.
  • Utilizing celebrities like Robert De Niro in a campaign could be a strategic move to leverage their influence and reach, rather than an act of desperation.
  • The decision to hold an event during Trump's trial might be a calculated attempt to draw a contrast between Biden and Trump, rather than a bizarre or counterproductive tactic.
  • Denying polling data that shows a decrease in support could be based on intern ...

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Raging Bulls***

The Biden administration's policies and handling of key issues like the economy, border, and Middle East conflict

Ben Shapiro lambasts the Biden administration for its approach to prominent issues impacting Americans –– the economy, border security, and the Middle East conflict –– alleging failures and inadequacies across these areas.

Economic Challenges

Shapiro asserts that the administration is failing to address economic challenges, highlighted by rising costs in everyday items such as fast food. Using the example of the increasing price of a Big Mac, once $3.99 in 2019 and now $8.29, he illustrates the economic strain on Americans. Furthermore, a survey indicates that due to the rising costs, 62% of Americans dine out less often.

Moreover, Shapiro criticizes the administration for downplaying the severity of inflation. He cites Biden's energy advisor, Amos Hochstein, discussing "accelerating the energy transition" while promising lower energy costs for consumers, which Shapiro suggests is unconvincing and indicative of a disconnect between the administration and the actual economic issues.

Ineffective Solutions to Inflation

Shapiro voices frustration over what he sees as the Biden administration’s ineffective solutions to inflation, indicating that short-term fixes, such as releasing oil reserves, are insufficient and fail to convince the public. He claims there's an "absolute disconnect" between the Biden administration's policies and reality, suggesting that their measures, like increasing royalties and restrictions on drilling, do not resonate with the needs of Americans struggling economically.

Border Security Concerns

On the subject of border security, Shapiro cites an interview with Biden's former border chief, Raul Ortiz, claiming the President never inquired about the southern border crisis, painting a picture of a lenient border policy that allows hundreds of thousand ...

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The Biden administration's policies and handling of key issues like the economy, border, and Middle East conflict

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Amos Hochstein is a former U.S. diplomat who served as the Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs at the U.S. Department of State during the Obama administration. He has expertise in energy security and policy, particularly in relation to Europe and Eurasia. Hochstein's role involves advising on energy-related matters, including policies on oil and gas production, energy transitions, and international energy cooperation. His background includes work on energy diplomacy, promoting energy diversification, and addressing global energy challenges.
  • Claire McCaskill, a former senator, advocated for the removal of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over allegations of aligning with right-wing elements seeking the destruction of Gaza and Palestinian areas. This stance suggests a critical view of Netanyahu's policies and alliances in the Middle East conflict. McCaskill's position reflects a belief that Netanyahu's actions may not align with broader peace efforts in the region.
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization that prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. T ...

Counterarguments

  • Economic policy is complex, and rising costs can be attributed to a variety of factors, including global supply chain issues and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, not solely the administration's policies.
  • Inflation is a global challenge, not unique to the United States, and the administration has taken steps such as the American Rescue Plan to stimulate economic recovery.
  • The release of oil reserves is one of many tools used to manage energy prices, and the administration may argue that a comprehensive approach, including investment in renewable energy, is necessary for long-term stability.
  • Border security is a multifaceted issue, and the administration may emphasize the need for a humane approach to immigration that balances security with the rights of asylum seekers.
  • The situation in the Middle East is historically complex, and the administration may believe that diplomacy and engagement with a range of actors, including those with differing viewpoints, is essential for peace and stability.
  • The administr ...

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Raging Bulls***

The media's tendency to believe Hamas' lies and biases in covering the Middle East conflict

Shapiro accuses the media of echoing Hamas’ statements without fact-checking, leading to the spread of misinformation. He points to a proclivity for media outlets to readily accept and even amplify false narratives from the terror group.

Media readily accepting and amplifying Hamas' false narratives about Israeli military actions, even when proven inaccurate

Media reporting on alleged Israeli strikes on civilian areas without verifying Hamas' claims, later shown to be false

Over a recent weekend, Hamas claimed that Israel had targeted a humanitarian area, causing the deaths of 45 civilians and injuring hundreds. However, this assertion was proven false. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari clarified that an IDF strike did not cause a large fire as Hamas had claimed, and investigations are underway to ascertain the true cause of the incident. Shapiro highlights that the IDF took precautions to minimize civilian casualties by targeting two senior Hamas terrorists after ensuring no civilians were present and by utilizing the smallest warheads in their arsenal at a considerable distance from any humanitarian zones or shelters.

Despite these precautions, Shapiro criticizes the media for its readiness to believe and disseminate the false narrative initiated by Hamas. Moreover, Shapiro points out that the media seems to extend trust to radical Islamic terror groups like Hamas, which have a history of kidnapping and murdering Westerners, Israelis, and Americans.

Lack of media scrutiny of Hamas' tactics of hiding among civilians and using them as human shields

Media failing to hold Hamas accountable for its deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians and use of human shields

Shapiro chastises the media for their lack of critical inquiry into Hamas tactics, which include the grouping of military assets within civilian areas and the utilization of human shields, a practice contributing to the infeasibility of avoiding civilian casualties altogether. Furthermore, Shapiro condemns the media's failure to hold Hamas responsible ...

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The media's tendency to believe Hamas' lies and biases in covering the Middle East conflict

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The IDF stands for the Israel Defense Forces, the military forces of the State of Israel. It is responsible for the defense of the country and plays a crucial role in various conflicts and security operations in the region. The IDF is a significant player in the ongoing Middle East conflict, often involved in military actions and responses to threats against Israel.
  • Daniel Hagari is an Israel Defense Forces Rear Admiral who currently serves as the head of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. He has a background in naval special operations and has held various command positions within the IDF, including in the Shayetet 13 marine commando unit. Hagari's role involves communicating IDF actions and positions to the public and media.
  • Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has been known to operate within civilian areas, such as neighborhoods or near schools and hospitals, to shield themselves from attacks. By embedding their military activities within civilian populations, Hamas aims to deter military strikes against them due to the risk of causi ...

Counterarguments

  • Media organizations often have stringent fact-checking processes, and while mistakes can happen, many work diligently to report accurately.
  • Journalists may rely on a variety of sources, including statements from all parties involved, to provide balanced coverage.
  • Accusations of bias must be substantiated with comprehensive analysis of media content, rather than isolated incidents.
  • The complexity of conflict zones can make it difficult to verify information, and media outlets may report claims from both sides while seeking confirmation.
  • Media scrutiny of military tactics, including those of Hamas, may be present but not always highlighted in every report.
  • Some media outlets do report on the use of human shields and other tactics that endanger civilians.
  • The media's role is to question and investigate all forms of power, including government actions and policies, which is a principle of democratic societies.
  • Coverage of protests and public opinion is part of the media's role in refle ...

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