WHO Just Came Through The Biden Border?!
In this episode from The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro covers a range of topics related to the Biden administration and current social and political issues in the United States. He discusses The Daily Wire's new entertainment ventures, including a movie partnership and a children's app. Shapiro also analyzes Biden's performance, critiquing his response to domestic challenges like inflation and border security, as well as his foreign policy approaches.
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, Shapiro shares polling data and offers strategy advice for potential candidates. The episode further examines cultural issues such as left-wing activism, Pride flag protests, and scrutiny of certain Supreme Court justices. Shapiro provides his perspective on these matters and how they may impact the political landscape.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 14, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show
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1-Page Summary
The Daily Wire's entertainment ventures
Ben Shapiro discusses The Daily Wire's entertainment initiatives, including a movie partnership with Angel Studios for "Sound of Hope," tackling themes of adoption and family. He also introduces Benkey, a new children's app offering curated shows as an alternative to other entertainment platforms.
The Biden administration's performance
Domestic struggles
Shapiro criticizes Biden's response to high inflation, which he says is not decreasing fast enough. He suggests the administration may justify Federal Reserve rate cuts closer to the election. Shapiro also cites border security issues, like potential ISIS-linked individuals entering the U.S. through the southern border.
Foreign policy challenges
Shapiro claims Biden has been weak on the Israel-Hamas conflict, lacking an effective "day after plan" for Gaza. He also suggests Biden was slow in aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression, adding to perceptions of American weakness under his leadership.
The 2024 presidential election
Polling dynamics
Shapiro reports polling data showing Biden trailing Trump in key swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. He cites Biden's low approval ratings, currently at 37%, as a potential hindrance to his reelection.
Strategies for candidates
Shapiro advises Trump to focus his campaign on Biden's policy failures rather than Jan. 6 events. He also suggests potential Biden administration scandals, like border security incidents, could damage Biden's chances if leveraged by Trump.
Cultural and social issues in the U.S.
Left-wing protests and activism
Shapiro criticizes disruptive climate change protesters and incidents of anti-Semitism and apparent support for terrorist groups at some protests. He expresses concern over the Democratic Party's inability to distance itself from such groups.
LGBTQ+ controversies
Shapiro disapproves of "Pride Progress" flag protests, citing Pete Buttigieg's endorsement of the flag as emblematic of disagreement. He also weighs in on criticism against conservative Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Angel Studios, formerly known as VidAngel, is an independent media company and film distribution studio based in Provo, Utah. They are known for producing Christian-themed content and operate a streaming service where their productions are available. Notable works from Angel Studios include the film "Sound of Freedom" and the TV series "The Chosen." Angel Studios emerged from a bankruptcy reorganization of VidAngel and utilizes equity crowdfunding for financing its original productions.
- Federal Reserve rate cuts are decisions made by the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates in the economy. These cuts aim to stimulate borrowing and spending to boost economic activity. Lower rates can encourage businesses and individuals to invest and consume more, potentially aiding in economic growth.
- Polling dynamics in key swing states reflect the shifting preferences of voters in crucial regions that can determine the outcome of an election. These polls provide insights into how candidates are performing in states that historically do not consistently vote for one party over the other. Understanding these dynamics helps political analysts gauge the competitiveness of the race and where candidates need to focus their campaign efforts. The results of these polls can influence campaign strategies and resource allocation as candidates seek to secure the necessary electoral votes for victory.
- Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, conservative Supreme Court justices, have faced criticism for their stances on various social and legal issues. Critics often highlight their positions on LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and other contentious topics. Their decisions and opinions on cases have sparked debates and drawn both support and opposition from different segments of society. The criticism against them is rooted in concerns about the impact of their judicial philosophy on key societal issues.
Counterarguments
- The partnership with Angel Studios for "Sound of Hope" may not necessarily provide a diverse range of perspectives on adoption and family themes.
- While Benkey is presented as an alternative to other children's entertainment platforms, it's important to ensure that it doesn't limit exposure to a wide range of ideas and viewpoints.
- High inflation is a complex issue that can be attributed to a variety of factors, including global economic pressures, and may not be solely the result of the Biden administration's policies.
- Federal Reserve rate cuts are typically independent decisions aimed at controlling inflation and not necessarily influenced by political timelines or elections.
- Border security is a multifaceted issue, and the presence of ISIS-linked individuals, while concerning, may not be representative of the broader population seeking entry at the southern border.
- The Israel-Hamas conflict is a long-standing and complex issue, and the effectiveness of Biden's response should be considered in the context of historical U.S. policy in the region and the difficulty of achieving lasting peace.
- The timing and nature of aid to Ukraine can be debated, with some arguing that diplomatic efforts and the complexities of international military support require careful consideration.
- Foreign policy strength is subjective, and perceptions of American weakness or strength can vary widely based on individual viewpoints and interpretations of actions taken.
- Polling data can fluctuate significantly, and early polls may not be indicative of election outcomes, especially as campaigns evolve and new issues emerge.
- Approval ratings are only one measure of a president's potential for reelection and can change over time in response to various events and policy outcomes.
- Campaign strategies are diverse, and focusing solely on policy failures may not resonate with all voters, who may also be interested in a candidate's vision for the future.
- The association of left-wing protests with anti-Semitism and support for terrorist groups may not accurately represent the views of the majority of protesters who are advocating for climate action or social justice.
- The Democratic Party's stance on various issues is often debated internally, and the party may have made efforts to distance itself from extremist groups that are not acknowledged in the text.
- The "Pride Progress" flag and Pete Buttigieg's endorsement of it reflect a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, which some may view as a positive representation of diversity.
- Criticism of Supreme Court justices is a normal part of the political discourse, and differing opinions on their decisions are to be expected in a democratic society.
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The Daily Wire's entertainment ventures
Ben Shapiro discusses The Daily Wire's strategic foray into the entertainment industry with new ventures, including a film and a children's app aimed at offering alternative content.
The Daily Wire's expansion into the entertainment industry
Launching the movie "Sound of Hope" in partnership with Angel Studios
Ben Shapiro lauds "Sound of Hope" as an impactful film, marking a significant venture in The Daily Wire's entry into the entertainment sphere. He announces the partnership between Daily Wire Plus and Angel Studios for the film's release, highlighting Angel Studios' values-aligned history and track record, including releases like "Sound of Freedom." This collaboration is deemed as a step toward influencing the types of entertainment available in theaters. A trailer of "Sound of Hope" is shared, which centers around themes of family, adoption, and personal challenges.
Shapiro places particular emphasis on "Sound of Hope" being a tale that navigates Christian families adopting children in tough conditions and confronting edgy matters. The partnership with Angel Studios is seen as an initiative to place the movie in theaters and shift cinema's prevailing narratives.
Introducing the Benkey entertainment app for kids
Shapiro segues into another branch of The Daily Wire's entertainment division with the introduction of Benkey, an entertainment app for kids designed to be a safe space for children's viewing. The app offers an array of content, including shows ...
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The Daily Wire's entertainment ventures
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Daily Wire Plus is a video on demand platform launched by The Daily Wire in 2022. It offers exclusive video content and access to additional features beyond what is available on the regular Daily Wire platform. This subscription service provides subscribers with a curated selection of content tailored to the interests of conservative viewers.
- Angel Studios, formerly known as VidAngel, is an independent media company and film distribution studio based in Provo, Utah. It is recognized for producing Christian-themed content and operates an over-the-top video on-demand service. The company emerged from a bankruptcy reorganization of VidAngel and is known for offering equity crowdfunding opportunities for its original productions. Notable works from Angel Studios include the film "Sound of Freedom" and the TV series "The Chosen."
- The comparison with current children's content from companies like Disney in the context of Ben Shapiro's discussion highlights his critique of the inclusion of LGBT characters in shows like the Star Wars series. Shapiro positions Benkey as a safer and more traditional alternative for families seeking entertainment options without such themes. This comparison underscores Shapiro's belief in offering content that aligns with his values and views on family-frien ...
Counterarguments
- The expansion of The Daily Wire into entertainment could be seen as a move to create a media echo chamber, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
- While "Sound of Hope" may focus on family and adoption, some may argue that its impact will be limited if it only caters to a specific audience or aligns with a particular set of values.
- The partnership with Angel Studios might be criticized for potentially narrowing the diversity of narratives in cinema rather than broadening it.
- The effectiveness of Benkey as a "safe space" for children's viewing could be questioned, as over-curation might shield children from real-world diversity and the complexity of social issues.
- Positioning Benkey as a safer alternative to mainstream children's content could be seen as subjective, as safety and appropriateness are often in the eye of the beholder and vary greatly among families with different values ...
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The Biden administration's performance
Ben Shapiro discusses various challenges the Biden administration is facing, focusing on alleged failures in domestic policy, national security, and international relations.
Biden's failing past policies and presidency
High inflation and ineffective response
According to Shapiro, the cost of living in the United States is up almost 20% from 2021, impacting families everywhere. He criticizes the legacy media for downplaying the severity of the situation. Shapiro mentions that inflation is not decreasing at the necessary rate, and suggests President Biden is over-relying on the Federal Reserve to address the poor economy. He anticipates that the administration may seek to justify rate cuts by September, closer to the election, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggests limiting these cuts, seeking confidence that inflation will sustainably decrease first.
Shapiro further criticizes the Biden administration for policies such as forgiving over $160 billion in student loan debt and for promoting large-scale financial assistance like the distribution of $25,000 grants for first-time homebuyers during an inflationary period. He predicts that if inflation remains high by election time, Biden may resort to "modern monetary theory."
Weak border security and national security risks
Shapiro reports on the arrest of eight men from Tajikistan with potential ISIS ties found in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, who entered the U.S. through the southern border, with some using an app created by the Biden administration to claim asylum. He criticizes Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for stating the border is secure and suggests Biden's immigration policy has directly resulted in the death of American citizens.
Shapiro points out that some foreign countries appear to be acting without fear of U.S. intervention. For example, China is reportedly building a megaport in South America, suggesting a lapse in enforcing the Monroe Doctrine and an overall weakness in border security and national security under Biden's leadership.
Biden's foreign policy struggles
Shapiro critiques the Biden administration ...
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The Biden administration's performance
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) is a macroeconomic theory that views currency as a public monopoly and suggests that governments can pay for goods and services by printing money. MMT argues that inflation, not debt, is the primary concern for governments when spending. It proposes that governments can control inflation by increasing taxes to reduce private sector spending capacity. MMT's principles challenge traditional economic views on money creation, debt, and government spending.
- The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. foreign policy opposing European interference in the Americas. It asserts a separation between the Americas and Europe in terms of influence. The doctrine aims to prevent European colonization or intervention in the Western Hemisphere. It was first articulated by President James Monroe in 1823.
- A "day after plan" for Gaza typically refers to a strategic framework or set of actions designed to address the aftermath of a conflict or crisis in the Gaza Strip. It aims to outline steps for stabilizing the region, rebuilding infrastructure, restoring governance, and fostering peace after a significant event like a military conflict. The plan may include provisions for humanitarian aid, security arrangements, political transitions, and international involvement to support the recovery and development of Gaza post-conflict. It is a crucial aspect of conflict resolution efforts to prevent further instability and promote long-term peace in the region.
- The 10-year security agreement with Ukraine not being submitted as a treaty to the Sena ...
Counterarguments
- Inflation is a global issue, not unique to the Biden administration, and has been influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
- The Federal Reserve operates independently from the White House, and its decisions on interest rates are not directly controlled by the President.
- Student loan debt forgiveness can be seen as an investment in the middle class and an effort to alleviate the financial burden on younger generations.
- Financial assistance programs like grants for first-time homebuyers aim to address wealth inequality and help Americans achieve homeownership.
- The security of the U.S. southern border is a complex issue, and the use of technology and apps for asylum claims can be part of a strategy to manage border crossings more effectively.
- The situation with China in South America is part of a broader context of international relations and trade, and the U.S. may be engaging through diplomatic channels rather than public interventions.
- The Biden administration's appr ...
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The 2024 presidential election
The 2024 presidential race is heating up, and Ben Shapiro discusses the various dynamics at play that could influence the outcome, including polling in swing states and key strategies for the candidates.
Polling and battleground state dynamics
Biden trailing Trump in key swing states
Shapiro reports that current polling data presents a challenging picture for President Joe Biden, particularly in battleground states. According to this data, Biden is solidly trailing Donald Trump in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Nevada. Even in Michigan, Biden is only narrowly ahead of Trump, indicating a potentially difficult path to reelection.
Biden's unpopularity and declining approval ratings
Biden’s unpopular standing among voters is not simply a result of his age or perceived dullness; it's more tightly connected to his performance as president. Shapiro cites the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a pivotal moment, causing Biden's approval ratings to plummet into the low 40s and further erode since then. Shapiro pinpoints Biden's current approval rating at 37 percent, which could spell trouble for his reelection campaign.
Strategies for the upcoming election
Need for Trump to focus on Biden's policy failures
Shapiro stresses the importance for Donald Trump to center his campaign on Biden's policy failures. He implies that Trump should use Biden’s handling of various situations, such as the crisis in Ukraine, as focal points for his campaign. Shapiro advises that Trump would do well to steer campaign rhetoric away f ...
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The 2024 presidential election
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The 2024 presidential race dynamics involve President Joe Biden facing challenges in key swing states against former President Donald Trump. Biden's declining approval ratings, influenced by events like the Afghanistan withdrawal, indicate potential difficulties for his reelection. Strategies for the election include Trump focusing on Biden's policy failures and potential scandals within the Biden administration impacting the race.
- Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong opinions and analysis on current events. He often provides a right-leaning perspective on issues and is a prominent figure in conservative media circles. Shapiro's viewpoints can shape discussions and influence public opinion, particularly among conservative audiences. His analysis tends to focus on policy, political strategy, and critiquing the actions of political figures.
- Polling data in elections reflects public opinion at a specific point in time. It helps gauge voter preferences and trends. In swing states, where the race is often close, polling can indicate which candidate has an advantage. However, polling is not always predictive and can change as campaigns evolve.
- Biden's declining approval ratings are attributed to events like the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which caused a significant drop in public support. This decline has been ongoing, with his approval rating falling to 37 percent according to the text. The text suggests that Biden's handling of various situations, like the Afghanistan withdrawal, has contributed to his decreasing popularity. Biden's approval ratings are crucial indicators of his standing with voters and can impact his chances in the upcoming election.
- Shapiro suggests that Trump should focus on highlighting Biden's policy failures, like his handling of crises, to weaken Biden's reelection chances. By shifting attention away from controversial issues ...
Counterarguments
- Polling can be volatile and may not accurately predict election outcomes, especially if there's a significant time gap between the polling and the election day.
- Approval ratings, while indicative of public sentiment, are not the sole determinants of election results; campaign dynamics, voter turnout, and external events can significantly alter the electoral landscape.
- Focusing solely on policy failures without offering a constructive agenda might not resonate with voters who are looking for solutions rather than criticism.
- The handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, while controversial, can be defended by highlighting the complexity of the situation and the desire to end prolonged military engagements.
- The January 6th incident, though contentious, is a significant historical event that voters may consider relevant to a candidate's suitability for office.
- Scandals can be subject to interpretation, and what one side views as a s ...
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Cultural and social issues in the U.S.
Ben Shapiro examines a range of recent protests and social controversies in the United States, focusing on the political left's activism and its approach to various hot-button issues.
Protests and activism on the political left
Ben Shapiro reviews disruptive protest tactics and actions that have raised eyebrows and concerns among various observers.
Climate change protesters disrupting events
Shapiro talks about climate change protesters who rushed a congressional baseball game, expressing disdain for such disruptive tactics. He views these actions as counterproductive and indicative of broader issues within activist circles on the political left.
Anti-Semitism and support for terrorist groups
Shapiro also delves into incidents of anti-Semitism and apparent support for terrorist organizations within certain protest movements. He reports protesters at the same baseball game yelling "Free Palestine", which he finds unproductive and ridiculous given the context. He characterizes shouts of "free Palestine" during the Star-Spangled Banner as supportive of a "terror state".
Further, Shapiro criticizes a New York exhibit at the Nova Music Fund Festival, which he claims attracted literal supporters of terror, waving flags. He calls out these protesters, describing them as a combination of terrorist supporters and misguided white students. He expresses concern about the Democratic Party's difficulties in dissociating from such groups.
The controversy extends to the White House, where Andrew Bates labeled the actions of protesters as outrageous and heartbreaking, condemning the flying of profane banners of terrorist organizations. Shapiro links the administration's aid to Palestinians with indirect support for the causes championed by these protesters.
Shapiro connects various acts of vandalism and targeted anti-Semitism, like the vandalism at the Brooklyn Museum, to actions by far-left organizations. He uses the example of the director's door being marked with an inverted red triangle to demonstrate how targeted these actions are.
Controversity over LGBTQ+ issues
Shapiro transitions to discussing the controversies surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, including the reception of the "Pride Progress" flag and the backlash Supreme Court justices have faced.
Criticism of the "Pride Progress" flag ...
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Cultural and social issues in the U.S.
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong opinions on various social and political issues. He often criticizes actions and movements he perceives as counterproductive or harmful, particularly those associated with the political left. Shapiro's viewpoints are shaped by his conservative beliefs and values, leading him to express skepticism and disapproval to ...
Counterarguments
- Climate change protesters believe that disruptive tactics are necessary to draw attention to urgent issues that they feel are being ignored or inadequately addressed by traditional political processes.
- Some argue that expressions of "Free Palestine" at protests are not inherently supportive of terrorism but rather a call for human rights and self-determination for Palestinians.
- The "Pride Progress" flag is seen by many as a symbol of inclusivity and recognition of the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and its presence in public spaces can be viewed as a celebration of this diversity and a stand against discrimination.
- Criticism of Supreme Court justices, regardless of their political leanings, can be a legitimate exercise of free speech and a necessary part of holding public officials acc ...
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