Did Biden FREEZE Again?!
In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro examines the upcoming 2024 presidential election dynamics, speculating that traditional partisan voting patterns may be upended, with Republicans increasingly becoming low-propensity voters. He analyzes the perceived advantages the Biden campaign is pursuing, such as debate conditions and moderator selection perceived as favorable to Biden.
Shapiro also addresses concerns over Biden's mental acuity and the potential implications of his age and cognition for his presidency and the election. Additionally, he critiques Biden's economic policies, including inflation's impact on Americans' finances, and touches on Biden's stance on immigration reform, contrasting it with public sentiment.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 17, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show
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1-Page Summary
Electoral dynamics and polling trends
According to Ben Shapiro, 2024 may see a reversal of traditional voter patterns, with Republicans increasingly becoming low-propensity voters. Trump holds sway over less engaged voters, while Biden leads among 2022 primary participants. Shapiro attributes Biden's losses among low-likelihood voters to widespread dissatisfaction with his presidency.
The upcoming presidential debates
Shapiro claims the Biden campaign is tailoring debate conditions to favor Biden. Moderators Tapper and Bash are seen as biased against Trump. New policies like commercial breaks and microphone muting could hinder Trump's tactics. Shapiro advises Trump focus on Biden's governance record over defensive posturing.
Biden's Mental and Physical Competence
Viral incidents have raised doubts over Biden's cognition, with Obama seeming to guide a disoriented Biden. Supporters frame Biden's age as lending wisdom, while others equate Trump's fitness as comparable.
The Biden administration's economic policies and immigration stance
High inflation has impaired Americans' finances under Biden. His broadband promises remain unmet per FCC's Carr. Investors fear economic instability. Biden plans to offer legal status to certain immigrants married to citizens. He also aims to ease visa access for "Dreamers", contrasting public sentiment on open borders.
Shapiro criticizes "Bidenomics", highlighting figures like Dimon favoring Trump's economic policies.
Trump's path to victory
Trump emphasizes voter turnout, recruiting volunteers for a ground game rivaling Democrats'. Legally, the RNC under Lara Trump prepares to combat voter fraud, with lawyers ready to ensure electoral integrity.
Shapiro instructs Trump focus on Biden's policy failings over personal attacks. Voters prioritize governance over Biden's age or cognitive state.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Republicans becoming low-propensity voters could be a temporary trend, and it's possible that as the election nears, engagement could increase due to heightened political activity and campaigning.
- Biden's lead among 2022 primary participants might indicate strong support within the Democratic base, which could carry over to the general election.
- Debate conditions are often negotiated by both campaigns, and it's possible that the Biden campaign's requests are standard strategic moves rather than unfair advantages.
- Moderators like Tapper and Bash are professional journalists with experience in handling debates impartially, and claims of bias should be substantiated with clear evidence.
- Debate rules such as commercial breaks and microphone muting are typically designed to ensure a fair and orderly discussion, and they apply to both candidates equally.
- Viral incidents may not accurately represent Biden's overall cognitive abilities, and isolated moments should be weighed against a broader range of public appearances and speeches.
- While high inflation is a concern, it is a complex issue that can be influenced by global events and previous administrations' policies, not solely the current administration's actions.
- The unmet broadband promises could be due to logistical and bureaucratic challenges rather than a lack of commitment from the administration.
- Economic instability fears may be balanced by other indicators of economic health, such as job growth or stock market performance.
- Offering legal status to certain immigrants and easing visa access for "Dreamers" could be seen as a positive step towards fixing the immigration system and is supported by some segments of the population.
- Criticisms of "Bidenomics" should consider the full scope of economic policies and their long-term effects, not just the opinions of select figures.
- The emphasis on combating voter fraud should be based on credible evidence of widespread issues, as numerous studies have shown voter fraud to be extremely rare in the United States.
- Advising Trump to focus on policy failings assumes that personal attributes and governance style are not relevant to voters, which may not be the case for all electorates.
Actionables
- You can enhance your understanding of political dynamics by tracking voter turnout trends and comparing them across different elections. Start by accessing public voter turnout data from the Federal Election Commission or reputable research organizations. Create a simple spreadsheet to log voter turnout percentages for various demographics over the past few elections. This will give you a clearer picture of voting patterns and may help you predict future trends based on historical data.
- Engage in informed discussions by creating a fact-check file for economic policy claims. Whenever you hear a statement about the economy, like those related to "Bidenomics" or Trump's economic policies, research it from multiple sources. Use government databases, economic research papers, and non-partisan fact-checking websites to verify the accuracy of these claims. Keep a document where you note down each claim, the sources you checked, and the conclusion you reached about its validity. This practice will help you discuss economic policies more confidently and accurately with others.
- Develop a personal policy impact tracker to monitor how changes in immigration policies affect communities. If you know someone who might be impacted by new immigration policies, such as those offering legal status to certain immigrants, keep a journal or digital log of their experiences. Note any changes in their status, opportunities, or challenges they face as policies evolve. This firsthand account can provide a unique perspective on the real-world effects of political decisions and can be a powerful tool for advocacy or simply for increasing your own awareness of these issues.
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Electoral dynamics and polling trends
Ben Shapiro recently discussed shifting electoral dynamics as a unique divide emerges in anticipation of the 2024 election, one that transcends familiar lines such as race or education level and delves into voter engagement with democracy.
Unique electoral divide emerging in 2024 election
Republicans now breaking into "low likelihood voter" camp, challenging traditional turnout dynamics
Shapiro highlights a reversal in traditional voting behavior, with Republicans increasingly falling into the low likelihood voter camp. This shift indicates a change in which types of voters are engaging with the political process and which ones are not, a development that could have serious ramifications on future elections.
Trump leads among less engaged and infrequent voters, while Biden leads among 2022 primary voters
Donald Trump, the former president, appears to have a stronghold on the less engaged and infrequent voter segment, while those who participated in the 2022 primary elections seem to prefer Joe Biden. This division underscores the complexity of voter behavior and the challenge in predicting electoral outcomes based on traditional models.
Widespread dissatisfaction with Biden driving his losses among low propensity voters
The r ...
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Electoral dynamics and polling trends
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The categorization of Republicans as "low likelihood voters" may be an oversimplification, as voter turnout can be influenced by a multitude of factors including campaign effectiveness, current events, and individual candidate appeal.
- Trump's lead among less engaged and infrequent voters could be a temporary phenomenon, as voter preferences can shift rapidly, especially in response to political developments or campaign strategies.
- The assertion that widespread dissatisfaction with Biden is driving his losses among low propensity voters may not account for other factors such as voter suppression, misinformation, or local issues that could also impact voter behavior.
- Trump's reported lead in states like Minnesota might not necessarily reflect a broader national sentiment, as polling can sometimes b ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of voter behavior by tracking local election results and comparing them with national trends. Start by selecting a few local elections in your area and note the turnout and results. Then, compare these with the broader national election trends you hear about in the news or through political analysis. This will give you a clearer picture of how local dynamics reflect or diverge from national patterns.
- Engage with infrequent voters in your community to explore their perspectives. Organize informal gatherings or discussions with friends and neighbors who might not vote regularly. Listen to their reasons for not voting and what issues would motivate them to become more engaged. This firsthand insight can provide a more nuanced understanding of voter disenchantment and engagement.
- Create a personal voter engagement plan to ensure your voice is heard in upcomi ...
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The upcoming presidential debates
The Biden campaign is reportedly setting debate parameters that are believed to favor President Biden, with changes expected to impact the traditional debate format.
Biden campaign rigging debate parameters to advantage Biden
The upcoming presidential debates are introducing new conditions. Shapiro suggests that the first debate will be hosted by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, who he believes are biased against Donald Trump. Specifically, the inclusion of commercial breaks and muting of microphones during the debate have raised questions about whether these parameters may hinder Trump’s debate tactics.
Moderators selected who are biased against Trump
The claim is that the moderators selected for the debate are not impartial, with Shapiro stating that Tapper and Bash clearly do not support Trump for president.
Debate format changes, including commercial breaks and microphone muting, hinder Trump's strengths
For the first time, the debates will include two commercial breaks, and microphones will be muted throughout the debate except when a candidate is speaking. Shapiro raises concerns that Trump may be disadvantaged by the commercial breaks, questioning Biden's stamina for a full 90-minute debate without them. Additionally, the microphone muting could prevent Trump from interjecting with quips, a tactic he effectively used in debates with Hillary Clinton. Also, no studio audience will be present, which might have favored Trump's performance style. Candidates will be prohibited from bringing props or pre-written notes, with only a pen, pad of paper, and a bottle of water allowed on stage.
Trump must avoid getting bogged down in 2020 and January 6th, and instead focus on Biden's record
Shapiro advises that Trump’s focus should not be on events like January 6th or the 2020 election but rather on Biden's presidency.
...
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The upcoming presidential debates
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The debate parameters are agreed upon by both campaigns, not unilaterally set by one party, to ensure fairness.
- Moderators are professional journalists who strive for impartiality, regardless of perceived political leanings.
- Debate format changes, such as commercial breaks and microphone muting, are designed to maintain order and give each candidate equal speaking time.
- The presence of a studio audience or lack thereof should not significantly impact the substance of a candidate's arguments or debate performance.
- Focusing on past events can be relevant if they are part of the candidates' records and may influence voters ...
Actionables
- You can analyze debate tactics by watching a variety of political debates and noting the strategies used by different candidates. Observe how they handle bias, manage their speaking time, and respond to their opponents. This will help you understand the dynamics of debate and the importance of adapting to different formats and moderator styles.
- Practice critical thinking by evaluating political statements and records of various politicians. Take a stance on an issue and try to argue against it, focusing on the politician's record rather than past events. This exercise will sharpen your ability to dissect political arguments and understand the significance of focusing on current policies and actions.
- Develop your communication skills by engagin ...
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Biden's Mental and Physical Competence
Frequent Freezing, Disorientation, and Reliance on Assistance from Others
Recent public appearances have raised questions about President Biden's cognitive well-being. Shapiro brings attention to a viral clip from a fundraiser where Biden seemed to become disoriented. In this instance, former President Barack Obama had to take Biden's hand and guide him off stage. Shapiro wryly characterizes Obama's support as though he were acting like a best buddy, while implying that Obama's personal feelings toward Biden might be less than favorable.
Recent Incidents at Fundraiser and G7 Summit Demonstrate Clear Cognitive Struggles
The incidents at the fundraiser and similar occurrences, such as those at the G7 summit, provide clear examples of the President facing cognitive struggles. They've given rise to a debate on whether these are isolated events or part of a larger issue related to Biden's mental and physical fitness for the presidency.
Biden's Supporters Try to Reframe His Age and Infirmity as Strengths
In the midst of growing scrutiny, Biden's supporters and family have come to his defense. Jill Biden has publicly claimed that the President's seniority should be viewed as a benefit to his role, imbuing him with wisdom and making him an effective leader, rather than a cause for concern.
Jill Biden Claims his Age Brings Wisdom and Effectiveness
According to Jill Biden, the President's experience is an asset, an argument meant to reassure the public about his capacity to lead. She challenges the narrat ...
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Biden's Mental and Physical Competence
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The debate surrounding Biden's mental and physical fitness for the presidency revolves around public observations of his cognitive abilities, including instances of disorientation and reliance on assistance. Supporters argue that Biden's experience and age bring wisdom and effectiveness to his leadership, while critics point to specific incidents as evidence of potential ...
Counterarguments
- Public figures, especially those of advanced age, may occasionally exhibit signs of fatigue or confusion without it necessarily indicating a serious cognitive issue.
- Isolated incidents can be taken out of context and may not accurately represent a person's overall mental and physical health.
- The role of the media and commentators is to scrutinize public figures, but this scrutiny should be balanced and based on a comprehensive assessment rather than selected moments.
- Age can indeed bring experience and wisdom, which are valuable qualities in leadership, and should not be automatically equated with incompetence.
- Comparing President Biden's mental fitness to that of former President Trump may not be a direct or fair comparison, as each individual's mental and physical health is ...
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The Biden administration's economic program and policies have become a focus of discussion and criticism
Persistent high inflation and weak economic conditions under Biden
Shapiro openly criticizes the economic situation under President Joe Biden's leadership, highlighting the challenge of high inflation rates which have made it difficult for Americans to meet financial obligations.
Biden unable to deliver on infrastructure promises, with no broadband connections made
Building on his critique, Shapiro points out Biden's inability to fulfill the promise of connecting Americans to high-speed internet. Citing FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, Shapiro notes that despite a substantial $42.5 billion budget allocation from the infrastructure bill, no constructions for high-speed internet will begin until at least 2025.
Investors nervous about underlying economic instability
Furthermore, Shapiro talks about widespread nervousness and hesitation among investors, stemming from inflation and fears of a stock market bubble amid uncertain government policies. This has led to a superficial calm in the market that is actually based on underlying tension, resulting in risky speculation for quick returns.
Biden administration pursuing policies to encourage more illegal
immigration
The current administration, under President Biden, is reported to be proposing policies that contradict public sentiment against open borders and lax immigration enforcement.
Proposing legal status and work permits for many undocumented immigrants
As per a CBS News report, Shapiro brings to light Biden's intent to offer legal status and work permits to potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, provided they've lived in the U.S. for a decade or more. This program, described as parole in place, serves as a pathway to permanent legal ...
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The Biden administration's economic program and policies have become a focus of discussion and criticism
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Inflation is a global issue, not solely the result of the Biden administration's policies, and has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
- Infrastructure projects, especially those involving technology like broadband, often have long lead times, and delays do not necessarily indicate a failure to deliver on promises.
- Market nervousness can be attributed to a variety of factors, including global economic conditions, and not solely to the policies of the Biden administration.
- The Biden administration's immigration policies may be aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns and labor market needs, rather than encouraging illegal immigration.
- Offering legal status to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for a long time and have family ties may be seen as a practical solution to a complex issue.
- Simplifying the waiver request process for "Dreamers" and other undocumented immigrants could be viewed as an effort to streamline bureaucratic processe ...
Actionables
- You can assess your personal finances by creating a budget that factors in the current inflation rates to better manage your financial obligations. Start by tracking your expenses for a month, categorizing them, and then comparing them to the average inflation rate to see where you might need to adjust your spending. For example, if you notice that your grocery bill has increased significantly, consider buying in bulk, using coupons, or switching to less expensive brands.
- Enhance your digital literacy to make the most of your current internet connection, given the delays in high-speed internet expansion. Take free online courses or tutorials that teach you how to optimize your existing internet setup, such as by learning about router placement for better signal strength or using browser extensions that improve loading times. This can help you maintain productivity even without access to high-speed internet.
- Diversify your ...
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Trump's path to victory, including ground game and legal strategy
Donald Trump's path to the presidency includes enhancing voter turnout initiatives and bolstering legal defenses in preparation for the upcoming election.
Trump's campaign must focus intensely on voter turnout and legal safeguards
Trump is calling for volunteers to assist with voter turnout and is directing them to sign up for training, emphasizing a substantial grassroots movement to enhance the Republican presence in neighborhoods.
Massive ground game investment needed to counter Democrats' historically strong organization
Ben Shapiro points out the significant challenge the Trump campaign faces due to Democrats' historically strong ground game efforts. Shapiro notes that Republicans can no longer make excuses and need a massive investment to mobilize their voter base, particularly in swing states.
Aggressive legal action to prevent voter fraud and protect electoral integrity
Shapiro raises concerns about voter fraud, citing instances where welfare offices and agencies in 49 states provided voter registration forms to migrants without proof of citizenship. Consequently, the House Administration Committee has approved the Safeguard American Voter Eligity Act, requiring proof of citizenship for mail, DMV, or welfare agency voter registration. Lara Trump, as head of the RNC, is focusing on preventing voter fraud and is preparing a team of attorneys to safeguard electoral integrity. This suggests a comprehensive strategy involving lawyers at polling places to ensure that all votes counted are legal, which indicates an aggressive approach to legal action in maintaining electoral integrity.
Trump should emphasize Biden's record of failure, not his age or mental decline
A crucial aspect of campaign strategizing involves shifting focus from attacking Biden's cognitive state to critiquing his governance.
Voters care m ...
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Trump's path to victory, including ground game and legal strategy
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Voter turnout initiatives and legal defenses are standard components of any robust campaign, but focusing too much on legal action could be perceived as undermining the democratic process if not handled with transparency and fairness.
- While grassroots movements are essential, they must be complemented with digital strategies, especially considering the increasing importance of social media and online platforms in political campaigns.
- The effectiveness of a ground game can be difficult to measure, and some argue that modern campaigns might benefit more from targeted digital advertising and data analytics.
- Aggressive legal action to prevent voter fraud must be balanced with the need to ensure that legitimate voters are not disenfracted or intimidated at the polls.
- The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act's requirement for proof of citizenship could be criticized for potentially disenfranchising eligible voters who may not have easy access to documentation.
- The presence of attorneys at polling places could be seen as intimidating to voters and may have a chilling effect on voter turnout.
- Focusing on Biden's record of failure assumes that the electorate views ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legislative process to understand how laws like the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act are created and passed. Start by visiting the official websites of your state legislature and Congress to track the progress of similar bills. This will give you insight into the complexities of voter legislation and the steps involved in enacting new laws.
- Engage in conversations with peers to discuss the impact of economic policies on your community. Use local economic data and examples to illustrate points, such as changes in employment rates or business growth in your area since 2016. This helps to foster a deeper understanding of economic successes and failures without focusing on political figures' personal attributes.
- Develop a habit of comparing news sources when major lega ...
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