MOMENTUM: Enraged Democrats Prepare To THROW BIDEN OUT
In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro examines concerns within the Democratic Party over President Biden's mental state and capacity to lead. He describes Biden's disappointing debate performance that alarmed Democrats and sparked discussions about potentially replacing him before 2024, either voluntarily or through party pressure.
Shapiro also addresses the media's evolving coverage of Biden's faculties after years of dismissing such concerns. He explores allegations of the Biden family's attempts to retain power and Hunter Biden's involvement in administration affairs. The episode further examines doubts surrounding Kamala Harris as a potential replacement candidate and the challenges the party could face in rebuilding infrastructure behind a new ticket.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 3, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show
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1-Page Summary
Biden's Mental Decline and Democratic Party Concerns
According to Ben Shapiro, the Democratic Party is increasingly concerned about President Biden's mental state and ability to lead. Many high-profile Democrats like Jim Clyburn have openly called for Biden to step aside due to frequent mental lapses in events like debates.
Biden's Disastrous Debate Performance
Biden's poor performance in a debate, described by Shapiro as "a bad night," triggered a wave of panic and criticism from party officials worried it could cost Democrats the 2024 election. Polls showed Biden trailing Trump nationally after the debate.
Efforts to Replace Biden
With concerns that Biden's continued leadership will hurt the party's electoral chances, many Democrats are pushing for him to be replaced before 2024, either through voluntary resignation or forced removal. Some have discussed incentives like a Biden library to convince him to step down. High-ranking Democrats are applying pressure and holding discussions about pushing Biden out.
Media Grappling with Biden Coverage
Shapiro accuses the media of gaslighting by covering up Biden's mental issues for years, motivated by fears it could help elect Trump. Journalists confirm being reluctant to report on Biden's faculties for this reason, damaging media credibility.
Now covering the Democratic Party's internal turmoil over Biden, the media is struggling to rectify past denials with the open acknowledgment of Biden's decline.
Biden Family's Desire for Influence
Shapiro alleges the Biden family, particularly Jill Biden and Hunter Biden, is a significant force pushing Biden to remain president due to concerns over losing financial and political capital.
Hunter's involvement in White House affairs and meetings has raised concerns. Shapiro questions the appropriateness of the Biden family's heavy influence over administration decisions.
Kamala Harris as a Replacement
Despite being considered as a potential Biden replacement, Kamala Harris faces significant doubts about her popularity and political skills. Shapiro cites her unpopularity, struggles to gain traction with voters, and criticisms of her ineffective leadership and communication.
Transitioning to a Harris-led ticket would require rebuilding organizational infrastructure and fundraising. Some Democrats worry she could be an even weaker candidate than Biden, further jeopardizing the party in 2024.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Concerns about Biden's mental state may be exaggerated or based on isolated incidents rather than a consistent pattern.
- Public figures like Jim Clyburn have not publicly called for Biden to step aside, and such claims may be unsubstantiated or taken out of context.
- A single debate performance is not necessarily indicative of a candidate's overall ability to lead or campaign effectively.
- Polls fluctuate regularly and can be influenced by many factors; trailing in a poll does not necessarily predict the outcome of an election.
- Discussions about replacing a sitting president are normal political discourse and do not necessarily indicate a consensus or a serious movement within the party.
- The idea of offering incentives like a Biden library is speculative and may not reflect actual conversations among party officials.
- Accusations of media gaslighting need to be substantiated with evidence of intentional deception, which may not exist.
- Journalists' reluctance to report on a politician's faculties could be due to ethical considerations and the difficulty of objectively assessing mental fitness.
- The influence of the Biden family on the president's decision to remain in office is a complex issue and may not be driven solely by financial or political capital.
- Hunter Biden's involvement in White House affairs is subject to scrutiny, but without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, such concerns may be speculative.
- Kamala Harris's popularity and political skills are subjective measures, and her effectiveness as a leader may be viewed differently by different constituencies.
- Rebuilding organizational infrastructure and fundraising is a challenge for any new candidate, not just Harris.
- Concerns about Harris being a weaker candidate than Biden are speculative and do not take into account the dynamic nature of political campaigns and voter sentiment.
Actionables
- You can enhance your political literacy by starting a non-partisan discussion group with friends to analyze political events and leadership qualities. Gather a diverse group of individuals to meet regularly and discuss current political events, leadership decisions, and their implications. This can help you understand different perspectives and develop a more nuanced view of political leadership.
- Engage in active citizenship by writing to your representatives to express your concerns or support for political matters. Research how to contact your local and national representatives, then draft letters or emails that articulate your views on leadership and policy issues. This direct communication can influence political discourse and hold elected officials accountable.
- Develop critical media literacy by comparing how different news outlets report on the same political event. Choose a recent political event, such as a debate or a press conference, and analyze the coverage from multiple news sources. Note the differences in language, focus, and what is emphasized or omitted. This practice can help you discern biases and become a more informed consumer of news.
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Biden's mental decline and the Democratic Party's internal turmoil over his continued leadership
Ben Shapiro comments on the growing concerns within the Democratic Party about President Joe Biden's mental state and the impact his continued leadership may have on the Party's future, particularly as it relates to the upcoming 2024 election.
The Democratic Party is increasingly vocal about Biden's mental lapses and inability to effectively carry out his duties as president
Shapiro indicates that the Democratic Party is turning against Biden due to concerns over his mental lapses, which are described as increasingly common and worrisome. There have been reports of his inability to string sentences together or articulate a strong case for himself, especially during significant events like debates. This has led to both public and private expressions of concern from lawmakers about Biden's capability to fulfill his duties as president. Shapiro accuses the Democratic Party and the media of lying about Biden's condition and suggests that there is widespread knowledge of his tendency to fall asleep during meetings and his reliance on notes.
Several high-profile Democrats, including representatives, senators, and governors, have expressed concerns about Biden's fitness for office and are openly calling for him to step the notes
Representative Lloyd Doggett has called for Biden to step aside, a sentiment echoed by Jim Clyburn, who indicated support for Kamala Harris as a potential replacement. Moderate Democrats like Representatives Marie Gluson Camp Perez and Jared Golden are distancing themselves from Biden. There are increasing speculations and discussions among Democrats about the need for Biden to be replaced. Punchbowl News reported that Hill Democrats are wary of siding with Biden, and there's a notable silence or deflection from Biden's team in addressing these concerns.
Biden's disastrous debate performance has triggered a wave of criticism and panic within the Democratic Party
A debate performance by Biden, described by Shapiro as "a bad night," has been a catalyst for much of the criticism. After the debate, Biden's numbers in a CNN poll showed a national lead for Donald Trump, raising fears of a significant defeat for the Democratic Party and Biden’s re-election prospects. There is a palpable panic among Democrats over how this performance and Biden's perceived decline could affect their chances in the 2024 election.
Party officials and donors are deeply concerned that Biden's continued leadership will cost them the 2024 election
The party’s concern extends to donors, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledging that donors are split on Biden. The fear is that Biden's leadership and potential candidacy could spell disaster for Democrats, especially those in purple districts. Barack Obama has privately shared his own concerns about the state of the race and the party's ability to defeat Donald Trump, contrasting ...
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Biden's mental decline and the Democratic Party's internal turmoil over his continued leadership
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Concerns about Biden's mental state may be exaggerated or based on isolated incidents, and it's not uncommon for older individuals to occasionally misspeak or forget details.
- Public figures, especially those in high-stress jobs like the presidency, can have off days, and a single debate performance might not be indicative of overall capability.
- The Democratic Party's internal discussions about leadership are a normal part of political strategy, especially approaching an election, and do not necessarily indicate a crisis.
- The media and political commentators may have biases that color their interpretation of events, and reports of party turmoil could be overstated.
- Party officials and donors often have diverse opinions, and a split in views does not necessarily mean there is a consensus against Biden's leadership ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by analyzing political strategies used in historical leadership changes. Look at past instances where political parties faced similar dilemmas and study how they navigated leadership transitions. This could involve reading historical accounts or watching documentaries about political shifts, focusing on the strategies employed to address concerns about leadership abilities.
- Engage in community discussions to understand the broader implications of leadership fitness. Start a book club or discussion group focused on political leadership and the impact of effective governance. Select books that delve into the qualities of strong leaders and the consequences of ineffective leadership, encouraging dialogue on the topic without directly referencing current political figures.
- Develop your own criteria for evaluat ...
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The media's role in covering up Biden's issues and their current dilemma
Shapiro and Abramson address how media outlets are grappling with their previous reluctance to report on President Biden's cognitive decline and the emerging dilemmas they now face as a result.
The mainstream media is being criticized for failing to thoroughly report on Biden's cognitive decline, even though they were aware of the issue
Shapiro levies serious accusations against the media, asserting they have been actively engaged in "extraordinary" gaslighting regarding Biden's mental state. Shapiro accuses the media of lying for years to cover up Biden's decline. Jill Abramson also criticizes the White House press corps for not adequately investigating Biden's apparent decline.
Journalists acknowledge that they were reluctant to aggressively cover Biden's mental state due to concerns about being accused of helping elect Donald Trump
Shapiro cites former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson's comments suggesting that journalists refrained from reporting on Biden's mental faculties to not bolster Trump's chances in the election. According to Shapiro, reporters may have chosen not to pursue stories about Biden's cognitive abilities out of fear of being seen as aiding Trump.
The media's credibility is now severely damaged, as they are seen as complicit in the cover-up of Biden's decline
According to Shapiro, the legacy media's reputation is now tarnished because they were aware of Biden's issues but chose not to report aggressively due to political concerns. Leaks and coverage by prominent media sources are being pointed to as evidence that the press knew about these issues but are only now reporting on them, feeling betrayed by their own complicity.
The media is now in a difficult position, as they must reconcile their previous denials with the growing public acknowledgment of Biden's issues
Facing leaks and public discussions about Biden's cognitive state, journalists now find themselves forced to address internal Democratic Party debates about Biden's fitness for office —a topic they previously avoided.
Journalists are now forced to report on the Democratic Party's internal turmoil and the growing calls for Biden's removal, which they had previously avoided
...
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The media's role in covering up Biden's issues and their current dilemma
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The media's role is to report with journalistic integrity, which includes verifying facts and not speculating on an individual's health without concrete evidence.
- Journalists may have avoided reporting on Biden's cognitive state without clear medical evidence to avoid spreading misinformation or unfounded rumors.
- Accusations of media bias must be substantiated with clear examples of inconsistent reporting; without such evidence, claims of a cover-up are speculative.
- The media's credibility with the public can be multifaceted, and not all audiences may perceive the situation as a cover-up.
- Journalists reporting on internal party debates and potential calls for removal is a normal part of political coverage and may not necessarily indicate a previous failure to report.
- Changes in the tone o ...
Actionables
- Develop critical thinking by analyzing different news sources on the same topic to identify biases and discrepancies. Start by selecting a current event and read about it from multiple news outlets with varying political leanings. Compare the language used, what facts are highlighted or omitted, and the overall tone of the reporting. This exercise can sharpen your ability to discern media bias and the reliability of information presented.
- Engage in active civic participation by writing to your local representatives about the importance of transparency in public officials' health disclosures. Draft a letter or email expressing your concerns and suggesting policy changes that mandate regular, objective health assessments for elected officials. This action can contribute to a broader demand for accountability in politics.
- Foster media literacy by hosting a ...
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The Biden family's influence and desire to keep Biden in power
According to various commentaries, the Biden family, particularly Jill Biden and Hunter Biden, is seen as a significant force behind President Joe Biden's continuous tenure in office, raising questions about the potential influence this may have on the administration's activities and decision-making.
The Biden family's push for Joe Biden's continued presidency
Jill Biden and Hunter Biden are portrayed as the primary influences in the decision for President Joe Biden to remain in the presidential race. The family's benefits from Joe Biden's presidency are notably financial and political, with Ben Shapiro implying that they make money from his position, suggesting a vested interest in the maintenance of the status quo.
After a debate where President Biden expressed uncertainty about his performance, his wife Jill Biden offered reassurance not to let the moment define his presidency, highlighting her support for his continued role. Furthermore, Joe Biden's sister, Val Biden, who has historically managed his political campaigns, is supportive of his reelection despite the potential for their family, including Hunter, to become targets of scrutiny by opposition such as the Trump administration.
The commentary suggests that President Biden's key internal support comes from his immediate family circle, who appear to be in favor of him staying in the course.
Concerns over the Biden family's influence
The Biden family's close involvement in President Biden's decision-making process and advisory meetings has prompted concerns over their influence. Jill Biden's characterization as the most influential figure in Biden's circle, combined with Shapiro's colorful name-calling of "Dr. Lady Macbeth," indicates the extent of her perceived role in supporting and potentially steering President Biden's political choices.
Additionally, Karine Jean-Pierre's confirmation that Hunter Biden escorted the president from Camp Da ...
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The Biden family's influence and desire to keep Biden in power
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The influence of family members on political figures is not unique to the Biden family and can be seen across various administrations, suggesting that their involvement may be typical rather than exceptional.
- Jill Biden's support for her husband could be seen as natural spousal encouragement rather than an attempt to influence policy or decision-making.
- Val Biden's support for her brother's reelection could be driven by familial loyalty and belief in his leadership rather than financial or political gain.
- The financial benefits attributed to the Biden family could be speculative, and without concrete evidence, such claims may be unfounded.
- Concerns about Jill Biden's influence might overlook her professional background and experience, which could qualify her to offer valuable advice.
- Hunter Biden's presence at White House meetings could be incidental or related to personal matters rather than professional influence.
- The characterization of Jill Biden as "Dr. Lady Macbeth" could be seen as an unfair and gendered attack rather than a substantive critique of her influence.
- The scru ...
Actionables
- You can analyze the influence of personal relationships on professional decisions by observing and journaling about your own family's impact on your career choices. Start by noting any advice or opinions from family members that you've considered in making significant professional decisions. Reflect on how this input affected your choices and whether it aligned with your personal values and goals.
- Enhance your understanding of the dynamics of support within personal relationships by offering to be a sounding board for a friend or family member's decision-making process. Pay attention to how your reassurance or feedback influences their decisions, and consider how this might mirror the support systems of public figures.
- Explore the ethical boundaries of pe ...
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The potential for Kamala Harris to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee and the party's challenges with that
In discussions surrounding upcoming elections and potential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris has been hinted at as a possible replacement for President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee. Shapiro highlights the reservations about this potential shift, particularly in terms of Harris's popularity and capability.
Some Democrats are considering Kamala Harris as a potential replacement for Biden, but there are concerns about her own unpopularity and lack of political acumen
Shapiro refers to a CNN poll that suggests Vice President Harris may be a weaker candidate than President Biden, despite being slightly more competitive against Trump according to the poll's findings. Her unpopularity has persisted, reflected in her declining poll numbers when she took center stage, leading Shapiro to label her "the most unpopular vice president in modern American history."
Harris has struggled to gain traction with voters and has been criticized for her ineffective leadership and poor communication skills
Throughout the discussion, Shapiro critiques Vice President Harris for a perceived lack of political acumen. He recalls her early dropout from the presidential race due to what many saw as her incompetence in campaigning, as well as her inauthentic manner and lack of natural charm. Harris has also been scrutinized for her problematic handling of key issues such as the border situation and relationships in the Middle East, which have contributed to her lack of support. Furthermore, Shapiro underscores the high staff turnover in her office, implying turmoil and dissatisfaction.
The Democratic Party faces significant challenges in transitioning to a Harris-led ticket, as it would require building a new fundraising and organizational infrastructure
Shapiro presents the idea that if Vice President Harris were to become the nominee, the Democratic Party would face substantial organizational and fundraising challenges. There is a suggestion that her candidacy may require the rebuilding of infrastructure to support her as the frontrunner, considering many in the party, including influential donors and consultants, express doubts about her potential candidacy.
There are concerns that Harris would be an even weake ...
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The potential for Kamala Harris to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee and the party's challenges with that
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Harris's perceived unpopularity may not fully account for the complexities of her role and the challenges inherent to the position of Vice President.
- Leadership effectiveness can be subjective, and what some view as poor communication skills, others may see as a more measured and cautious approach to public speaking.
- The label of "most unpopular vice president in modern American history" may not take into account the broader historical context and the polarized political climate that can affect approval ratings.
- Campaigning competence can improve over time, and early dropout from a presidential race does not necessarily predict future performance.
- Handling of key issues like the border situation and relationships in the Middle East are multifaceted and may not be solely within the control of the Vice President.
- High staff turnover in political offices is not uncommon and can be due to a variety of factors, not necessarily indicative of turmoil or dissatisfaction.
- Building a new fundraising and organizational infrastructure could be seen as an opportunity for the Democratic Party to refresh and innovate its approach.
- Doubts exp ...
Actionables
- You can analyze leadership effectiveness by observing local politicians and their campaigns to understand the impact of communication and popularity on political success. Start by attending town hall meetings, following local election coverage, and noting which strategies seem to resonate with the community. Compare these observations with the traits discussed about Harris to form your own criteria for political acumen.
- Enhance your own decision-making by setting up a 'mock advisory board' with friends or colleagues to discuss and debate potential leaders or representatives in your community or workplace. Use the concerns about Harris as a benchmark to evaluate the qualities you believe are important in a leader, such as transparency, consistency, and the ability to handle criticism constructively.
- Improve your personal or professional tea ...
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1-Page Summary- Biden's mental decline and the Democratic Party's internal turmoil over his continued leadership
- The media's role in covering up Biden's issues and their current dilemma
- The Biden family's influence and desire to keep Biden in power
- The potential for Kamala Harris to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee and the party's challenges with that
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