Is TONIGHT The Night Biden Drops Out?
In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro examines President Biden's apparent mental and physical decline, which has raised concerns among the Democratic Party and its supporters. According to Shapiro, Biden's condition has visibly deteriorated, prompting his team to restrict his public appearances.
Shapiro suggests influential Democrats and major donors increasingly view Biden's candidacy as a potential liability. Citing insider reports, he claims efforts are underway to pressure Biden to withdraw and raise funds for a potential replacement nominee if he refuses to step down, leading to a growing division within the party.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 5, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show
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1-Page Summary
Biden's Declining Mental and Physical Health
According to Ben Shapiro, President Biden's mental and physical health has noticeably deteriorated, becoming an evident issue in his public appearances and a political liability for the Democratic Party.
Concerning Decline in Biden's Condition
Shapiro cites firsthand accounts of Biden struggling to recognize friends, appearing blank, and exhibiting physical changes like a waxy complexion and difficulty keeping his eyes open. Biden has displayed confusion, forgetfulness, and incoherence during speeches and debates.
Biden's Team Restricting His Public Exposure
Shapiro alleges Biden's team has tightly controlled his public exposure to shield him, with the White House avoiding questions about his condition. Biden himself has expressed a need for more rest and reduced workload.
Major Political Liability for Democrats
Shapiro suggests donors and influential Democrats increasingly worry Biden's candidacy could harm electoral prospects. He claims there are insinuations the party may consider replacing Biden as nominee based on polls and insider sentiments.
The Media's Role in Obscuring Biden's Decline
Obscuring and Downplaying Biden's Condition
Shapiro accuses the media of being complicit in downplaying Biden's deteriorating state, citing struggles by reporters to understand Biden's public speaking. He alleges a "media cone of silence" around Biden's health until recently.
Delayed Acknowledgement Eroding Public Trust
Shapiro argues the media's previous dismissal of health concerns as "right-wing propaganda" has damaged public trust, accusing them of perpetuating a false narrative. He claims some outlets are only now beginning to acknowledge Biden's apparent decline.
Efforts to Replace Biden as Nominee
Pressuring Biden to Step Down
According to Shapiro, major Democratic donors and influential figures are actively pressuring Biden to relinquish his candidacy, citing a donor voicing concerns directly to Biden and James Carville urging donors to withhold funds from Biden supporters.
Raising Funds for Potential Replacement
Shapiro alleges donors are raising around $100 million for the "Next Generation Pact" to support a potential replacement candidate if Biden refuses to withdraw.
Threats to Withhold Campaign Contributions
Shapiro claims there are threats of withholding contributions not just from Biden but other Democratic candidates and groups until party leadership addresses concerns over Biden's candidacy.
Division Within the Party
While some Democrats advocate for a transition to a new nominee, Shapiro suggests there is division as others continue defending Biden's leadership, creating uncertainty within the party.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- President Biden's public appearances are often live and unedited, which can lead to moments that may be taken out of context or blown out of proportion.
- Age-related changes in appearance and stamina are common and not necessarily indicative of a person's ability to fulfill the duties of their office.
- Public figures, especially those in high-stress jobs, may have moments of forgetfulness or confusion, which do not always signify a serious decline in mental faculties.
- The White House may limit exposure for strategic reasons unrelated to health, such as focusing on policy or avoiding media sensationalism.
- The administration has been transparent about Biden's health, releasing medical reports and allowing the President to speak directly to the public.
- Political donors and influencers often have their own agendas, and their concerns may not reflect the broader sentiment of the Democratic Party or the electorate.
- Media coverage of political figures is subject to editorial decisions and journalistic standards, which can lead to variations in how issues are reported.
- Accusations of a "media cone of silence" may overlook the complexity of reporting on health issues, which often require a balance between privacy and public interest.
- The Democratic Party is diverse, and internal debates about leadership are a normal part of its democratic process.
- Fundraising for potential future candidates is a routine part of political strategizing and does not necessarily indicate a move to replace the current nominee.
- Withholding campaign contributions is a tactic used by donors to influence political decisions, but it does not always lead to the desired outcome.
- Party unity is often stronger than it appears in media reports, and public disagreements can be part of a healthy democratic discourse.
Actionables
- You can develop critical thinking by analyzing political speeches for coherence and clarity, noting down instances of confusion or forgetfulness and discussing these with friends or family to better understand political communication.
- By actively listening to speeches and debates, you'll hone your ability to discern clarity and coherence in communication. For example, after watching a speech, write down any moments that seemed unclear or where the speaker appeared to lose track of their thoughts. Share these observations with others to see if they perceived the same issues, which can lead to a deeper understanding of how public figures communicate and the importance of clear messaging.
- Engage in community discussions to gauge public perception and trust in media by initiating conversations with neighbors or local groups about how media coverage affects their view of political figures.
- Start by asking people in your community how they feel about the media's portrayal of political figures and whether they believe the coverage is fair or biased. This can reveal insights into the impact of media on public trust and how individuals discern information from different sources. For instance, you might discover that some people are skeptical of all media reports, while others trust certain outlets implicitly, which can lead to a broader conversation about media literacy.
- Encourage transparency in political support by asking local candidates about their stance on issues like candidate health and media coverage during town halls or public forums.
- When attending local political events, prepare questions in advance related to the transparency of candidate health and the role of media in politics. By posing these questions, you contribute to a culture of accountability. For example, you could ask a candidate how they would ensure their health status is communicated openly to the public or their opinion on the media's responsibility in reporting on political figures' health. This can help you understand where local candidates stand on these issues and promote transparency in politics.
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Biden's declining mental and physical health
Ben Shapiro discusses President Biden's declining mental and physical health, suggesting that it has become an evident issue in his public appearances and a political liability for the Democratic Party.
Biden's concerning physical and cognitive decline is evident in his public appearances
According to Shapiro, witnesses acquainted with Biden have noted startling changes, including situations where Biden failed to remember the names of family friends and appeared blank and unresponsive in social interactions. For example, at a White House event, a Democratic mega-donor who is also a family friend was not recognized by Biden until the first lady intervened, prompting her husband to greet the donor by name and thank them for their support. Shapiro also comments on Biden's altered facial features over time, remarking that he now sports a waxy complexion with eyes that are half-shut or overly dilated and has difficulty opening his eyes and moving his mouth properly.
Biden's physical exhaustion was notably apparent when Shapiro describes an episode where Biden expired on stage during a debate with Donald Trump and has since been making efforts to demonstrate vitality. Biden's public speaking engagements are marred by confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining focus, including struggles with recalling factual information and staying coherent during speeches.
Biden's team has attempted to shield him from extensive public exposure due to his declining condition
Shapiro characterizes Biden's public exposure as vagrant and tightly controlled, with Biden avoiding lengthy interactions with the press. The White House seemingly avoids engaging with questions concerning Biden’s stare, which has at times raised concerns on social media. Biden himself has mentioned a need for more rest and a reduced workload, potentially indicating diminished capacity to fulfill the demands of the presidency. For ins ...
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Biden's declining mental and physical health
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Biden's physical appearance changes, as described by Ben Shapiro, include a waxy complexion, eyes that are half-shut or overly dilated, and difficulty in opening his eyes and moving his mouth properly. These alterations in his facial features have been noted over time and are highlighted as part of the discussion on his declining health. These observations are used to support the argument that Biden's physical state is deteriorating.
- Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong opinions and critiques of liberal figures and policies. He often appears on various media platforms to share his views on current events and political issues. Shapiro's perspectives tend to align with right-leaning ideologies, and he is a vocal critic of President Biden and the Democratic Party. In this context, Shapiro's commentary on Biden's health reflects his ongoing criticism of the current administration.
- The White House has been controlling Biden's public exposure, limiting his interactions with the press and avoiding questions about his health. Biden's team has been managing his schedule to minimize exhaustive engagements and has acknowledged his need for more rest and reduced workload. This approach aims to shield Biden from potential scrutiny regarding his declining health and cognitive abilities. The controlled public exposure strategy reflects concerns about Biden's capacity to fulfill the demands of the presidency.
- Biden's declining health could impact the Democratic Party by raising concerns about his ability to fulfill the duties of the presidency effectively, potentially leading to doubts among voters and party members. This situation may create uncertainty within the party about the upcoming elections and could influence decisions regarding Biden's candidacy and potential replacements. The political implications of Biden's health could affect the party's image, electoral ...
Counterarguments
- Public figures, especially those of advanced age, often experience moments of forgetfulness, which may not necessarily indicate a significant cognitive decline.
- Changes in appearance can be attributed to natural aging or medical treatments and may not be indicative of overall health.
- Public speaking can be challenging, and occasional confusion or incoherence does not necessarily reflect overall cognitive abilities.
- Limiting public exposure is a common strategy for high-profile individuals, particularly to manage their time and energy effectively.
- Desiring more rest and a reduced workload could be seen as a reasonable accommodation for any senior executive, not necessarily a sign of incapacity.
- Political parties often consider various scenarios for electoral strategy, which does not inherently mean there is a crisis or significant concern ...
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The media's coverage and role in hiding Biden's decline
The media has been complicit in downplaying and obscuring Biden's deteriorating condition
Reporters have described their struggles to make sense of President Biden's public appearances, often straining to understand his speech and questioning the authenticity of his presentation. Shapiro cites an example of ABC News's choice to either maintain or "euthanize" Biden's public image through their editing choices during an interview with Stephanopoulos. This suggestion of concern within ABC News about the brevity of Biden's interview implies a desire to manage public perceptions of his condition.
Additionally, Shapiro refers to what he calls a "media cone of silence" concerning Biden's health, implying a lack on the part of the media when it comes to scrutiny or discussion of his appearance and well-being. He claims that the media and Biden’s allies have downplayed the president's appearance at events and were reluctant to acknowledge any decline in his health.
The media's delayed and reluctant acknowledgment of Biden's decline has eroded public trust
Shapiro alleges that for years, the media concealed Biden's "senility," and they are only now beginning to appear shocked by Biden's condition. This shift is depicted by a cover from The Economist that features a walker with the presidential seal, hinting at concerns about Biden's fitness for office.
The public's trust has been affected by the media's previous dismissals of concerns about Biden's health as "right-wing propaganda," which has now led to them being accused of perpetuating a false narrative about the president's fitness. Shapiro also touches on insinuations of media delay in reporting stories about Biden's health and behavior. This belated willingness by the media to acknowledge Biden's decline is leading to accusations of complicity in maintaining a façade ab ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The media's coverage and role in hiding Biden's decline
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The media has a responsibility to report accurately and may choose to focus on policy over personal health issues unless they are officially disclosed.
- Editing choices in interviews are standard practice and not necessarily indicative of an intent to deceive.
- Journalistic standards require verification before reporting on a public figure's health, which may explain perceived delays.
- The "media cone of silence" could be a result of respecting privacy or lacking concrete evidence about Biden's health.
- Accusations of media complicity may overlook the diversity of media outlets and the range of coverage that exists.
- Public trust can be influenced by a variety of factors, not solely by media reporting on the president's health.
- Concerns about Biden's health have been reported in various media outlets, suggesting there is not a universal effort to conceal his condition.
- Careful timing ...
Actionables
- You can develop critical media literacy by comparing different news sources on the same topic. Start by selecting a current event and read about it from multiple news outlets, including international ones. Note the differences in how the event is portrayed, the language used, and what information is included or omitted. This will help you understand the biases and editorial choices that shape public perception.
- You can practice active listening and critical thinking during public addresses. Whenever you watch a speech or public appearance, focus on the content, delivery, and context. Write down any statements or behaviors that seem unclear or inconsistent. Research these points further to form your own informed opinion about the speaker's condition and message.
- You can engage ...
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Efforts by Democratic donors and party leaders to replace Biden as the nominee
Amidst rising concerns, Democratic donors and party leaders are reportedly considering various strategies to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.
Democratic donors and influential figures are actively working to pressure Biden to step down and allow for a new nominee
According to Shapiro, there's a growing sentiment among Democratic donors and powerful figures that President Biden should step aside. A Democratic mega-donor reportedly engaged with Biden, voicing concerns about his capacity. James Carville has urged major Democratic donors, who are worried about Joe Biden, to stop contributing to the campaigns of candidates who support him. On a conference call, Carville informed donors that voters are seeking an alternative to Biden, suggesting a direct approach is needed to encourage candidates to persuade Biden to relinquish his candidacy.
Further actions underline this sentiment. Major donors, following days of silence, are taking steps to pressure Biden to step down and to lay the groundwork for alternative candidates. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings publicly called for Biden to relinquish his spot as the Democratic presidential nominee. Additionally, a group of donors is planning to raise around $100 million for an escrow fund called the Next Generation Pact, aimed at backing a potential replacement candidate. If Biden decides to hold his ground, the funds might redirect to support down-ballot candidates.
Wealthy donors are discussing raising funds for a potential replacement candidate, should Biden refuse to withdraw
The creation of the Next Generation Pact demonstrates that donors are discussing and actively raising funds to support a potential replacement, should Biden refuse to withdraw from the race.
There are threats of withholding campaign contributions from Biden and other Democratic candidates unless the party leadership addresses the concerns about his candidacy
There's talk of withholding contributions not just from Biden, but also from other Democratic groups, unless there is a shift at the top of the ticket. Hig ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Efforts by Democratic donors and party leaders to replace Biden as the nominee
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Democratic donors and party leaders may believe that President Biden is still the best candidate to unify the party and appeal to a broad electorate, and replacing him could lead to division and weaken the party's chances in the election.
- Pressuring Biden to step down could be seen as undemocratic if it goes against the will of the primary voters who may still support his candidacy.
- Major donors exerting pressure on the nomination process could undermine the democratic principle that the nominee should be chosen by the voters rather than by the financial power of a few individuals.
- Raising funds for a potential replacement candidate might be premature and could create unnecessary tension within the party, especially if Biden has not indicated any intention to withdraw.
- Withholding campaign contributions could harm the party's overall ability to compete in elections, not just at the presidential level but also in down-ballot races that are cruci ...
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of political donations on your local elections by researching the funding sources of local candidates and how it influences their platforms. Start by visiting the Federal Election Commission's website or your local election commission's site to see who is funding whom. Then, compare the candidates' platforms to the interests of their donors to understand potential alignments or conflicts.
- Engage in community discussions to foster a deeper understanding of political succession and leadership qualities. Organize a book club or discussion group focused on political biographies or leadership books, using these as a springboard to talk about what qualities are important in political leaders and how transitions of power should be handled.
- Develop a personal policy for political engagement by deciding ...
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