Added: Jan 3, 2024
In the podcast, Ben Shapiro discusses the current state of American politics and the upcoming 2024 election. Shapiro emphasizes the idea that everyone eventually gets what they deserve in American politics, usually in the funniest possible way. Shapiro shares a favorite picture from after the 2016 election, featuring Donald Trump giving the Trump finger to the camera while Barack Obama looks despondent. He uses this picture to illustrate the idea that everyone gets what they deserve in politics.
The Left's Strategy
Shapiro discusses the left's strategy for the 2024 election, which involves delegitimizing Donald Trump as a human being and using the force of law against him. The left aims to portray Trump as a fascist and a threat to democracy, while also using legal mechanisms to go after him. Shapiro highlights the left's efforts to delegitimize the Supreme Court and its justices, particularly those appointed by Trump. The left's strategy is to break all the systems in pursuit of stopping Trump, which Shapiro characterizes as an attempt at tyranny.
The Right's Belief
Shapiro also discusses the right's belief that there is no way Donald Trump or anyone else can lose to Joe Biden. Many on the right believe that Trump never lost to Biden in the first place in 2020. Shapiro points out that the right's confidence in Trump's victory is reinforced by Joe Biden's myriad screw-ups and fading mental state. He emphasizes that the 2024 election will be about extraneous events, as people already have strong opinions about the candidates.
Economic Challenges
Shapiro delves into the economic challenges facing the country, pointing out that the growth statistics are being jogged by government spending. He highlights the disconnect between the statistics and how people feel, particularly in terms of rising costs and inflation. He also discusses the impact of illegal immigration on the economy, as well as the strain on resources in cities like New York and Chicago.
National Security Concerns
Shapiro raises concerns about national security, particularly in the face of challenges from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He emphasizes the need for a strong military and foreign policy, pointing out the potential consequences of a resurgence of isolationism. He also discusses the emptying out of the American military and the need for a realistic foreign policy approach.
The Biden Administration's Approach
Shapiro criticizes the Biden administration's approach to foreign policy, particularly in the Ukraine war. He argues that the lack of clear articulation of goals and strategy has led to a perception of loss, despite potential victories for the United States. He emphasizes the need for a clear and realistic approach to foreign policy, particularly in addressing challenges from other global powers.
Foreign Policy and Russia's Influence
Shapiro continues by discussing the impact of the United States' foreign policy on Russia's influence in certain areas. He mentions the need for the US to send F-16s to break the stranglehold that Russia has on certain regions. He also highlights the history of Russian military conquest and their willingness to sacrifice millions of people in pursuit of their goals. Shapiro expresses concern about the lack of a clear plan from the Biden administration, which he believes is allowing Putin to continue to ratchet up the pressure on Ukraine.
He also discusses China's growing aggression and the challenges the West is facing in various regions. He mentions the US Navy's response to attacks on a merchant ship in the Red Sea and the increasing presence of Iran's warship in the area. Shapiro suggests that China is closely watching the West's actions and may become more militant if the US continues to strain its relationship with Israel.
The 2024 Election and Republican Primaries
Shapiro then shifts to the 2024 election and the Republican primaries. He discusses the polling data in Iowa and New Hampshire, where Donald Trump is leading his opponents by significant margins. He also mentions the controversy surrounding Nikki Haley's comments on the causes of the Civil War and the criticism she received for her response.
Shapiro highlights the lack of impact that certain actions or statements have on Trump's popularity, suggesting that the 2024 election may be influenced by exogenous circumstances rather than the candidates' actions or policies. He also discusses the ongoing debate within the Republican Party and the impact of various candidates on the primary race.
California's New Laws
Shapiro then turns his attention to California's new laws, specifically the mandate for gender-neutral toy aisles in toy shops. He criticizes the law, arguing that it is unnecessary and imposes government-approved messages about gender and sexuality on retailers. He also discusses the creation of an "ebony alert" in California, which is designed to alert the public when a black youth or young black woman is reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
Shapiro expresses his disbelief at the need for such an alert, questioning the rationale behind it and suggesting that it may be based on the perception of discriminatory treatment in Amber Alerts.
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