For The Democrats, The Crazies Are The Captain Now

Added: Feb 29, 2024

Analysis of Joe Biden's presidency

Shapiro discusses how Joe Biden came into office aiming to be a transformative president, but his attempts to push radical left-wing policies and cater to the party's fringe elements have alienated moderate and independent voters. Biden's approval ratings have plummeted, and he now finds himself dependent on the support of radical factions within the Democratic party.

Impact of uncommitted voters in Michigan

The large number of uncommitted voters in the Michigan primaries, led by individuals like Rashida Tlaib, signals a broader dissatisfaction within the party. If these voters choose not to support Biden in the general election, it could significantly impact the outcome in Michigan. The presence of radical elements, such as those supporting Hamas, highlights the challenges Biden faces in trying to balance progressive policies with mainstream voter sentiment.

Youth discontent with Biden's presidency

Young voters in Michigan and across the country are increasingly disillusioned with Biden's presidency. Many feel that Biden has not lived up to his promises and are critical of his stance on issues such as Israel and Gaza. The lack of enthusiasm among young voters, who overwhelmingly supported Biden in the 2020 election, poses a challenge for the Democratic party heading into the midterm elections.

Radical voices within the Democratic party

Figures like Cornell West exemplify the radical voices within the Democratic party who criticize Biden's policies and advocate for extreme positions. West's moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas underscores the influence of fringe elements within the party and the challenges Biden faces in navigating these divergent interests.

Moderates caving to radical factions

James Carville, a moderate figure in the Democratic party, acknowledges the growing influence of radical factions within the party. He recognizes that the party is shifting towards more extreme positions, with the moderates feeling pressured to align with the progressive elements. This dynamic reflects the internal tensions within the Democratic party and the struggle to maintain a cohesive political platform.

Biden Administration's Handling of the Crisis

Shapiro criticizes the approach taken by the Biden Administration in dealing with the Israel-Hamas conflict. He points out that by pressuring Israel to agree to certain conditions, such as a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, the administration is effectively giving in to the demands of Hamas. He argues that this not only undermines Israel's ability to defend itself but also emboldens terrorist groups like Hamas.

Impact on Domestic Politics

Shapiro acknowledges that the Biden Administration's stance on the conflict is influenced by domestic political considerations. He notes that there is pressure from within the Democratic Party, particularly from progressive activists and lawmakers, to take a more pro-Palestinian stance. This pressure is leading to decisions that prioritize political expediency over the national interest.

Riots and Unrest at Universities

Shapiro highlights a recent incident at UC Berkeley where a speech by a Jewish speaker was disrupted by protesters, leading to threats and assaults against Jewish students. This incident is indicative of the growing anti-Semitic sentiment on college campuses, fueled by the pro-Palestinian narrative and activism. He argues that this radicalization poses a threat to free speech and democratic values.

The Influence of Radical Voices

Shapiro highlights the role of radical voices like Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian writer and poet, in shaping the narrative around the Israel-Hamas conflict. El-Kurd's statements advocating for violent protests and attacks on Israel reveal the extremist mindset that is gaining traction among pro-Palestinian activists. This extremism poses a challenge to efforts towards peace and stability in the region.

The Need for Strong Leadership

Shapiro emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. He argues that a focus on power and control, rather than temporary ceasefires, is necessary to achieve lasting peace. Leaders like Biden must prioritize the interests of allies like Israel and resist the pressure from extremist elements within their own party.

The Situation at the US-Mexico Border

Shapiro then shifts his focus to the situation at the US-Mexico border. He criticizes President Joe Biden for his inaction in closing the border, despite high public support for doing so. He points out the numerous crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the US, calling attention to the lack of action by the government in addressing this issue. He questions Biden's reluctance to take steps to secure the border and protect the American people.

The Situation in Ukraine

The podcast moves on to discuss the situation in Ukraine, where there is conflicting data on American opinions regarding aid to the country. Shapiro highlights the importance of finding a middle ground on the issue, pointing out that most Americans are in favor of providing aid to Ukraine to help them defend against Russian aggression. However, he criticizes the lack of clear leadership from the Republican Party on this issue, noting that they need to take a stronger stance in order to gain public support.

The Proposed Bipartisan Bill

Shapiro then talks about the bipartisan bill proposed by some Republican lawmakers, including funding for Ukraine and border control measures. He praises the bill for addressing key issues such as aiding Ukraine and securing the US-Mexico border. He emphasizes the need for Republicans to take a unified stance on these issues in order to effectively challenge the Biden administration.

The Possibility of a Government Shutdown

The podcast also touches on the possibility of a government shutdown and the importance of avoiding such a situation. Shapiro stresses the need for Republicans to focus on passing legislation that will benefit the country and advance their political goals. He highlights the advantage Republicans have on certain issues like the border and Ukraine but warns that they must articulate a clear and effective policy in order to capitalize on these advantages.