Added: Nov 20, 2024

In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro delves into the surprising shift in the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of "Morning Joe" and former President Donald Trump. The couple, who were once staunch critics of Trump, have recently sought to rekindle communication with him, prompting Shapiro to reflect on their past and the implications of this change.

The Evolution of Joe and Mika's Relationship with Trump

Shapiro begins by recounting how Scarborough and Brzezinski played a significant role in Trump's rise to the Republican nomination during the 2015-2016 election cycle. They frequently featured him on their show, fostering a close relationship that led to speculation about Scarborough potentially being Trump's vice-presidential pick. However, once Trump secured the nomination, their tone shifted dramatically. They became vocal critics of Trump, labeling him a threat to democracy and likening him to Hitler. Shapiro highlights the irony of their current attempts to "kiss and make up" with Trump after years of vehement opposition.

Recently, Scarborough and Brzezinski visited Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump, marking the first time they had seen him in seven years. During this meeting, they discussed various contentious issues, including abortion and political retribution, while asserting their commitment to journalistic skepticism. Shapiro criticizes this move as a blatant attempt to regain credibility after years of hyperbolic criticism of Trump, suggesting that their previous demonization of him was disingenuous.

The Legacy Media's Credibility Crisis

Shapiro argues that the legacy media, represented by figures like Scarborough and Brzezinski, has lost significant credibility due to their inconsistent narratives about Trump. He posits that their initial support for Trump, followed by years of vilification, has left them in a precarious position. The media's credibility crisis is further exacerbated by the backlash from left-leaning commentators, such as those on "The View," who express disbelief at the idea of Joe and Mika reconciling with Trump. Shapiro points out that this reflects a broader disconnect within the Democratic Party, as they grapple with the implications of their past rhetoric.

The Democratic Party's Struggles

Shapiro transitions to discussing the challenges facing the Democratic Party, particularly in light of their handling of issues like immigration and economic policy. He notes that Democrats are increasingly alienating working-class voters, particularly in states that have shifted toward Trump. The party's focus on identity politics and progressive social issues has left many traditional voters feeling neglected. Shapiro highlights the irony of Democrats blaming economic hardship for their electoral losses while simultaneously dismissing the concerns of those affected by their policies.

The podcast also touches on President Biden's recent international engagements, where he appears to be struggling to assert American leadership on the global stage. Shapiro critiques Biden's approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and China, suggesting that the administration's lack of a clear strategy has left the U.S. vulnerable.

Immigration and National Security

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to the topic of immigration, particularly in light of Trump's plans for mass deportations upon his return to office. Shapiro discusses the implications of Biden's immigration policies and the growing frustration among Americans regarding border security. He highlights the disconnect between the Democratic Party's stance on immigration and the concerns of everyday Americans, particularly in states heavily impacted by illegal immigration.

Shapiro also addresses the Biden administration's recent sanctions against Israeli organizations, framing them as part of a broader anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party. He criticizes the administration for prioritizing political correctness over national security and for failing to recognize the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Cultural Divide

Throughout the podcast, Shapiro emphasizes the cultural divide between the Democratic Party and mainstream American values. He argues that the party's embrace of radical social policies, particularly regarding gender and sexuality, has alienated many voters. Shapiro points to polling data indicating that a significant majority of Americans oppose allowing minors to undergo gender transition procedures, suggesting that the Democratic Party's insistence on these issues is a major factor in their electoral struggles.

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