Added: Sep 26, 2024
In this episode of the podcast, Ben Shapiro delves into the current political landscape, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris and her presidential campaign. He critiques the media's portrayal of Harris as a frontrunner, arguing that recent polling data suggests she is struggling to gain a significant lead over former President Donald Trump. Shapiro highlights a CNN poll indicating a tight race, with Harris at 48% and Trump at 47%, emphasizing that this margin is effectively a dead heat. He points out that while Harris is performing well among independent women voters, her support among key demographics, such as Black voters, is alarmingly low.
The Challenges Facing Kamala Harris
Shapiro discusses the implications of Harris's polling numbers, particularly her weak performance among Black voters, where she only garners 79% support compared to Trump's 16%. He notes that if Trump manages to secure even a fraction of the Black vote, it could spell disaster for Harris's campaign. Additionally, he mentions that while Harris is leading among younger voters, her overall numbers are not strong enough to indicate a solid path to victory.
The podcast also touches on Harris's strategy of avoiding tough questions and opting for friendly interviews, such as her upcoming sit-down with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle. Shapiro criticizes this approach, arguing that it reflects her vulnerability and lack of a well-defined public persona. He suggests that the more Harris speaks, the less favorable her image becomes, creating a catch-22 situation for her campaign.
The Filibuster and Its Implications
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Harris's radical proposition to eliminate the filibuster, which Shapiro argues could fundamentally alter the structure of American governance. He explains that the filibuster serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring bipartisan agreement on major legislation, and its removal could lead to a permanent Democratic majority in Congress. Shapiro warns that if Harris and the Democrats succeed in abolishing the filibuster, they could push through a series of radical policies, including the expansion of the Supreme Court and the creation of new states to secure additional Senate seats.
Shapiro elaborates on the historical context of the filibuster, noting that it has been a tool for maintaining stability in American politics. He argues that eliminating it would lead to a more volatile political environment, where policy swings dramatically with each election cycle. This, he asserts, would undermine the foundational principles of the republic and could lead to increased tensions between states and the federal government.
Kamala Harris's Policy Positions
The podcast also highlights Harris's controversial policy positions, particularly her stance on abortion and criminal justice. Shapiro points out that Harris has been evasive about her previous positions, such as her support for decriminalizing sex work and her opposition to the death penalty. He criticizes her for failing to clarify her current views, suggesting that she is attempting to navigate a politically charged landscape without alienating key voter blocs.
Shapiro emphasizes that Harris's economic policies are also problematic, citing her housing plan as an example of how government intervention can lead to unintended consequences. He argues that her proposals, such as providing down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers, could inflate housing prices and exacerbate the very issues they aim to address. This critique extends to her broader economic agenda, which Shapiro believes is out of touch with the realities facing American workers.
The Impact of Global Events
As the podcast progresses, Shapiro shifts focus to the international stage, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He discusses how the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the situation has been perceived as weak and ineffective. He argues that the administration's attempts to appease Iran and its proxies have only emboldened terrorist groups, creating a precarious situation for both Israel and the United States.
Shapiro highlights the recent military operations conducted by Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah, praising their effectiveness while criticizing the Biden administration for its hesitance to fully support Israel. He suggests that the administration's reluctance to provide military aid is a reflection of its internal divisions and the influence of radical elements within the Democratic Party.
