Added: Dec 8, 2023
In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro discusses the fourth Republican debate, which was notable for the absence of frontrunner Donald Trump. The debate aired on News Nation rather than Fox News, resulting in lower viewership compared to previous debates. Despite this, the debate was interesting for several reasons.First, the debate highlighted the importance of governance and policy positions. The battle between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, the top two candidates vying for second place behind Trump, showcased their differences in policy positions, particularly on social issues. DeSantis, known for his conservative stance, emphasized his accomplishments as governor of Florida, contrasting them with the rhetoric of his opponents. He positioned himself as the most conservative candidate who can win, citing his record of victory in Florida.
DeSantis' main advantage over Haley is his governance style, as he has a record of implementing conservative policies in Florida. The debate also revealed that Donald Trump remains a dominant force on the right, with significant goodwill from his 2016 campaign and presidency. Attacks on Trump from DeSantis fell flat, as Republicans do not view Trump as unfit for the presidency, especially when polls show him ahead of Biden.
The debate also showed that campaigns have become opportunities for marginal candidates to gain exposure. Ramaswamy used the debate to attack Nikki Haley, portraying her as too pro-Israel and lacking foreign policy wisdom. However, his attacks were based on isolationist viewpoints and did not resonate with the broader Republican perspective on foreign policy.
Ramaswamy's attacks on Haley also included questioning her authenticity and accusing her of corruption, as well as labeling her as a fascist. However, these attacks were seen as baseless and did not hold up under scrutiny. Haley dismissed the attacks, stating that it was not worth her time to respond.
Shapiro continues by addressing the current state of the Republican party, particularly in relation to potential presidential candidates. He mentions Nikki Haley and Chris Christie, highlighting their positions and potential impact on the party. He also discusses the performance of various candidates in recent debates, emphasizing the need for a strong and unified Republican front.
The discussion then shifts to the Biden administration's approach to Ukraine funding and border security. Shapiro criticizes the administration's reluctance to compromise on border security in exchange for funding for Ukraine, highlighting the potential impact on national security. He also questions the administration's strategy and its implications for the upcoming election.
Shapiro then delves into the controversy surrounding university presidents' responses to anti-Semitic incidents on their campuses. He highlights the initial reluctance of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people, citing their adherence to free speech principles. Shapiro criticizes their stance and emphasizes the need for universities to take a stronger stance against hate speech.
