Added: Sep 25, 2024

In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro delves into the current political landscape as the United States approaches a pivotal election, emphasizing the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The State of the Race

Shapiro begins by discussing the tightness of the race, countering media narratives that suggest a blowout victory for Harris. He references a Politico article indicating that Harris did not gain significant momentum from her recent debate with Trump, despite being declared the winner by voters. Polls show only slight shifts in her favor, particularly in battleground states, where the competition remains fierce. Shapiro notes that many states are within the margin of error, indicating a close contest.

He points out troubling trends for Harris, particularly her declining support among Black and Hispanic voters compared to Joe Biden's performance in 2020. Shapiro argues that this is a significant issue for her campaign, as the Democratic strategy relies heavily on mobilizing minority votes. He also suggests that Harris's attempts to appeal to blue-collar white voters may be backfiring, as she struggles to maintain support from key demographics.

Campaign Strategies and Spending

Shapiro discusses the Democratic campaign's strategy of outspending Republicans significantly, with Democrats reportedly spending $1.8 billion compared to Republicans' $1.3 billion. He notes that Democratic super PACs are shifting their focus from attacking Trump to promoting positive perceptions of Harris, which he believes is a misguided approach given her lack of a strong personal brand.

The podcast also touches on the desperation of the Harris campaign, exemplified by the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Pennsylvania. Shapiro describes this as an unprecedented move, suggesting that it amounts to foreign election interference. He criticizes the Biden administration for using Zelensky as a political prop in a crucial swing state, arguing that it undermines the integrity of American elections.

The Role of Zelensky

Shapiro expresses disbelief at the Biden administration's decision to fly Zelensky into Pennsylvania to campaign for Harris. He argues that this move is not only politically risky for Zelensky, who needs bipartisan support in the U.S., but also reflects the desperation of the Harris campaign. Shapiro highlights the absurdity of a foreign leader being used to rally support in a domestic election, questioning the implications of such actions for American sovereignty and electoral integrity.

Zelensky's comments during his visit, where he criticized Trump and Republican figures like JD Vance, further complicate the situation. Shapiro suggests that Zelensky's involvement could alienate potential Republican supporters, making it a risky strategy for both the Biden administration and the Ukrainian leader.

Domestic Policy and Crime Rates

Shapiro shifts the discussion to domestic issues, particularly crime rates in urban areas. He references a recent National Crime Victimization Survey that contradicts the narrative pushed by the Biden administration, showing that urban crime rates have increased since the pre-George Floyd era. He argues that this rise in crime is largely concentrated in cities governed by Democrats, challenging the administration's claims of declining crime.

The podcast also touches on the Biden administration's foreign policy, particularly its handling of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Shapiro criticizes Biden's approach to Israel and Lebanon, arguing that the administration's attempts at de-escalation are ineffective. He emphasizes that Israel is acting in self-defense against terrorist groups and that the U.S. should support its ally rather than interfere in its military operations.

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