THE DIRTY SECRET: Trump Is The 2024 Moderate

Summary

In this video, Ben Shapiro analyzes how Donald Trump has positioned himself as a political moderate on key issues compared to Joe Biden's more extreme left-wing stances. Shapiro argues that on topics like inflation, immigration, jobs, climate, national security, education, crime, abortion and more, Trump expresses views aligned with mainstream American opinion while Biden promotes progressive policies out-of-step with most voters. Consequently, Shapiro contends that despite his bombastic rhetoric, Trump is closer to the center than Biden on substantive policy matters. This relative moderation, Shapiro suggests, gives Trump an electoral advantage as most Americans just want pragmatic solutions rather than ideological purity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mitch McConnell has announced he will step down as Senate GOP leader
• 😲 Donald Trump is positioning himself closer to the political center on issues like abortion and entitlements
• 🤔 On policy, Trump is not an extremist and is closer to past moderate Republicans
• 🧐 Biden has abandoned political moderation, letting Trump seize the middle ground
• 👀 On issues like inflation and immigration, Trump sounds more mainstream than Biden
• 😮 On foreign policy, Trump advocates peace through strength rather than platitudes
• 🤨 Biden links domestic issues to vague notions of "equity" out of step with public opinion
• 😠 Trump advocates harder line on crime, contrasting with Biden's critical race theory rhetoric
• 😏 Trump outflanks Biden from the right on Ukraine despite some supporters wanting isolationism
• 🤔 Despite chaos and bluster, Trump has staked out largely centrist positions overall

Q & A

What is Trump's main argument against Biden on economic and inflation issues?

Trump argues that under his administration there was low inflation and low gas prices, while under Biden's economic policies (which Trump calls "Bidenomics") there is high inflation, high gas prices, and American families are much poorer.

What is the median American voter's position on phasing out fossil fuels?

According to the data cited, only 31% of Americans support phasing out fossil fuels. So the median voter opposes a full phase out.

How does Trump compare to the Republican mainstream on abortion?

Trump disagrees with the mainstream Republican position on abortion. He has said he would negotiate a compromise rather than fully ban abortion, putting him closer to the middle than someone like Governor DeSantis who supports a 6 week abortion ban.

What explains Trump's continued electoral viability?

Despite his controversial rhetoric, Trump's actual policy positions are relatively moderate and middle-of-the-road. This helps explain why he retains appeal with independent voters.

What are the main jobs of a Senate Majority Leader?

The main jobs are: selecting good Senate candidates to support, fundraising, counting votes to move legislation, and engaging in political maneuvering to cobble together coalitions.

How could Trump undermine Biden's traditional strength on the abortion issue?

By taking a moderate, middle-ground position on restricting late-term abortion, Trump doesn't allow Biden to continue benefiting from the overturning of Roe v. Wade among Democratic voters.

What explains Biden's unpopularity on immigration?

Biden is seen as taking an extreme, left-wing position by denying that the administration bears any responsibility for problems at the border. Meanwhile, Trump articulates more of a centrist position.

What are the main principles of Trump’s foreign policy approach?

The main principles are: speak forcefully, carry a big stick, demand other countries show respect, and focus on clear wins rather than vague idealistic goals.

How does Trump contrast with Biden on support for Israel?

Trump strongly supports Israel and frames Biden as undermining Israel by pressuring them to accept an unconditional ceasefire with Hamas.

Who looks more moderate and centrist overall: Biden or Trump?

Looking across all the major issues, Trump has largely adopted moderate, centrist positions while Biden has adopted positions on the far left. So Trump appears more mainstream.