Understanding Marxism With Ben Shapiro and Paul Kengor

American Spectator editor Paul Kengor appeared on the Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special this past weekend to discuss what embodies and defines Marxism, Kamala Harris’ ties to the worldview, and Ronald Reagan’s legacy in comparison to Donald Trump’s. 

Please give a click to my interview with The Daily Wire’s legendary Ben Shapiro. Thank you, Ben, for an enjoyable, edifying discussion. https://t.co/iBjatx45zi

— Dr Paul Kengor (@DrPaulKengor) November 4, 2024

Shapiro asked Kengor if he agrees with identifying Harris as a Marxist, and Kengor expressed caution about simply labeling all leftists as Marxists. (READ MORE: Kamala Harris Borrows From Karl Marx) 

“I want to call a Marxist a Marxist only if we’re dealing with a legitimate Marxist,” Kengor responded. Kengor proceeded to explain the different classifications of Marxism that have developed throughout history — from proletariat against bourgeoisie and oppressed against oppressor to pitting the sexes against each other. 

“I’d stay away from saying in a national debate [that] she’s a Marxist unless you can really defend it and explain it,” Kengor said. Shapiro agreed with Kengor’s sentiment, elaborating that baseless name-calling “waters down what Marxism is and makes it more palatable for the masses.” 

Kengor, who is a political science professor and teaches about Marxism at Grove City College, told Shapiro that the best definition of Marxism was already given by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their Communist Manifesto.

“I would argue — others have too — that the primary virtue in Marxism is envy,” Kengor added. 

Shapiro and Kengor also discussed Reagan’s presidency and its parallels with Trump’s life and political career. Kengor, who authored 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative, notes that the difference “is not the message, but the messenger.” 

“Reagan was just likable,” Kengor told Shapiro. Kengor elaborated on how Reagan’s strong stance in the Cold War and promise to restore America caused Americans to strongly favor Reagan. 

In contrast, “Donald Trump is hated, just absolutely and utterly loathed by over 50 percent of the population,” Kengor cautioned. Kengor speculated that Trump would win the Electoral College if he lost the popular vote by 1 to 2 percentage points. (READ MORE: Reagan Conservatism Is Alive And Well)

Toward the end of the conversation, Shapiro asked Kengor his thoughts on how Republicans and conservatives are steering away from Reagan’s principles.

“I think that the sort of ‘Reagan is dead, what did Reaganism ever do for you’ is just ignorant of history…. When you look at his platform, it still resonates with the vast majority of the Republican Party by every polling metric,” Shapiro told Kengor.

“That gets back to my point — that it’s not the message; it’s the messenger. Ronald Reagan running on those things today could still win,” Kengor said. 

Shapiro commented on the divisiveness that has gradually increased since the 2016 election, and how Americans are seeking a sense of normalcy and change. Americans, Shapiro observed, wanted “a change from the Obama years, but they also want some semblance of normalcy — they just don’t want to think about what’s going on in the presidential race three years in advance of an election,” Shapiro said.

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