Larry Kudlow: This will change the course of history

Larry Kudlow: This will change the course of history
Quizzed ESL Activities

Summary: Larry Kudlow: This will change the course of history

In this commentary, Larry Kudlow discusses a hypothetical (or fictionalized) bold military action by a President Trump in Venezuela, framed as an updated application of the Monroe Doctrine. Kudlow asserts that this decisive move, aimed at combating communism and narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere, is an historic event destined to reshape global politics.

The Revitalized Monroe Doctrine

Kudlow presents a scenario where President Trump has “updated the Monroe Doctrine with a clear-headed legal case and an incredibly well-executed military action,” specifically targeting Venezuela’s “communist strongman.” Trump is quoted as defining this action as bringing “peace on earth” to “our hemisphere.” Kudlow emphasizes that while previous presidents may have lost sight of this doctrine, Trump has not, demonstrating America’s renewed strength and resolve.

Confronting Communism and Narco-Terrorism

The commentary details the alleged situation in Venezuela, describing it as an “anti-American rat’s nest” where Cuban military and secret police have taken control, leading to economic devastation and a surge in narco-terrorism. Kudlow justifies Trump’s action as a response to Venezuela’s leadership failing to heed warnings, citing it as comparable to previous military operations against figures like Al-Baghdadi or Soleimani. The action is presented as stopping “the rot in Venezuela,” particularly addressing the country’s involvement in narco-terrorism and cocaine exporting.

Global Implications and American Strength

Kudlow posits that this action in Venezuela will have far-reaching effects, not only in the Western Hemisphere, influencing countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Cuba, but potentially extending to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He characterizes President Trump as a “plain-spoken common sense president who says what he believes and then takes action,” showcasing “remarkable strength of America.” The commentary concludes with the belief that this event will help “wipe the Biden stain from Afghanistan and other failures,” ultimately making America “even stronger again” and ensuring the “ark of history endures with American values of freedom and prosperity.”

A Turning Point in History, According to Kudlow

In summary, Kudlow’s perspective positions this hypothetical military intervention as a decisive turning point, reasserting American dominance and values globally, and promising a new era shaped by what he perceives as strong, decisive leadership.

Vocabulary Table

Term Pronunciation Definition Used in sentence
corollary /ˈkɒrəˌlɛri/ A direct or natural consequence or result. (In context, likely an extension or logical follow-up) Trump’s correlary to the Monroe Doctrine.
Monroe Doctrine /məˈnroʊ ˈdɒktrɪn/ A U.S. foreign policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas. President Trump just updated the Monroe Doctrine.
clear-headed legal case /klɪər-ˈhɛdɪd ˈliːɡəl keɪs/ A well-reasoned and logical argument presented in court. A clear-headed legal case and an incredibly well-executed military action.
well-executed military action /wɛl-ˈɛksɪˌkjuːtɪd ˈmɪlɪˌtɛri ˈækʃən/ A military operation carried out effectively and successfully. A clear-headed legal case and an incredibly well-executed military action.
communist strongman /ˈkɒmjʊnɪst ˈstrɒŋmæn/ A powerful leader of a communist regime, often implying authoritarian rule. Taking out Venezuela’s communist strongman and his wife.
plain-spoken /pleɪn-ˈspoʊkən/ Speaking or expressed in a clear and direct way. He is a plain-spoken common sense president who says what he believes.
narco terrorism /ˈnɑːrkoʊ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm/ Terrorism associated with drug trafficking. There’s no room for communism or war or narco terrorism in this hemisphere.
paying the price /ˈpeɪɪŋ ðə praɪs/ Suffering the bad consequences of something one has done. Maduro was warned many times. He did not listen. And now he’s paying the price.
invoked /ɪnˈvoʊkt/ Called on (a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration; cited or appealed to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument. Has been invoked by a number of American presidents down through the many, many years.
infiltration /ˌɪnfɪlˈtreɪʃən/ The action of entering or gaining access to an organization or place surreptitiously, especially to acquire secret information or disrupt its activities. Presidents seem to have gone soft in the face of infiltration.
congregated /ˈkɒŋɡrɪˌɡeɪtɪd/ Gathered into a crowd or mass. Lately, they’ve all congregated in an anti-American rat’s nest in Venezuela.
economic devastation /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/ Extensive destruction or ruin of an economy. Venezuela’s lost 3/4 of its entire economy, most of its oil production (implying economic devastation).
tipping point /ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt/ The point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes significant enough to cause a larger, more important change. The narco terrorism and the exporting of cocaine was the tipping point for President Trump.
stop the rot /stɒp ðə rɒt/ To halt a process of moral or physical decay. He launched a legal action backed by an unbelievable military force to stop the rot in Venezuela.
ark of history /ɑːrk əv ˈhɪstəri/ A metaphor referring to the direction or progression of historical events. And ensure that the ark of history endures with American values of freedom and prosperity.

Vocabulary Flashcards



Lexical Focus: Collocations & Chunks

Don’t just learn isolated words—learn chunks of language. These patterns will help you speak more naturally.

  • correlary to the Monroe Doctrine
    Fixed Expression
    Trump’s correlary to the Monroe Doctrine.
  • clear-headed legal case
    Collocation (Adjective + Adjective + Noun)
    with a clear-headed legal case and an incredibly well-executed military action.
  • well-executed military action
    Collocation (Adverb + Verb + Adjective + Noun)
    an incredibly well-executed military action taking out Venezuela’s communist strongman.
  • change the course of history
    Fixed Expression
    it’s going to change the course of history.
  • remarkable strength
    Collocation (Adjective + Noun)
    Mr. Trump is showing the remarkable strength of America.
  • plain-spoken common sense president
    Collocation (Adjective + Adjective + Noun)
    He is a plain-spoken common sense president who says what he believes.
  • paying the price
    Fixed Expression
    And now he’s paying the price.
  • stood the test of time
    Fixed Expression
    Mr. Monroe’s doctrine has stood the test of time.
  • gone soft in the face of infiltration
    Fixed Expression
    presidents seem to have gone soft in the face of infiltration.
  • clean out the drug-infested communist precincts
    Collocation (Verb + Adjective + Noun)
    to clean out the drug-infested communist precincts in our own backyard.

De-Chunking: Complete the Expressions

Select the correct phrase from the box below to complete the sentences.

change the course of history
remarkable strength
paying the price
stood the test of time
gone soft in the face of infiltration

1. I think it’s going to , not only in the Western Hemisphere.

2. Mr. Trump is showing the of America.

3. Maduro was warned many times. He did not listen. And now he’s .

4. Mr. Monroe’s doctrine has .

5. But since then, presidents seem to have .



While-viewing Tasks

Complete these tasks while watching Larry Kudlow’s commentary to understand his perspective on the Monroe Doctrine and U.S. foreign policy:



Guided Notes: Kudlow’s Arguments & Examples

Fill in the key information as you watch:

  • What is the subject of Kudlow’s “riff” tonight?
  • How does President Trump define the military action in Venezuela?
  • What is Kudlow’s personal opinion about Trump’s action?
  • According to Kudlow, what is the impact of Trump’s action on America’s strength?
  • Who was the original author of the Monroe Doctrine and when?
  • What was President Monroe’s clear warning to European powers?
  • Name one president who invoked the Monroe Doctrine in the past (besides Trump):
  • According to Kudlow, what kind of regimes have “congregated” in Venezuela?
  • What was the “tipping point” for President Trump’s action in Venezuela, according to Kudlow?
  • What “values” does Kudlow believe American action will ensure for all peoples?

Questions to Answer

Answer the following questions in short sentences based on the video:

  • What specific actions did President Trump take in Venezuela, according to Kudlow’s description?
  • How does Kudlow characterize President Trump’s leadership style?
  • What, according to Kudlow, were the failures of “presidents” after HW Bush regarding the Monroe Doctrine?
  • What role do the Cuban military and secret police allegedly play in Venezuela, according to the commentary?
  • What broader impact does Kudlow predict this action in Venezuela will have beyond the Western Hemisphere?

Fact Checklist

Tick the box if the statement is true according to Kudlow’s commentary:

  • The Monroe Doctrine was originally issued in 1823.
  • Kudlow believes the action in Venezuela was about regime change, not oil.
  • President Trump provided multiple warnings to Venezuela’s leadership before taking action.
  • Kudlow explicitly states there is room for communism in the Western Hemisphere.
  • John F. Kennedy invoked the Monroe Doctrine during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • Venezuela’s economy has lost a significant portion of its oil production.
  • Kudlow claims the action will help “wipe the Biden stain from Afghanistan.”
  • Kudlow is pessimistic about the long-term impact of the action in Venezuela.

Embedded Video:

Fill in the Blanks Exercise

1. Trump’s to the Monroe Doctrine.

2. President Trump just updated the Monroe Doctrine with a clear-headed legal case and an incredibly well-executed military .

3. It’s our hemisphere. The Monroe doctrine was very important when it was done and other , a lot of them, they lost sight of it.

4. I think it’s going to change the course of , not only in the Western Hemisphere.

5. He is a common sense president who says what he believes and then takes action.

6. There’s no room for communism or war or narco in this hemisphere.

7. Maduro was warned many times. He did not listen. And now he’s paying the .

8. Mr. Monroe’s doctrine has stood the test of .

9. Most notably, I recall Theodore Roosevelt in Sto. Domingo in 1904 and Nicaragua in 1911 and in 2015.

10. John F. Kennedy used the Monroe Doctrine in the Cuban Missile in 1962.

11. Lately, they’ve all in an anti-American rat’s nest in Venezuela.

12. Venezuela’s lost 3/4 of its entire , most of its oil production.

13. The narot terrorism and the exporting of was the tipping point for President Trump, I think.

14. He launched a legal action backed by an unbelievable military force to stop the in Venezuela.

15. And ensure that the ark of history endures with American values of freedom and that will help all peoples.

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does “corollary” most closely mean in this context?

a) An opposite idea
b) A direct consequence or extension
c) A historical document
d) A type of military strategy

2. What is the primary purpose of the “Monroe Doctrine”?

a) To oppose European colonialism in the Americas
b) To encourage European trade in the Americas
c) To form alliances with European powers
d) To establish European military bases in the Americas

3. A “clear-headed legal case” suggests an argument that is:

a) Emotional and passionate
b) Confusing and contradictory
c) Well-reasoned and logical
d) Based purely on speculation

4. What does “narco-terrorism” refer to?

a) Terrorism against narcotics
b) Terrorism associated with drug trafficking
c) Terrorism by government forces
d) The fight against organized crime

5. If someone is “paying the price,” they are:

a) Suffering negative consequences
b) Making a financial transaction
c) Receiving a reward
d) Avoiding responsibility

6. When a doctrine has “stood the test of time,” it means it has:

a) Been proven false
b) Been forgotten
c) Changed dramatically
d) Remained valid and effective over a long period

7. What does “infiltration” generally imply?

a) Open and transparent entry
b) Secret or surreptitious entry
c) Forced military invasion
d) Invited diplomatic visits

8. If groups have “congregated,” they have:

a) Gathered together
b) Dispersed
c) Fought against each other
d) Formed new alliances

9. An “economic devastation” refers to:

a) A period of economic growth
b) A minor economic downturn
c) Widespread destruction or ruin of an economy
d) Government economic policy

10. What is a “tipping point”?

a) The point at which small changes lead to a larger change
b) The highest point of a mountain
c) A small, insignificant detail
d) A moment of complete stability

Fact or Fiction Quiz

1. Fact or Fiction: Larry Kudlow believes President Trump’s military action in Venezuela updated the Monroe Doctrine.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

2. Fact or Fiction: President Trump is quoted as defining the action in Venezuela as bringing “peace on earth.”

a) Fact
b) Fiction

3. Fact or Fiction: Kudlow states there is no room for communism or narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

4. Fact or Fiction: The Monroe Doctrine was originally issued in 1990 by President H.W. Bush.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

5. Fact or Fiction: Kudlow believes the action in Venezuela will help “wipe the Biden stain from Afghanistan and other failures.”

a) Fact
b) Fiction

Extension Activities

Choose from these activities to extend your understanding of the Monroe Doctrine, U.S. foreign policy, and media commentary:



Research Project: The Historical Monroe Doctrine

Research the actual history and application of the Monroe Doctrine from its inception (1823) to the present day. How has its interpretation and implementation changed over time? Write a report (300-400 words) comparing historical applications to Kudlow’s interpretation.

Difficulty:
Medium

Critical Analysis: Kudlow’s Rhetoric

Analyze Larry Kudlow’s commentary from a rhetorical perspective. Identify his main arguments, persuasive techniques, and potential biases. How effectively does he use language to convey his message and influence his audience? Write a critical analysis essay (400-500 words).

Difficulty:
Hard

Debate: Interventionism vs. Non-Interventionism

With a partner, prepare for a debate on the topic of U.S. interventionism in Latin America, particularly in contexts like the one described by Kudlow. One person argues for intervention, citing national security or humanitarian concerns, while the other argues against it, emphasizing sovereignty and potential negative consequences.

Difficulty:
Hard

Role-Play: News Interview on Venezuela

One person acts as a journalist, and the other plays an expert on Latin American politics (either supporting or opposing Kudlow’s viewpoint). Conduct a simulated news interview discussing the situation in Venezuela and the U.S. actions. Focus on presenting different perspectives and evidence.

Difficulty:
Medium

Policy Brief: Venezuela Crisis

In groups, research the real-world situation in Venezuela (political, economic, social) and the international responses. Develop a policy brief (5-7 pages) outlining potential solutions or diplomatic strategies for addressing the crisis, considering a range of perspectives beyond just military action.

Difficulty:
Hard

Media Bias Analysis

As a group, analyze news coverage from various media outlets (left, right, center) regarding U.S. foreign policy in Latin America or similar interventions. Compare how different outlets frame the issues, use language, and present facts. Discuss potential biases and their impact on public perception. Create a presentation of your findings.

Difficulty:
Medium

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