Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Acting President Blinken Calls Out Israel, Universities go All In on Defending Hamas & Ted Cruz Supports Jim Jordan the Week In Review
Release Date: October 14, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a spirited discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into three pivotal stories shaping the current political landscape:

1. Secretary Anthony Blinken's Statements on Israel and Hamas
2. Universities' Stance on Defending Hamas
3. Senator Ted Cruz's Endorsement of Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House

The conversation is marked by strong opinions, critical analysis, and notable quotes that shed light on the ongoing political tensions both domestically and internationally.

1. Secretary Anthony Blinken's Statements on Israel and Hamas

Overview

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz highlighting Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's recent public comments regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. Cruz criticizes Blinken for not sufficiently condemning Hamas and instead placing undue pressure on Israel to minimize civilian casualties.

Key Points:

• Blake's Critique of Israel: Cruz asserts that Blinken, referred to derisively as the "de facto president," focused his critique on Israel rather than condemning Hamas' terrorist actions. He emphasizes that Blinken neglected to address the atrocities committed by Hamas, including the beheading of children.

  Ted Cruz [00:01]: "Anthony Blinken... calling out Israel saying, 'we're looking to Israel to apply the highest standard to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.'"

• Hamas' Tactics: Blinken acknowledges the scale of Hamas' attacks and differentiates between Hamas and Israel's actions, noting that Hamas deliberately targets civilians.

  Anthony Blinken [01:42]: "Whatever Israel does in Gaza, as always, we look to it to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties... Hamas... deliberately targets civilians."

• Cruz's Reaction: While acknowledging that Blinken is relatively outspoken within the Biden administration, Cruz criticizes him for not recognizing Israel's historical efforts to prevent civilian casualties and for failing to condemn Hamas adequately.

  Ted Cruz [02:33]: "But Blinken is better than most... he acknowledges Israel is trying to avoid killing civilians and that Hamas is deliberately killing civilians."

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Cruz on Blinken's Statement [00:01]:
  "You better not screw this up."

• Anthony Blinken on Civilian Casualties [01:42]:
  "We look to Israel, as always, to apply the highest standards when it comes to avoiding civilian casualties."

• Senator Cruz on Democratic Responses [06:11]:
  "How many Democrats are condemning this viciously anti Semitic, anti Israel statement..."

Analysis:

Ben Ferguson provides his perspective, acknowledging Blinken's relative candor but criticizing him for not fully addressing Israel's actions and Hamas' provocations. Ferguson also highlights statements from Democratic figures like Congresswoman Cori Bush, accusing them of anti-Semitism and failing to support Israel adequately during the crisis.

2. Universities' Stance on Defending Hamas

Overview

The discussion shifts to the alarming trend of elite universities, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, supporting Hamas. Cruz and Ferguson express deep concern over academic institutions becoming platforms for anti-Israel sentiment and even extremist views.

Key Points:

• University Responses: Cruz points out that student groups at Harvard released statements blaming Israel for the ongoing violence, while university administrations delayed condemning Hamas' actions.

  Ben Ferguson [15:05]: "We have 35 student groups that put out a statement... 'Hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.'"

• Criticism of Institutional Leadership: The hosts criticize university presidents for their delayed and lukewarm responses to student statements supporting Hamas, indicating a failure to uphold moral standards.

  Ben Ferguson [14:58]: "They can't figure it out enough to stay. Genocide is bad. That should not be a controversial proposition."

• Impact on Jewish Students: Ferguson highlights the fear and insecurity felt by Jewish students on campuses, citing incidents of antisemitism and the reluctance to openly display Jewish symbols.

  Ben Ferguson [17:00]: "You talk to Hillel students... they're afraid to wear a yarmulke... risk attacks from the radical left."

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Cruz on University Statements [11:39]:
  "Do you condemn it?"

• Jonathan Greenblatt of ADL [14:11]:
  "The ADL has a long history of calling out anti Semitism... glad they're standing up and speaking with clarity here."

• Student Group's Joint Statement [15:05]:
  "We hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence."

Analysis:

Ferguson underscores the role of universities as breeding grounds for radical left-wing ideologies and antisemitism. He criticizes the lack of immediate and strong condemnation from academic leaders, portraying these institutions as undermining Israel's legitimacy and fostering hostile environments for Jewish students.

3. Senator Ted Cruz's Endorsement of Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House

Overview

The conversation culminates with Senator Cruz discussing his decision to endorse Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House, following Steve Scalise's withdrawal from the race amid insufficient support.

Key Points:

• Endorsement Rationale: Cruz explains his endorsement of Jordan based on Jordan's strong conservative credentials and viable path to victory, contrasting with Scalise's dwindling support.

  Ben Ferguson [23:42]: "Jim is that person, that he would be certainly the most conservative speaker we had ever had, but that he had a real and viable path to win."

• Steve Scalise's Withdrawal: Cruz details Scalise's decision to withdraw, citing the lack of sufficient votes and internal conflicts within the Republican conference.

  Steve Scalise [22:24]: "I'm withdrawing my name as a candidate for the Speaker... there are still schisms that have to get resolved."

• Future Prospects: While expressing optimism that a Speaker will be elected soon, Cruz acknowledges the challenges posed by the narrow House majority and the emotional divisions within the Republican Party.

  Ben Ferguson [30:27]: "I think we will have a speaker relatively soon... But it may bleed into next week and it is possible... that someone else will emerge as a third option."

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Cruz on Endorsing Jim Jordan [23:42]:
  "I support the strongest conservative who can win."

• Steve Scalise on Withdrawing [22:24]:
  "This House of Representatives needs a Speaker and we need to open up the House again."

• Senator Cruz on House Dynamics [27:53]:
  "With a House majority of just four votes, any five Republicans can say no and veto."

Analysis:

Cruz emphasizes his strategic decision to back Jordan, prioritizing conservative integrity and electoral viability over personal alliances. He reflects on the fractious nature of the current House Republican conference, expressing confidence in eventual unity despite present divisions.

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz provides a critical examination of the Biden administration's foreign policy, the troubling alignment of elite academic institutions with extremist views, and the internal dynamics of the Republican Party on Capitol Hill. Through incisive dialogue and pointed quotes, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive analysis of pressing political issues, underscored by a call for stronger conservative leadership and unwavering support for Israel.

Notable Moments:

• Blinken's Pressing of Israel [00:01 - 02:33]
• Harvard's Delayed Condemnation [14:58 - 18:04]
• Cruz's Strategic Endorsement of Jordan [23:42 - 30:27]

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for an in-depth exploration of these topics and further insights from Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson.