Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Afghanistan Withdrawal NOT Orderly & Peaceful, plus Crime In America & SCOTUS On Trans Athletes
Release Date: April 10, 2023
Hosted by: Ben Ferguson
Guests: Ben Shapiro and Senator Ted Cruz
1. Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Chaotic Debacle
The episode opens with a scathing critique of the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Senator Ted Cruz expresses deep dissatisfaction with the administration's portrayal of the withdrawal as "orderly and peaceful." He highlights the release of a 12-page white paper by the administration, which he labels as "political propaganda."
- Cruz (00:23):
"They put out this 12 page white paper that is just designed to say everything's perfect, everything's fine."
Cruz references a prior podcast where a Marine testified about the tragic consequences of restricted orders during the withdrawal, leading to the deaths of 13 servicemen and women.
- Cruz (02:08):
"The suicide bomber, they had intel... they could have taken him out before he committed the suicide bombing. And the political higher ups in the Biden administration wouldn't allow them to do so."
The discussion shifts to John Kirby, the Pentagon spokesperson, whose statements about the withdrawal are heavily criticized. Cruz accuses Kirby of denial and minimization of the chaos witnessed during the evacuation.
- Cruz (05:42):
"He doesn't see any chaos... You have John Kirby just standing up, and he's proud."
The conversation includes a notable exchange where CBS News Anchor challenges Kirby's narrative, labeling the administration's white paper as a "whitewash" devoid of substantive specifics.
- CBS News Anchor (22:13):
"This 12 page document is a whitewash. It is narrative. It is light on specifics, it's devoid of citations and it is in essence their version of events."
Cruz underscores the lack of accountability within the administration, pointing out that no high-ranking officials were dismissed in the aftermath of the withdrawal debacle.
- Cruz (07:19):
"No accountability. And the Biden White House doesn't want any accountability."
2. Crime in America: Urban Centers in Crisis
Transitioning to domestic issues, Cruz and Shapiro delve into the alarming rise in violent crime across major American cities, citing recent incidents and statistics to illustrate the severity of the situation.
- Cruz (25:18):
"There haven't been any arrests so far this year. And we're not very far into this year. We're in April. There have already been 39 murders in the city."
The episode highlights the brutal murder of Bob Lee, founder of Cash App, in San Francisco. Cruz criticizes the city's administration and law enforcement policies, attributing the surge in crime to left-wing initiatives like bail reform and defunding the police.
- Cruz (28:30):
"Look, it is the policies of the left attacking and demonizing police officers, trying to defund police officers, trying to abolish the police."
Discussions also touch upon the U.S. Sentencing Commission's proposals to broaden the criteria for compassionate release, which Cruz argues will lead to the release of more violent criminals.
- Cruz (34:53):
"Joe Biden has been filling the courts with soft on crime... they're becoming federal judges. And with this change in the sentencing Commission, you're going to see these Biden radicals teaming up with the Obama radicals that are already on the court releasing more and more violent criminals."
The conversation emphasizes the tangible impacts of these policies on public safety, with Cruz sharing anecdotes about personal experiences and observations from various cities.
3. Supreme Court Decision on Trans Athletes
The latter part of the episode addresses the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women's sports, focusing on a recent Supreme Court decision involving a West Virginia law.
Cruz provides a detailed breakdown of the case's procedural history, noting that the Supreme Court denied an application to reverse an injunction against the West Virginia law, which prohibits biological males from competing in girls' sports.
- Cruz (46:43):
"They didn't address the merits. They might at some point, and I hope that they. I hope that they rule in a way that protects girls sports and follows the law."
The discussion shifts to the physical assault of Riley Gaines, a prominent swimmer and advocate against transgender women competing in women's sports. Cruz and Shapiro describe the violent protests Gaines faced during a speaking event at San Francisco State University.
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Cruz (52:59):
"Protestor: Trans rights are human rights... Fine. Fine. You're dressed like a communist. Women. Trans women. Trans women are women... -
Shapiro (55:23):
"It is rage."
The hosts express concern over the increasing hostility and violence on college campuses, attributing it to radical leftist ideologies and a lack of accountability from university administrations.
- Cruz (54:33):
"This is what they're being taught... They don't protect the safety of a Speaker. That they don't stop the violent mob, that they don't discipline the students, that they don't arrest people, engage in violence."
The episode underscores the broader implications of such incidents, warning of a divided and tumultuous societal landscape driven by extremist viewpoints.
4. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Cruz concludes by advocating for conservative policies and leadership to address the multifaceted crises discussed, emphasizing the need for accountability, support for law enforcement, and resistance against radical ideological shifts.
- Cruz (39:05):
"Inevitably, when I see police officers, I make a point of stopping, of shaking their hands, of saying thank you... a big part of my job is to have your back."
Shapiro echoes the sentiments, urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed about the ongoing challenges facing America.
Conclusion:
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, Ben Shapiro and Senator Ted Cruz provide a fervent critique of the Biden administration's foreign and domestic policies. From the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to the escalating crime rates in major cities, and the Supreme Court's stance on transgender athletes in sports, the hosts argue that left-wing policies are undermining national security, public safety, and societal norms. The episode calls for greater accountability, support for law enforcement, and a rejection of radical ideologies to restore order and prosperity in America.
Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive discussions from the podcast episode.
