Summary of "AG Garland Stonewalls Congress, Tries to Cover Up DOJ Obstruction"
The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Release Date: September 22, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in a critical discussion with Senator Ted Cruz regarding Attorney General Merrick Garland's recent testimony before Congress. The episode delves into allegations of obstruction and misconduct within the Department of Justice (DOJ), particularly focusing on the handling of investigations related to the Biden family and other high-profile cases.

Garland’s Testimony and Criticisms

Timestamp: [00:01 - 01:41]

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by highlighting the mounting evidence against the Biden family and shifts the focus to Attorney General Merrick Garland. He expresses shock at Garland's demeanor during his testimony, specifically pointing out his perceived arrogance and lack of candidness.

Ben Ferguson:
"I was shocked, not really by his arrogance this time, by his, I would say, lack of just candid answers to basic questions that were asked of him."
[00:01]

Senator Ted Cruz:
"Merrick Garland, from the day he was sworn in, has demonstrated a contempt for Congress, a contempt for the American people, a smug entitlement that no one is allowed to question him, that he doesn't have to answer any questions."
[00:40]

Senator Cruz criticizes Garland for his evasive responses and compares him unfavorably to Anthony Fauci, suggesting that Garland positions himself as the embodiment of the law without accountability.

Victoria Spartz’s Accusations

Timestamp: [04:47 - 07:35]

The conversation shifts to a viral clip of Congresswoman Victoria Spartz questioning Garland. Spartz accuses Garland of not acting in the interest of the American people but rather serving as a defense lawyer for the Biden family and Democrats.

Victoria Spartz:
"FBI phone numbers all over the district, please call, call that people are truly afraid... you have a nice, you know, playbook for first let's have a special counsel and then you don't have to answer any questions here."
[04:47]

Senator Cruz elaborates on Spartz's background, noting her firsthand experience with oppression in the Soviet Union, which fuels her frustration with Garland's DOJ.

Senator Ted Cruz:
"Victoria was born in the Soviet Union and she grew up in the Soviet Union. And so she saw A communist dictatorship... She's familiar with what the KGB would do."
[07:58]

IRS Whistleblowers and Alleged Lies

Timestamp: [02:43 - 03:52]

Ben Ferguson questions Senator Cruz about Garland’s honesty regarding his interactions with the FBI in the Hunter Biden investigation.

Ben Ferguson:
"Do you believe him, Senator? Because I don't."
[02:43]

Senator Ted Cruz:
"The IRS whistleblowers both testified to the House that... he flat out lied that he has directly interfered."
[02:43]

Cruz references whistleblowers from the IRS who allege that Garland lied about not interfering in the Hunter Biden investigation, further casting doubt on Garland's integrity.

Media Coverage and Democrat’s Talking Points

Timestamp: [10:00 - 12:55]

The discussion critiques the media's handling of Garland's testimony and Democratic politicians' responses. Ferguson highlights a clip from CNN where Congresswoman Lofgren cautiously addresses Garland’s lack of direct answers.

Ben Ferguson:
"After the testimony from Garland. This was actually said on CNN... were you disappointed in the Attorney General's lack of answers there?"
[11:56]

Senator Ted Cruz:
"The Democrats have talking points and every Democrat reads from the same talking points and they're willing to lie."
[12:55]

Cruz criticizes Democratic figures for adhering to predetermined narratives and not holding Garland accountable, likening their behavior to other alleged falsehoods by Democratic spokespeople.

School Board Memo Incident

Timestamp: [13:50 - 21:43]

A significant portion of the episode examines Garland's handling of a controversial school board memo aimed at targeting parents, which Garland claims was based on reports of increased threats and violence.

Kevin Kiley:
"What was your basis for making that claim?"
[14:30]

Merrick Garland:
"I saw numerous reports in the press of violence and threats."
[15:31]

Senator Ted Cruz:
"He admitted he had no idea which ones were violent... He did no due diligence whatsoever."
[17:22]

Cruz argues that Garland misrepresented the situation, leading to unwarranted targeting of parents exercising their First Amendment rights. He cites specific cases, such as Scott Smith, to demonstrate the alleged flaws in Garland's approach.

Ray Epps and January 6th Indictment

Timestamp: [26:19 - 34:28]

The episode delves into the case of Ray Epps, a figure associated with the January 6th Capitol riot. Ferguson and Cruz discuss Epps's indictment and criticize the DOJ for what they perceive as selective prosecution.

Ben Ferguson:
"Ray Epps... officially been charged with a misdemeanor."
[27:39]

Senator Ted Cruz:
"An entire crowd begins chanting, fed, fed, fed... this is a deliberate lie."
[29:53]

Cruz alleges that Epps was an provocateur for the FBI and that his misdemeanor charge exemplifies the DOJ's biased enforcement, contrasting it with the severe penalties imposed on others involved in the riot.

DOJ’s Pattern of Obstruction

Timestamp: [31:50 - 39:33]

Senator Cruz connects Garland’s actions to a broader pattern of obstruction within the DOJ, referencing recent legal setbacks faced by the department.

Senator Ted Cruz:
"The Department of Justice from the beginning has used leaks aggressively. They leak information that is damaging to Donald Trump."
[25:03]

He further discusses the DOJ's failure in the Gretchen Whitmer case, where entrapment by the FBI led to the dismissal of charges, highlighting systemic issues within the department.

Senator Ted Cruz:
"The Biden DOJ is caught with absolute misconduct... using law enforcement as a tool to go after your political enemies."
[31:50]

Cruz emphasizes that the DOJ's politicization undermines the rule of law and serves as a critical election year issue.

Conclusion: Garland’s DOJ Weaponization as an Election Issue

Timestamp: [37:14 - 39:11]

In concluding the discussion, Ferguson and Cruz underscore the weaponization of the DOJ under Garland as a pivotal election issue. Cruz likens Garland to historical figures like John Mitchell of the Nixon era, suggesting that Garland's tenure marks a significant decline in DOJ integrity.

Senator Ted Cruz:
"The weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice... is a major election issue."
[39:11]

Ferguson echoes this sentiment, advocating for Republicans to target Garland's actions in the upcoming elections to restore the DOJ's credibility and uphold the rule of law.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Ted Cruz on Garland’s Arrogance:
  "Merrick Garland... is the legal equivalent of Anthony Fauci. Fauci says, I am the science. Merrick Garland's response is essentially, I am the law. And they're both wrong."
  [01:41]

• Victoria Spartz’s Frustration:
  "This is a big problem when people are afraid of their own government..."
  [04:47]

• Cruz on DOJ's Misconduct:
  "He is the weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice... has done more to undermine the rule of law than anything that we have seen in decades."
  [39:33]

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents a scathing critique of Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice under his leadership. Through detailed discussions and pointed quotes, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz argue that Garland is obstructing justice, weaponizing the DOJ for political ends, and undermining the rule of law. They highlight specific incidents, such as the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation, the school board memo, and the Ray Epps indictment, to illustrate their broader concerns about DOJ's integrity and impartiality. The episode positions these issues as critical election year topics that demand accountability and political action.