The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Angry Children at Stanford Law School Shout Down a Federal Judge, Biden's Out-of-Control Budget & DOD Caught Leaking Classified Docs to Spin Chinese Spy Balloon
Release Date: March 13, 2023
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Senator Ted Cruz. The discussion delves into several pressing issues, including a controversial incident at Stanford Law School, the implications of President Biden's proposed federal budget, and allegations of classified document leaks within the Department of Defense (DOD). This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, insights, and conclusions drawn from their dialogue.

1. Stanford Law School Incident: Silencing a Federal Judge

Overview:
The episode opens with Ben Ferguson highlighting a troubling event at Stanford Law School where a federal judge was ostensibly silenced during his lecture. This incident serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on free speech and political polarization within academic institutions.

Key Details:

• Judge Kyle Duncan's Experience:
  Judge Kyle Duncan, a 5th Circuit Judge appointed by Donald Trump, was invited by Stanford's Federalist Society to speak at the law school. Instead of an open discourse, Duncan faced aggressive heckling from students who interrupted and censured his remarks.

  • "A federal judge, a federal court of appeals Judge in the 5th Circuit, Judge Kyle Duncan was invited... what happened this week at Stanford is extraordinarily uncommon."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 02:02)

• Administrative Response:
  The diversity dean, Tiran Steinbach, intervened but instead of restoring order, she delivered a speech denouncing the judge, further escalating the situation.

  • "I have to say I'm deeply, deeply uncomfortable... your advocacy, your opinions from the bench land as absolute disenfranchisement of their does land... this is hard and messy."
    (Tiran Steinbach, 05:23)

  • "Can you imagine how people would react if Sonia Sotomayor went to a law school and a bunch of right wing law students began screaming and yelling and cursing?"
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 11:28)

Insights:

Senator Cruz underscores the breakdown of respectful dialogue in academic settings, attributing the incident to left-wing activism and a failure to uphold free speech principles. He draws parallels to courtroom decorum, emphasizing that such behavior is unbecoming of future legal professionals.

2. The Federalist Society: Championing Conservative Legal Thought

Overview:
Cruz provides an in-depth explanation of the Federalist Society, its origins, and its role in shaping legal discourse in American law schools.

Key Details:

• Foundation and Purpose:
  Established in 1982 by students from prestigious law schools, the Federalist Society was created to challenge prevailing left-wing orthodoxy within legal academia.

  • "The Federalist Society is, is a group that was formed in 1982... to challenge the left wing orthodoxy."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 13:29)

• Influence and Reach:
  With chapters at over 200 law schools and a membership exceeding 70,000 practicing lawyers, the organization plays a pivotal role in hosting debates, conferences, and events that promote conservative and libertarian legal perspectives.

  • "I've been a member of the Federalist Society for 31 years... they often have debates... Antonin Scalia and Steve Breyer debate at a Federalist Society convention."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 13:29)

• Political Backlash:
  The society faces significant scrutiny from liberal factions, often being portrayed negatively in political arenas, such as during judicial confirmations.

  • "In the Senate Judiciary Committee, when a judge is nominated, the Democrats will ask, are you a member of the Federalist Society?"
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 13:29)

Insights:

Cruz emphasizes the Federalist Society's commitment to fostering robust legal debates and defending free speech. He criticizes liberal efforts to delegitimize the organization, attributing negative portrayals to political maneuvering rather than substantive critique.

3. President Biden's Federal Budget: An Activist Manifesto

Overview:
The conversation shifts to President Biden's proposed federal budget, which Senator Cruz vehemently criticizes as excessively inflated and ideologically driven.

Key Details:

• Budget Proposal:
  Biden's budget outlines nearly $7 trillion in spending for fiscal year 2024, aiming to tackle broad social issues but raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.

  • "Biden rolled out what he calls his budget and it is a left wing manifesto... $6.9 trillion in spending."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 24:46)

• Projected Debt and Taxation:
  The budget projects the national debt to surpass $50 trillion by 2033 and includes a $4.7 trillion increase in taxes, particularly targeting the oil and gas sector.

  • "He is proposing 4.7 trillion in new taxes... increase the business tax rate to 28%."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 24:46)

• Terminology and Priorities:
  Cruz highlights the prevalence of terms like "equity" and "climate" in the budget, suggesting that substantive issues like inflation and job creation receive minimal attention.

  • "The word equity appears... 63 times. The word climate, 148 times... issues that Americans actually care about: inflation mentioned just 10 times."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 26:21)

• Political Viability:
  Cruz asserts that the budget has a 0% chance of passing in a Republican-controlled House, viewing it as a political document rather than a feasible fiscal plan.

  • "The chances of it passing into law are 0%. It's a political document."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 26:21)

Insights:

Senator Cruz critiques the budget for its ideological focus and potential economic repercussions, including job losses and increased national debt. He underscores the disconnect between the administration's priorities and the immediate concerns of American citizens, framing the budget as a tool for political signaling rather than effective governance.

4. Leaked Classified Documents: Allegations Against the DOD

Overview:
The discussion transitions to allegations that a Biden administration official leaked classified information regarding Chinese spy balloons, aiming to deflect criticism of the administration's handling of national security threats.

Key Details:

• Incident Overview:
  Reports emerged that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colin Call, purportedly leaked information suggesting that the Trump administration was also unaware of Chinese spy balloons, attempting to equate and deflect criticism of Biden's response.

  • "It was Colin Call, who is a left wing activist... he omitted one really critical fact."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 32:24)

• Senate Response:
  A letter from Senators Roger Wicker and Marco Rubio accuses Call of misusing classified information for partisan purposes, highlighting inconsistencies in the administration's narrative.

  • "He deliberately either leaked or, or potentially declassified the documents."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 32:24)

• Character and Fitness Concerns:
  Cruz draws parallels between the misconduct of individuals like Call and the earlier Stanford Law School incident, arguing that such behavior undermines the integrity expected of public officials and future legal practitioners.

  • "Those Stanford law students are demonstrating they're unfit to carry that responsibility in the Defense Department."
    (Senator Ted Cruz, 36:00)

• Impunity and Systemic Issues:
  Cruz expresses skepticism about accountability, suggesting that entrenched political interests within the "deep state" protect individuals like Call from facing repercussions.

  • "I feel like I asked you this question far too often. Will he get in trouble for this leaking? This is still a hardcore no, because the same people are in charge of the deep state."
    (Ben Ferguson, 37:26)

Insights:

The allegations of leaked classified documents are presented as emblematic of broader systemic failures within the Biden administration. Cruz argues that partisan loyalty supersedes national security responsibilities, eroding trust in governmental institutions and compromising national integrity.

5. Closing Remarks and Positive Note

Overview:
The episode concludes on a lighter note with a feel-good story about golfer Scottie Scheffler, emphasizing the importance of family support and celebrating individual achievements.

Key Details:

• Scottie Scheffler's Victory:
  Scheffler wins the fifth major tournament, with his 88-year-old grandmother accompanying him throughout, showcasing intergenerational support and dedication.

  • "A Texan has won the fifth major, the players. His 88-year-old grandmother walked every single hole with him this week."
    (Ben Ferguson, 39:33)

Insights:

This heartwarming story serves as a counterbalance to the intense political discussions, highlighting the enduring values of family and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz navigate through a series of critical issues impacting American society and governance. From the unsettling suppression of judicial voices in academic settings to the contentious fiscal policies proposed by the Biden administration, and the alleged misuse of classified information for political gain, the discussion underscores the deepening political divisions and challenges to institutional integrity. The episode aptly blends serious discourse with moments of positivity, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the current political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "What happened this week at Stanford Law School was remarkable."
  (Senator Ted Cruz, 02:02)

• "This is a socialist budget. This is a budget to bankrupt America."
  (Senator Ted Cruz, 26:21)

• "You can't shoot down a balloon that you're not aware at the time it's there."
  (Senator Ted Cruz, 32:24)

• "You are training to be able to represent a client in front of a judge, even a judge you disagree with."
  (Senator Ted Cruz, 37:26)

Note:
This summary focuses solely on the core content of the podcast, omitting all advertisements, introductions, and non-relevant segments to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the episode's main discussions.