The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: "Another Trump Assassination Attempt-These Security Failures MUST STOP"

Release Date: September 16, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

1. Introduction and Overview of the Second Assassination Attempt (00:01 - 03:27)

The episode opens with Ben Ferguson expressing disbelief and concern over the occurrence of a second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump within a mere 64 days. Joining him is Senator Ted Cruz, who underscores the gravity of the situation.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:23]: "Thank God President Trump is okay. Amen."

Senator Cruz details the first assassination attempt, where an assailant fired several shots, resulting in one death and two injuries, nearly hitting Trump by half an inch. The recent attempt involved a sniper with a high-powered rifle approaching within 300 to 500 yards—a proximity that highlights severe security lapses.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:23]: "For this to happen twice, twice in 64 days is an incredible indictment of the security that is being provided right now to President Trump."

2. Sheriff's Report on the Second Assassination Attempt (06:53 - 09:11)

Senator Cruz introduces Sheriff Rick Bradshaw, who provides a detailed account of the second assassination attempt. Sheriff Bradshaw explains that the attempt was intercepted swiftly by the Secret Service, which apprehended the suspect before any shots could be fired at Trump.

Notable Quote:

• Sheriff Rick Bradshaw [06:53]: "The Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job... the individual took off, and we have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect."

3. Analysis of Security Failures and Calls for Enhanced Protection (09:11 - 16:03)

Ben Ferguson criticizes the Secret Service's current protection measures, emphasizing that the assailant's proximity was unnervingly close—comparable to being on a golf course fairway. He argues that such security lapses are unacceptable and calls for immediate action to bolster Trump's protection.

Notable Quote:

• Ben Ferguson [09:11]: "That is unacceptable on so many different levels."

Senator Cruz corroborates this sentiment, highlighting that a trained sniper could have easily succeeded from that range. He urges the Biden administration, specifically Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, to reinstate full presidential security for Trump ahead of the impending election.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [10:00]: "The Secret Service leadership is still not doing what it takes to protect President Trump."

4. Senator Blumenthal's Statement and Secret Service Accountability (19:19 - 32:30)

Following an advertisement segment, the discussion resumes with insights into Senator Richard Blumenthal's stance. Blumenthal expresses profound disappointment in the Secret Service's handling of Trump's security, promising a forthcoming report that will reveal significant failures and communication breakdowns.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Richard Blumenthal [19:19]: "I think they also ought to be appalled and astonished by the failure of the Department of Homeland Security to be more forthcoming... We have an urgency, we have an imperative to get the facts and make them public."

Senator Cruz critiques the Secret Service Acting Director's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, accusing the agency of political bias and inadequate responses to security requests. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability within the Secret Service.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [32:30]: "Now, it is a sense of a complete lack of accountability... the Biden Harris administration should announce that they are assigning a full presidential Secret Service detail to Donald J. Trump."

5. Media Coverage and Rhetoric Contributing to Risks (36:31 - 37:44)

Ben Ferguson shifts focus to the media's role in exacerbating tensions through inflammatory rhetoric against Trump. He cites instances from MSNBC where Trump is blamed for stoking domestic terrorism, with some commentators even comparing him to historical dictators like Hitler.

Notable Quote:

• Ben Ferguson [36:31]: "This is the rhetoric that's on TV right now... implying that the problem is Donald Trump exposing himself to assassins."

Senator Cruz agrees, attributing the assassination attempts partly to the vilifying language used by media outlets, which can incite individuals to extreme actions.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [37:44]: "That kind of vicious rhetoric bears fruit... it increases the chances that some lunatic is going to act on that."

6. Conclusion and Call for Unity (40:14 - 40:14)

In closing, Senator Cruz shares a moment of gratitude, thanking divine protection for Trump and all leaders, regardless of political affiliation. He underscores the importance of safeguarding democracy by preventing violent disruptions during elections.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Ted Cruz [40:14]: "This is the ultimate affront to democracy... I'm grateful for God's protection over our nation. This is a time, especially when we need to be one nation under God."

Ben Ferguson concludes by promising continued coverage of the evolving security situation, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged.

Key Takeaways:

• Repeated Security Lapses: Two assassination attempts on Donald Trump within two months reveal significant failures in the Secret Service's protective measures.

• Political Accountability: Senator Cruz criticizes the Secret Service's leadership, attributing the lapses to potential partisan bias and inadequate resource allocation.

• Media's Role: Inflammatory rhetoric in the media is identified as a contributing factor to the heightened risks of political violence.

• Call for Action: Immediate reinstatement of full presidential protection for Trump is demanded to ensure the integrity of the upcoming election and the safety of public officials.

• Need for Transparency: Senator Blumenthal emphasizes the urgency of uncovering and addressing the underlying failures within the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service.

Note: This summary omits advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive discussions and insights presented in the episode.