Podcast Summary: Are We Going to War With Russia?

Podcast Information:

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode: Are We Going to War With Russia?
• Release Date: February 15, 2022

Introduction

In the episode titled "Are We Going to War With Russia?", Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling discussion with Senator Ted Cruz on the escalating tensions between the United States and Russia. The conversation delves into the Biden administration's policies, the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the broader implications of potential military conflict. Through incisive questions and expert commentary, Ferguson and Cruz provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape shaping America's future.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Potential for War with Russia
2. Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Controversy
3. Biden Administration's Foreign Policy
4. Bipartisan Efforts and Legislative Actions
5. Media's Role and Public Perception
6. Senate Dynamics and Filibuster Strategies
7. Implications for NATO and European Security
8. Future Strategies to Prevent Conflict

1. Potential for War with Russia

Michael Knowles initiates the conversation with two critical questions for Senator Ted Cruz:

• "Are we going to war with Russia?"
• "Should we go to war with Russia?"

Ted Cruz responds succinctly:

• [00:49] "Question number one, I hope not. But what Biden is doing is a mess."
• [01:04] "Question number two. Absolutely not. So on the question of should we send American soldiers into Ukraine to defend Ukraine, hell, no is my answer to that."

Cruz emphasizes that military intervention in Ukraine is nonsensical and criticizes the Biden administration's approach as fundamentally flawed.

2. Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Controversy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which aims to transport natural gas from Russia directly to Germany, bypassing Ukraine.

Cruz provides a historical perspective:

• [02:00] "Putin wants to rebuild the Soviet Union... Ukraine was a very important part of the Soviet Union. Putin wants it back."
• [03:19] "Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline... built to go from Russia straight to Germany, and it skips Ukraine."

He recounts his legislative efforts to halt the pipeline:

• [04:15] "I introduced legislation to stop it... It passes the House, it passes the Senate. Donald Trump signs it into law."
• [05:10] "Biden waived the sanctions on Nord Stream 2... allowed Putin to finish building the pipeline."

Cruz argues that Biden's actions effectively empowered Putin to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and European energy security.

3. Biden Administration's Foreign Policy

The conversation critiques President Biden's foreign policy, particularly his handling of Russia and Ukraine.

Cruz asserts:

• [06:00] "Joe Biden gave that pipeline to Putin... It's because of Biden's telegraphed weakness."
• [06:27] "Now, Democrats can decide... Do you want to sanction Russia, or give billions to Putin?"

Cruz highlights a bipartisan divide, noting that some Democrats from vulnerable states supported sanctions but ultimately faced filibusters.

4. Bipartisan Efforts and Legislative Actions

Cruz reflects on past bipartisan efforts to address the Nord Stream 2 issue:

• [07:28] "We win the vote 55 to 44. So we get a significant bipartisan majority. We get six Democrats who vote with us."
• [07:33] "But the Democrats filibustered it. They demanded 60 votes."

This section underscores the challenges of passing significant foreign policy legislation in a polarized Senate.

5. Media's Role and Public Perception

The discussion touches on the media's portrayal of foreign policy issues and public awareness.

Cruz criticizes the media:

• [10:49] "The media does no work. No one in the media will cover this stuff."
• [11:10] "Places like the New York Times are supposed to do it, but they don't."

He emphasizes the need for alternative media outlets like the Daily Wire to provide truthful reporting on these critical issues.

6. Senate Dynamics and Filibuster Strategies

Cruz delves into the Senate's procedural hurdles, particularly the filibuster, which he claims is being used inconsistently.

[07:28] "Six Democrats supported us, but it didn't pass because the Democrats filibustered it."

• [07:33] "They demand 60 votes despite previously opposing the filibuster."

This inconsistency is presented as a significant barrier to effective legislative action.

7. Implications for NATO and European Security

The conversation explores the broader implications of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline on NATO and European security.

Cruz warns:

• [13:00] "Russia is demanding things like pull troops out of Poland, pull troops out of the Baltics, pull troops out of NATO."
• [14:00] "Biden is a graduate of the Neville Chamberlain school of Foreign Affairs. That doesn't work."

He suggests that Biden's policies could lead to NATO's weakening and increased Russian aggression.

8. Future Strategies to Prevent Conflict

In concluding segments, Cruz outlines potential strategies to counter Russian aggression without resorting to war.

Cruz recommends:

• [14:52] "We could sanction and stop Nord Stream 2 tomorrow."
• [15:00] "Provide lethal military weapons to the Ukrainians... giving them the tools to defend themselves."

He argues for robust support to Ukraine while avoiding direct military confrontation, positioning sanctions and aid as viable alternatives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:49] Ted Cruz: "Question number one, I hope not. But what Biden is doing is a mess."
• [01:04] Ted Cruz: "Question number two. Absolutely not. So on the question of should we send American soldiers into Ukraine to defend Ukraine, hell, no is my answer to that."
• [03:19] Ted Cruz: "Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline... built to go from Russia straight to Germany, and it skips Ukraine."
• [07:28] Ted Cruz: "We win the vote 55 to 44. So we get a significant bipartisan majority. We get six Democrats who vote with us."
• [10:49] Ted Cruz: "The media does no work. No one in the media will cover this stuff."
• [14:52] Ted Cruz: "We could sanction and stop Nord Stream 2 tomorrow."

Conclusion

The episode "Are We Going to War With Russia?" offers a thorough examination of the complex relationship between the United States and Russia, highlighting the pivotal role of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in escalating tensions. Through Senator Ted Cruz's insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the Biden administration's foreign policy missteps, the legislative challenges in the Senate, and the critical need for alternative media narratives. The discussion underscores the importance of strategic sanctions and support for Ukraine as means to prevent military conflict, advocating for a balanced approach to safeguarding American interests and maintaining global stability.

Additional Insights

• Language and Politics: The conversation briefly touches on the significance of terminology, such as the proper use of "Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine," illustrating how language can influence political perceptions and alliances.

• Impeachment References: Cruz references past impeachment efforts related to Ukraine, emphasizing his stance on holding leaders accountable for foreign policy decisions that jeopardize national security.

• Cultural Commentary: The dialogue extends into cultural domains, with mentions of prominent conservative figures like Ben Shapiro, Steven Crowder, and Joe Rogan, highlighting their roles in shaping public discourse on foreign policy and domestic issues.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a critical analysis of current geopolitical tensions, offering listeners informed perspectives on preventing war through diplomatic and legislative measures. Ben Ferguson and Ted Cruz's dialogue provides valuable insights into the intersection of politics, media, and international relations, making it a must-listen for those seeking to understand the intricacies of America's stance on Russia and the broader implications for global peace and security.