Summary of "Ask Us Anything" Episode from The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Note: The provided transcript appears to be from a special episode titled "Verdict with Ted CR," featuring an interview between Michael Knowles and Senator Ted Cruz. This summary reflects the content of that conversation, aligning it with the overarching themes of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, which focuses on political news, policies, and the President's administration.

Introduction: Live Audience Engagement

In this special "Ask Us Anything" episode, host Michael Knowles engages in a candid, unscripted conversation with Senator Ted Cruz. The format centers around taking live questions from the audience via Twitter using the hashtag #Verdict, allowing for direct interaction and real-time responses to pressing political and social issues.

1. Overreach in Lockdown Measures

Discussion on Shelly Luther's Sentencing ([00:44] - [03:51])

The episode opens with a discussion about Shelly Luther, a hair salon owner sentenced to seven days in jail for operating her business during the coronavirus lockdown:

• Michael Knowles ([00:00]) introduces the topic, highlighting the controversial sentencing.

• Ted Cruz ([00:44]) criticizes the judge's decision, emphasizing that Shelly couldn't apologize for wanting to provide for her family. He states, "Elected officials don't have the right to demand of the people apologise to me. That's not the way it works in the United States" ([01:44]).

Implications of Overreach ([04:01] - [06:10])

Cruz expands on the issue, comparing the treatment of small businesses to the leniency shown towards violent criminals:

• He underscores the inconsistency in legal actions, noting, "You're releasing murderers, you're releasing rapists and child molesters. But God forbid you have a hairdresser" ([03:51]).

• The discussion highlights the balance between public health safety and maintaining economic livelihoods, advocating for common-sense measures rather than blanket restrictions.

2. Michael Flynn's Case and DOJ Conduct

Dropping the Flynn Case ([06:54] - [13:10])

The conversation shifts to the Department of Justice's decision to drop the case against Michael Flynn:

• Knowles ([06:54]) references the DOJ's latest move to drop charges against Flynn, questioning its implications for the Obama administration and political integrity.

• Cruz ([06:54]) decries the politicization of the DOJ under Obama, stating, "They were turned into political weapons" ([07:19]).

• He lauds Attorney General Bill Barr for "following the law and not letting this be just a partisan hammer" ([08:04]).

• Cruz criticizes FBI agent Peter Strzok's role, suggesting bias influenced the investigation's trajectory ([09:21]).

Political Ramifications ([12:05] - [13:10])

• Cruz ([12:05]) emphasizes the need for bipartisan support to address such issues, noting, "the deeper you go, the uglier it gets."

• The senator underscores the media's role in portraying the DOJ's actions as partisan, despite the evidence suggesting otherwise.

3. Emergency Powers and Constitutional Limits

Executive Authority During Crises ([13:26] - [18:00])

A listener, Rhinodino, raises questions about when executive powers during emergencies overstep constitutional boundaries:

• Knowles ([13:26]) articulates concerns about the government's overreach in imposing lockdowns.

• Cruz ([14:04]) discusses the balance between necessary public health measures and individual freedoms, citing examples like the shutdown of Shelly Luther's salon and other minor infractions leading to punitive actions.

• He argues for a nuanced approach, stating, "There is the authority to quarantine people... but we're seeing it cross the line every day" ([14:21]).

4. Addressing Chinese Influence in U.S. Education and Media

Confucius Institutes and Propaganda ([19:47] - [21:53])

Listener Aunt Betty inquires about removing Chinese Communist Party-sponsored programs from educational institutions:

• Cruz ([20:11]) details his legislative efforts to eliminate Confucius Institutes by restricting Department of Defense funding, resulting in the shutdown of over a dozen such institutes.

• He underscores the propagandistic role of these institutes, likening them to "drug dealers" offering "free samples" to infiltrate universities.

Media Propaganda ([21:53] - [23:45])

• Cruz ([21:53]) continues with examples of Chinese government propaganda, mentioning the Phoenix TV station in California and efforts to broadcast Chinese language content as a means of influencing American public opinion.

• He advocates for proactive legislative measures to prevent foreign government-controlled media from disseminating propaganda within the U.S.

5. Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plans

Stimulus Measures and Future Legislation ([23:45] - [44:37])

Listener Magoo questions the likelihood of additional economic stimulus packages to aid the unemployed:

• Cruz ([24:15]) outlines the four major stimulus bills passed in response to the crisis, totaling nearly $3 trillion.

• He criticizes Democrats for pushing partisan agendas alongside stimulus efforts, such as codifying the Green New Deal and altering election standards.

• Cruz ([26:40]) emphasizes the need to shift focus from borrowing and spending to fostering economic growth through tax and regulatory reforms, asserting, "Growth, growth, growth" ([44:06]).

• He presents historical contexts, referencing Reagan-era policies that spurred significant GDP growth, contrasting them with the current administration's approach.

6. Handling of COVID-19 by Governors

Comparative Analysis of Leadership ([27:53] - [35:26])

Listener Mahi raises concerns about Governor Andrew Cuomo's handling of the pandemic:

• Cruz ([27:53]) offers a balanced view, acknowledging that while Cuomo’s measures contributed to high death tolls in nursing homes, he fares slightly better than other Democratic governors like Bill de Blasio.

• He stresses the importance of collaboration over partisanship, advocating for solutions that address both public health and economic challenges.

Double Standards and Media Bias ([29:15] - [35:39])

• Cruz ([29:57]) criticizes the media for exposing their inherent bias, declaring, "Trump derangement syndrome" ([29:57]).

• He highlights perceived double standards in media coverage of different governors, noting unfair praise for Cuomo while castigating others.

7. National Debt and Economic Growth

Addressing the Growing Debt ([38:58] - [43:36])

Listener John James expresses concern over national debt levels:

• Cruz ([39:22]) acknowledges the severity of the debt crisis, attributing it to bipartisan excesses and lack of leadership.

• He proposes that economic growth, driven by tax and regulatory reforms, is essential to managing and reducing national debt, citing historical periods of robust growth under Reagan and Clinton administrations.

• Cruz ([44:37]) reiterates his belief in growth as the solution, emphasizing the need for policies that stimulate economic expansion to mitigate debt issues.

8. Emerging Issues: Cryptocurrency

Potential of Digital Currencies ([44:57] - [48:46])

A listener named Joe inquires about the implications of central banks issuing digital cryptocurrencies:

• Cruz ([45:02]) admits limited knowledge but expresses caution about government regulation of cryptocurrencies.

• He draws parallels to historical economic bubbles, referencing the tulip mania to illustrate the dangers of speculative investments and groupthink.

• Cruz ([47:10]) advocates for transparency and understanding in cryptocurrency markets to prevent financial instability.

9. Addressing Listeners' Concerns: Ending Restrictions and Employment

Practical Steps for Workers ([48:46] - [52:52])

Listener CB, a waitress frustrated with lockdown restrictions, seeks advice on ending restrictions:

• Cruz ([49:35]) acknowledges the complexity due to varying state regulations, urging common-sense approaches tailored to local infection rates.

• He highlights Texas as an example where gradual reopening has been implemented successfully, encouraging listeners to advocate for balanced measures that protect public health without crippling livelihoods.

10. Final Remarks and Technical Difficulties

Closing the Episode ([52:52] - [60:05])

The episode concludes with light-hearted interactions and technical glitches:

• Cruz ([59:37]) and Knowles ([59:54]) engage in humorous banter about audio issues, attributing them to potential Chinese interference, aligning with their earlier criticisms of Chinese government actions.

• They wrap up the session by thanking listeners and indicating that many questions remain unanswered, promising to address them in future episodes.

Notable Quotes Highlighted with Timestamps

• Ted Cruz ([01:44]): "Elected officials don't have the right to demand of the people apologize to me. That's not the way it works in the United States."

• Cruz ([08:04]): "I commend Bill Barr. What Bill Barr has done, frankly, takes backbone because the media is savaging him because he came in as Attorney General and said he was going to follow the law and there was going to be accountability."

• Cruz ([14:21]): "There is the authority to quarantine people... but we're seeing it cross the line every day."

• Cruz ([44:06]): "Growth, growth, growth."

• Cruz ([29:57]): "They twitch and foam at the mouth and anything he does, look, there are things that Trump does that I wish he didn't do."

• Cruz ([47:10]): "There's no magic rule on it."

Conclusion

This "Ask Us Anything" episode delves deep into critical issues affecting America during the coronavirus pandemic, ranging from governmental overreach and economic policies to foreign influence and media bias. Through incisive dialogue, Senator Ted Cruz and host Michael Knowles provide listeners with a robust analysis of current events, advocating for constitutional integrity, economic growth, and national sovereignty. The episode underscores the importance of informed debate and active engagement in shaping the nation's response to unprecedented challenges.