The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – March 8, 2023

Hosted by Ben Ferguson and Featuring Senator Ted Cruz

1. Victory Over Biden’s FCC Nomination of Gigi Sohn

Timestamp: [00:01 - 08:52]

Ben Ferguson opens the episode by discussing a significant political victory: the withdrawal of President Biden's nominee, Gigi Sohn, for the position of Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Senator Ted Cruz elaborates on why Sohn's nomination was problematic, highlighting her long-standing left-wing activism and perceived bias against conservative voices.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:55]:
  “Gigi Sohn has been a left-wing activist her entire life. She is a hardcore activist. She had repeatedly denounced Fox News as an enemy to democracy, as a threat to democracy.”

• Senator Ted Cruz [05:13]:
  “She is a partisan advocate, and Biden was giving in to the radical left by trying to name her to the FCC because I believe he wanted to use government power to silence conservative voters.”

Cruz details Sohn's support for the group "Fighting for Our Future," which attacked both Republican and Democratic senators, demonstrating her partisan stance. He underscores the unity of the Republican senators in opposing Sohn's nomination, ultimately leading to the White House's decision to withdraw her nomination. This move is celebrated as a collective triumph for free speech and bipartisan cooperation.

• Senator Ted Cruz [09:12]:
  “We held all the R's together, but we also picked off several D's. That was a big victory for free speech today.”

Ben Ferguson commends the collaborative effort and acknowledges the podcast's role in shedding light on Sohn's qualifications, reinforcing the importance of exposing unqualified nominees.

2. Hostage Situation in Mexico: Four Americans Kidnapped, Two Killed

Timestamp: [09:54 - 22:34]

The discussion shifts to a harrowing incident where four Americans were taken hostage in Mexico, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Ferguson criticizes the Biden administration's minimal response, pointing out the lack of substantial action or communication from the White House.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [11:50]:
  “The White House was asked about what is the President doing and saying? And the White House press secretary, all she had to offer the American people and these hostages was this. Thank you.”

• Senator Ted Cruz [12:20]:
  “I really wish we had a commander in chief. That reaction is pitiful. Anyone who kills an American citizen should face serious consequences, should be held to account.”

Cruz attributes the crisis to President Biden’s border policies, arguing that the halt of the border wall construction, reinstatement of "catch and release," and withdrawal from the "Remain in Mexico" policy have empowered Mexican drug cartels. He provides alarming statistics on the surge in cartel profits and the associated increase in violence and drug trafficking into the United States.

• Senator Ted Cruz [15:09]:
  “Their profits went up 2,600%. $13 billion, by the way, of that money, roughly half the money they make is from human trafficking.”

The conversation highlights the administration's inadequate funding for resolving the hostage situation and contrasts it with the substantial aid provided to other international crises, emphasizing the neglect of American citizens' safety.

• Ben Ferguson [22:23]:
  “We're sending far more than that to people in Ukraine. That is, again, shows you just how low the American people are on the priority list of this White House.”

Cruz further criticizes the Biden administration's leadership, describing President Biden as "unbelievably weak" and attributing the worsening border crisis directly to his policies.

3. Dr. Fauci’s Alleged Deception on COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory

Timestamp: [22:40 - 33:13]

Ferguson brings attention to new emails suggesting that Dr. Anthony Fauci commissioned a scientific paper in February 2020 to debunk the Wuhan lab leak theory of COVID-19's origin. Senator Cruz condemns Fauci for allegedly misleading the public and obstructing accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [25:46]:
  “We know not one, but two agencies in the Biden administration admit what was obvious three years ago, which is that Covid likely escaped from a Chinese government lab.”

• Senator Ted Cruz [29:48]:
  “Dr. Fauci was a deliberate liar. He knew he was lying. He was willing to put politics above science and medicine.”

Cruz discusses how Fauci allegedly influenced the publication of a paper in Nature Medicine that deemed the lab leak theory "improbable," despite later admissions by government agencies supporting the theory. He accuses Fauci of orchestrating deception to align public perception with political narratives.

• Senator Ted Cruz [31:30]:
  “Anthony Fauci was a deliberate liar. He knew he was lying. He was willing to put politics above science and medicine.”

Ferguson and Cruz express skepticism about any forthcoming accountability, pointing to Attorney General Merrick Garland's inaction and describing both Garland and Fauci as damaging figures who have eroded public trust.

• Senator Ted Cruz [30:40]:
  “Under our Constitution, there's one person and one person only on the face of the planet that can bring federal criminal charges. His name is Merrick Garland.”

The segment underscores the belief that governmental transparency and responsibility have been compromised, leaving the American public distrustful and demanding justice.

4. January 6th Committee’s Alleged Manipulation of Evidence

Timestamp: [33:13 - 47:34]

The conversation turns to the January 6th Capitol riot, focusing on allegations that the House Select Committee manipulated video evidence and conducted a partisan investigation. Senator Cruz criticizes the committee as a "kangaroo court" orchestrated by Nancy Pelosi to push a specific political agenda.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [35:41]:
  “This is the guy ran the January 6th committee. He's saying, we didn't. We didn't change any video. Except when you see the raw video. It's very clear that the January 6th committee... selectively edited clips.”

• Senator Ted Cruz [36:14]:
  “The January 6th committee in the House of Representatives was a kangaroo court. It was designed to be a political circus.”

Cruz details how the committee excluded Republican members who would have provided balanced scrutiny, allowing only Democrats and compliant Republicans to participate. He draws parallels to a criminal trial, emphasizing the absence of a fair cross-examination process.

• Senator Ted Cruz [37:14]:
  “There are thousands upon thousands of peaceful protesters who exercised their First Amendment rights. Those that committed crimes of violence can be held accountable.”

The discussion highlights new footage released by Tucker Carlson that purportedly contradicts the committee's narrative, showcasing discrepancies in witness testimonies and questioning the integrity of the investigation.

• Senator Ted Cruz [41:17]:
  “Anyone on January 6th who committed a crime of violence should be prosecuted and go to jail. But anyone who engaged in peaceful protests... they exercised their First Amendment rights.”

Cruz also raises concerns about Ray Epps, a figure linked to the protests, suggesting possible entrapment by federal agents. He criticizes the Department of Justice and FBI for their lack of transparency and accountability in addressing these issues.

• Senator Ted Cruz [44:50]:
  “We deserve to know what actually happened that day, and they deserve to know what the precise level of culpability the federal government bears in the criminal conduct.”

The segment concludes with a call for a more transparent and balanced investigation, free from political bias, to ensure justice and truth prevail.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz engage in a robust discussion on pressing political issues, emphasizing themes of accountability, transparency, and the defense of conservative values. From thwarting an unqualified FCC nominee to critiquing the Biden administration's policies and the integrity of federal investigations, the conversation underscores a commitment to exposing perceived governmental overreach and advocating for the protection of American interests.

Key Takeaways:

• Political Accountability: The importance of holding nominees and officials accountable for their actions and policies.
• Border Security: Criticism of current border policies contributing to increased cartel activity and jeopardizing American lives.
• Transparency in Science: Allegations against Dr. Fauci for purportedly misleading the public regarding COVID-19 origins.
• Fair Investigations: Concerns over the January 6th committee's impartiality and the need for unbiased investigations.

This episode serves as a call to action for listeners to stay informed, support transparent governance, and uphold the principles of free speech and justice.