The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary

Release Date: January 27, 2024

Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Producer: Premiere Networks

1. Biden's Supreme Court Showdown with Texas Over the Southern Border

Overview: The episode opens with a heated discussion about President Joe Biden's legal confrontation with the state of Texas concerning border security. The Supreme Court recently ruled in a narrow 5-4 decision to allow the Biden administration to remove razor wire installed by Texas near Eagle Pass, Texas. This decision has stirred significant controversy, especially among Texas conservatives who view it as an infringement on state sovereignty.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Decision:
  The Supreme Court vacated an injunction that previously halted the Biden administration from removing Texas-installed razor wire. Senator Cruz criticizes the decision, highlighting the involvement of conservative justices like John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett siding with the liberal majority.
  [00:01] Ben Ferguson: "Why did the Supreme Court actually go with the Biden administration?"
  [01:45] Senator Ted Cruz: "This is a horrible decision. I'm angry about it. It is deeply disturbing..."

• Illegal Immigration Concerns:
  Senator Cruz emphasizes the surge in illegal immigration under Biden's tenure, citing a figure of 9.6 million illegal crossings. He asserts that the Biden administration and Democrats are deliberately facilitating this influx.
  [01:45] Senator Ted Cruz: "9.6 million illegal immigrants have crossed under Joe Biden. It is deliberate. He wants this to happen."

• Supreme Court's Role and State Rights:
  Cruz expresses frustration that the Supreme Court, traditionally seen as a conservative bastion, sided with the Biden administration, undermining Texas' efforts to secure its southern border.
  [01:45] Senator Ted Cruz: "John Roberts is a creature of Washington. I don't think he understands what is happening at the southern border."

• Impact on Border Patrol:
  A statement from the Border Patrol union was discussed, highlighting the practical implications of the court's decision, which may divert resources from targeting criminal elements to handling increased illegal crossings.
  [03:15] Senator Ted Cruz: "The Border Patrol union put out today is going to undoubtedly encourage more illegal immigration."

• Future Litigation:
  The legal battle is ongoing, with Cruz suggesting that the merits of the case could still favor Texas, although the process may take years.
  [08:09] Senator Ted Cruz: "Potentially years. It could take a long time."

2. Chinese Donations to the Penn Biden Center: Implications and Concerns

Overview: The conversation shifts to the University of Pennsylvania, home to the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in donations from Chinese entities, raising questions about potential influence and connections to the Biden family.

Key Points:

• Surge in Chinese Donations:
  From 2021 to 2022, the Penn Biden Center received $8.6 million from Chinese sources, tripling to $25 million between mid-2022 and mid-2023. Over five years, nearly $130 million was amassed from China.
  [09:24] Senator Ted Cruz: "From 2021 to 2022, Penn received $8.6 million from Communist China... between mid-2018 and mid-2023, nearly $130 million."

• Connection to the Biden Family:
  Cruz links these donations to the Biden family's financial dealings with China, suggesting that the increased funding to Penn is a conduit for enriching the Biden family and influencing policy.
  [11:06] Senator Ted Cruz: "We know that Hunter Biden and the Biden family made millions of dollars from communist China."

• Media Coverage Gap:
  The Senator laments the lack of mainstream media attention on this issue, noting that only outlets like Fox Business have reported on it.
  [11:06] Ben Ferguson: "There's really no one that's covering this story... the rest of the media silent on this."

• Potential for Influence Peddling:
  Donations from entities advising the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are highlighted as attempts to buy influence within the Penn Biden Center, raising ethical and legal concerns.
  [12:17] Senator Ted Cruz: "They are clearly trying to buy influence at Penn. And nobody gives that kind of money for nothing."

• Legislative Response:
  Cruz discusses his legislative efforts to curb Chinese influence in U.S. universities through the prohibition of Department of Defense funds for institutions hosting Confucius Institutes. He advocates for enhanced federal scrutiny of Chinese donations to educational institutions.
  [14:38] Senator Ted Cruz: "There needs to be a serious investigation. There needs to be enhanced federal scrutiny of universities that are on the take from Communist China."

3. The Hard Road of a Presidential Campaign: Insights from Senator Ted Cruz

Overview: The final segment delves into the emotional and strategic challenges of presidential campaigns, with a focus on Nikki Haley's continued participation in the GOP nomination race despite obstacles.

Key Points:

• Campaign Suspension Reflections:
  Senator Cruz shares personal experiences about suspending a campaign, likening it to a funeral due to the deep emotional investment of campaign staff and supporters.
  [18:32] Senator Ted Cruz: "It is like a funeral... there's nothing else in life like when you are on a campaign, it is 100% of your will and your heart..."

• Nikki Haley's Candidacy:
  The discussion addresses why Nikki Haley remains in the race, with Cruz expressing skepticism about her chances beyond early primary states like New Hampshire. He predicts a dominant lead for Donald Trump, making it difficult for Haley to gain traction in later states.
  [19:58] Senator Ted Cruz: "From there, I don't think there's any path beyond final question."

• Endorsements and Media Influence:
  Cruz recounts how endorsements from prominent Republicans like Rick Perry and Lindsey Graham bolstered his campaign, contrasting it with the media's preference for Trump, which he believes undermined other candidates.
  [23:10] Senator Ted Cruz: "They wanted Hillary to win... Now, they've got four years of Donald Trump as president."

• Advice for Campaigners Post-Loss:
  Offering guidance to candidates who suspend their campaigns, Cruz advises taking time to unplug, recharge with family, and refocus on their primary roles, such as his own duties representing Texas in the Senate.
  [26:47] Senator Ted Cruz: "I had a period where I was just kind of in a funk... pouring yourself into the fight and into the work is, I think, a really important part of coming out of it."

• Debate Participation Concerns:
  Cruz speculates on President Biden's approach to debates, suggesting that the administration might try to minimize his public appearances or rely on medication to maintain alertness during debates, thereby limiting Biden's effectiveness on the campaign stage.
  [17:14] Senator Ted Cruz: "If he is the nominee, will debate... they'll pump him full of a bunch of drugs and try to make him alert."

Conclusion

The episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive analysis of critical political issues affecting the United States. From the contentious Supreme Court decision empowering the Biden administration's border policies to the alarming rise in Chinese donations to institutions linked to President Biden, Senator Ted Cruz delivers a robust critique of current political dynamics. Additionally, the discussion on the rigors of presidential campaigns offers valuable insights into the strategic maneuvers and emotional tolls experienced by candidates. This episode underscores the complexities of federal-state relations, international influence in academia, and the relentless nature of political campaigns as the nation moves closer to the election cycle.

For a more in-depth exploration of these topics, listeners are encouraged to download and listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app or their preferred podcast platform.