Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Blockbuster SCOTUS Cases plus Radical CDC Nominee-The Masking Queen
Release Date: July 5, 2023
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Duration: Approximately 51 minutes
Participants: Ben Shapiro, Senator Ted Cruz

1. Supreme Court Victories and Their Implications (00:01 - 07:26)

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by congratulating Senator Ted Cruz and the listeners on significant Supreme Court victories, emphasizing the importance of these decisions in upholding legal precedents. He states, “Elections have consequences. And we have had some elections that made a solid conservative Supreme Court. And now we're reaping the benefits of that” (00:01).

Ted Cruz echoes these sentiments by highlighting two major Supreme Court decisions related to student loan forgiveness and a religious liberty case from Colorado. He critiques President Biden's attempt to forgive student loans, describing it as “Joe Biden's blatantly illegal attempt to forgive student loans” and accuses the administration of using this policy to “buy a whole lot of votes” (02:01).

2. The Illegality of Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan (02:01 - 07:26)

Cruz delves deeper into the Supreme Court's decision in Biden vs. Nebraska, where the court struck down Biden's student loan forgiveness plan by a 6-3 vote. He argues that Biden overstepped his authority, stating, “the President cannot act contrary to federal law” (02:49).

In response to Biden's actions, Nancy Pelosi appears in a clip where she admits, “People think that the President of the United States has the power for debt forgiveness. He does not. He can postpone, he can delay, but he does not have that power” (03:05). Cruz praises Pelosi for this stance, noting it was unprecedented and asserting that it confirms the illegality of Biden’s plan (04:14).

Cruz shares his personal experience with student loans, emphasizing the long-term financial commitment he maintained, contrasting it with the administration's targeted relief to specific groups. He criticizes the Democrats for favoring “young lawyers and young doctors” over blue-collar workers who have diligently repaid their debts (06:07).

3. Democrats' Impact on Blue-Collar Workers and Education (07:26 - 13:00)

The discussion shifts to the broader impact of Democratic policies on blue-collar workers. Cruz argues that the student loan forgiveness plan unfairly benefits those who did not pay back their loans while punishing those who did. He describes this as a “reverse Robin Hood” approach, siphoning funds from hardworking individuals to favor the wealthy intelligentsia (07:38).

He further criticizes universities, labeling them as “entrenched pits of Marxism” and accuses them of promoting degrees that do not lead to sustainable employment. Cruz asserts that Democrats are neglecting the needs of truck drivers, steelworkers, and other blue-collar professionals in favor of ideological agendas (08:14).

4. Media Misrepresentation of Supreme Court Decisions (13:00 - 25:56)

Cruz introduces a significant Supreme Court case involving Laurie Smith, a website designer who refused to create a wedding website for a same-sex couple based on her religious beliefs. He criticizes media outlets like Axios for misrepresenting the case, stating, “If Axios were a first-year law student, this answer would earn an F” (30:53).

He contrasts this with the Supreme Court's actual ruling, which protected Smith’s First Amendment rights to not be compelled to convey messages she disagrees with. Cruz emphasizes that this decision upholds the principle that the government cannot force individuals to speak against their beliefs (31:34).

David Brooks from The New York Times is also criticized for his commentary on the case. Cruz describes Brooks as a “fake conservative” who undermines genuine conservative viewpoints, arguing that Brooks misrepresents the legal nuances of the case to align with liberal agendas (33:53).

5. Efforts to Undermine the Supreme Court (25:56 - 37:59)

The conversation shifts to broader attempts by Democrats to delegitimize the Supreme Court. Cruz accuses the party of advocating for “Supreme Court ethics reform” and term limits as veiled efforts to pack the court with more liberal justices. He warns that expanding the court from nine to thirteen justices would allow Democrats to “ram additional justices on board to control the outcome” (25:14).

He draws parallels to FDR’s court-packing attempt, labeling it as “profoundly dangerous” and underscores that true court-packing involves altering the number of justices for partisan gains, not simply filling vacancies (25:56).

6. The Radical CDC Nominee: Mandy Cohen (37:59 - 53:05)

Cruz criticizes President Biden’s nomination of Mandy Cohen as CDC Director, arguing that the position requires Senate confirmation due to its significant impact on public health and policy. He points out that historically, the CDC Director was not subject to Senate approval but a new law will require it starting January 2025. Cruz has introduced legislation to expedite this process, citing Cohen’s track record of advocating for strict shutdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic (41:40).

He provides excerpts from an interview with Cohen, highlighting her casual approach to implementing policies like banning professional football and enforcing mask mandates without proper oversight or accountability (45:35). Cruz emphasizes the importance of Senate confirmation to ensure that the CDC is led by a non-partisan, scientifically grounded leader rather than a partisan figure with a history of overreach.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action (53:05 - End)

Ben Shapiro and Ted Cruz wrap up the discussion by urging listeners to remain vigilant against Democratic attempts to undermine key institutions and to support policies that uphold constitutional principles. They emphasize the importance of holding elected officials accountable and maintaining the integrity of the Supreme Court and other governmental bodies.

Cruz encourages listeners to engage with their senators regarding the CDC nomination and other legislative matters, reinforcing the episode's central themes of legal integrity and political accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Shapiro (00:01): “Elections have consequences. And we have had some elections that made a solid conservative Supreme Court. And now we're reaping the benefits of that.”

• Ted Cruz (02:01): “Joe Biden's blatantly illegal attempt to forgive student loans.”

• Nancy Pelosi (03:05): “People think that the President of the United States has the power for debt forgiveness. He does not. He can postpone, he can delay, but he does not have that power.”

• Ted Cruz (07:38): “Democrats are taking care of two constituencies. Young people who they've convinced it's a good idea not to work and they don't have to pay their debts, and universities who are scamming young people.”

• Ted Cruz (25:14): “Packing the court means expanding the number of Justices in order to just ram your partisans on board. That's what the Democrats want to do. And it's profoundly dangerous.”

• Ted Cruz (45:35): “She is the masking queen... she just abuses her power.”

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a detailed analysis of recent Supreme Court decisions, critiquing Democratic policies and actions that, according to the hosts, undermine constitutional principles and favor partisan agendas. Key discussions revolve around the illegality of Biden’s student loan forgiveness, media misrepresentation of Supreme Court cases, efforts to delegitimize the judiciary, and concerns over the nomination of Mandy Cohen as CDC Director. Throughout the episode, Ben Shapiro and Ted Cruz advocate for maintaining the rule of law, protecting individual freedoms, and ensuring that governmental actions remain within constitutional boundaries.