The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Border Madness & Gun Ignorance
Release Date: January 20, 2023
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson sits down with Senator Ted Cruz to delve into pressing national issues surrounding immigration and gun control. Despite Ben’s personal challenges, including his father's hospitalization in Memphis, the conversation remains focused and incisive, offering listeners a thorough examination of current policies and their ramifications.
Border Issues: Biden Administration’s Approach
President Biden’s Border Strategy: Senator Cruz opens the discussion by critiquing President Joe Biden’s recent actions at the southern border. He states, “[Joe Biden has] done more in the last few days on our southern border than he has the entirety of his presidency” but immediately qualifies this by labeling all of Biden’s actions as detrimental. He elaborates on Biden’s visit to El Paso, noting that prior to the President’s arrival, illegal immigrants were forcibly removed from the streets to create a sanitized environment for what Cruz describes as a “photo op” (00:55).
Political Maneuvering: Cruz emphasizes the political theater surrounding Biden’s border visit, mentioning that “Karine Jean Pierre said Biden did not meet or speak to or see a single illegal immigrant when he was there” (03:19). He argues that this disconnect highlights Biden’s failure to address the ongoing border crisis effectively.
Critique of the Biden Administration’s Policies: Cruz asserts that under Biden’s presidency, “5.3 million people have crossed illegally,” framing this as a deliberate policy choice rather than an inadvertent consequence. He accuses the administration of favoring “open borders” and collaborating with Mexico’s leftist President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), who Cruz claims is complicit in cartel activities.
Declaration of North America DNA: The conversation shifts to the White House’s “Declaration of North America DNA,” which Cruz interprets as embodying leftist ideologies such as diversity, equity, inclusion, climate change, and regional security, but notably excludes any mention of combating cartels or drug trafficking (06:25). He criticizes this omission, highlighting the administration’s lack of focus on tangible border security measures.
Media and Political Manipulation
Media’s Role in Shaping Narratives: Cruz contends that the corporate media is complicit in the Biden administration’s agenda, stating, “They [the media] are counting on them not to tell the stories, not to Tell the truth” (16:56). He accuses the media of ignoring or downplaying the administration’s failures to manage illegal immigration effectively.
El Paso Clean-Up Operation: Highlighting a specific incident, Cruz describes how the Biden administration orchestrated a street clean-up in El Paso shortly before the President’s visit to eliminate visible signs of the border crisis, thereby manipulating public perception (17:00). He presents this as evidence of the administration’s intent to obscure the severity of the situation.
Gun Control: The Illinois Assault Weapons Ban
State-Level Gun Legislation: Transitioning to gun control, Cruz discusses Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent implementation of a ban on all semi-automatic weapons, including AR15s. He criticizes the legislation as a step towards “gun confiscation” and highlights the inadequate understanding of firearms by some proponents, citing a segment where Geraldo Rivera incorrectly identifies the AR15 as an “automatic rifle” (23:33).
Enforcement and Legal Challenges: Cruz notes that sheriffs in 80 Illinois counties are refusing to enforce the assault weapons ban, labeling it unconstitutional (28:08). He underscores the potential consequences for residents who fail to comply, including fines and felony charges (28:31).
Impact on Public Safety: Linking stringent gun laws to increased crime rates, Cruz argues that disarming law-abiding citizens leaves only criminals armed, exacerbating violence in cities like Chicago. He asserts, “In Chicago the gun control laws have succeeded in disarming the law abiding citizens” while criminals remain armed, leading to higher murder rates (29:07).
Legislative Action and Second Amendment Defense
Senator Cruz’s Advocacy: Cruz shares his proactive stance against gun registries and his commitment to defending the Second Amendment. He recounts his involvement in the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller case, which affirmed the individual right to bear arms, and his ongoing efforts to counteract restrictive gun laws (34:46).
Legislative Solutions: Proposing practical solutions, Cruz emphasizes focusing on criminals and mental health rather than law-abiding citizens. He advocates for measures that prevent gun access to dangerous individuals while preserving the rights of responsible gun owners (40:18).
Conservative Victories and Future Outlook
House Speakership Battle: Cruz reflects on recent victories within the Republican Party, particularly the successful fight for a conservative majority in various House committees. He highlights the strategic concessions extracted during the House speakership battle, which will empower conservatives to challenge Democratic policies more effectively (41:31).
Optimism for Future Policy Battles: Expressing optimism, Cruz believes that these victories will pave the way for significant conservative achievements in the Senate and the House, ultimately aiming to reclaim the White House in future elections. He underscores the importance of principled leadership and steadfast opposition to liberal agendas (46:03).
Conclusion
The episode wraps up on a positive note, celebrating the strategic triumphs within the Republican Party and the potential for ongoing conservative successes. Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz encourage listeners to remain engaged, support conservative candidates, and continue the fight against what they perceive as the Biden administration’s flawed policies on immigration and gun control.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz: “Joe Biden has done more in the last few days on our southern border than he has the entirety of his presidency.” [00:55]
- Senator Ted Cruz: “They [the media] are counting on them not to tell the stories, not to Tell the truth.” [16:56]
- Senator Ted Cruz: “They want to confiscate as many firearms as they can... that is deliberate.” [22:09]
- Senator Ted Cruz: “The Democrats don't want that. They want to disarm you, the law-abiding citizen.” [15:51]
This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz, highlighting their perspectives on the Biden administration’s immigration policies and the ongoing gun control debates. The episode offers listeners a partisan viewpoint, enriched with specific examples and direct quotes to underscore the hosts' arguments.