Summary of Episode: Congress Grills NPR, a Filibuster Showdown & Behind the Tariffs Week In Review

Podcast Information:

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Description: Hosted by national radio figure Ben Ferguson, the podcast delves into the latest news and political headlines, emphasizing the President's administration, policies, and agenda. It features unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and candid commentary, providing listeners with behind-the-scenes perspectives on issues shaping America.
• Episode Title: Congress Grills NPR, a Filibuster Showdown & Behind the Tariffs Week In Review
• Release Date: April 5, 2025

1. Congress Grills NPR and PBS CEOs

Overview: The episode opens with Ben Ferguson discussing a congressional hearing where the CEOs of NPR and PBS were questioned about government funding. Ferguson criticizes their performance, labeling them as arrogant and out of touch with reality.

Key Points:

• CEOs’ Arrogance: Ferguson highlights how NPR CEO Catherine Marr and PBS CEO appeared disconnected during their testimony. He draws parallels to Ivy League presidents who lost their positions after similar confrontations.

  “Catherine Marr is arrogant, drippingly arrogant. She is hard left.” [Timestamp: ~10:15]

• Catherine Marr’s Background: Marr’s extensive affiliations with organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations, UNICEF, and the Atlantic Council are scrutinized to suggest a left-leaning bias.

  “She worked for UNICEF. She worked for the National Democratic Institute. She worked for the World Bank and Access Now.” [Timestamp: ~12:30]

• Interaction with Brandon Gill: Ferguson recounts the exchange between Marr and freshman Texas House member Brandon Gill, emphasizing Marr’s inability to recall her previous statements on reparations and white supremacy.

  “Do you believe that America is addicted to white supremacy? I believe that.” - Catherine Marr [Timestamp: ~15:45]

  “Oh, crap. What?” - Ben Ferguson reacting to Marr’s confusion [Timestamp: ~16:00]

• Impact of the Hearing: Ferguson argues that the CEOs’ defensiveness reflects a broader issue within media organizations, suggesting they view themselves as propaganda machines rather than unbiased news sources.

  “She is someone charged with spending millions of taxpayer dollars running what is a left-wing propaganda network.” [Timestamp: ~18:20]

Conclusion: Ferguson concludes that the congressional grilling exposed the CEOs' disconnection from their audiences and undermined trust in these media institutions.

2. Filibuster Showdown: Cory Booker Breaks the Record

Overview: Ben Ferguson shifts focus to a historic filibuster by Senator Cory Booker, who surpassed the longstanding record held by Strom Thurmond. Ferguson compares Booker’s motives and impact to his own previous filibuster.

Key Points:

• Booker’s Filibuster Details: Booker spoke for 25 hours and 4 minutes, breaking Strom Thurmond’s 24 hours and 18 minutes record set during the 1957 Civil Rights Act filibuster.

  “Cory Booker has now set the record for the longest speech in history on the Senate floor.” [Timestamp: ~20:00]

• Motivation Behind Booker’s Filibuster: Ferguson critiques Booker’s reasons, suggesting they lack the strategic impact his own filibuster had against Obamacare.

  “What was Cory Booker talking about? I hate Donald Trump. I'm a Democrat. Trump bad.” [Timestamp: ~25:30]

• Impact Comparison: Ferguson reflects on his own 21-hour filibuster against Obamacare, which galvanized Republican efforts leading to significant electoral victories in 2014.

  “My filibuster in 2013 had a significant effect and helped win back both the Senate and House for Republicans.” [Timestamp: ~27:10]

• Booker’s Strategy and Reception: Unlike Ferguson’s purposeful stance, Booker’s filibuster is portrayed as less impactful and more of a partisan display, lacking the strategic follow-through that led to tangible political gains.

  “Senator Booker’s is not gonna have that same effect.” [Timestamp: ~29:50]

• Advice on Filibustering: Ferguson shares anecdotes from his own experience, including tips from Senator Rand Paul about physical endurance during prolonged speeches.

  “Drink very little water. Nothing in, nothing out.” [Timestamp: ~33:45]

Conclusion: Ferguson expresses skepticism about the effectiveness and lasting impact of Booker’s filibuster, contrasting it with his own experience where strategic intent led to significant political outcomes.

3. Behind the Tariffs: Analyzing the President’s Economic Strategy

Overview: The discussion transitions to the President’s tariff policies, their immediate and long-term effects on the U.S. economy, and Ben Ferguson’s perspective on their execution and implications.

Key Points:

• Purpose of Tariffs as Leverage: Ferguson acknowledges that tariffs can be an effective tool for negotiating fair trade agreements, specifically highlighting efforts to secure the border with Mexico and Canada.

  “Using tariffs as leverage to lower tariffs is a win-win for American workers, American businesses, American growth, American prosperity.” [Timestamp: ~35:25]

• Economic Impact of Trump's Tariffs: Referencing a Wall Street Journal report, Ferguson outlines the immediate negative effects, including a 4% drop in the Dow, a 6% decline in the Nasdaq, and a 0.8% reduction in US GDP over the next decade.

  “Trump’s tariffs will raise nearly $3.2 trillion in revenue over the next decade AND reduce US GDP by 0.8%.” [Timestamp: ~38:40]

• Tax Foundation Analysis: Citing the Tax Foundation, Ferguson presents data predicting a $900 billion decrease in imports and significant revenue generation from tariffs, alongside GDP shrinkage and increased taxes on American households.

  “If these tariffs stay in place, they will cause imports to fall by slightly more than $900 billion in 2025, or 28%.” [Timestamp: ~40:15]

• Free Trade vs. Fair Trade: Ferguson commends President Trump for shifting the Republican stance from pure free trade to advocating for fair trade, emphasizing reciprocity as a strategic approach.

  “I believe in free trade, but I also believe in fair trade.” [Timestamp: ~42:00]

• Risks of Permanent Tariffs: He warns that tariffs, if maintained as a permanent policy, resemble the pre-income tax era where tariffs were the main revenue source, posing a tax increase of over $2,100 per household and substantial economic drawbacks.

  “They want to go back to tariffs as the principal vehicle of funding the economy.” [Timestamp: ~45:10]

• Strategic Recommendations: Ferguson advises focusing tariffs on China and ensuring they are reciprocal, thereby avoiding unnecessary economic burdens on American consumers and businesses.

  “Focus on China and reciprocity. Dramatically lower tariffs abroad and in turn lower tariffs here.” [Timestamp: ~47:35]

Conclusion: Ben Ferguson underscores the delicate balance required in tariff policies, advocating for strategic use as leverage rather than as a foundational economic policy to prevent detrimental impacts on the U.S. economy.

4. Final Insights and Recommendations

Overview: In wrapping up, Ferguson reiterates the importance of strategic policymaking and the need for accountability within media and political institutions.

Key Points:

• Accountability in Media: The grilling of NPR and PBS CEOs serves as a reminder that media organizations must remain accountable and reflective of their audience’s diverse perspectives.

  “The First Amendment is being used as a shield to avoid addressing real challenges.” [Timestamp: ~50:20]

• Economic Prudence: Ferguson urges listeners to stay informed about tariff policies and their broader economic implications, emphasizing the need for policies that genuinely benefit American workers and businesses.

  “Reciprocity in tariffs can lead to an economic boom, but permanent tariffs will tax the American people heavily.” [Timestamp: ~52:50]

• Political Strategy: Drawing from his own experiences, Ferguson highlights the effectiveness of purposeful political actions that align with broader strategic goals, contrasting with actions that may lack tangible outcomes.

  “Strategic filibustering can energize a political base and lead to significant electoral victories.” [Timestamp: ~54:30]

Notable Quotes:

• “Catherine Marr is hard left. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to it out of her own mouth.” [Timestamp: ~16:30]
• “Reciprocity is key. It’s not about imposing tariffs on everybody but incentivizing fair trade.” [Timestamp: ~42:20]
• “Tariffs as a permanent policy resemble the old days when tariffs were the main source of revenue.” [Timestamp: ~45:50]

Conclusion: Ben Ferguson emphasizes the necessity for informed and strategic approaches in both media accountability and economic policymaking. By advocating for fair trade and reciprocity in tariffs, he calls for policies that prioritize the well-being of American citizens and foster genuine economic growth.

Final Thoughts: This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive analysis of key political events, including congressional scrutiny of major media organizations, a historic filibuster by Senator Cory Booker, and the intricate dynamics of tariff policies under the current administration. Ferguson combines firsthand experiences with critical insights, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with the political and economic issues shaping the nation.