The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Corporate Media Defends Cohen, Can Dems Get Onboard w IVF & Blinken on Arming Israel Contrary to WH Week In Review
Release Date: May 25, 2024

1. Corporate Media's Defense of Michael Cohen

Overview:
Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz delve into the corporate media's portrayal of Michael Cohen during his trial. They critique MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell for seemingly justifying Cohen's actions by portraying his theft as a mere attempt to "rebalance a bonus."

Notable Discussions:

• Cohen's Credibility: The prosecution labels Michael Cohen as both a liar and a thief (00:00). Ferguson criticizes the media's defense, highlighting Lawrence O'Donnell's stance that Cohen stealing from Trump is "not a problem" (00:53).
• Courtroom Observations: An unnamed reporter describes the courtroom dynamics, noting the prosecution's oversight in not addressing the $130,000 mentioned in Allen Weisselberg's notes, thereby weakening their case against Cohen (01:33).
• Media Spin: Ferguson condemns the media for suggesting that Cohen's history of lies makes him a more credible witness, labeling such narratives as "absurd" (09:00).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: "If you steal from your employer, you're just trying to rebalance what they're paying you because, you know, you're worth more. So steal away. That is MSNBC's defense." (03:01)
• Unnamed Legal Analyst: "I think it's a reasonable doubt. You can't have anything else but a reasonable doubt." (14:29)

2. Donald Trump's Decision Not to Testify

Overview:
The hosts discuss Trump's strategic choice to refrain from taking the stand during his trial, emphasizing the legal and tactical reasons behind this decision.

Key Points:

• Prediction Fulfilled: Ferguson reiterates his earlier assertion that Trump would not testify, citing his lawyers' competence (03:39).
• Weakness of Prosecution's Case: Ferguson argues that the case against Trump is frivolous and highlights the judge's decision to block Brad Smith, a former FEC chairman, from testifying about campaign finance laws (04:04).
• Potential Trial Outcomes: With the prosecution's case weakened and Cohen's credibility in question, Ferguson expresses optimism for a possible acquittal, though he acknowledges a slim chance of conviction (17:48).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: "On the merits, this case is frivolous." (04:04)
• Ben Ferguson: "I don't believe any conviction, if there is one, will stand up on appeal." (17:48)

3. Bipartisan Efforts to Protect IVF

Overview:
Ferguson and Cruz shift focus to the bipartisan push for federal legislation to protect In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). They emphasize the non-political nature of the issue and the broad support it enjoys across the political spectrum.

Key Points:

• Legislation Filing: Ferguson announces the filing of legislation alongside Katie Britt, aiming for strong bipartisan support and minimal obstruction in the Senate (11:03).
• Democratic Obstruction Concerns: Despite unanimous agreement on the policy's merits, Ferguson fears Democrats might oppose the bill to maintain their broader abortion agenda, potentially hindering IVF protections (12:02).
• Public Support: Highlighting nearly 90% public support, Ferguson urges listeners to contact their senators, stressing the importance of bipartisan unity on this profoundly pro-family issue (13:02).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: "IVF is profoundly pro-family. It is a miracle." (13:02)
• Senator Ted Cruz: "This doesn't seem political to me. It's not political. It's one to have a family." (11:03)

4. Critique of Antony Blinken's Statement on Arming Israel

Overview:
The discussion turns to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statements regarding arms shipments to Israel. Ferguson and Cruz accuse Blinken of lying, countering the White House's claims about halting arms supplies.

Key Points:

• Blinken's Contradictions: Ferguson points out that while the White House admits to pausing weapons shipments, Blinken insists no arms have been withheld, suggesting dishonesty on Blinken's part (20:20).
• Implications of Perjury: They explore the possibility that Blinken may be committing perjury by misrepresenting the administration's actions, with Ferguson predicting eventual exposure and repercussions (20:26).
• Administration's Foreign Policy Failures: Ferguson criticizes the Biden administration's handling of Iran, including negligence in monitoring Iranian oil sales and the lack of condemnation for Iranian atrocities (24:02).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: "If Blinken was lying, then he perjured himself because he was under oath." (20:58)
• Ben Ferguson: "The overwhelming foreign policy objective of Joe Biden and this entire administration... is continuing to appease Iran." (24:02)

5. Media’s Handling of the Trump Trial

Overview:
Ferguson and Cruz criticize the media's relentless coverage of Trump's trial, arguing that even CNN acknowledges the prosecution's weak case against Trump.

Key Points:

• Media Obsession: The hosts highlight CNN's exhaustive coverage of the trial and how even mainstream outlets are now questioning the strength of the prosecution's case (15:28).
• Impact on Jury Perception: Through clips, they illustrate how the portrayal of Cohen as a liar undermines the prosecution's efforts, potentially leading jurors to harbor reasonable doubt (16:04).
• Final Verdict Potential: Despite acknowledging that Trump could still be convicted, Ferguson remains skeptical about the conviction's longevity, citing the partisan nature of the trial setup (17:48).

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz: "They are getting very, very nervous." (15:52)
• Ben Ferguson: "It could still happen, but given how bad things went, we could see an acquittal." (17:48)

6. Administration’s Condolences to Iranian Leader Raisi

Overview:
The episode concludes with a critique of the Biden administration's decision to send condolences to Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, whom Ferguson harshly criticizes for his tyrannical actions.

Key Points:

• Unprecedented Condolences: Ferguson questions the standard protocol behind offering condolences to a leader like Raisi, comparing it unfavorably to handling historical figures like Adolf Hitler (25:56).
• Raisi’s Atrocities: He enumerates Raisi's human rights violations, including the persecution of homosexuals and involvement in violent acts against Americans and Israelis (26:00).
• Hypothetical Scenarios: Cruz challenges the rationale by asking if condolences would be sent to terrorists like Al-Qaeda if they had killed Osama bin Laden, to which Ferguson responds by highlighting Blinken's lack of condemnation as indicative of agreement with Raisi's regime (27:46).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: "Raisi was a mass murderer... he is a monster." (25:56)
• Senator Ted Cruz: "Would they have then sent condolences to Al Qaeda?" (27:38)

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz provide a critical analysis of the current political and media landscape, focusing on the portrayal of Michael Cohen, the strategic decisions in Donald Trump's trial, bipartisan efforts to protect IVF, and the Biden administration's foreign policy missteps. Their discussions highlight perceived media biases, legislative challenges, and foreign policy controversies, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged.

Listen to the full episode here to dive deeper into these discussions and gain comprehensive insights into the issues shaping America today.