Summary of "DAMNIT! I Did It Again!" Biden Finds More Classified Docs - The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Release Date: January 23, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, focusing on the recent discovery of additional classified documents at President Joe Biden's residences. The discussion delves into the implications of these findings, contrasts them with previous incidents involving former President Donald Trump, and examines the broader effects on the Biden administration's credibility and governance.

Biden's Mishandling of Classified Documents

The episode opens with Senator Cruz expressing astonishment over the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducting a quasi-raid on a sitting President's home, unearthing more classified documents. He emphasizes the severity of the situation by highlighting the persistence of such oversights:

[00:34] Senator Ted Cruz: "It's stunning. Every day it keeps getting worse and worse and worse."

He criticizes Biden's apparent negligence in safeguarding classified information, likening his actions to those of the Keystone Cops—a metaphor for clumsiness and incompetence. Senator Cruz details the locations where Biden reportedly stored classified documents, including his Corvette, personal residences, and the Penn Library, underscoring the breach of protocol.

Proper Handling of Classified Documents: A Senatorial Perspective

Ben Ferguson encourages listeners to revisit previous episodes where Cruz elaborated on the proper protocols for handling classified information as a senator. Cruz elaborates on the stringent measures senators must follow, contrasting sharply with Biden's alleged missteps:

[04:54] Senator Ted Cruz: "Every single time I have read a classified document in the United States Senate, that's how I've done it."

He explains that senators access classified documents exclusively within secure facilities known as SCIFs (Secure Compartmentalized Information Facilities), ensuring no documents are taken into unsecured locations like offices, cars, or homes. This stringent protocol serves as a stark counterpoint to Biden's actions, highlighting a potential breach of legal and ethical standards.

Expanding the Investigation: The University of Delaware's Senate Records

Senator Cruz raises concerns about the vast collection of Biden's Senate records housed at the University of Delaware, consisting of over 1,850 boxes. He calls for a thorough DOJ examination of these records to ascertain the presence of any additional classified documents:

[09:28] Senator Ted Cruz: "We need to know how many more classified documents are illegally in his Senate papers."

Cruz underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, suggesting that mishandling documents from Biden's Senate tenure could have far-reaching legal and political consequences. He also touches upon the potential involvement of Hunter Biden, insinuating possible intersections between classified information and personal business dealings.

White House Press Secretary Under Fire

The discussion shifts to the performance of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Cruz criticizes her handling of inquiries related to the classified documents scandal, accusing her of dishonesty and incompetence:

[14:05] Dana Perino: "The White House reporters have had enough of Jean Pierre... members have grown exasperated and call her briefings a painful waste of time."

Cruz further deconstructs the interaction between Jean-Pierre and the press, highlighting instances where she failed to provide clear answers, thereby eroding trust:

[14:27] Senator Ted Cruz: "She has a proclivity towards dishonesty."

He laments the declining credibility of the White House's communication strategy, attributing it to both Jean-Pierre's performance and the administration's broader management issues.

Departure of Chief of Staff Ron Klain

Ben Ferguson brings up the recent announcement of Ron Klain's departure from the White House, questioning its timing and authenticity:

[18:30] Ben Ferguson: "Ron Klain... is leaving the White House. Do you buy that?"

Senator Cruz speculates on potential reasons behind Klain's exit, suggesting it could be a reaction to the escalating crisis or a strategic move amid the administration's turmoil:

[18:49] Senator Ted Cruz: "Either Ron Klain got fired because he's supposed to prevent this from happening... or he's on to greener pastures."

This departure is portrayed as a significant indicator of internal disarray within the Biden administration, further undermining its stability.

Potential Additional Searches and Future Implications

Cruz discusses the possibility of further DOJ-led searches at additional Biden-linked locations, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive investigations:

[23:52] Senator Ted Cruz: "The DOJ scoured through Biden's Wilmington residence... we should have zero reason to have any confidence that there are not multiple classified documents within those 1850 boxes."

He warns of the legal and ethical ramifications if the documents pertain to sensitive subjects like Burisma, Iran, China, or Ukraine, which could escalate the situation into a serious criminal matter.

Energy Department's Keystone XL Pipeline Report

Transitioning to a different topic, the conversation touches upon the Energy Department's report regarding the Keystone XL pipeline. Ferguson criticizes the delayed release and underwhelming impact of the report:

[30:27] Senator Ted Cruz: "These ideologues, they don't listen to reason."

Cruz expresses frustration over the administration's continued opposition to energy projects that could bolster domestic production and economic growth, despite evidence suggesting their benefits.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Senator Cruz expressing confidence that more classified documents will surface, anticipating ongoing investigations and heightened scrutiny of President Biden's handling of sensitive information. Ferguson encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged, promising further updates as the situation evolves.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:34] Senator Ted Cruz: "It's stunning. Every day it keeps getting worse and worse and worse."

• [04:54] Senator Ted Cruz: "Every single time I have read a classified document in the United States Senate, that's how I've done it."

• [09:28] Senator Ted Cruz: "We need to know how many more classified documents are illegally in his Senate papers."

• [14:27] Senator Ted Cruz: "She has a proclivity towards dishonesty."

• [18:49] Senator Ted Cruz: "Either Ron Klain got fired because he's supposed to prevent this from happening... or he's on to greener pastures."

• [23:52] Senator Ted Cruz: "We should have zero reason to have any confidence that there are not multiple classified documents within those 1850 boxes."

• [30:27] Senator Ted Cruz: "These ideologues, they don't listen to reason."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a thorough examination of the ongoing controversy surrounding President Biden's handling of classified documents. Through Senator Cruz's insights and critical analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the legal, ethical, and political dimensions of the issue, as well as its implications for the Biden administration's credibility and governance.