Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode Title: Did Hunter 'Cut & Paste' His Dad's Classified Briefings and Send Them To Burisma? Plus Biden's Covid Hypocrisy
Release Date: January 30, 2023
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Podcast Description:
Hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson, this episode delves into critical political scandals and current legislative battles shaping America. From the alleged misuse of classified documents by Hunter Biden to ongoing fights against COVID-19 mandates, the conversation provides unfiltered insights and candid commentary on pressing national issues.
I. Biden's Classified Documents Scandal
A. Hunter Biden's Controversial Email
The episode opens with a discussion on the escalating scandal involving President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Senator Ted Cruz emphasizes the gravity of the situation, highlighting an email Hunter allegedly sent in April 2014. Cruz states:
"Hunter Biden sent a very long scholarly email with 22 points of careful analysis about Ukraine's political situation... It reads as if it was cut and pasted from an official government briefing."
[00:56]
Cruz questions Hunter's expertise in geopolitical matters, suggesting that the detailed analysis resembles classified briefings intended for high-ranking officials like the Vice President.
B. Potential Misuse of Classified Information
The conversation shifts to the possibility that Hunter Biden may have accessed and exploited classified information for personal gain. Cruz posits:
"If Joe Biden did in fact allow his son access to classified materials, then they both would have committed a federal crime."
[07:11]
He urges the Department of Justice to thoroughly investigate the source of Hunter's information by examining the classified briefings provided to Vice President Biden during that period.
C. Call for Comprehensive Investigation
Senator Cruz advocates for a meticulous examination of the Biden family's handling of classified documents. He asserts the necessity of comparing Hunter's email language with official briefings to uncover any direct correlations:
"The special counsel needs to read those briefings and compare them to Hunter Biden's email to see if the language is identical or substantially similar."
[09:53]
II. Biden's COVID Policies and Hypocrisy
A. Opposition to Vaccine Passports and Mandates
Transitioning to COVID-19 policies, Ben Ferguson introduces the topic of ongoing legislative efforts to combat federal vaccine mandates. Cruz explains his legislative initiatives aimed at dismantling vaccine passports and mandates:
"I have one bill to ban vaccine passports... I have another bill that bans vaccine mandates... I have another bill that ends mask mandates."
[15:00]
B. Legislative Achievements and Continued Battles
Cruz highlights recent successes, such as repealing the COVID vaccine mandate in the military, while also addressing unresolved issues faced by servicemen and women who were terminated for declining vaccination:
"We just won a big victory on military vaccines... But it is only prospective... I have introduced legislation called the Americans Act to give them relief to reinstate them in the military."
[19:17]
C. Critique of the Biden Administration's Inconsistencies
The discussion critiques the Biden administration's contradictory stance on the pandemic. Cruz labels their approach as "schizophrenic," pointing out the disparity between declaring the pandemic over and simultaneously pursuing policies like reinstating mask mandates on planes:
"They want to have it both ways... On one hand, Joe Biden trumpets the pandemic is over... On the other hand, the Biden administration is actively appealing... to have the authority to reinstate the mask mandate on planes."
[19:17]
D. Impact on Immigration and Border Security
Cruz connects the pandemic policies to broader issues of immigration, citing record high illegal crossings at the southern border despite claims that COVID-19 is not a threat there:
"December of 2022 was the highest level of illegal immigration ever recorded... And yet the Biden administration is saying Covid doesn't exist at the border."
[24:07]
III. Impeachment Efforts Against Alejandro Mayorkas
A. Accusations Against the Secretary of Homeland Security
Senator Cruz addresses the potential impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, for allegedly failing to secure the southern border. He contends that Mayorkas has not only neglected his duties but actively facilitated illegal immigration:
"He is directing everyone in his control to actively facilitate lawbreaking... We have never had a cabinet secretary so utterly refused to do his job."
[25:53]
B. Expected Congressional Actions
Cruz expresses confidence that the House of Representatives will move forward with impeachment proceedings against Mayorkas within the year, despite anticipated resistance in the Senate:
"I believe the House of Representatives will impeach Alejandro Mayorkas... I will be shocked if they don't go forward."
[25:53]
IV. CNN's Interview with Senator Cruz on Eric Swalwell
A. Critique of Media's Handling of Political Figures
In a lighter segment, Cruz and Ferguson discuss an interview featuring Cruz being questioned by CNN's Dana Bash about Congressman Eric Swalwell's alleged ties to a Chinese spy. Cruz mocks the interviewer's phrasing, believing it downplays the severity of the accusations:
"They're throwing you off the Intel Committee because they alleged you, quote, developed ties to an alleged Chinese spy... Did you put yourself in a vulnerable position?"
[29:47 - 31:50]
B. Comparison to Hypothetical Scenarios
Cruz draws a parallel to how media might handle allegations against a Republican figure, using Donald Trump's situation as an example to illustrate perceived media bias:
"Imagine CNN interviewing Donald Trump about Stormy Daniels and just saying, well, the allegation is you developed ties with an alleged movie actress."
[32:26]
V. Conclusion
The episode concludes with Ben Ferguson encouraging listeners to subscribe to their other podcasts and support their work. The conversation with Senator Cruz sheds light on significant political controversies, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency within the highest levels of government.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Senator Ted Cruz on Hunter Biden's Email:
"Hunter Biden sent a very long scholarly email with 22 points of careful analysis about Ukraine's political situation..."
[00:56] -
Cruz on Potential Federal Crimes:
"If Joe Biden did in fact allow his son access to classified materials, then they both would have committed a federal crime."
[07:11] -
On Legislative Efforts Against Mandates:
"I have one bill to ban vaccine passports... I have another bill that bans vaccine mandates..."
[15:00] -
Critique of Biden Administration's Policies:
"They want to have it both ways... On one hand, Joe Biden trumpets the pandemic is over..."
[19:17] -
Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas:
"We have never had a cabinet secretary so utterly refused to do his job."
[25:53] -
On CNN's Interview with Cruz:
"Did you put yourself in a vulnerable position?"
[29:47]
Summary:
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson dissect two major political issues: the alleged misuse of classified documents by Hunter Biden and the Biden administration's inconsistent handling of COVID-19 policies. Cruz presents a compelling case for the need to investigate the origins of Hunter's detailed email, suggesting potential ties to classified briefings received by Joe Biden. Concurrently, they explore the legislative battles against vaccine mandates and passports, highlighting Cruz's efforts to repeal such measures and address their impact on military personnel. The conversation extends to the high rates of illegal immigration at the southern border and the anticipated impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Concluding with a critique of media bias, the episode underscores the ongoing struggles and resistance within the current political landscape.