The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Election Day—3 Wins & a Loss plus Cruz's Filibuster Record Broken

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a dynamic conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into the recent Election Day outcomes, the implications for the Republican majority, and the breaking of filibuster records in the Senate. The episode offers insightful analysis, personal anecdotes, and a comprehensive breakdown of pivotal electoral races that shape America's political landscape.

Election Day Results: An Overview

Timestamp: [00:46]

Ben Ferguson kicks off the discussion by highlighting the significance of Election Day in Florida and Wisconsin. The focus is on three Republican victories and one notable loss, shedding light on the strategies, financial investments, and subsequent political ramifications.

Florida Congressional Races

Timestamp: [09:02] - [10:35]

• Key Races: Florida saw intense battles for two congressional seats previously held by Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz.

• Results: Both Republican candidates secured decisive victories with Jimmy Petronas winning 56.9% to 42.3%, and Randy Fine achieving 56.7% to 42.7%. Notably, Randy Fine overcame a substantial funding disadvantage, being outspent 10 to 1, which underscores the effectiveness of Republican campaigning despite financial hurdles.

  Ben Ferguson [10:00]: "Both of those were sizeable victories... especially Randy Fine, he was literally outspent 10 to 1... That victory is really significant."

• Implications: These wins bolster the Republican majority in the House, providing President Trump’s administration with increased leverage to advance its agenda without the constant pressure of a razor-thin majority.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race and Voter ID Law

Timestamp: [13:12] - [18:18]

• Supreme Court Election: In Wisconsin, a historic judicial race culminated in a loss for the GOP-friendly candidate, Brad Schimmel, who was backed by significant financial contributions, including $12.2 million from Elon Musk's America PAC. Susan Crawford, the liberal Democrat, won with 54.4% to 45.6%.

  Ben Ferguson [17:03]: "According to the Brennan Center for Justice, more than $53.3 million was spent by Schimmel and his backers... Crawford's campaign ... spent an estimated $45.1 million."

• Voter ID Amendment: On the same ballot, Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment enshrining the existing photo ID requirement for voting, passing overwhelmingly at 63.2% to 36.8%. This move fortifies election integrity measures, making it more challenging for Democrats to repeal the law in future legislative sessions.

  Ben Ferguson [14:57]: "Should photo ID for voting be in the Wisconsin constitution?... the vote was 63.2% to 36.8%."

• Impact: While the Supreme Court loss is a setback, the voter ID victory reinforces the Republican stance on election security, potentially influencing other swing states and setting a precedent against voter fraud initiatives pushed by Democrats.

Media Narrative and Trump's Agenda

Timestamp: [08:59] - [12:54]

• Media Portrayal: Ted Cruz critiques mainstream media outlets like CNN for framing the election results as a "total disaster for Republicans" and suggesting the outcomes as a referendum on Donald Trump. He argues that the media is biased against Trump, undermining the successes secured by Republicans.

  Ted Cruz [08:59]: "They're saying this is a referendum on Donald Trump after he's been in office for 90 days. That is their narrative."

• House Majority Stability: The reinforced Republican majority in the House offers President Trump’s administration more stability, allowing for the passage of key policies such as tax cuts, border security measures, and other legislative priorities without the fear of losing control due to special elections or defections.

  Ben Ferguson [12:54]: "The Republican majority has two more Republicans in the House. That will help the speaker some breathing room."

Breaking the Filibuster Record

Timestamp: [21:00] - [38:35]

• Ben Ferguson’s Filibuster History: Ben reflects on his own 21-hour filibuster in 2013 against Obamacare, emphasizing its impact on energizing the Republican base and contributing to the 2014 "tsunami election" where Republicans gained significant ground in both the Senate and the House.

  Ben Ferguson [25:00]: "That filibuster... energized people across the country and helped win back both the Senate and House for Republicans."

• Cory Booker’s New Record: Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey surpassed Ferguson's record by delivering a 25-hour and 4-minute speech, aiming to block legislation. Ferguson compares the motivations and outcomes of both filibusters, suggesting that Booker's attempt lacks the strategic impact his own had.

  Ben Ferguson [22:37]: "Cory just beat me... I'm skeptical that it's gonna have a meaningful impact."

• Strategic Differences: Ferguson argues that his filibuster was strategically timed and content-focused, targeting Obamacare with tangible policy implications, whereas Booker’s effort appears more performative without substantial legislative consequences.

  Ben Ferguson [28:13]: "Cory is talking about hating Trump and being mad at voters. There's not much new there."

• Senate Rules and Limitations: Ferguson explains the procedural aspects that limited his own filibuster's length, including a unanimous consent resolution set by Majority Leader Harry Reid, which eventually forced him to conclude his speech before surpassing Strom Thurmond’s longstanding record.

  Ben Ferguson [36:40]: "Harry Reid... had locked in a unanimous consent resolution... forcing me to end."

• Impact Comparison: While Ferguson’s filibuster played a pivotal role in shaping subsequent elections, Booker’s record-breaking attempt is anticipated to have minimal lasting influence on legislative processes or political dynamics.

Personal Anecdotes: The Beard Incident

Timestamp: [03:55] - [07:04]

In a lighter segment, Ben Ferguson and Ted Cruz share humorous exchanges about a recent April Fools' prank involving Cruz’s beard. Ferguson recounts how his own April Fools' joke, featuring a Photoshopped El Chapo mustache, sparked widespread social media reactions.

Ben Ferguson [04:33]: "As a Cuban American, I was pretty proud of the El Chapo mustache."

Ted Cruz [07:04]: "Way more salt than pepper."

The banter underscores their camaraderie and adds a personable touch to the political discourse, making the conversation relatable and engaging for listeners.

Conclusion

Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson provide a comprehensive analysis of the recent Election Day results, highlighting significant Republican victories that reinforce their legislative agenda while addressing the considerable financial expenditures in judicial races like Wisconsin's Supreme Court. The episode also contrasts historic and contemporary filibuster efforts, underscoring strategic legislative maneuvers within the Senate. Personal anecdotes interspersed throughout the conversation offer a balanced mix of humor and insight, ensuring the episode is both informative and engaging for listeners.

Overall, this episode of The 47 Morning Update serves as a crucial update for those seeking unfiltered political commentary, strategic analysis, and an insider’s perspective on the evolving dynamics within the U.S. political arena.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [10:00]: "Both of those were sizeable victories... especially Randy Fine, he was literally outspent 10 to 1... That victory is really significant."

• Ted Cruz [08:59]: "They're saying this is a referendum on Donald Trump after he's been in office for 90 days. That is their narrative."

• Ben Ferguson [22:37]: "Cory just beat me... I'm skeptical that it's gonna have a meaningful impact."

• Ben Ferguson [34:59]: "Yes. So look at the time. My girls were three and five..."

• Ben Ferguson [28:13]: "Cory is talking about hating Trump and being mad at voters. There's not much new there."

Stay Informed:

To keep up with the latest developments featured on The 47 Morning Update, subscribe on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform. Join Ben Ferguson daily, Monday through Saturday, for unfiltered insights and honest commentary on the issues shaping America today.