The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Four Crucial Questions
Release Date: January 30, 2020
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guests: Michael Knowles, Ted Cruz
Platform: Premiere Networks

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, Ben hosts a compelling discussion with Michael Knowles and Senator Ted Cruz, delving deep into the unfolding impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. The conversation offers unfiltered insights into the political maneuvers, strategic questioning, and behind-the-scenes efforts shaping the Senate's deliberations.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Impeachment Trial Proceedings and Strategy

Timeline: [00:00] - [04:39]

• Senator Ted Cruz’s Return to the Trial:

  • [00:22] Ted Cruz: Expresses eagerness to return to the impeachment proceedings, highlighting the significance of the event.

• USMCA Signing and Impeachment Context:

  • [00:29] Ted Cruz: Mentions the President signing the USMCA, replacing NAFTA, amidst the impeachment trial preparations.
  • [00:50] Michael Knowles: Points out the timing before the impeachment trial starts at 1 PM.

• Potential for Ending the Trial Early:

  • [02:08] Ted Cruz: Discusses the possibility of reaching a 51-vote threshold to swiftly end the trial without additional witnesses, emphasizing the Republicans' intent to conclude the proceedings efficiently.
  • [02:31] Ted Cruz: Notes that all 47 Democrats are poised to demand more witnesses, potentially dragging the trial indefinitely.

2. The Role of Senators and Questioning Process

Timeline: [04:39] - [09:36]

• Senate Rules on Questioning:
  • [05:08] Ted Cruz: Explains that Senate rules prevent senators from asking questions directly during impeachment trials. Instead, questions are submitted in writing and read by the Chief Justice to maintain decorum.
  • [05:45] Ted Cruz: Contrasts Senate decorum with the House's more confrontational approach, highlighting the Senate's structured process to avoid chaos.

3. Specific Questions and House Democrats' Responses

Timeline: [09:36] - [18:47]

• Quid Pro Quo Hypothesis:

  • [07:48] Ted Cruz: Raises a critical legal question about the relevance of "quid pro quo" in impeachment, asserting that it does not impact the legalities of the President’s actions.
  • [08:35] Ted Cruz: Clarifies that President Trump's authority to investigate corruption remains legally intact, regardless of quid pro quo claims.
  • [09:36] Michael Knowles: Highlights that House Democrats are unsatisfied with Cruz's interpretation, emphasizing political motives behind the impeachment.

• Handling Hypothetical Scenarios:

  • [11:30] Ted Cruz: Discusses a hypothetical scenario proposed by Adam Schiff questioning whether President Obama would have investigated Mitt Romney under similar corrupt circumstances.
  • [13:03] Ted Cruz: Criticizes Schiff for dodging questions about the whistleblower’s potential biases and connections to Joe Biden, suggesting political manipulation.

• Whistleblower’s Credibility and Bias:

  • [13:49] Ted Cruz: Questions the impartiality of the whistleblower, referencing the Inspector General's findings of potential political bias.
  • [15:03] Ted Cruz: Accuses Adam Schiff and House managers of evading accountability and suggests that the whistleblower may have had direct involvement in the alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine.

4. Democratic Tactics and Political Stunts

Timeline: [18:47] - [22:54]

• Lev Parnas Incident:

  • [19:19] Ted Cruz: Explains the failed attempt by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to introduce Ukrainian criminal Lev Parnas as a witness due to his ankle bracelet, highlighting Democratic desperation.

• Investigations into Joe and Hunter Biden:

  • [21:08] Ted Cruz: Criticizes House Democrats for dismissing potential investigations into Joe and Hunter Biden, labeling their stance as baseless and politically motivated.

Notable Quotes

• Ted Cruz on Ceasing the Trial:

  "If we get to 51, it's saying enough is enough. We've heard enough evidence... Let's end this."
  [02:08]

• Ted Cruz on Senate Decorum:

  "The rules for questions are you write down your questions and then the chief justice reads them. And part of the reason for that... is designed to ensure some civility, some decorum."
  [05:08]

• Ted Cruz on Whistleblower’s Bias:

  "I don't think that answer was effective... Schiff refuses to answer."
  [15:01]

• Ted Cruz on Democratic Obstruction:

  "House Democrats aren't addressing any of the merits... they're just saying, I don't wanna hear it."
  [22:38]

Conclusions and Takeaways

• Republican Strategy: Emphasizes the importance of reaching a 51-vote majority to conclude the impeachment trial swiftly, avoiding prolonged debates and additional witnesses.

• Democratic Resistance: House Democrats are portrayed as intent on extending the trial by demanding more witnesses and avoiding substantive engagement with Republicans' legal arguments.

• Process and Decorum: The Senate's structured approach to questioning aims to maintain order and civility, contrasting with the more adversarial nature of the House proceedings.

• Whistleblower Credibility: Cruz raises serious concerns about the impartiality and motivations of the whistleblower, suggesting potential political biases that undermine the legitimacy of the impeachment process.

• Political Maneuvering: Instances like the Lev Parnas stunt are highlighted as evidence of Democratic desperation and strategic missteps in the trial process.

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a critical lens on the impeachment trial, highlighting the strategic calculations of Republican senators and the contentious tactics of House Democrats. Through detailed analysis and pointed questioning, Ben Ferguson, alongside his guests, offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the intricate political dynamics at play during this pivotal moment in American politics.

Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.