The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Halftime Headliner Hates Half the Country — Expanding the Audience or Losing America?

Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)
Guests: Senator Ted Cruz, co-host

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the controversy following Super Bowl 60’s halftime show, headlined by Bad Bunny, and the political and cultural divide it highlighted. Ben Ferguson, Senator Ted Cruz, and a co-host break down the halftime performance’s political overtones, discuss the popularity of Turning Point USA’s alternative patriotic show, assess the financial realities for entertainers and athletes in California, and reflect on the broader concerns of American unity and values in pop culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy (00:28 – 08:45)

• Main Criticism:
  The hosts detail Bad Bunny’s political activism, especially his outspoken opposition to ICE, support for Black Lives Matter, endorsement of Kamala Harris, and criticism of Donald Trump. They note the NFL's decision to book Bad Bunny, despite his repeated critiques of American immigration policy and his refusal to perform in English.

  • Notable Coverage of Bad Bunny's Political Actions:

    • Criticized ICE at the Grammy Awards and on Instagram.
    • Refused to tour the U.S. in 2025 due to concerns about immigration enforcement.
    • Used his platform to support progressive causes and criticize Donald Trump.

  • Hosts’ Argument:
    The NFL prioritized expanding its audience over representing traditional American values, putting “a performer who says ‘F the President of the United States’” on the world stage.

• Turning Point USA Alternative Halftime Show:

  • Millions (over 5 million, per the episode) reportedly chose to watch Turning Point USA’s patriotic halftime broadcast as an alternative to NBC’s official show.
  • This split highlights the polarization surrounding pop culture events.

• Donald Trump’s Response:

  • Presented as echoing the hosts’ outrage:

    "The Super Bowl halftime show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst ever... a slap in the face to our country..."
    — Donald Trump (quoted by Ben Ferguson, 08:15)

2. Detailed Critique of Bad Bunny’s Politics and Performance (02:58 – 08:45)

• Protracted Example of Political Messaging:

  • Examples are given of Bad Bunny’s previous remarks, e.g., calling Trump “President of racism,” supporting riots, and making anti-law enforcement comments.
  • The hosts emphasize his refusal to sing in English and insistence that Americans should “learn Spanish” for his performances.

• NFL’s Position:

  • Despite controversy, Commissioner Roger Goodell stands by the decision, calling it "a united moment for America..." (Paraphrased by Ben Ferguson, 08:30).

3. Audience and Reaction: Outrage or Indifference? (09:51 – 13:26)

• Senator Ted Cruz’s Take:

  • “If you didn't understand a word he was saying in the super bowl. Yeah, that was on purpose. It’s part of his anti-America, hate-us-all agenda.”
    — Ted Cruz (10:01)
  • Suggests the language barrier was intentional — a feature of “anti-American” activism.

• Co-host’s Nuanced Reaction:

  • Admits personal indifference:

    “I just found myself not caring. Like, I know that there were a lot of folks all worked up… but, you know, I watched him like in the sugar cane and dancing around. I think most of the halftime shows are kind of silly.”
    — Co-host (11:00)

  • Acknowledges his daughters are fans, but overall doesn’t connect with this or most halftime acts.

• Lighthearted Moments:

  • Co-host relieved Bad Bunny didn’t wear a dress as rumored:

    “At least… I was glad. The early promo said Bad Bunny was going to wear a dress. He didn’t wear a dress. At least not that I saw. So, small victory.”
    — Co-host (13:08)

4. Economic Fallout: California Taxes and Super Bowl Payouts (13:26 – 17:18)

• California’s Steep Taxes:

  • Athletes, like super bowl participant Sam Darnold, end up losing money due to California’s high income taxes despite six-figure bonuses.
  • Example:

    “He’s going to receive $178,000 as a bonus... but will pay $249,000 in taxes to California... Meaning he will lose $71,000.”
    — Co-host (14:31)

• Impact on Entertainers and Performers:

  • Senator Cruz and the co-host discuss how these tax rates drive athletes, musicians, and comedians to avoid California as a venue.
  • Jokes about Bad Bunny:

    “I think Bad Bunny changed his name. He's now Sad Bunny because California took all his money.”
    — Co-host (15:32)

  • Comedians similarly avoid California for “real” financial reasons.

• Comparison with Texas:

  • Texas highlighted as a tax-friendly alternative:

    “When you play the Superbowl in Texas, we don’t tax you a penny and you get great tax backs.”
    — Co-host (17:06)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Halftime Show’s Message:

  “This show is just a slap in the face to our country, which is setting new standards and records every single day.”
  — Donald Trump (quoting from Truth Social, 08:15)

• On Audience Split:

  “More than 5 million Patriots decided they weren’t going to watch the halftime show on NBC of the super bowl and instead they decided to watch one that celebrated America.”
  — Ben Ferguson (00:49)

• Light-hearted Banter:

  “At least…I was glad. The early promo said Bad Bunny was going to wear a dress. He didn’t wear a dress…So, small victory.”
  — Co-host (13:08)

• On California Taxes:

  “You only lost $71,000 for stepping foot in the Commonwealth of California instead of losing $135,000. And what kind of insanity is it that that's how the California tax system is?”
  — Co-host (15:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05–00:28: Trump on border policy, introduction
• 00:28–08:45: Recap and critique of Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny’s activism
• 08:45–13:26: Audience response, Turning Point USA's show, co-host’s perspective
• 13:26–17:18: California tax discussion, financial consequences for athletes/performers
• 17:18–17:35: Sign-off and promo

Takeaways

• The episode paints Bad Bunny’s halftime performance as symptomatic of broader cultural and political divides, with the NFL accused of sacrificing tradition for audience expansion.
• Political activism in pop culture continues to spark fierce debate, particularly when it intersects with sporting events of national significance.
• Economic realities in California for entertainers and athletes highlight deeper trends of migration and fiscal discontent.
• The show offers a mix of sharp political critique, lighthearted banter, and economic analysis, in keeping with the hosts’ conservative, sarcastic tone.

For listeners seeking insights into the intersection of politics, pop culture, and economics — filtered through a conservative lens — this episode offers a provocative, spirited recap of Super Bowl 60’s most controversial moments.