The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: How Long Can Media Attack Biden, plus 'Do Not Disturb POTUS' & Can Cabinet Invoke 25th Amendment Week In Review
Release Date: July 13, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a critical discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into the relentless media scrutiny of President Joe Biden, the implications of the President's "Do Not Disturb" status, and the emerging conversations around the 25th Amendment within the Biden administration. The conversation is enriched with incisive commentary, notable quotes, and insightful analysis that unpack the current political climate surrounding the Biden presidency.

1. Media's Persistent Attack on President Biden

The episode opens with concerns about the media's continuous negative portrayal of President Joe Biden. Ted Cruz questions the duration and intensity of the media's scrutiny, asking, "How long until the media gets back in line and it's business as usual? How many more days can they continue to go after Joe Biden if he refuses to drop out?" [03:13].

Ben Ferguson responds by predicting a swift media turnaround should Biden exit the race, suggesting that media outlets would quickly shift to a more favorable stance. He reflects on his extensive experience with interviews, emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and criticizing scripted questioning imposed by political campaigns. Ferguson states, "It's an absolute violation of journalistic ethics norms to simply read the questions the campaign handed you" [01:30].

The discussion highlights a perceived hypocrisy in the media's approach, where initial narratives about Hunter Biden's detachment from the White House shifted abruptly to more direct associations, as noted when Ferguson references Axios reporting the White House narrative change regarding Hunter Biden's role as a "de facto gatekeeper" [06:56].

2. President Biden's "Do Not Disturb" Status

A significant portion of the episode focuses on President Biden's "Do Not Disturb" status after 8:00 PM. Cruz brings attention to a troubling media report where a CNN correspondent questioned the implications of the President being unavailable during critical hours, asking, "If the Pentagon at some point picks up an incoming Nuke. It's 11pm who do you call?" [12:10].

The White House's response, as conveyed by the Press Secretary, assures that a dedicated team remains vigilant and capable of handling emergencies, stating, "He has a team that lets him know of any of any news that is pertinent and important to the American people" [12:22]. However, Ferguson critiques this assurance, labeling it as "a terrifying response" [12:51], and draws parallels to a 2008 political ad by Hillary Clinton that questioned a candidate's readiness to handle crises, emphasizing the gravity of having a leader who may be unavailable during critical moments.

3. Emergence of the 25th Amendment Discussion

The conversation shifts to the potential invocation of the 25th Amendment, with Cruz highlighting reports that suggest senior cabinet members and Democratic officials are contemplating this action. Ferguson cites a report from the Wall Street Journal detailing German officials' experiences with Biden's fatigue during meetings, which raises concerns about his capacity to handle international affairs [10:41].

Cruz further illustrates the internal turmoil within the administration, referencing Jake Tapper's interview where a longtime Biden advisor expressed frustration with the President's leadership and the administration's "echo chamber" effect, stating, "They created a perfect storm of an echo chamber, and it is biting them all in the ass" [23:17]. This sentiment underscores growing unease among Biden's close associates about his effectiveness in office.

Ferguson expands on this by criticizing the choreographed nature of Biden's meetings, contrasting it with the more dynamic interactions observed in previous administrations. He asserts, "That is dramatically different from the Kabuki theater that Joe Biden was putting on" [17:09], suggesting a lack of genuine dialogue and decision-making within the current administration.

4. Internal Conflicts and Leaks Within the Biden Administration

The episode also explores internal conflicts and leaks emanating from within the Biden administration. Cruz points out that leaks from senior cabinet members may be indicative of a deliberate move to prepare for a potential invocation of the 25th Amendment. Ferguson agrees, noting the unprecedented nature of such leaks from high-ranking officials and the subsequent turmoil it creates within the administration.

Additionally, Ferguson highlights the discrepancy between the Biden administration's standard operating procedures and his extensive experience with other presidencies, asserting that the current administration's approach is "painfully choreographed" and lacking in authentic leadership dynamics [17:09].

5. Media's Shift in Narrative and External Influences

A noteworthy aspect of the discussion is the media's sudden shift in narrative regarding Biden's administration, particularly in relation to figures like Barack Obama. Ferguson points out the rapid change in media stance, using quotes from Axios and Politico to illustrate how narratives about Hunter Biden and President Biden's capabilities have evolved, often contradicting earlier positions [06:56], [27:17].

He juxtaposes this with historical media behavior, expressing frustration that similar predictions in the past were dismissed as conspiracy theories but are now gaining traction [27:28]. This shift underscores the volatile nature of political narratives and the media's role in shaping public perception.

6. Future Implications for the Democratic Nomination

Looking ahead, Ferguson expresses skepticism about Biden securing the Democratic nomination, estimating only a 20% chance of his nomination compared to a 40% chance each for Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris [16:23]. This projection reflects the growing doubts within the party about Biden's viability as a candidate, fueled by his administration's internal challenges and external criticism.

Cruz echoes these sentiments, suggesting that the media and internal cabinet disputes may accelerate the decline of Biden's presidential prospects, potentially paving the way for alternative candidates to emerge [15:55].

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update offers a critical examination of the current challenges facing President Joe Biden, both from relentless media scrutiny and internal administrative conflicts. Through the insightful dialogue between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the precarious state of Biden's presidency, the potential for significant political shifts within the Democratic Party, and the broader implications for American governance. The conversation underscores the importance of leadership authenticity and the profound impact of media narratives on political dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz [03:13]: "How long until the media gets back in line and it's business as usual? How many more days can they continue to go after Joe Biden if he refuses to drop out?"

• Ben Ferguson [01:30]: "It's an absolute violation of journalistic ethics norms to simply read the questions the campaign handed you."

• Ben Ferguson [06:56]: "Hunter is not at all connected to Joe Biden or the White House. That's been their relentless talking point for years."

• Ted Cruz [12:10]: Peter Doocy's question about the President's availability during a nuclear threat.

• Ben Ferguson [12:51]: "That's actually a terrifying response that if something happens at 11pm well, Joe Biden's not capable to deal with it."

• Jake Tapper [23:17]: "I just think there's an unfortunate inevitability to all this. I am sad because I've known him a long time and he's a good man..."

• Ben Ferguson [16:23]: "I think there is a 20% chance the Democrat nominee is Joe Biden. I think there's a 40% chance the Democrat nominee is Michelle Obama. And I think there's a 40% chance the Democratic nominee is Kamala Harris as before."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's central themes, highlighting the intense media focus on Biden, concerns over his administration's operational transparency, and the potential shifts within the Democratic Party's leadership.