The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Summary: Illinois Judge Throws Trump OFF THE BALLOT, Just Hours Before Supreme Court Ruling, plus BlackRock ADMITS that ESG is Costing It Billions & Hunter Admits That He Got Millions from China Release Date: March 4, 2024
1. Supreme Court Decision on Trump's Ballot Status
Overview: The episode kicks off with a critical discussion between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz regarding a pending Supreme Court decision expected to impact former President Donald Trump's eligibility on the ballot. This decision follows recent rulings in Colorado, Maine, and Illinois aimed at removing Trump from the presidential race.
Notable Points:
- Anticipation of the Ruling: The Supreme Court is slated to announce its decision at 10:00 AM, a departure from its usual schedule, indicating the urgency and significance of the case.
- Senator Cruz’s Prediction: Cruz expresses confidence that the Supreme Court will reverse the lower courts' decisions, emphasizing the unfounded nature of removing Trump from the ballot.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [01:09]: “Colorado will be reversed. I am 100% certain that Colorado will be reversed.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [04:24]: “This collective effort... is in total the greatest assault on democracy in the history of our country.”
2. Activist Judges and the Threat to Democracy
Overview: The conversation shifts to the rise of activist judges who are perceived to target political figures like Trump. Senator Cruz highlights the recent decision by Judge Tracy Porter in Illinois and questions the competency and impartiality of judges appointed without keen scrutiny.
Notable Points:
- Judge Tracy Porter’s Ruling: Porter’s decision to remove Trump from the ballot is scrutinized, with Cruz labeling it as an act of voter suppression.
- Call for Judicial Accountability: The need for conservatives to focus on appointing qualified judges to prevent partisan interventions in elections.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [10:08]: “She is a brand new judge... a Democrat partisan activist.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [15:57]: “Judge Tracy Porter, she'll be a hero in Democratic circles.”
3. BlackRock’s ESG Strategy and Financial Downturn
Overview: The episode delves into BlackRock’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and their financial repercussions. BlackRock's recent SEC filing acknowledges that their ESG policies have led to significant financial losses, mirroring similar admissions by other companies like Disney.
Notable Points:
- ESG Explained: ESG represents a framework where companies integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into their operations and investment strategies.
- Financial Impact: BlackRock admits that their ESG focus has not only failed to yield expected benefits but has also resulted in billions of dollars in losses.
- Larry Fink’s Role: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is identified as the proponent of ESG, driving companies to adopt these policies despite financial setbacks.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [22:33]: “BlackRock has begun voting their shares... as radical leftists.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [27:13]: “BlackRock's filing... is the divergence between their politics and the financial interest of their shareholders.”
4. Hunter Biden’s Admissions and the Impeachment Inquiry
Overview: A significant portion of the episode focuses on the ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, highlighting testimonies from Hunter Biden and James Biden. Hunter Biden admits to receiving millions from Chinese entities, contradicting previous statements made by President Biden.
Notable Points:
- Contradictory Statements: Hunter Biden acknowledges receiving funds from a Chinese company, directly opposing President Biden’s claims that his son did not receive money from China.
- Legal and Ethical Implications: The admissions raise questions about the ethical conduct of the Biden family and potential breaches of public trust.
- Media Silence: Senator Cruz criticizes the mainstream media for neglecting to cover these critical developments, leaving the public uninformed.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [36:59]: “Joe Biden lied in the presidential debate with Donald Trump and he lied about the corruption of his son.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [40:05]: “This is a man that... he's a drunk kid. He was a high kid. They treat him like he's a kid, not, not a grown adult in his 50s.”
5. Legislative Actions in Texas: Senate Bill 13
Overview: Senator Cruz discusses Texas’ proactive legislative measures aimed at countering ESG policies and protecting conservative values. Senate Bill 13 is a focal point, designed to penalize companies that boycott the oil and gas industry, thereby supporting Texas’ economic interests.
Notable Points:
- Boycott Oil and Gas: Senate Bill 13 mandates that if a company boycotts the oil and gas sector, Texas will reciprocate by boycotting those companies.
- Impact on Big Businesses: The bill targets large firms enforcing ESG policies, aiming to make it financially detrimental for them to continue their practices in Texas.
- Call to Action: Cruz urges other conservative states to adopt similar legislation to challenge the ESG agenda and support local industries.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [30:07]: “Senate Bill 13... if you boycott oil and gas, Texas will boycott you.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [33:22]: “Soon, other states and localities may adopt similar legislation or other ESG related laws and positions that adversely impact BlackRock's business.”
6. The Future of ESG and Corporate Responsibility
Overview: The discussion wraps up with a broader critique of ESG practices, highlighting the disconnect between corporate policies and shareholder interests. Senator Cruz emphasizes the need for businesses to prioritize shareholder value over political agendas.
Notable Points:
- Fiduciary Duty Breach: BlackRock’s focus on ESG is seen as a neglect of its fiduciary responsibility to maximize shareholder returns.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased attention from regulators and stakeholders on ESG practices poses risks to companies’ reputations and financial stability.
- Market Reaction: BlackRock’s admission of ESG-related losses signals potential shifts in corporate governance and investment strategies.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [27:54]: “BlackRock's carbon footprint is larger than a small town in whatever state you live in.”
- Senator Ted Cruz [34:36]: “Divergence has and continues to increase the risk that any perceived or actual action... will adversely impact BlackRock's reputation business.”
7. Conclusion and Final Remarks
Overview: Ben Ferguson concludes the episode by urging listeners to stay informed and engaged, especially with the upcoming Supreme Court decision and ongoing political developments. He promotes continued vigilance against policies that undermine democratic principles and economic stability.
Final Quotes:
- Ben Ferguson [25:48]: “That's incredible. And welcome to what happens when the woke gets in charge...”
- Ben Ferguson [41:37]: “It's going to be one heck of a week here on Verdict...”
Summary: In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz tackle pressing political and economic issues, including the potential removal of Donald Trump from the presidential ballot ahead of a pivotal Supreme Court ruling. They dissect the financial downturn faced by BlackRock due to its ESG strategies, criticize the rise of activist judges, and expose contentious admissions by Hunter Biden that fuel the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. Additionally, they highlight Texas’ legislative efforts to counteract ESG policies through Senate Bill 13, advocating for similar actions across conservative states. Throughout the discussion, Cruz and Ferguson emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values, maintaining judicial integrity, and ensuring corporate accountability to protect American interests.
Stay Informed: To keep up with these developments and more, subscribe to The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform. Stay ahead with unfiltered insights and honest commentary straight from the heart of America’s political landscape.