Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Iran's Problem w Trump as POTUS, Harris PAID Celebrities to Like Her & Details of Picking a Sen. Majority Leader Week In Review
Release Date: November 16, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Published by: Premiere Networks
The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson delves into the pressing political developments of the week, offering unfiltered insights and candid commentary on the Biden-Harris administration, campaign finance controversies, and the intricate dynamics of Senate leadership selection. This episode covers three major stories:
- Iran's Attempted Assassination Plot Against Donald Trump
- Kamala Harris's Billion-Dollar Campaign Expenditures
- Behind the Scenes of Selecting the Senate Majority Leader
1. Iran's Attempted Assassination Plot Against Donald Trump
Timestamp: [00:00] - [07:46]
Overview: The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz introducing a concerning report about an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The discussion centers on the timing of the revelation—post-Election Day—and the Biden-Harris administration's alleged mishandling of the intelligence.
Key Points:
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DOJ's Delayed Disclosure: Ben Ferguson criticizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) for not making the assassination plot public until after Election Day, suggesting it was a strategic move to benefit Trump's electoral chances.
Ben Ferguson [01:43]: "I think the ayatollahs are deeply, deeply worried and scared... The Justice Department knew about this. They deliberately did not make it public until after Election Day."
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Financial Implications: The Biden-Harris administration is accused of funneling over $100 billion to Iran, a move Ferguson claims was supportive rather than permissive.
Ben Ferguson [01:43]: "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, with the support of every Democrat in Congress, they have funneled over $100 billion to Iran."
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Consequences for Iran: Ferguson asserts that the incoming Trump administration will cut off these funds, leading to severe repercussions for Iran.
Ben Ferguson [01:43]: "The Trump administration is going to cut off the money. That's going to be the beginning. And I expect serious consequences for Iran..."
Notable Quote:
Neil Cavuto [04:48]: "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps... has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil. And that simply won't be tolerated."
2. Kamala Harris's Billion-Dollar Campaign Expenditures
Timestamp: [07:46] - [23:19]
Overview: Ben Ferguson scrutinizes Kamala Harris's campaign expenditures, highlighting the disproportionate spending compared to Donald Trump's campaign. The discussion emphasizes the questionable allocation of funds towards celebrity endorsements and event productions.
Key Points:
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Campaign Spending Disparity: Harris's campaign reportedly spent over $1 billion, more than double Trump's $488 million, leading to significant debt.
Ben Ferguson [14:14]: "Trump's campaign spent roughly $488 million and Kamala spent more than a billion. So she outspent Trump more than 2 to 1..."
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Celebrity Endorsements: A substantial portion of the funds was allocated to paying celebrities for endorsements and appearances, raising concerns about campaign finance misuse.
Ben Ferguson [14:57]: "They paid many of the quote, unquote celebrities who supported her were getting paid and getting paid significant sums."
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Specific Payments: High-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, and Eminem were allegedly compensated handsomely—ranging from $1.8 million to $10 million—for promotional activities.
Ben Ferguson [17:33]: "$10 million for Beyoncé to step up and back Kamala Harris publicly. 5 million for Megan Thee Stallion, 3 million for Lizzo. 1.8 million for Eminem."
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Comparative Analysis: Ferguson contrasts Harris's spending with his own campaign practices, emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
Ben Ferguson [15:38]: "I have never paid anyone a million dollars for anything... We Paid. Maybe at some point we paid five or ten grand for someone performing at some party."
Notable Quote:
Ben Ferguson [22:57]: "If you want to be there and you believe in saving the country, stand up and save the country. And if not, get the hell out."
3. Selecting the Senate Majority Leader: The Secret Ballot
Timestamp: [23:46] - [33:25]
Overview: The conversation shifts to the Senate's process for selecting the Majority Leader, highlighting the use of a secret ballot. Ben Ferguson shares his experiences and critiques the system's transparency and fairness.
Key Points:
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Secret Ballot Dynamics: Ferguson explains that the secret ballot is intended to allow senators to vote their conscience without external pressures, but he advocates for more transparency.
Ben Ferguson [23:46]: "I would have liked the ballot to be public. I would have absolutely supported making it public."
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2022 Leadership Contention: Reflecting on the 2022 leadership battle where Rick Scott challenged Mitch McConnell, Ferguson describes his attempt to delay the vote to encourage internal debate on Republican strategies.
Ben Ferguson [25:24]: "I gave a 45 minute speech... Tell me over the next two years, what are you willing to fight over?"
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Consequences of Opposition: Ferguson recounts how opposing senators faced punitive measures from Mitch McConnell, such as being removed from key committees.
Ben Ferguson [28:40]: "There were real punitive measures that were implemented, attacking the people that dared stand up to McConnell."
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Election of John Thune: Ultimately, John Thune was selected as the Majority Leader. Ferguson discusses Thune's leadership qualities and his cooperation with President Trump on legislative agendas.
Ben Ferguson [29:53]: "John Thune is affable. He's a good guy. He's just... Not a jerk."
Notable Quote:
Ben Ferguson [33:25]: "I voted for Rick Scott because I think Rick was offering the greatest change. But at the end of the day, to prevail, you've got to be able to get a majority of the Republican senators, and Rick did not."
4. Additional Discussions
Timestamp: [07:46] - [23:19]
FEMA Official's Discriminatory Orders:
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Ben Ferguson brings attention to a FEMA official's directive to avoid providing aid to homes displaying Trump signs post-hurricane, highlighting systemic partisan discrimination within the Biden-Harris administration.
Ben Ferguson [08:40]: "This was written instructions for emergency workers... implement best practices... Avoid homes advertising Trump."
Personal Anecdotes:
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Ferguson shares a personal story about campaigning with Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty, contrasting genuine support and personal relationships with the transactional nature of paying celebrities millions for endorsements.
Ben Ferguson [20:45]: "I can tell you this. Look, our stars... are our international supermodel, global talents like Ben Ferguson."
Policy and Leadership Insights:
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Ferguson provides insights into the policy priorities under John Thune’s leadership, including tax reform, regulatory changes, energy policies, and border security, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation.
Ben Ferguson [29:53]: "...how are we gonna move forward? With tax reform, with extending the Trump tax cuts, with regulatory reform, with unleashing energy, with securing the border..."
Conclusion
In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz dissect critical political events, shedding light on alleged governmental missteps, campaign finance irregularities, and the opaque processes within Senate leadership elections. Through incisive commentary and real-time analysis, the podcast underscores the intricate challenges facing American politics and the need for accountability and transparency.
Notable Closing Quote:
Ted Cruz [33:25]: "As always, thank you for listening to Verdict with Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson with you. Don't forget to download my podcast and you can listen to my podcast every other day."
For a deeper dive into these discussions, listeners are encouraged to download and listen to the full podcast episode available on the iHeartRadio app or other podcast platforms.