Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: James Comey, Incompetent or Corrupt? Release Date: October 2, 2020
Hosted by Ben Ferguson, this episode delves into the controversial role of former FBI Director James Comey in the political landscape surrounding President Trump’s administration. The discussion features Senator Ted Cruz, who provides a critical analysis of Comey's actions and their impact on law enforcement integrity.
1. Corruption Allegations Against James Comey
Timestamp: [00:00] - [03:56]
Senator Ted Cruz opens the discussion by condemning the investigation of President Trump as both corrupt and politicized. He asserts that the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) were used as political tools against the President.
Ted Cruz [00:00]: “This investigation of the president was corrupt. The FBI and the Department of Justice were politicized and weaponized.”
Cruz emphasizes that Comey’s actions have damaged the FBI's reputation and questioned his competence. He firmly believes Comey was not merely incompetent but deliberately corrupt.
Ted Cruz [00:39]: “James Comey is not just a controversial figure, but he has, in your words, either incompetent or worse.”
2. Ted Cruz’s Hearing with James Comey
Timestamp: [01:15] - [03:56]
Cruz details his recent hearing with Comey, highlighting Comey's evasive responses and lack of accountability. He criticizes Comey for using passive language to deflect responsibility and points out discrepancies in Comey's testimonies.
Ted Cruz [02:30]: “He was very good at dodging and weaving. He's slippery. He doesn't like to answer a direct question.”
Cruz references the Inspector General’s report, which identified 17 material misstatements made by the FBI during the investigation. He provides a specific example where a fraudulent alteration of a CIA document by an FBI lawyer undermined the credibility of the investigation.
Ted Cruz [03:00]: “The FBI lawyer fraudulently altered that email and added the words is not a source. Literally turned its meaning 180 degrees.”
3. Incompetence vs. Corruption: A Critical Dichotomy
Timestamp: [03:56] - [04:43]
The conversation shifts to the distinction between incompetence and corruption. Michael Knowles probes into whether Comey's actions stemmed from incompetence or intentional wrongdoing. Cruz maintains that the evidence points towards corruption.
Michael Knowles [04:15]: “The language that Comey uses, this passive voice, which he always uses, is designed to push away any sort of guilt.”
4. Politicization of Federal Agencies
Timestamp: [04:43] - [07:32]
Cruz expands on how Comey politicized the FBI and DOJ, drawing parallels to J. Edgar Hoover’s tenure. He accuses Comey of being complicit in using federal agencies as political weapons against Trump, particularly targeting campaign associates like Michael Flynn and Carter Page.
Ted Cruz [06:00]: “Comey bears very direct responsibility for politicizing the FBI, for politicizing DOJ.”
Cruz also raises concerns about accountability, questioning whether individuals like Comey and his deputy Andrew McCabe will face consequences for their actions.
Ted Cruz [07:32]: “One or the other is lying, and doing it in front of the Judiciary Committee is perjury. That is punishable by prison term.”
5. Bias in Presidential Debates Moderation
Timestamp: [08:26] - [10:37]
The discussion transitions to the recent presidential debates, with Cruz criticizing moderator Chris Wallace for perceived biases favoring Joe Biden. He argues that moderators should remain neutral to ensure fair discourse between candidates.
Ted Cruz [08:26]: “Chris Wallace is a liberal Democrat and he's been in the entire time I've been in the Senate. I've seen Wallace do it over and over again.”
Cruz highlights discrepancies in how questions were directed at Trump versus Biden, suggesting that moderators facilitated a partisan advantage.
6. Analysis of the Recent Presidential Debate
Timestamp: [10:37] - [15:15]
Cruz provides a detailed critique of the debate’s proceedings, noting the lack of impactful exchanges between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. He commends Trump for his direct attacks on Biden’s policies but criticizes both candidates for not swaying undecided voters.
Ted Cruz [12:03]: “I don't think the debate moved many votes last night. I think the people that came in supporting Trump left supporting Trump.”
He also discusses the strategic use of silence in negotiations, suggesting that Trump’s moments of silence could have been more powerful if left unfilled by the moderator.
7. Supreme Court as a Dominant Issue in Elections
Timestamp: [15:15] - [16:42]
The conversation shifts to the significance of the Supreme Court in presidential elections. Cruz mentions his book, "One Vote Away," which addresses the influence of the Supreme Court on American politics. He underscores how critical Supreme Court appointments are to the future of America’s legal landscape.
Ted Cruz [15:49]: “The Supreme Court is the dominant issue in the presidential elections.”
8. Personal Anecdotes and Hobbies
Timestamp: [22:45] - [26:32]
In a lighter segment, Cruz shares personal stories about his hobbies, including playing basketball, tennis, poker, and dominoes. He recounts a humorous incident involving a dominoes game with friends, highlighting his competitive nature and dedication to family time.
Ted Cruz [25:10]: “We just had kind of a boys weekend hanging out. And a couple other guys came over and we played dominoes at the dining room table.”
9. Conclusion and Promotion
Timestamp: [26:32] - [27:20]
Cruz wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to purchase his book, "One Vote Away," emphasizing its relevance to understanding the Supreme Court’s impact on politics. He expresses gratitude towards his supporters and hints at future discussions surrounding the presidential cycle.
Ted Cruz [16:42]: “Hopefully for the same reason that you find Verdict helpful.”
Key Takeaways:
- James Comey's Role: Ted Cruz presents a strong case against James Comey, alleging deliberate corruption and politicization of the FBI.
- Accountability: There is a pressing need for accountability within federal agencies to maintain integrity and public trust.
- Debate Moderation: The importance of unbiased moderation in political debates is crucial for fair and productive discourse.
- Supreme Court Influence: Supreme Court appointments are pivotal in shaping the political and legal framework of the United States.
- Personal Insights: Senator Cruz shares personal interests, humanizing his public persona and fostering a connection with listeners.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [00:00]: “This investigation of the president was corrupt. The FBI and the Department of Justice were politicized and weaponized.”
- Ted Cruz [03:00]: “Literally turned its meaning 180 degrees.”
- Ted Cruz [15:49]: “The Supreme Court is the dominant issue in the presidential elections.”
For a deeper understanding of the issues discussed, listeners are encouraged to tune into "The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson" and explore Senator Ted Cruz’s perspectives on the politicization of federal agencies and the broader implications for American politics.