Summary of "Jon Voight Is a National Treasure" Episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Released on July 18, 2020, "Jon Voight Is a National Treasure" is a compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, hosted by Premiere Networks. In this episode, renowned actor Jon Voight joins Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles of Verdict with Ted Cruz to discuss the intersection of Hollywood and politics, the current state of American education, media bias, personal anecdotes, faith, and optimism for the nation's future.
1. Introduction to Jon Voight’s Political Engagement
The episode begins with Jon Voight introducing himself alongside Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles. The trio engages in light-hearted banter, highlighting Voight's illustrious acting career and his active engagement in political discourse.
Notable Quote:
- Jon Voight (00:00): "Hi, I'm Jon Voight... we're on Verdict with Ted Cruz."
2. The Intersection of Hollywood and Politics
Senator Cruz recounts his first meeting with Jon Voight in 2013, emphasizing Voight's courage in voicing conservative views within the often liberal-dominated Hollywood landscape. Voight shares his observations on the challenges conservatives face in the entertainment industry, noting the fear and potential career repercussions for expressing dissenting political opinions.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz (01:42): "Look, you've demonstrated a lot of courage to speak out in a town and industry that it's not easy to do."
- Jon Voight (02:55): "And the people who were there... were terrified if someone got a picture of them at that gathering, they'd be unemployable."
3. Critique of American Education and Historical Narratives
The conversation shifts to the American education system, where both Voight and Cruz critique the Current Common Core standards and the manner in which history is taught in schools. They express concerns over the portrayal of historical figures and events, arguing that educational institutions are disseminating biased or misleading information.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz (09:24): "Everyone seems to be very tense... the schools aren't teaching the principles that built this country."
- Jon Voight (09:43): "They've been getting that fed to them for more than a generation. Several generations have been brought up on Common Core. And this is a disaster, teaching against our country."
4. Media Bias and Its Impact on Society
Voight and Cruz discuss the role of the media in exacerbating political tensions and shaping public perception. Voight criticizes the media for supporting leftist agendas and undermining conservative voices, while Cruz highlights the media's overt bias against former President Donald Trump.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Voight (12:15): "But there's a real lack of compass morally, and they'll do anything and say anything to get to power."
- Ted Cruz (22:55): "Donald Trump has broken the media. I mean, remember, the media used to argue they weren't biased. They used to pretend they weren't biased. They don't pretend anymore."
5. Personal Stories Highlighting Mutual Support
Senator Cruz shares a personal story about Jon Voight visiting his home during the 2016 presidential primaries. Voight's visit was a heartfelt plea for Cruz to support Trump, showcasing the deep personal connections and mutual respect among conservative leaders and public figures.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz (23:19): "Jon actually got on a plane. He called me and said, hey, can I come see you at your house... he was urging me at the time, saying, Ted, you need to support Trump."
- Jon Voight (23:35): "This guy’s important. And so I actually went out of my way to say hello to him."
6. The Decline of Religion and Rise of Secularism
The discussion delves into the diminishing role of religion in public life and its implications for American society. Voight and Cruz express concern over policies that undermine religious freedoms and the increasing secularization of governmental institutions.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Voight (26:27): "So you see? It's the same thing, but there's no religion anymore."
- Ted Cruz (27:32): "On the left, there is, for too many elected officials, a deep hatred of religion, of religious liberty."
7. Optimism for America’s Future Amidst Challenges
Despite numerous challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and social unrest—Voight and Cruz maintain an optimistic outlook for America's future. They highlight the resilience of American values and the importance of leadership that upholds the nation's foundational principles.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Voight (28:51): "I'm an optimist. ... We have a tremendous history that we can fall back on and learn from and restore ourselves with."
- Ted Cruz (35:54): "If you were to ask, as parents, and it's hard to be a parent... we've got to pull our country back from the brink."
8. The Power of Storytelling in Politics and Acting
The episode concludes with reflections on the similarities between acting and politics, particularly the importance of effective communication and storytelling. Voight shares his admiration for legendary actors like Dustin Hoffman and discusses the influence of authentic storytelling in shaping public opinion and political narratives.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Knowles (15:41): "Politics rather is show business for attractive people."
- Jon Voight (43:37): "I believe everyone has superpowers. It’s just a matter of encouraging them and getting them to discipline things and do things and think positively."
Conclusion
"Jon Voight Is a National Treasure" offers an insightful dialogue on the confluence of entertainment and politics, the state of American education, media bias, and the enduring importance of faith and optimism in societal progress. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking discussions, Jon Voight, Ted Cruz, and Michael Knowles present a narrative that underscores the need for steadfast leadership and the preservation of foundational American values.
Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.