The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: LIVE from Miami at YAF’s Freedom Conference
Release Date: February 11, 2021
Introduction
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, hosted by Premiere Networks, national radio host and political commentator Ben Ferguson engages in a riveting live conversation with Senator Ted Cruz at the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) Freedom Conference in Miami. The discussion delves deep into the tumultuous state of American politics, focusing on the current administration, congressional dynamics, media influence, and the future of the conservative movement.
1. The Chaotic State of Washington D.C.
Timestamp: 00:06 – 02:02
The conversation kicks off with both hosts expressing frustration over the perceived chaos in Washington D.C. Senator Cruz remarks, “The lunatics are running the asylum” (02:02). He paints a grim picture of the Capitol, highlighting increased security measures and the influence of progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who Cruz criticizes for portraying herself as a martyr.
Notable Quote:
- Ted Cruz: “The lunatics are running the asylum. It is absolutely crazy.” (02:02)
2. Congressional Turmoil and Committee Stripping
Timestamp: 03:14 – 07:44
Senator Cruz discusses the disruptive influence of Nancy Pelosi and the progressive “squad” in the House of Representatives. A significant point of contention is the unprecedented move to strip Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments due to her past controversial statements. Cruz warns that this sets a dangerous precedent for partisan retribution, noting, “It is, to the best of my knowledge, the first time in history that any political party has stripped a member of the opposing party of their committee assignments” (04:31).
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “It is a really chilling precedent.” (04:31)
- Ted Cruz: “Democrats... like to find somebody on the Republican side of things who said something really outlandish and then put together this entire kangaroo court.” (04:44)
3. The Democratic Approach to Democracy
Timestamp: 06:10 – 07:44
Cruz criticizes Democrats for purportedly claiming to love democracy while undermining it through actions like the committee stripping. He argues that Democrats despise genuine democratic processes, favoring judicial activism over voter decisions. “They despise democracy on every front. How do we know this? Because they don't actually want to let the people decide” (06:10).
Notable Quote:
- Ted Cruz: “It is a party of authoritarians. It is a party of statists.” (08:40)
4. Filibuster, Budget Reconciliation, and Senate Procedures
Timestamp: 12:52 – 19:13
The discussion shifts to Senate procedures, specifically the use of budget reconciliation by Democrats to bypass the filibuster and pass legislation with a simple majority. Cruz elaborates on how Democrats exploit this loophole to push through policies they might not otherwise achieve. He details the passage of several amendments supporting the Keystone Pipeline and fracking, highlighting the strategic maneuvers within the Senate.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “The wraparound amendment... What, 50 to 50. And we saw on that amendment the very first vote ever cast by Vice President Kamala Harris to break the tie and strip out those policies.” (17:38)
- Ted Cruz: “These votes were show votes because on the vote, they cared about the party discipline vote.” (18:55)
5. Internal Divisions and Unity within the Conservative Movement
Timestamp: 30:39 – 61:30
Michael Knowles raises concerns about the growing divisions within the Republican Party, particularly the marginalization of Trump-skeptic conservatives. Cruz responds by advocating for unity based on shared principles and values, drawing parallels to historical party divisions dating back to the 1948 GOP convention. He emphasizes the importance of growing the party by consensus rather than purging members, stating, “I think we win elections by growing our party and convincing the American people that our ideas are right” (40:13).
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “We're seeing the purging on both ends... I think having debates about who we are and what we stand for should be good.” (40:13)
- Ted Cruz: “We have a responsibility to the country because I love America and I'm not willing to give up on America.” (46:18)
6. The Influence of Media and Celebrity in Politics
Timestamp: 42:00 – 61:30
Cruz criticizes the left's dominance in media, entertainment, education, and big tech, arguing that this influence shapes public perception and elevates progressive celebrities like AOC to political power. He shares personal anecdotes, including his interactions with actors like Cary Elwes, to illustrate the adversarial relationship between conservatives and liberal media personalities.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “They systematically took over... entertainment, education... They make their folks celebrities and they treat them AOC and Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian are all the same thing.” (46:18)
- Ted Cruz: “It is hagiography and it is designed to be.” (48:27)
7. Protecting Political Expression on Social Media
Timestamp: 30:39 – 35:01
During the live Q&A, participants ask about safeguarding one's political views on social media amidst rising cancel culture and digital permanence. Both hosts share personal strategies for maintaining integrity without attracting undue negative attention, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful expression and caution in online interactions.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Knowles: “Everything in life has consequences... It is worth your integrity to... give an honest answer.” (32:26)
- Ted Cruz: “Once it's on the Internet, it's forever. It never goes away.” (33:53)
8. Science, Climate Change, and Policy Implementation
Timestamp: 57:21 – 62:09
Cruz vehemently critiques the Democratic Party’s portrayal of science, particularly in the context of climate change. He argues that climate change theories are unfalsifiable and serve as a guise for implementing socialist policies and government control. Cruz contends that the left uses "science" as a rhetorical tool rather than adhering to genuine scientific methodologies.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “Science is a club to beat the masses into submission and obedience.” (52:56)
- Ted Cruz: “Climate change is the perfect pseudo scientific theory. Why? Let's go back to the scientific method.” (57:24)
9. Concluding Insights: Embracing Truth and Freedom
Timestamp: 62:09 – 65:05
As the discussion wraps up, Cruz and Knowles reflect on the importance of truth, freedom, and integrity in navigating the current political landscape. Cruz draws inspiration from historical figures like Ronald Reagan, advocating for resilience and the steadfast pursuit of conservative values as essential for overcoming present challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz: “We go towards truth and light and freedom.” (26:06)
- Ted Cruz: “The answer to darkness is always light.” (28:53)
Conclusion
This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson offers a comprehensive exploration of the fractures within American politics, the strategic maneuvers of the Democratic Party, and the imperative for unity and integrity within the conservative movement. Through incisive dialogue and poignant observations, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz provide listeners with a critical lens on the forces shaping America’s present and future.
Navigation Links: