Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Title: Media’s Role in Biden’s Decline "Only Good Four Hours a Day" Release Date: August 8, 2025

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a critical discussion with Senator Ted Cruz about the pervasive influence of mainstream media in obscuring President Joe Biden's alleged cognitive decline. The conversation delves into the contents of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book, Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover Up and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, highlighting the purported media complicity in masking the President's deteriorating mental faculties.

2. Critique of Jake Tapper’s Book

Senator Ted Cruz opens the dialogue by expressing strong skepticism toward the recently published book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. He vehemently criticizes the authors, suggesting that the book is "full of crap" and compares its premise to that of an arsonist denying involvement in a fire they ignited.

Ted Cruz [02:15]: “When you talk about full of crap, I really don't think you're being fair to crap. Like, this is like a book. Arsonist discovers a fire he started. This is like a book.”

Cruz accuses Tapper and the corporate media of deliberately covering up Biden's mental decline, especially concerning the administration's handling of COVID-19 and other critical issues.

3. Allegations of Media Cover-Up

The discussion intensifies as Cruz presents his view that Jake Tapper and CNN were "247 engaged in the COVID up," knowingly concealing President Biden's cognitive issues from the public.

Ted Cruz [03:13]: “They knew about his mental decline and refused to tell anybody.”

Ben Ferguson corroborates this stance, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and hinting at possessing concrete evidence ("receipts") to support their claims.

Ben Ferguson [03:13]: "It's shocking just how bad it was. And by the way, we have the receipts just to remind people."

4. Evidence of Biden’s Cognitive Decline

Cruz provides specific instances from the book that allegedly demonstrate Biden's declining mental state. He cites examples such as Biden not recognizing actor George Clooney at a fundraiser and Barack Obama having to lead Biden off the stage due to his confusion and disorientation.

Ted Cruz [09:33]: “At a fundraiser in June 2024, Joe Biden didn't recognize George Clooney. He had to be introduced like Ocean's Eleven. What, is there a casino you're robbing?”

These anecdotes are used to illustrate the claimed severity of Biden's cognitive issues and the media's failure to address them adequately.

5. Cabinet Members’ Concerns

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around testimonies from Biden’s cabinet members as presented in the book. These officials reportedly expressed deep concerns about Biden's capacity to lead, especially during crises.

Ted Cruz [32:18]: “Another cabinet secretary said Biden's top aides shielded him in every meeting from October 2023 on. The cabinet was kept at bay.”

Cruz underscores the implications of these revelations, questioning the effectiveness of the administration's leadership and decision-making processes.

6. Use of Auto Pen for Signing Documents

The conversation shifts to the procedural aspects of presidential duties, particularly the use of an auto pen by President Biden to sign legislation and pardons. Cruz questions the legitimacy of such actions, especially if Biden's mental state compromised his ability to perform these duties personally.

Ted Cruz [29:37]: “What about judges? If he used the auto pen to sign a pardon, is it legitimate?”

This segment raises concerns about the authenticity of executive actions taken during Biden's presidency and the potential legal ramifications.

7. Historical Comparisons and Hypocrisy

Cruz draws parallels between current events and past political incidents, such as Mitt Romney’s contested claims about tax payments and Harry Reid’s defamation of Romney during political debates. This comparison serves to highlight perceived hypocrisies within the Democratic leadership.

Ted Cruz [12:44]: “When Mitt Romney ran for president against Barack Obama, Harry Reid lied on the Senate floor, claiming Romney hadn't paid income taxes.”

Cruz uses these examples to argue that Democrats have a history of deceitful political maneuvering, further questioning their credibility in the current context.

8. Implications for Governance and Oversight

Ben Ferguson raises pressing questions about the actual leadership of the United States if Biden is incapacitated. He questions who is effectively running the country and whether there should be congressional oversight or investigations into the administration's handling of these issues.

Ben Ferguson [23:58]: “Who was running the country? Was it 30 people that were elected by no one? I don't think it was one person.”

Cruz responds by admitting uncertainty but emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency within the government structures.

Ted Cruz [24:09]: “I genuinely don't know. I think it was Barack Obama and his team.”

9. Potential for Oversight and Investigation

The hosts discuss the necessity for investigations into the administration's alleged concealment of Biden's cognitive decline. They explore the potential consequences and legal challenges that could arise if such allegations are substantiated.

Ted Cruz [30:11]: “If you have a president that's mentally incompetent and you have staffers running things, it makes you wonder, Dr. Fauci's pardon, is it legitimate?”

This segment underscores the profound impact that executive incapacitation could have on national security and governance.

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz reiterating their concerns about President Biden's mental fitness and the media's role in obscuring these issues. They call for greater transparency and accountability within the administration and the media landscape.

Ben Ferguson [33:03]: “Now that everybody knows the cognitive decline, the books are being written, they're telling you they may have only gotten four hours a day out of the President of the United States of America.”

The hosts urge listeners to critically evaluate the information presented by mainstream media and to seek out alternative sources that expose the truth behind the administration's public image.

Notable Quotes

• Ted Cruz [02:15]: “Like, this is like a book. Arsonist discovers a fire he started.”

• Ben Ferguson [03:19]: “It's shocking just how bad it was. And by the way, we have the receipts just to remind people.”

• Ted Cruz [09:33]: “At a fundraiser in June 2024, Joe Biden didn't recognize George Clooney. He had to be introduced like Ocean's Eleven. What, is there a casino you're robbing?”

• Ted Cruz [29:37]: “What about judges? If he used the auto pen to sign a pardon, is it legitimate?”

• Ben Ferguson [23:58]: “Who was running the country? Was it 30 people that were elected by no one? I don't think it was one person.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents a critical examination of President Biden's capacity to lead, accusing mainstream media and political figures of widespread malpractice and intentional obfuscation. Through rigorous dialogue and the presentation of compelling evidence, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz challenge listeners to reconsider the narratives presented by traditional news outlets and advocate for greater governmental accountability.