The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Detailed Episode Summary

Episode Title: Merrick Garland Personally Approved DEADLY Force for Mar-a-Lago Raid, plus Tony Blinken Decimated for Undermining Israel & Funding Iran
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a profound discussion with Senator Ted Cruz. The conversation centers around significant political developments, including the controversial Mar-a-Lago raid authorized by Attorney General Merrick Garland and a rigorous cross-examination of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications for Israel and Iran.

1. The Mar-a-Lago Raid and Merrick Garland’s Authorization

Key Discussion Points:

• Senator Cruz opens the dialogue by highlighting what he perceives as the "arrogance and unaccountability of the Biden cabinet."
• The primary focus is on Merrick Garland’s approval of the Mar-a-Lago raid, emphasizing the unprecedented authorization of deadly force.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:23]: “Merrick Garland, the Attorney General, personally approved the use of deadly force in the raid of Mar-a-Lago. He sent FBI agents in and he told them, if you need to unload your magazines, you do it. It, it is astonishing.”
• Ben Ferguson [03:37]: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would have witnessed the breaking news that took place that said not only did the Biden administration and the Attorney General Merrick Garland authorize this raid, but on top of that, they authorized the use of deadly force.”

Detailed Insights:

• The discussion delves into the operational orders that permitted the use of deadly force, citing a specific excerpt from an unsealed filing:
  • Senator Cruz [04:32]: “According to an operations order produced in discovery...law enforcement officers of the Department of Justice may use deadly force when necessary.”
• Cruz expresses deep concern over the potential for conflict with the Secret Service, whose primary role is to protect former presidents, questioning Garland’s judgment and the administration's decision-making process.
  • Senator Cruz [05:11]: “...there is no sense. And this reminds me back at the beginning of Crossfire Hurricane...it was a grotesque abuse of power.”

Analysis:

• Cruz draws parallels between the Mar-a-Lago raid and previous instances of alleged DOJ overreach, specifically referencing the Crossfire Hurricane investigation targeting Donald Trump’s campaign.
• He underscores his belief that the administration is setting up dangerous situations by overstepping legal and ethical boundaries.

2. Cross-Examination of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

Key Discussion Points:

• The heart of the episode revolves around Senator Cruz’s intensive cross-examination of Anthony Blinken, focusing on Blinken’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
• Cruz challenges Blinken on U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly those affecting Israel and Iran, asserting that the administration’s actions have inadvertently funded adversarial entities like Hamas.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [21:04]: “You have presided over the worst foreign policy disaster of modern times...we have two simultaneous wars waging the worst war in Europe since World War II and the worst war in the Middle East in 50 years.”
• Anthony Blinken [22:26]: “Given the horrible acts that he engaged in, both as a judge and as president? To the extent he can no longer engage in them, yes, the Iranian people are probably better off.”
• Senator Ted Cruz [24:35]: “Does the administration have intelligence on the locations of Hamas officials that you have not shared with Israel? No.”
• Anthony Blinken [25:03]: “No.”
• Senator Ted Cruz [25:14]: “We have sent other weapons. It's just the current shipment that we're threatening...they were offering intelligence on where senior Hamas officials were...the chances that Blinken is not telling the truth there are very, very high.”

Detailed Insights:

• Funding Iran and Undermining Israel:

  • Cruz alleges that the Biden administration’s policies have significantly increased Iran’s oil sales, thereby funding Hamas and other hostile entities.
  • He claims that Blinken has deceived the Senate by denying the administration holds intelligence on Hamas leaders, which Cruz believes is improbable.
  • Senator Cruz [27:45]: “This administration desperately wants a new Iran deal...by refusing to enforce oil sanctions, we have seen Iran's oil sales go from 300,000 barrels a day...to over 2 million barrels a day today.”

• Handling of Iranian Leader’s Death:

  • Cruz criticizes the State Department’s decision to issue condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, labeling it as disgraceful given Raisi’s oppressive regime.
  • Senator Cruz [38:44]: “Raisi was a mass murderer...he is a monster...the world should celebrate that Raisi is dead, but this administration is not celebrating.”

• Effectiveness of Sanctions:

  • The discussion highlights Blinken’s inability to provide specific figures regarding Iran’s oil sales and the number of sanctioned Ghost Fleet ships, suggesting a lack of transparency and effectiveness.
  • Senator Cruz [35:16]: “He should know more than you should know on this. Am I right?”

Analysis:

• Senator Cruz presents a strong critique of Blinken’s tenure, accusing him of undermining U.S. allies and inadvertently supporting adversaries through flawed foreign policy decisions.
• He emphasizes the need for accountability within the DOJ and FBI, advocating for a "clean house" to restore integrity to these institutions.

3. Historical Context and Comparisons

Key Discussion Points:

• Cruz draws historical parallels to previous administrations to contextualize his criticisms, particularly referencing the Crossfire Hurricane investigation during the Obama administration aimed at the Trump campaign.
• He underscores his belief that the current administration lacks the necessary judgment and integrity to handle sensitive political and foreign policy matters.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [09:35]: “Crossfire Hurricane...they created fraudulent documents they used to get a warrant from the FISA court. It was a grotesque abuse of power...”
• Senator Ted Cruz [12:31]: “Jim Comey...he was front and center. He did exactly that. He was the point person behind weaponizing the FBI.”

Detailed Insights:

• Cruz criticizes the DOJ and FBI for politicization, suggesting that these institutions have been weaponized against political opponents.
• He highlights what he perceives as a failure of leadership within these agencies to maintain impartiality and uphold the rule of law.

Analysis:

• By invoking past instances of alleged DOJ misconduct, Cruz reinforces his argument that the current administration continues a pattern of overreach and politicization.
• This historical comparison serves to bolster his call for significant reforms within these institutions.

4. Advertisements and Sponsor Messages

Throughout the episode, Ferguson includes advertisements seamlessly integrated into the conversation. Notably:

• Freedom Gold USA Advertisement [01:20 - 03:37]:

  • Promotes investing in gold and silver as a hedge against inflation.
  • Highlights Freedom Gold USA’s commitment to educating clients without urging them to put all their money in precious metals.
  • Ben Ferguson: “Freedom Gold USA charges 25 to 30% less than most major gold and silver firms...call my friends at Freedom Gold USA...freedomgoldusa.com/verdict.”

• Patriot Mobile Advertisement [17:22 - 35:16]:

  • Encourages listeners to switch to a conservative wireless provider that supports American values.
  • Emphasizes easy switching processes and the opportunity to support organizations that align with conservative principles.
  • Ben Ferguson: “Patriot Mobile...free activation when you use the offer code verdict...972 Patriot.”

• Blackout Coffee Advertisement [35:16 - 38:44]:

  • Promotes Blackout Coffee as a premium, conservative-aligned coffee company.
  • Offers a discount using the promo code provided.
  • Ben Ferguson: “Blackoutcoffee.com/verdict...use the coupon code verdict for 20% off your first order.”

Analysis:

• The advertisements are presented in a non-intrusive manner, aligning with the podcast’s overall tone.
• They cater to a conservative audience, reinforcing the show's demographic and ideological leanings.

5. Concluding Remarks and Future Topics

Key Discussion Points:

• Ferguson hints at upcoming topics, including coverage of Donald Trump’s trial, ensuring listeners remain engaged for future episodes.
• Reinforces the importance of being informed and staying ahead with daily updates on significant political developments.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [40:54]: “We are going to be covering the Trump trial later this week, I can promise you that...make sure you hit that subscribe auto download button.”

Analysis:

• By previewing future content, Ferguson maintains listener interest and encourages ongoing engagement with the podcast.
• The focus on high-profile political events underscores the show's commitment to covering pivotal issues impacting America.

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update offers a vigorous critique of the Biden administration’s handling of critical national security and foreign policy issues. Through an in-depth conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, listeners gain insights into the perceived overreach of the DOJ and FBI, the contentious Mar-a-Lago raid, and the administration’s foreign policy towards Israel and Iran. The episode is punctuated with strategic advertisements that resonate with the show's conservative audience, ensuring a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

For those seeking unfiltered political analysis and commentary, this episode stands out as a significant exploration of contemporary American political dynamics.