The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: More Biden Balloon Deceptions plus Twitter Bans a US Senator
Release Date: February 10, 2023
Host: Premiere Networks
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, delving into pressing national security concerns, the Biden administration's handling of sensitive incidents, judicial nomination controversies, and the troubling dynamics of social media censorship. The conversation offers listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the political maneuvers shaping America today.

1. The Chinese Spy Balloon Incident

Overview: Senator Ted Cruz provides an in-depth analysis of the recent classified briefing he attended regarding the Chinese government's use of surveillance balloons over the United States. He criticizes the Biden administration's delayed and inadequate response to this significant national security threat.

Key Points:

• Classified Briefing Details:
  Senator Cruz attended a two-hour classified briefing in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee room, focusing exclusively on the Chinese spy balloon. He emphasized the gravity of the espionage activities conducted by China during the balloon's eight-day traversal of U.S. airspace.

  "[00:40] Senator Ted Cruz: ... unlike Joe Biden who seems to have classified materials everywhere he goes."

• Administration's Delayed Response:
  The balloon entered U.S. airspace on January 28 near the Aleutian Islands and remained for over a week before being shot down on February 4. Senator Cruz highlights that President Biden was only briefed two days before the balloon was destroyed, raising concerns about the decision-making process and the administration's transparency.

  "[03:05] Senator Ted Cruz: It was Saturday, January 28, when the balloon began entering American territory... Biden was briefed on February 1."

• Chain of Command and Decision Authority:
  The discussion underscores the confusion over who holds the authority to act in such scenarios. Senator Cruz points out that existing statutes grant military commanders the authority to engage hostile threats without waiting for presidential directives in urgent situations.

  "[05:00] Senator Ted Cruz: ... military commanders have the legal authority to engage and to take it out."

• Potential National Security Breaches:
  The balloon's flight path over sensitive military installations allowed China to potentially collect communications and other critical data. Senator Cruz expresses deep concern over the implications of such breaches.

  "[12:34] Senator Ted Cruz: Well, I think we should be very concerned."

Notable Quotes:

• "[02:32] Senator Ted Cruz: ... spinning mightily."
  Critiquing the administration’s attempts to downplay the incident.

• "[14:15] Senator Ted Cruz: ... mission was complete, after the espionage was done."
  Highlighting the late action taken against the balloon.

2. Judicial Nominations and Senate Democrats' Approach

Overview: Senator Cruz shifts focus to the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticizing Democrats for advancing judicial nominees with questionable qualifications and extreme ideological leanings without adequate scrutiny.

Key Points:

• Advancement of Extreme Nominees:
  The Senate Democrats moved forward 29 judicial nominees, including individuals who have made unfounded claims or hold radical views that could adversely affect the judiciary's impartiality.

  "[17:03] Senator Ted Cruz: ... moving forward out of committee. Now, these included many of the most extreme and radical nominees."

• False Statements by Nominees:
  Examples include a nominee who falsely asserted that "police kill unarmed black men every single day," undermining trust in law enforcement and judicial integrity.

  "[17:37] Senator Ted Cruz: ... a judge who said he is motivated... by his hatred for conservatives."

• Lack of Constitutional Knowledge:
  Another nominee admitted to not knowing what Article II of the Constitution entails, a fundamental knowledge required for any federal judge.

  "[20:00] Senator Ted Cruz: ... she didn't know. She couldn't remember."

• Democratic Senators' Inaction:
  Senator Cruz accuses Senate Democrats of "rubber-stamping" every nominee, regardless of their qualifications, thereby diluting the quality and credibility of the federal judiciary.

  "[22:11] Senator Ted Cruz: ... they have no business serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee."

Notable Quotes:

• "[18:16] Senator Ted Cruz: ... it's not like you have the ability when you're just being an advocate to lie."
  Addressing the false statements made by nominees.

• "[21:26] Senator Ted Cruz: Now you don't know what Article 22 is?"
  Challenging the committee's chairman on constitutional ignorance.

• "[22:02] Senator Ted Cruz: ... voted for every single nominee, no matter how bad, no matter how extreme."
  Criticizing the Democrats' approach to confirmations.

3. Twitter Censorship and the Twitter Files

Overview: The conversation transitions to the contentious issue of social media censorship, focusing on Twitter's actions against Senator Steve Daines and the broader implications revealed by the Twitter Files.

Key Points:

• Incident with Senator Steve Daines:
  Senator Daines was suspended from Twitter for posting a profile picture of himself hunting, which Twitter falsely categorized as "graphic violence." This action underscores the platform's overreach in moderating content.

  "[30:36] Senator Ted Cruz: And it was deleted because Twitter said you may not include graphic violence or adult content in your profile header image."

• Elon Musk's Intervention:
  Elon Musk personally intervened to reinstate Senator Daines' account and revised Twitter's policies to prevent future wrongful censorship of similar content.

  "[32:27] Senator Ted Cruz: The two of them talked on the phone. The two of them talked on the phone."

• Critique of Big Tech's Censorship:
  Senator Cruz laments the broader culture of censorship within social media companies, facilitated by former FBI officials who, according to him, aimed to suppress conservative voices and influence political outcomes.

  "[34:05] Senator Ted Cruz: ... these are the same people that banned Donald Trump."
  Emphasizing the consistency in targeting conservative figures.

• Twitter Files Revelation:
  The release of the Twitter Files exposed internal communications and decisions that suggest deliberate suppression of stories detrimental to the Biden administration, including the handling of Hunter Biden's affairs.

  "[27:17] Senator Ted Cruz: ... they were deliberately misleading the reporters by saying..."

Notable Quotes:

• "[29:35] Senator Ted Cruz: ... acting as henchmen on behalf of the federal government, silencing their political enemies."
  Accusing social media platforms of partisan bias.

• "[34:24] Unnamed Senator: ... If they can ban the president, they can ban anybody."
  Highlighting the arbitrary power wielded by social media companies.

• "[35:29] Senator Ted Cruz: ... what Elon is doing at Twitter is enormously, enormously consequential."
  Stressing the significance of Musk's actions in combating censorship.

Conclusion

Senator Ted Cruz's conversation with Ben Ferguson offers a critical perspective on the Biden administration's national security strategies, the integrity of the federal judiciary, and the pervasive issue of censorship within social media platforms. Through detailed analysis and pointed critiques, the episode underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in governmental and corporate actions that impact American democracy and freedoms.

Notable Quotes for Reference:

• "[00:27] Senator Ted Cruz: ... something the President refused to bring up during the State of the Union..."
  Setting the stage for the discussion on national security oversight.

• "[06:32] Senator Ted Cruz: ... they have the legal authority to engage and to take it out..."
  Clarifying the military's authority in urgent security situations.

• "[28:19] Senator Ted Cruz: ... the only thing about their getting played."
  Discussing the compromised integrity of social media moderation.

This episode serves as a vital resource for listeners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of current political and social issues, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and advocacy in preserving democratic values.