Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: 'Null & Void' Experts Question the Autopen, Harrowing Story of Survival in the Texas Flood plus When Woke Satire Stops Being Funny Week In Review
Release Date: July 19, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into three significant topics shaping the political and social landscape: the controversy surrounding President Biden's use of the autopen for pardons, an intense firsthand account of survival during the devastating Texas floods, and a critical examination of the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show. Throughout the episode, Ferguson provides insightful analysis, notable quotes, and thought-provoking discussions to keep listeners informed and engaged.

1. 'Null & Void' – Experts Question the Autopen

Overview:
Ben Ferguson kicks off the episode by addressing a burgeoning scandal involving President Joe Biden's use of the autopen in issuing presidential pardons. Recent reports from The New York Times have unveiled that Biden may have authorized categorical pardons without his explicit, individual approval for each recipient, raising questions about the legality and validity of these actions.

Key Points:

• Department of Justice Guidelines:
  Ryan Seacrest explains that according to a Department of Justice opinion issued years prior, the President may use an autopen for executive orders, legislation, or pardons, provided the President makes the individualized determination for each action. However, the issue at hand is whether Biden personally approved each pardon or delegated the authority improperly.

• New York Times Report Findings:
  The report suggests that while Biden set broad criteria for pardons, his aides used the autopen for finalizing lists without his hands-on approval for each individual. Seacrest emphasizes, "Mr. Biden did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons... they ran the final version through the auto pen, which they saw as a routine procedure" (02:54).

• Legal Implications:
  Seacrest asserts, "If he didn't know and didn't approve, then it's not a valid pardon" (07:19). He recommends that the Department of Justice should investigate these actions, especially focusing on high-profile cases like Dr. Anthony Fauci's pardon, which may have been executed without Biden's direct consent.

• Potential Consequences:
  The misuse of the autopen could render numerous pardons "null and void," undermining their legal standing. Ferguson suggests a thorough legal challenge to clarify the extent of presidential authority in this matter.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Seacrest (06:59): "He personally signed the pardon for Hunter Biden. So that one he knew about and he did so."

• Seacrest (08:04): "If he didn't know and didn't approve, then it's not a valid pardon."

2. Harrowing Story of Survival in the Texas Flood

Overview:
The episode takes a poignant turn as Ben Ferguson shares a harrowing firsthand account of survival during the catastrophic Texas floods. The story, originally reported by Aaron Parsley in Texas Monthly, details the terrifying experience of a family caught in the rapidly rising Guadalupe River.

Key Points:

• Personal Narrative:
  The detailed account begins with Rosemary, a 4-year-old, alerting her family about the impending danger. The family's river house, built on stilts to withstand floods, becomes the scene of a life-threatening ordeal as water levels surge unexpectedly (14:04).

• Descent into Chaos:
  As floodwaters infiltrate the house, the family grapples with the collapsing structure. Critical moments include the roof crashing down, windows shattering, and the realization that their house is afloat in the raging river (21:30).

• Struggle for Survival:
  The narrative vividly describes the intense struggle to stay afloat amidst debris and swiftly moving water. Lynn, one of the survivors, recounts grabbing onto a tree with limited success and the emotional turmoil of witnessing her siblings' peril (25:10).

• Rescue Efforts:
  Miraculously, two family members, Patrick and Lance, manage to reach safety by securing Rosemary onto an inflatable inner tube, enabling her rescue. However, the tragedy remains as Clay, Rosemary's brother, does not survive the flood (25:18).

• Emotional Aftermath:
  The episode underscores the profound grief and survivor's guilt experienced by the family, highlighting the broader impact of the floods on Texas communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Parsley (14:04): "The last thing I remember from inside the house was seeing the refrigerator coming at me."

• Alyssa (26:37): "Rosemary wanted to play I Spy... She was now safe and it was going to be okay."

• Ryan Seacrest (25:18): "This family... is rejoicing at the lives that were saved and is forever grieving at the lives that were lost."

3. When Woke Satire Stops Being Funny: Week In Review

Overview:
In the final segment, Ferguson critiques the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's long-standing late-night show. He argues that Colbert's shift towards overt partisan attacks and "woke" satire has alienated a significant portion of the American audience, leading to the show's downfall.

Key Points:

• Stephen Colbert's Transformation:
  Ryan Seacrest vehemently criticizes Colbert, describing him as "a vicious, dishonest, partisan leftist" obsessed with "Trump derangement syndrome" (31:55). He contends that Colbert's approach has stripped late-night comedy of its balanced humor, turning it into a platform for leftist agendas.

• Impact on Late-Night Comedy:
  Seacrest laments the exclusion of Republicans from late-night shows, stating, "None of the late night shows have Republicans on anymore." He believes this shift has ruined the inclusive, humorous environment that earlier late-night hosts fostered (32:33).

• Loss of Humor Balance:
  Jamie Rubin supports the criticism by highlighting that genuine humor often involves making fun of both political sides. She cites the "Team World Police" movie as an example of effective bipartisan satire, contrasting it with Colbert's "sanctimonious woke lecture" (35:54).

• Cultural Consequences:
  The episode discusses how Colbert's blatant disdain for half the country has not only resulted in the show's cancellation but has also contributed to the overall decline of late-night comedy as a unifying cultural force (38:13).

• Audience Reception:
  Seacrest shares personal anecdotes about the negative reception of Colbert's content, including an incident where a skit led to family tensions, underscoring the divisive nature of his current comedic style (38:56).

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Seacrest (35:54): "It's not funny. It's just, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you is not funny."

• Jamie Rubin (36:14): "Stephen Colbert turned his show into this like sanctimonious woke lecture every night attacking half of America."

• Seacrest (38:33): "Stephen Colbert is now unemployed. He's been canceled because... Americans don't like to listen to someone screaming at them."

Conclusion

In this episode, The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson offers a deep dive into pressing political controversies, personal survival stories, and cultural critiques. Ben Ferguson, alongside contributors like Ryan Seacrest and Jamie Rubin, provides a platform for discussing significant issues with clarity and conviction. Whether scrutinizing presidential actions, sharing tales of resilience amidst disaster, or evaluating the state of modern satire, the episode serves as an essential listen for anyone seeking informed and unfiltered commentary on current events.

Note: For those interested in exploring these discussions further, the full podcast episode is available for download on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.