Podcast Summary: "Pop The Trunk Joe, The Special Prosecutor Needs To Search Your Corvette"
Introduction
In the January 13, 2023 episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Shapiro engages in a dynamic discussion with Senator Ted Cruz. The primary focus revolves around the unexpected appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate President Joe Biden, sparking intense political debate and raising questions about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) impartiality.
Special Prosecutor Appointment
The episode kicks off with Ben Shapiro highlighting a significant and unforeseen development: "a special prosecutor, not for Donald Trump, but for the President of the United States of America" (00:00). Shapiro and Cruz express their astonishment at Attorney General Merrick Garland's decision to appoint Robert Hur as Special Counsel, emphasizing the gravity of investigating a sitting president.
Merrick Garland's Announcement
Senator Cruz delves into Garland's statement, critiquing the rationale behind the appointment. He notes Garland's predicament, stating, "Garland had to do this. He was backed into the corner the instant they found yet more documents..." (00:26). Cruz underscores Garland's discomfort, describing him as "miserable doing this, but he had no choice" (00:26).
Robert Hur’s Background and Potential Bias
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Robert Hur's credentials and possible biases. Cruz outlines Hur's impressive legal background, including his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and his connections to conservative figures like Rod Rosenstein: "He clerked for Alex Kaczynski, who was... one of the top conservative appellate judges in the country" (07:09). However, Cruz raises concerns about Hur being Rosenstein's right-hand man, suggesting potential partisanship: "The fact that he was Rosenstein's right hand is not an encouraging sign." (10:53).
Handling of Classified Documents by President Biden
The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding President Biden's mishandling of classified documents. Shapiro questions the security lapses, pointing out discrepancies in the document storage locations and timelines: "There are gaps of years where these documents had to be in other places" (11:01). Cruz adds, "Classified material next to Your Corvette" (14:02), highlighting the absurdity of sensitive documents being stored alongside personal items.
Comparison with Donald Trump’s Document Handling
Shapiro and Cruz draw parallels between Biden and former President Trump regarding document management. Cruz muses, "Biden just keeps finding classified documents, first in the Penn center, then in the garage next to the Corvette." (12:54), comparing it to Trump's infamous handling of classified materials, thereby questioning the DOJ's selective scrutiny.
Political and Legal Implications
The potential political fallout is a major topic. Cruz speculates on how this special prosecutor could derail Biden's agenda and impact future Democratic strategies: "This is going to complicate Joe Biden's life, but the person has how much is gonna complicate it?" (20:11). He also discusses the broader implications for the DOJ and the possibility of uncovering deeper corruption ties involving Biden and his son, Hunter: "If they concerned Hunter Biden and Burisma, that's a big deal." (20:30).
Additional News: FAA Halts and Gas Stove Ban Proposal
Beyond the primary topic, the podcast briefly touches on other current events. Shapiro and Cruz critique the FAA's recent operational failures and question the competence of officials like Pete Buttigieg: "It's like being a small town mayor is not really qualifications to run a major cabinet agency." (27:14). They also mock the Biden administration's proposal to ban gas stoves, labeling it as "virtue signaling" (28:52).
Secret Service Code Names
In a lighter segment, Cruz shares intriguing facts about Secret Service code names for U.S. presidents. The conversation ranges from historical names like Reagan's "Rawhide" (29:58) to Biden's "Celtic" (30:55), adding an entertaining break amidst the intense political discourse.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, both hosts reflect on the tumultuous developments and anticipate further coverage in upcoming episodes. Shapiro encourages listeners to subscribe and stay informed, ensuring they remain updated on the evolving political landscape surrounding the special prosecutor's investigation.
Notable Quotes:
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Senator Ted Cruz (00:26): "Garland is miserable doing this, but he had no choice."
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Senator Ted Cruz (07:09): "Robert Hur was Rod Rosenstein's right hand."
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Senator Ted Cruz (14:02): "Classified material next to Your Corvette."
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Senator Ted Cruz (20:30): "If they concerned Hunter Biden and Burisma, that's a big deal."
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Senator Ted Cruz (29:54): "Deacon. That's actually pretty good for him."
This comprehensive discussion offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the DOJ's latest actions, the handling of classified documents by the President, and the broader political ramifications, all while maintaining an engaging and critical perspective.
