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Carol Markowitz / Mary Kathryn Ham / Kristina Williams
You want smart political talk without the meltdowns, we got you. I'm Carol Markowitz. And I'm Mary Kathryn Ham. We've been around the block in media and we're doing things differently. Normally is about real conversations, thoughtful, try to be funny, grounded, and no panic. We'll keep you informed and entertained without ruining your day. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday Normally on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Matt
Is she originally from Somalia?
Ben Ferguson
So how are they doing this? How's their government? Do they have a president? Do they have a council? Do they have anything? Do they have police? I love these people. They come from a place with not nothing, no anything. And then they tell us how to run our country. You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Good Saturday morning to you. Ben Ferguson with you. And these are some of the stories that you may have missed that we talked about this week on the 47 Morning Update. First up, finally, the Fed cuts rates by a quarter percent, signaling two more cuts will be coming this year. And it means that Donald Trump was right. Interest rates were far too high and now the feds finally having to admit it. Also, you would think that Democrats would have learned from their rhetoric and stopped using certain words after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Well, apparently they haven't learned anything. And now Hillary Clinton is out there on the front lines activating the radical left and using words like fascists already. But before I get to that, I want to talk to you about my friends at Kirk and Elliot Precious Metals. Two days ago, I got my new order of silver. Now, I'm investing in silver right now because the pricing on it is amazing and the upside, well, it's real. I actually have a 100 ounce silver bar. It is actually really cool. It's really heavy because it's 100 ounces. But I also know that I bought it at the right price and I wasn't paying massive upcharges on, quote, rare or special coins. And then when you go to sell them, you take away all of your earning potential. Why do they do it this way at Kurt Elliott? Because they have transparent pricing up front. It's very simple. You pay 8% when you buy. And here's what matters to you the most. Nothing. When you sell, there are no hidden fees ever with Kurt Elliott Precious Metals. This is the reason why I recommend them. It's not just about investing. It's about making sure you get more for your money. And that is exactly why Kurt Ellio helps people all the time. Whether it's gold or silver, you can hold it, be a good steward of it. You can pass it on to future generations and you can build wealth with it. It's real bullion, never gimmicks, just investment grade gold and silver. No overpriced coins, no flashy markups. And it's a company that I love because they are a faith driven company. There's no pressure, just honest care. They treat every client like family, offering honest answers up front to help you make wise, informed decisions. Now, if you're seeking a partner when it comes to gold and silver with an eternity mindset, visit kepm.com BEN that's K-E P M.com BEN. You can also call them 720-605-3900. That's 720-605-3900. So let's faithfully steward what God has given so you can experience real peace now and for generations to come. Kepm.com Ben it's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Story number one, Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Fed to to cut interest rates more aggressively. For example, in June of this year, he called for a full percentage point drop. Also, he said the rates are at least 3 percentage points too high. Now, Trump had criticized the Fed, especially the chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting sooner or more deeply. He made it very clear he believed that the cuts need to come and it was holding the economy back. He even talked about the idea that it was time to get rid of Jerome Powell, that he should resign. Well, Jerome is still there. But the good news is finally the Feds have cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. And here's how the news hit on cnn.
Carol Markowitz / Mary Kathryn Ham / Kristina Williams
Tell us about this decision, Matt.
Matt
Yeah, Brianna. The Fed just delivered an interest rate cut and it is the quarter point cut that was widely expected. Now, this is a big deal because it is the first interest rate cut of the second Trump administration. And it's sending a clear message that Federal Reserve officials are more worried about the slumping job market than they are about stubborn inflation. They're acting now to try to shore up the job market before this trouble turns into something worse. And they're signaling this concern in their new statement that they just put out by inserting some new language that I'll read to you.
Ben Ferguson
Now.
Matt
Fed officials say that job gains have slowed and the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. Fed officials also say that they have judged that downside risks to employment have risen. Now, at the same time, this statement also says that inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated, which just gets at this really difficult situation facing the Fed where they're really trying to fight a two front war. Right? They're trying to fix the job market and they're trying to to defeat inflation. At the same time, it is really difficult. Now, as far as the voting here, this was actually almost unanimous. It was an 11 to 1 vote with Fed Chair Jerome Powell joined by 10 of his colleagues, including Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who the President has tried to fire. The one dissenter is the Federal Reserve's newest member. That's Stephen Myron, the Trump loyalist and White House economist. Not surprisingly, he was in favor of a bigger cut of half of a percentage point. Now, looking forward, the key change with the Fed's projections is they are now penciling in a total of three interest rate cuts this year, today's and two more quarter point cuts. And that's a shift from June when Fed officials had previously just pencilled in two interest rate cuts. Now what does all this mean to everyone at home? Well, the fact that rates have come down that could be helpful for people who have credit card debt and people have floating rate debt like home equity lines of credit. But we should be clear this is not a silver bullet that's going to fix the economy. Interest rates do remain high. The Fed spiked interest rates three years ago to try to fight inflation. That amounted to slamming the brakes on the economy. Now they're not going pedal to the metal and hitting the gas and they're sort of gradually taking their foot off the brake. Now later this hour, Fed Chair Jerome Powell, he's going to take questions. I'm interested to hear what he's going to say about all of the pressure, the political pressure from the White House on Federal Reserve officials and how many more interest rates he expects to have in the coming months. Back to you, Brianna.
Ben Ferguson
I love how they're like, well, this could be good for Americans. This is going to be massive, by the way, for Americans. And this is exactly what the President has been advocating for, saying that we need to move this in the right direction. We also know from what was said by Powell that you can expect that there is a very good chance that more cuts could be coming on the regular. So is this a victory for all Americans? Yes. Is this a big victory for the fact that Jerome Powell said it the way that he described it? Yes. And is it something that we should all celebrate? You better believe it, Jerome Powell, in his own words, under what circumstances would a larger than 25 basis points rate cut be warranted?
Matt
And how seriously was that option entertained.
Ben Ferguson
At your meeting this week?
Restaurant Server
There wasn't widespread support at all for, for a 50 basis point cut today. You know, I think we've done, we've done very large rate hikes and very large rate cuts in the last five years. And you tend to do those at a time when, when you feel that policy is out of place and needs to move quickly to a new place. That's not at all what, what I feel certainly now. I feel like our policy has been doing the right thing so far this year. I think we were right to wait and see how tariffs and inflation and the labor market evolved. I think we're now reacting to, you know, to the much lower level of job creation and other evidence of softening in the labor market and saying, well, those risks are maybe, maybe not fully balanced, but moving in the direction of balance now. And so that that warrants a change in policy.
Ben Ferguson
So even Jerome Powell having to admit he's probably gotten it wrong for a while now, and he's having to be honest that Donald Trump was right. Now, story number two, Democrats have not learned a damn thing about their rhetoric since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In fact, if you look at what they're saying, it's pretty clear they're doubling down on their radical words and trying to inspire others. Hillary Clinton now getting in on the action. She has sparked a social media firestorm for promoting a book literally warning about fascists and sick people. Clinton is ripping now authoritarians referencing Donald Trump while promoting the new book from teachers union chief Randy Weingarten, the former secretary of state and presidential candidate. Hillary Clinton is getting blasted, as she should, on social media for posting a picture supporting the American Federation of Teachers president. The chief's new book that suggests her political opponents are in fact fascists. Congratulations, Hillary Clinton said to my friend on, quote, why fascists fear teachers. From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it's a cornerstone of democracy. Those are the exact words posted by Hillary Clinton on Wednesday along with a picture of the American Federation of Teachers chief holding the book. Randy's new book is a critical read for this moment. She also wrote clearly talking about it, knowing what had just happened to Charlie Kirk. Clinton was criticized instantly by many conservatives online for the post, which they argued continued the smear campaign against political opponents that many believe contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Why? Because these are the words that are used by the assassin. It's been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered by a lunatic who wrote about fascists on the shell casings, is what one Republican said online. Now Randy has a new book arguing everyone who disagrees with her views on public education, which have destroyed public education in America, is a fascist. American Culture Project senior fellow writing this on X. Hillary Clinton and Randy Weingarten are going full speed ahead with this disgusting rhetoric right after Charlie Kirk's assassination. Sick people. Charlie Kirk was murdered exactly one week ago. Another conservative online, a friend of mine, Jack Posobic, said, and here's Hillary Clinton today. They wrote an entire book on a word they don't even understand is what another member of the Huntington Beach City Council said on X the room, that's why y' all should read is what the Washington Free Beacon investigative reporter Chuck Ross also said. Yet Hillary Clinton knew what she was doing. She knew that this moment was a moment she could bring people together. And instead she wanted to make sure she incited more violence, using the words to undermine any conservative out there and to justify another assassination. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Randy Weingarten are still suggesting Republicans are fascists, an account belonging to the Republican National Committee put out so eloquently on X. They really can't help themselves, can they? Now Fox News reached out to Clinton's office for comment on her post, which has now racked up more than 2 million views. Guess what? They didn't have time to get back for comment. Have they read the book? Is what Weingarten said in a statement to Fox News Digital. If they did, they discover it's a love letter to teachers. Weingarten's book, which hits bookshelves this week, elaborates on her views on battling what she says is fascist ideology and how it works to undermine democracy, opportunity and public education as we know it. By the way, we know that public education has been a total disaster. And if you're a parent that shows up at your school board meetings, the last administration of the FBI classified you as a domestic terrorist. Now, what is in the book? Well, here's more of it. Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes, clearly referencing Donald Trump. Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power, they began banning books and controlling curriculum. The book's preview reads, fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an education, an educated and empowered population that can see past the propaganda and the scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves. Now let's be clear. The Democratic Party has taken over the education system. It's where they've indoctrinated children to be ashamed of America, not be proud of it. It's where they've indoctrinated children to hate this country. It's where they've indoctrinated children to believe that anyone that disagrees with them is somehow instantly a fascist or a Nazi or Adolf Hitler and they should be taken out. We also know the youngest generation, 42% of them, say in new polling that it is appropriate to use violence to go after people you disagree with as long as you justify it as saying you're trying to stop evil. This is the Democratic Party, and if you think for a moment they're going to stop actually doing these types of things and learn from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, you're wrong. They look at this as a success and they're still using the same words that were used by the assassin to justify the killing of one of our own. Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here on Monday morning.
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Carol Markowitz / Mary Kathryn Ham / Kristina Williams
You want smart political talk without the meltdowns? We got you and I'm Carol Markowitz. And I'm Mary Kathryn Ham. We've been around the block in media and we're doing things differently. Normally is about real conversations, thoughtful, try to be funny, grounded, and no panic. We'll keep you informed and entertained without ruining your day. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday Normally on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Whatever team Phi is on has a.
Carol Markowitz / Mary Kathryn Ham / Kristina Williams
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Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
On this episode, Ben Ferguson breaks down two central themes:
Ben delivers pointed commentary directed at both monetary policy and Democratic messaging, urging listeners to question narratives and recognize the implications for American politics and society.
[03:14–11:48]
Fed Announcement:
Ben opens with headline news—the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point, with indications of two more cuts before year’s end.
“Finally, the Fed cuts rates by a quarter percent, signaling two more cuts will be coming this year. And it means Donald Trump was right. Interest rates were far too high and now the Feds finally having to admit it.”
— Ben Ferguson [03:14]
Trump’s Pressure on Powell:
Ben details how former President Trump consistently pushed for more aggressive rate cuts, even calling for Powell’s resignation if he didn’t move faster:
“Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Fed to cut interest rates… He even talked about the idea that it was time to get rid of Jerome Powell, that he should resign. Well, Jerome is still there. But the good news is finally the Feds have cut interest rates…”
— Ben Ferguson [05:11]
CNN Coverage Recap:
Ben shares a CNN report, with Matt highlighting the balancing act the Fed faces:
“The Fed just delivered an interest rate cut and it is the quarter point cut that was widely expected. Now, this is a big deal because it is the first interest rate cut of the second Trump administration... They're signaling this concern [about employment] in their new statement.”
— Matt [07:26]
“Fed officials say that job gains have slowed and the unemployment rate has edged up... downside risks to employment have risen. At the same time... inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated, which just gets at this really difficult situation facing the Fed: fighting a two front war.”
— Matt [08:02]
Vote Breakdown & Outlook:
The cut passed 11–1, with Trump-loyalist Stephen Myron wanting a bigger cut. The Fed now projects three cuts for the year:
“Looking forward, the key change with the Fed's projections is they are now penciling in a total of three interest rate cuts this year, today's and two more quarter point cuts...”
— Matt [09:16]
Ben’s Take on Mainstream Framing:
Ben is dismissive of downplaying by mainstream outlets:
“I love how they're like, well, this could be good for Americans. This is going to be massive, by the way, for Americans. And this is exactly what the President has been advocating for, saying that we need to move this in the right direction.”
— Ben Ferguson [10:14]
Jerome Powell Q&A:
Powell’s own words are highlighted, confirming why the Fed avoided a bigger cut:
“There wasn't widespread support at all for a 50 basis point cut today... We've done very large rate hikes and very large rate cuts in the last five years... I feel like our policy has been doing the right thing so far this year. I think we were right to wait and see... we're now reacting to the much lower level of job creation and other evidence of softening in the labor market...”
— Jerome Powell (as quoted by Ben, paraphrased) [11:02]
Ben’s Conclusion:
“So even Jerome Powell having to admit he's probably gotten it wrong for a while now, and he's having to be honest that Donald Trump was right.”
— Ben Ferguson [11:48]
[11:48–18:24]
No Change in Rhetoric After Tragedy:
Ben accuses Democrats—and specifically Hillary Clinton—of continuing inflammatory language, referencing the assassination of Charlie Kirk:
“Democrats have not learned a damn thing about their rhetoric since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In fact... they’re doubling down on their radical words and trying to inspire others.”
— Ben Ferguson [11:48]
Hillary Clinton and Randy Weingarten’s Book:
Clinton’s social media post is critiqued—she promoted Weingarten’s new book describing opponents as “fascists”:
“Hillary Clinton now getting in on the action. She has sparked a social media firestorm for promoting a book literally warning about fascists and sick people. Clinton is ripping now authoritarians referencing Donald Trump while promoting the new book from teachers union chief Randy Weingarten…”
— Ben Ferguson [12:13]
Clinton’s post:
“Congratulations, Hillary Clinton said to my friend on, quote, why fascists fear teachers. From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it's a cornerstone of democracy.”
— Ben Ferguson quoting Hillary Clinton [12:44]
Conservative Reaction:
Ben cites strong backlash from conservative commentators and organizations, drawing a direct line between charged language and violence:
“Clinton was criticized instantly by many conservatives online for the post, which they argued continued the smear campaign against political opponents that many believe contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Why? Because these are the words that are used by the assassin.”
— Ben Ferguson [13:25]
Memorable Quotes from Conservative Critics:
“Hillary Clinton and Randy Weingarten are going full speed ahead with this disgusting rhetoric right after Charlie Kirk's assassination. Sick people.”
— Unnamed Conservative, cited by Ben [14:02]
“They wrote an entire book on a word they don't even understand...”
— Member of Huntington Beach City Council, cited by Ben [14:34]
Ben’s Broader Critique:
He accuses Democrats of indoctrinating students, misusing charged terms, and justifying violence:
“The Democratic Party has taken over the education system. It's where they've indoctrinated children to be ashamed of America, not be proud of it. It's where they've indoctrinated children to believe that anyone that disagrees with them is somehow instantly a fascist or a Nazi or Adolf Hitler and they should be taken out.”
— Ben Ferguson [15:11]
He referencing polling:
“The youngest generation, 42% of them, say in new polling that it is appropriate to use violence to go after people you disagree with as long as you justify it as saying you're trying to stop evil.”
— Ben Ferguson [16:05]
Final Word on Responsibility:
Ben claims the left sees the assassination and its rhetorical context as a success, not a lesson.
“They look at this as a success and they're still using the same words that were used by the assassin to justify the killing of one of our own.”
— Ben Ferguson [17:15]
Ben Ferguson on Fed Decision:
“This is exactly what the President has been advocating for... So is this a victory for all Americans? Yes. Is this a big victory for the fact that Jerome Powell said it the way that he described it? Yes. And is it something that we should all celebrate? You better believe it.”
— [10:14]
Matt (CNN) on Fed’s Dilemma:
“They're really trying to fight a two front war. Right? They're trying to fix the job market and they're trying to defeat inflation. At the same time, it is really difficult.”
— [08:15]
Jerome Powell defending gradual cuts:
“I think we were right to wait and see how tariffs and inflation and the labor market evolved. I think we're now reacting to... much lower level of job creation and other evidence of softening in the labor market…”
— [11:02]
Ben Ferguson on Democratic Rhetoric:
“It's where they've indoctrinated children to believe that anyone that disagrees with them is somehow instantly a fascist or a Nazi or Adolf Hitler and they should be taken out.”
— [15:11]
Ben Ferguson’s tone throughout is assertive, combative, and highly critical of both the Federal Reserve’s prior inaction and the language used by high-profile Democrats. His commentary is direct, sharply partisan, and laced with skepticism toward mainstream media interpretations. He aims to energize and inform his audience while underlining perceived threats to conservative values and American society.
For those who missed the episode, Ben Ferguson provides a fiery roundup of current events, focusing on the intersection of economic policy and cultural-political battles—framing recent rate cuts as a victory for Trump and warning of continued polarization driven by charged rhetoric from the left.