The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Summary: Protecting Kids From Deepfake Exploitation, plus Trump Surges with Black Voters & Russia Passes USA in Europe Gas Sales Release Date: June 19, 2024

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a profound discussion with Senator Ted Cruz on pressing legislative initiatives, shifts in voter demographics, and critical international developments. The conversation delves into bipartisan efforts to safeguard children from emerging technological threats, the surprising surge of support for Donald Trump among African American voters, and the geopolitical implications of Russia surpassing the United States as a gas supplier to Europe. This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Bipartisan Legislation: Protecting Kids from Deepfake Exploitation

Introduction of the Take It Down Act

Senator Ted Cruz outlines a significant legislative effort aimed at protecting children from the malicious use of artificial intelligence, specifically deepfake technology. This bipartisan initiative, known as the Take It Down Act, seeks to address the alarming rise in non-consensual explicit images created and disseminated through AI.

Senator Ted Cruz (00:20): “I've introduced legislation... to make it a crime to publish deep fake images, intimate images of an individual without their consent.”

The Growing Threat of Deepfakes

Deepfake technology poses a severe threat, particularly to teenagers and young women, by enabling the creation of realistic but fake explicit images and videos. These fabricated materials can lead to cyberbullying, reputational damage, and even mental health crises among victims.

Senator Ted Cruz (06:21): “Up to 95% of all Internet deep fake videos depict non-consensual intimate images... becoming a tool for cyberbullying and attacking individuals.”

Personal Stories Highlighting the Issue

Senator Cruz shares the harrowing story of a 14-year-old girl in Texas whose image was used without consent, resulting in her classmates believing false and damaging information about her. This example underscores the urgent need for legislative action.

Senator Ted Cruz (08:40): “A 14-year-old girl... went into school with all of her classmates believing they've seen explicit sexual images of her. It was a traumatizing experience.”

Challenges with Big Tech Companies

The conversation highlights the ineffectiveness of current mechanisms for victims to have deepfake content removed. Big Tech companies often neglect these requests unless pressured by high-level interventions, leaving ordinary individuals powerless.

Senator Ted Cruz (12:14): “If you're an ordinary teenager... big tech acts with impunity. This legislation needs to be passed because you should have a right to say, take this damn thing down and take it down now.”

2. Shift in African American and Hispanic Voter Support

Polls Indicating a Surge for Trump Among African American Voters

Recent polling reveals a significant shift in African American voter preferences, with support for Donald Trump and the Republican Party increasing markedly. This trend is causing concern among Democrats and media outlets, who had long assumed unwavering loyalty from African American communities.

Harry Etten, Senior Data Reporter (25:36): “In 2020, Joe Biden was getting 86% of the African American vote. Look at where it is now. It's 70%... Donald Trump is gaining ground.”

Democratic Assumptions and Media Reactions

The Democratic Party and mainstream media are taken aback by these numbers, struggling to comprehend the underlying reasons for this shift. The assumption that African American voters would remain steadfastly Democratic is being challenged.

Senator Ted Cruz (24:23): “They [CNN and Democrats] are shocked and terrified. They are freaking out because African American voters are moving towards Republicans.”

Policy-Driven Reasons for the Shift

Senator Cruz attributes the shift to several key policy failures under the Biden administration, including inadequate border security, economic struggles exacerbated by inflation, and declining support for law enforcement. These issues resonate strongly with African American and Hispanic voters, who feel underserved by current Democratic policies.

Senator Ted Cruz (34:22): “Inflation... safety... and school choice are issues that resonate powerfully in the black community.”

3. Biden Administration's Foreign and Energy Policy Failures

Russia Overtakes USA as European Gas Supplier

A critical issue discussed is Russia surpassing the United States in supplying natural gas to Europe. This development is attributed to the Biden administration's pause on approving new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, inadvertently benefiting Russia by increasing its market share in Europe.

Senator Ted Cruz (36:26): “Russia overtook the US in terms of natural gas supplied to Europe... Biden administration's policies are allowing Russia to fund its war against Ukraine.”

Impact on U.S. Jobs and National Security

The shift has dire repercussions for the U.S. energy sector, particularly affecting jobs in Texas and national security. By hindering American LNG exports, the administration is not only harming domestic industries but also strengthening geopolitical adversaries.

Senator Ted Cruz (40:50): “Biden administration is fueling Vladimir Putin's war chest... supporting Russia while hurting American jobs and national security.”

Inconsistencies in Energy Policy and Environmental Justifications

Senator Cruz criticizes the administration's contradictory stance on energy production, where domestic fossil fuel industries are neglected while foreign counterparts receive support. Environmental justifications for these policies are dismissed as ineffective, with Europe turning to dirtier energy sources like coal in response.

Senator Ted Cruz (44:55): “They [Democrats] are doing it because of the environment, but Europe is shifting to coal, which emits more carbon dioxide. This policy is hurting everybody, including the environment.”

4. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Call to Action for Listeners

Senator Cruz emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support and public advocacy in passing the Take It Down Act. He urges parents and community members to speak out against Big Tech's negligence and support policies that protect vulnerable populations from technological abuses.

Senator Ted Cruz (17:20): “Speak out and make clear that this is the right thing to do. Every parent is scared and frustrated about how to protect your kids online.”

Final Remarks on Policy Implications

The episode concludes with a strong stance against the current administration's policies, highlighting the need for robust legislative measures to protect children online, secure national interests, and realign voter support through effective governance.

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides an in-depth analysis of significant legislative efforts, voter behavior shifts, and international policy challenges. Senator Ted Cruz's insights offer a critical perspective on how bipartisan cooperation and decisive policy actions can address some of the most pressing issues facing America today.