The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary – "Reel Justice"

Release Date: December 25, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Podcast Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode Title: Reel Justice

Introduction: A Holiday Pause for Cinema

In a special Christmas episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson takes a festive detour from the usual political discourse to delve into the world of cinema, spotlighting Senator Ted Cruz's passion for movies and television. Acknowledging the holiday season, Ben opens the episode by wishing listeners a Merry Christmas and setting the stage for a heartwarming discussion about Cruz's favorite films and shows.

Senator Cruz's Holiday Movie Traditions

Senator Ted Cruz joins Ben Ferguson to share his family's cherished holiday traditions centered around movies. Cruz begins by extending his own Christmas greetings:

[00:44] Ted Cruz: "I hope you're having a wonderful and blessed day. I hope Santa came down the chimney and your kids are overjoyed and you're spending time maybe with some hot cocoa."

He reminisces about family movie nights during Thanksgiving and Christmas, expressing his love for the immersive experience of watching films in theaters:

[01:35] Ted Cruz: "I like popcorn and gummy bears and, you know, the experience of being there. And by the way, I'm also rabid about staying until the very end to the last moment of the credits play."

Cruz's Favorite Movies: A Comprehensive List

1. The Princess Bride
Cruz enthusiastically declares The Princess Bride as his all-time favorite movie, highlighting its memorable characters and quotable lines:

[05:53] Ted Cruz: "So my favorite movie of all time is the Princess Bride."

He shares a nostalgic anecdote about watching the movie repeatedly, even incorporating it into college games:

[06:01] Ted Cruz: "I probably watched the Princess Bride, I don't know, a couple hundred times."

2. The Godfather Saga
Ranked second on his list, Cruz praises The Godfather series for its depth and enduring impact:

[07:07] Ted Cruz: "The Godfather Saga... I quote all of them all the time."

He recounts a humorous incident where his Senate staffers were unfamiliar with the film's iconic dialogue:

[08:51] Ted Cruz: "I said, you know, this is the business we have chosen... All of them looked at me confused."

3. Scarface
Cruz's third pick, Scarface, reflects his admiration for Al Pacino and the crime genre:

[09:24] Ted Cruz: "Scarface. Oh, I love me some Scarface."

He appreciates the film's larger-than-life portrayal of Tony Montana, aligning it with his cultural heritage:

[09:25] Ted Cruz: "I'm Cuban. It is larger than life."

4. Fletch
*Cruz recommends Fletch as possibly Chevy Chase's best work, lauding its humor and entertainment value:

[10:34] Ted Cruz: "Fletch may be the funniest movie ever made."

5. Amazing Grace
This true-story film about William Wilberforce holds personal significance for Cruz, inspiring him to honor his mother's legacy:

[11:22] Ted Cruz: "Amazing Grace is the true story of William Wilberforce... he spends 50 years battling for it."

Cruz narrates his legislative effort to rename a street in front of NASA headquarters to "Hidden Figures Way," celebrating the contributions of African American female mathematicians:

[26:45] Ted Cruz: "NASA, the address of NASA is one hidden figures way."

6. Unforgiven
Cruz praises Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven for its nuanced portrayal of Western stereotypes:

[13:38] Ted Cruz: "Unforgiven is the best Western ever made, won the Academy Award for Best Picture."

7. Team America: World Police
Despite its controversial humor, Cruz finds Team America hilariously effective in its satire:

[16:05] Ted Cruz: "Team America makes fun of both sides. It’s screamingly funny now."

8. Patton
Cruz draws inspiration from Patton, particularly the opening speech, which he quotes as motivational advice for Supreme Court arguments:

[17:13] Ted Cruz: "The objective is not to give your life for your country. The objective is to make that other poor son of a bitch give his life for his country."

9. The Sting
He lauds The Sting for its intricate con-man storyline, recommending it as a must-watch classic:

[18:35] Ted Cruz: "The Sting is all-time classic. Robert Redford, Paul Newman. They’re con men. It is hysterical."

10. Awakenings
Appreciating Robin Williams' performance, Cruz discusses Awakenings as a powerful narrative:

[19:10] Ted Cruz: "Awakenings is fabulous. Robin Williams is one of my all-time favorite actors."

11. Braveheart & Gladiator
These epic films resonate with Cruz for their themes of fighting oppression and personal valor:

[20:34] Ted Cruz: "Braveheart and Gladiator are epic movies. If you're not inspired by them, you're dead."

12. Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places, Coming to America
Cruz highlights Eddie Murphy's comedic genius through these beloved comedies:

[21:30] Ted Cruz: "Eddie Murphy remains one of my favorite actors of all time. Beverly Hills Cop is just screamingly funny."

13. Wall Street
Cruz admires Wall Street for its portrayal of corporate greed and iconic character Gordon Gekko:

[23:31] Ted Cruz: "Gordon Gekko is an all-time classic. I quote him frequently."

14. Hidden Figures
Emphasizing its historical significance, Cruz connects the film to his family's legacy and educational efforts:

[24:05] Ted Cruz: "Hidden Figures is a wonderful movie about the African American female mathematicians who were foundational to America going to the moon."

15. Schindler's List & Lone Survivor
Cruz acknowledges the emotional weight of these films, linking them to personal reflections and historical honors:

[27:51] Ted Cruz: "Schindler's List... the most beautiful moment of that movie is the sort of, 'Did I do enough?'"

16. Musicals: My Fair Lady, Oliver, Hamilton, Les Misèrables
Contrary to expectations, Cruz shares his love for musicals, recounting personal experiences and emotional connections:

[29:48] Ted Cruz: "My favorite musicals are My Fair Lady, Oliver, Hamilton, and Les Misérables."

He reminisces about watching Les Misérables with his mother and the profound impact it had:

[35:02] Ted Cruz: "The two that get me choked up are... 'Let him live,' and 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.'"

17. Magnificent Seven, Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds
Cruz concludes his list with a mix of Western classics and Quentin Tarantino masterpieces:

[37:28] Ted Cruz: "Pulp Fiction and Inglourious Basterds are spectacular movies."

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Throughout the discussion, Cruz intertwines his favorite films with personal stories, illustrating how cinema has shaped his life and values. He shares moments like introducing legislation inspired by Hidden Figures, meeting Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and the emotional resonance of films like Les Misérables during significant life events.

One poignant moment occurs when Cruz reflects on the heroism depicted in Schindler's List:

[29:34] Ted Cruz: "Why didn't I do even more? And that, to me, is the most beautiful moment of that movie."

Such reflections reveal Cruz's deep connection to the narratives of courage, sacrifice, and moral responsibility portrayed in his favorite films.

Final Thoughts: Desert Island Selections

In a lighthearted finale, Ben Ferguson asks Cruz what single movie and TV series he would choose to take to a desert island. Cruz confidently selects:

[38:07] Ted Cruz: "The Princess Bride and Criminal Minds."

These choices encapsulate his appreciation for both timeless storytelling and engaging, intellectually stimulating content.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Stories

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by highlighting the enriching conversation about Senator Cruz's cinematic preferences. He encourages listeners to subscribe and tune in for more insightful discussions and special episodes in the future.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:53] Ted Cruz: "So my favorite movie of all time is the Princess Bride."
• [07:07] Ted Cruz: "The Godfather Saga... I quote all of them all the time."
• [09:24] Ted Cruz: "Scarface. Oh, I love me some Scarface."
• [11:22] Ted Cruz: "Amazing Grace is the true story of William Wilberforce..."
• [17:13] Ted Cruz: "The objective is not to give your life for your country. The objective is to make that other poor son of a bitch give his life for his country."
• [19:10] Ted Cruz: "Awakenings is fabulous. Robin Williams is one of my all-time favorite actors."
• [24:05] Ted Cruz: "Hidden Figures is a wonderful movie about the African American female mathematicians who were foundational to America going to the moon."
• [29:34] Ted Cruz: "Why didn't I do even more? And that, to me, is the most beautiful moment of that movie."
• [38:07] Ted Cruz: "The Princess Bride and Criminal Minds."

Takeaway:
This Christmas special episode of The 47 Morning Update offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Senator Ted Cruz's love for cinema, revealing how his favorite movies and shows have influenced his personal and professional life. From classic Westerns to groundbreaking dramas and beloved comedies, Cruz's curated list underscores the profound impact of storytelling in shaping values and inspiring action. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply enjoy a good holiday story, this episode provides engaging insights and heartwarming reflections sure to resonate with a wide audience.