The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – Episode Summary
Title: Reflecting on Jimmy Carter's Passing, plus Washington Post Absurdly Tries to Re-Write History to Defend Biden
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson sits down with Senator Ted Cruz to discuss two primary topics: the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and a controversial Washington Post article that attempts to defend President Joe Biden's administration. The conversation is rich with insights, personal anecdotes, and fervent critiques of media bias.
Reflecting on Jimmy Carter's Legacy
Carter’s Life and Achievements
The episode begins with a heartfelt reflection on the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100 (00:22). Senator Cruz notes Carter's unpopularity during his presidency but emphasizes his remarkable contributions post-White House.
Senator Cruz (00:50): "Jimmy Carter, it's an interesting legacy because he was one of the most unpopular presidents when he left office and certainly in modern political history. But his legacy that he left behind is actually incredible."
Carter's extensive military service, education at the United States Naval Academy, and his subsequent career as a peanut farmer highlight his multifaceted life before venturing into politics. Cruz lauds Carter's dedication to public service, particularly his humanitarian efforts with Habitat for Humanity, which significantly impacted communities across the nation.
Senator Cruz (01:37): "He did a lot of things, I think, most notably with Habitat for Humanity. He put enormous effort for decades. He was very focused on building homes for those in need."
Personal Anecdotes and Reflections
The discussion moves to personal anecdotes that reveal the enduring respect and admiration for Carter. Ben Ferguson shares a story about his sister meeting President Carter at a young age, illustrating Carter's approachable and kind nature.
Ben Ferguson (08:19): "She was like, you know, you may have met a lot of political people, but I just want to remind you, I met a president long before you ever did."
Senator Cruz adds a personal touch by recounting his first political memory related to Carter, highlighting the bipartisan impact Carter had even on Republican voters.
Senator Cruz (06:32): "My first political memory in 1976 is my mother voted for Jimmy Carter. ... she thought Carter seemed like a very nice man."
Critique of the Washington Post Article on Joe Biden
Overview of the Article
Transitioning from Carter’s legacy, the conversation shifts to a Washington Post article titled "How Biden, Joe Biden's Lonely Battle to Sell His Vision of American Democracy," authored by Tyler Pager (00:50). Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson critique the article vehemently, describing it as "the most dishonest journalistic piece" and "hagiography."
Senator Cruz (00:50): "It may be the single most dishonest journalistic piece I've seen and also the most screamingly funny pretense at journalism I've seen in years."
Breakdown and Analysis
Senator Cruz meticulously dissects the article, pointing out its biased portrayal of Biden’s presidency. He argues that the Washington Post fails to acknowledge Biden's policy failures and instead offers an unbalanced, overly favorable account.
Senator Cruz (05:22): "This entire article is hagiography. It is not only trying to praise breathlessly but also profoundly dishonest."
Key criticisms include the article's misrepresentation of Biden's approach to governance, the assertion that Biden aimed to play the long game without addressing the immediate political fallout, and the flawed comparison of Biden to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Senator Cruz (17:04): "How to govern at this moment to set the US up for long term success has one answer."
Specific Points of Contention
The hosts highlight several misleading points from the article:
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Biden’s Infrastructure and Climate Policies:
- Senator Cruz (10:26): Points out that the Inflation Reduction Act was a party-line vote, contradicting the article's claim of bipartisan support.
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Criticism of Merrick Garland:
- Senator Cruz (20:58): "Biden has also said he should have picked someone other than Merrick Garland as Attorney General. Well, no kidding. He was the most partisan and political Attorney General in history and a disgrace."
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Allegations of DOJ Weaponization:
- Senator Cruz (27:33): Accuses the article of ignoring facts, such as the DOJ's prosecution of Trump and the leniency towards Hunter Biden.
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Misrepresentation of Biden’s Communication Challenges:
- Senator Cruz (11:37): "This is absurd. And I got to say, the absurd thing ... the Washington Post just publishes this drivel like it's news."
Media Bias and Its Implications
The discussion extends to broader concerns about media integrity and its impact on public perception and elections. The hosts argue that such biased reporting undermines trust in journalism and skews political discourse.
Senator Cruz (33:15): "Is there a chance that the media has just gotten so radical and is so far gone now that they're actually just going to lose their influence over the American people?"
Ben Ferguson (36:13): "Don’t forget, we do this show Monday, Wednesday and Fridays... Be safe out there on New Year's Eve and we'll see you then."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the episode juxtaposes the honorable legacy of Jimmy Carter against what the hosts perceive as media attempts to sanitize or rewrite President Biden’s tenure. The conversation underscores a deep skepticism of mainstream media narratives and a call for more honest, fact-based journalism.
Senator Cruz (36:13): "It’s incredible... media have been able to give billions of dollars in kind donations to Democratic candidates... Let's hope it keeps going that way."
Ben Ferguson (33:58): "Yeah, I think there's no doubt that the reputation of journalism has gone down incredibly."
The episode wraps up with an encouragement for listeners to stay informed and vigilant against biased reporting, emphasizing the importance of independent media sources.
Notable Timestamps:
- 00:22 – Announcement of Jimmy Carter's passing
- 00:50 – Introduction to the Washington Post article critique
- 05:22 – Describing the article as hagiography
- 10:26 – Discussion on Biden's infrastructure policies
- 17:04 – Critique of Biden’s long-term strategy
- 27:33 – Accusations of DOJ weaponization
- 33:15 – Media bias and its future impact
- 36:13 – Final thoughts on journalism integrity
Final Thoughts:
This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a passionate and critical examination of current political narratives, blending historical reflection with contemporary media analysis. For those seeking an unfiltered perspective on American politics and media integrity, this discussion offers substantial content and thought-provoking critiques.