The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Ron DeSantis WINS Second Debate

Release Date: September 28, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in an in-depth discussion with Senator Ted Cruz following the recent Republican debate. The focal point of their conversation revolves around Ron DeSantis's standout performance and the overall dynamics of the debate stage. The analysis delves into the strengths and weaknesses of various candidates, strategies employed by key figures, and the implications for the upcoming primaries.

Overall Takeaways from the Debate

Ben Ferguson (00:01):
Ben opens the discussion by addressing the general impressions of the debate, questioning Senator Cruz on who emerged as the clear winner.

Senator Ted Cruz (00:22):
Senator Cruz immediately identifies Ron DeSantis as the primary victor, highlighting that the debate was fraught with "rocky moments" and "bumpy" exchanges. He notes that many candidates "did not help themselves" during the debate, emphasizing DeSantis's ability to rise above the fray.

Ron DeSantis’s Performance

DeSantis's Strengths (00:48):
Cruz elaborates on DeSantis’s exemplary performance, citing several key areas:

• Behavior and Composure:
  "When you see a bunch of people screaming at each other, they don't look like presidents." (00:46) Cruz praises DeSantis for maintaining presidential comportment amidst chaotic interactions.

• Educational Policy (02:00):
  DeSantis's response on education, particularly on school choice, was deemed "strong" and "powerful." He effectively addressed criticisms of Florida's efforts to eliminate critical race theory, presenting Florida's universal school choice as a leading example nationally.

• Highlighting Victories (03:00):
  DeSantis emphasized his policy victories in Florida, contrasting them with national challenges. His argument that he "won by 19 points" in Florida despite a national downturn showcased his capability to lead successfully.

• Winning Against Trump (04:00):
  Cruz notes DeSantis's strategic attack on Trump, arguing that DeSantis "can beat the Democrats" more effectively, thereby positioning himself as a viable alternative to Trump.

Candidates Rising and Falling

Impact on Poll Numbers (04:53):
The conversation shifts to the implications of the debate on poll standings:

• Candidates at Risk:
  Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum are highlighted as candidates whose positions might be jeopardized moving forward. Mike Pence is also mentioned as being on the edge of not qualifying for future debates.

• DeSantis's Momentum:
  Cruz believes DeSantis's performance could push the race towards a "two-man race" with Trump, potentially benefiting the overall strategy to consolidate votes against Democrats.

Trump’s Debate Strategy

Skipping Debates (06:22):
Cruz analyzes Trump's decision to skip debates, linking it to maintaining his substantial lead in the polls. He asserts, "Trump has effectively tried to turn everyone else into the kids table," referencing Trump's strategy to minimize the impact of other candidates by avoiding direct engagement.

Potential Downsides:
However, Cruz points out that Trump's absence allows opponents like DeSantis to "take a swing" at him without immediate rebuttal, potentially weakening Trump's unchallenged stance.

Foreign Policy Discussions

Limited Depth (17:48):
Ben Ferguson expresses disappointment over the superficial coverage of foreign policy topics during the debate, particularly concerning China and Ukraine.

Lack of Comprehensive Plans (27:16):
Senator Cruz criticizes the candidates for offering "very little substance" on combating China, emphasizing the need for a "systematic, comprehensive plan" akin to Reagan's approach during the Cold War. He notes the absence of detailed strategies, stating, "there was very little said about how specifically we do that."

Immigration and Border Security

Handling of Border Issues (18:15):
Cruz remarks on the inadequate discussion surrounding the southern border crisis, attributing the current situation to Biden's policies. He criticizes Chris Christie's attacks on Trump’s immigration record as "stupid policy attacks" that fail to resonate with Republican voters.

Effective Counterattacks:
Cruz lauds DeSantis's clear and authentic arguments on border security, contrasting them with other candidates who failed to present actionable solutions.

Engagement with Hispanic Voters

Lack of Outreach (32:31):
The discussion highlights criticism from Hispanic viewers who felt the candidates did not sufficiently address issues pertinent to Hispanic voters during the Univision-hosted debate.

Cruz’s Perspective (32:45):
Senator Cruz counters by asserting that the Hispanic community is "fundamentally conservative" and that candidates missed opportunities to connect their policies with Hispanic values such as family, faith, and patriotism. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the "human tragedy" of illegal immigration and its impact on Hispanic families.

Notable Moments and Candidate Dynamics

Interactions Among Candidates (11:26 - 36:14):
Cruz discusses the contentious interactions between candidates, particularly focusing on Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy:

• Nikki Haley’s Confrontation (20:36 - 22:44):
  Haley's aggressive remark, "Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say," aimed at Vivek, is criticized by Cruz as "condescending" and "mean-spirited," which failed to garner support and instead diminished her standing.

• Vivek Ramaswamy’s Challenges (12:19 - 13:15):
  Vivek faced significant backlash for allegations regarding his connections to China and a $5 million payment to Hunter Biden. Cruz notes Vivek’s inadequate responses, leading to a rough debate performance.

• Overall Debate Conduct:
  The frequent bickering and ad hominem attacks are described as "South Carolina pissing fights," which detracted from substantive policy discussions and undermined the candidates' credibility.

Conclusions

DeSantis as a Strong Contender (15:21 - 17:48):
Senator Cruz reiterates his confidence in DeSantis's ability to position himself as a formidable opponent to Trump, potentially shifting the race towards a two-man competition. He emphasizes that while Trump maintains a significant lead, DeSantis's momentum could introduce meaningful competition.

Critique of Debate Substance (31:01 - 34:18):
Cruz laments the overall lack of meaningful discourse on critical issues, particularly regarding how to defeat Biden and effectively manage foreign policy challenges. He underscores the necessity for candidates to present clear, actionable plans to resonate with Republican primary voters.

Future Implications (38:17):
Looking ahead, Cruz anticipates further eliminations in subsequent debates, which could narrow the field and intensify the competition between DeSantis and Trump. He remains optimistic about DeSantis's trajectory while acknowledging Trump's enduring influence within the Republican base.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Ted Cruz (00:22):
  "The big winner was Ron DeSantis."

• Senator Ted Cruz (00:46):
  "When you see a bunch of people screaming at each other, they don't look like presidents."

• Senator Ted Cruz (03:27):
  "The Biden record is an absolute train wreck."

• Senator Ted Cruz (06:35):
  "Trump got popped a little more tonight than he did on the first night."

• Senator Ted Cruz (12:19):
  "If you're going to say, you guys are all prostitutes. You don't get to complain moments later."

• Senator Ted Cruz (22:44):
  "There is not a single human being on planet earth that thinks Chris Christie would be better on stopping illegal immigration than Donald Trump was."

• Senator Ted Cruz (32:45):
  "The Hispanic community, our community, is fundamentally conservative."

• Senator Ted Cruz (36:14):
  "When you make a point that's from the heart, that's real, that can land."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Republican debate, highlighting Ron DeSantis's emergence as a leading contender and critiquing the lack of substantive policy discussions among candidates. Senator Cruz's insights emphasize the importance of authentic, policy-driven discourse to effectively engage voters and strengthen the Republican position against Democratic opponents. As the primary race progresses, the dynamics discussed in this episode will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the strategies and outcomes of future debates and campaigns.