The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Schumer Abandons Israel-The Crisis of Democrats Turning Hard Against Israel
Release Date: March 15, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a robust discussion with Senator Ted Cruz regarding recent developments that suggest a significant shift within the Democratic Party's stance on Israel. The conversation centers around Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's controversial remarks about Israel, the Biden administration's policies towards Iran, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and support for Israel.

Schumer's Controversial Remarks and Democratic Shift

Senator Ted Cruz's Reaction

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by highlighting Chuck Schumer's unexpected attack on Israel during a Senate session. Senator Cruz describes Schumer's actions as unprecedented and alarming:

"[00:18] Senator Ted Cruz: "Truly a shocking day. It was an historic day. Never in our country's history has something happened like what Chuck Schumer did yesterday. He stood on the Senate floor and he blasted the nation of Israel... It's truly stunning and it's dangerous."**

Cruz criticizes Schumer for targeting Israel’s elected Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and accuses him of leading a broader Democratic pivot away from unwavering support for Israel.

Democratic Party's Position on Israel

Underlying Antipathy and Policy Shifts

Cruz delves deeper into the historical context of Democratic opposition to Netanyahu, linking it to the Obama administration’s Iran nuclear deal:

"[04:27] Senator Ted Cruz: "The Democrats have hated Netanyahu from the beginning. They despise him. They view him as the Israeli equivalent of Donald Trump... Democrats have never forgiven him for daring to stand up to the Obama White House."**

He argues that this longstanding resentment has culminated in a party-wide shift against Israel, further exacerbated by recent actions like the Biden administration’s $10 billion sanctions waiver to Iran.

Chuck Schumer's Speech Breakdown

Key Points from Schumer's Address

Ben Ferguson plays excerpts from Schumer’s speech, where Schumer calls for Israel to consider a two-state solution and advocates for new elections in Israel to reassess its direction amidst ongoing conflict.

"[07:31] Chuck Schumer: "The US Government should demand that Israel conduct itself with a future two state solution in mind... holding a new election would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the post war future."**

Cruz interprets Schumer's speech as aligning with left-wing Democratic talking points that favor Palestinian perspectives over Israeli security concerns.

"[10:21] Ben Ferguson: "Senator, you hear that? I mean, he's basically giving the talking points for the Palestinian in Hamas."**

Mitch McConnell's Support for Israel

Countering Democratic Narratives

The conversation shifts to Senator Mitch McConnell’s impassioned defense of Israel, where he condemns Schumer’s remarks and reaffirms unwavering support for Israel:

"[14:51] Mitch McConnell: "The state of Israel deserves an ally that acts like one... It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel."**

Cruz praises McConnell's stance as a crucial counterbalance to the perceived radical shift within the Democratic Party.

"[17:09] Senator Ted Cruz: "...the Democrat Party has an anti Israel problem. Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington."**

Atrocities of Hamas and the Democratic Response

Highlighting the Terrorist Actions

Senator Cruz emphasizes the brutality of Hamas's actions on October 7th, describing them as acts of terrorism aimed at instilling fear and undermining Israel's security:

"[21:06] Senator Ted Cruz: "It was a war of aggression. It was not Israel that launched this attack on October 7th. It was Hamas... October 7th was a grotesque act of terrorism where Hamas Terrorists murdered over 1200 people."**

He criticizes the Democratic response, asserting that the party overlooks these atrocities to pivot against Israel.

Biden Administration's Policy on Iran

Sanctions Waivers and Financial Implications

The discussion turns to the Biden administration’s recent decision to reauthorize a $10 billion sanctions waiver for Iran, which Cruz vehemently opposes:

"[26:24] Ben Ferguson: "What does that mean?... you have already given them billions in actual cash."**

Senator Cruz outlines the implications of this policy, linking it to Iran’s support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah:

"[26:34] Senator Ted Cruz: "...they unlocked $10 billion in frozen funds for the Iranian government... Iran funded Hamas... and what Joe Biden does? He gives Iran $10 billion."**

He argues that such actions undermine U.S. interests and support for Israel, framing it as a direct threat to national security.

Impact on Young Voters and Future Elections

Shifting Allegiances and the Need for Conservative Engagement

Ben Ferguson raises concerns about the Democratic Party’s influence on younger voters, questioning how conservatives can effectively communicate pro-Israel sentiments:

"[30:49] Senator Ted Cruz: "...we lost the universities. We lost K12. We lost the media... young people are barraged with propaganda... One of the reasons for this podcast is we're trying to give people the truth."**

Cruz emphasizes the necessity for conservative candidates to reclaim the narrative surrounding Israel and counteract perceived misinformation affecting the younger demographic.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a strong call to support Israel and counteract the Democratic Party's shift away from unwavering support. Ben Ferguson encourages listeners to engage with pro-Israel organizations and spread awareness of the issues discussed.

"[35:24] Ben Ferguson: "Don't forget to share this podcast and help spread the other side of what the media is not sharing with so many young people."**

Senator Cruz reiterates the critical nature of this political realignment, underscoring the potential long-term consequences for U.S. foreign policy and Israel's security.

Key Takeaways

• Chuck Schumer’s Remarks: Seen as a significant and unprecedented attack on Israel by a leading Democratic figure.
• Democratic Shift: Longstanding anti-Netanyahu sentiment culminating in broader opposition to Israel within the party.
• Biden Administration’s Policies: Criticized for actions perceived as undermining U.S. and Israel’s security, notably the $10 billion sanctions waiver to Iran.
• Mitch McConnell’s Defense: Highlights bipartisan support for Israel and condemns Democratic attempts to delegitimize Israel’s leadership.
• Impact on Voters: Concerns over younger generations being influenced by Democratic anti-Israel narratives, necessitating proactive conservative engagement.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Ted Cruz on Schumer’s Attack:

  "...Schumer is the point of the spear. He represents also Democrats across the board who are pivoting away from Israel. This is truly stunning and it's dangerous." [00:18]

• Chuck Schumer on Israel’s Future:

  "The US Government should demand that Israel conduct itself with a future two state solution in mind..." [07:31]

• Mitch McConnell Defending Israel:

  "The state of Israel deserves an ally that acts like one..." [14:51]

• Senator Ted Cruz on Democratic Antipathy:

  "The Democrat Party doesn't have an anti Bibi problem. It has an anti Israel problem." [17:09]

• Senator Ted Cruz on Hamas Atrocities:

  "October 7th was a grotesque act of terrorism where Hamas Terrorists murdered over 1200 people." [21:06]

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, highlighting a perceived erosion of bipartisan support for Israel within the Democratic Party. With key figures like Chuck Schumer and policies from the Biden administration coming under fire, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson emphasize the urgent need for conservatives to rally in defense of Israel and counteract shifting political alliances that may jeopardize long-standing U.S.-Israel relations.

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