The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: "Speaker Battle -11 Votes & Counting" Summary

Release Date: January 6, 2023

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senator Ted Cruz about the tumultuous process of electing the Speaker of the House in early 2023. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the speaker vote deadlock, internal Republican conflicts, media portrayals, and the broader implications for American politics.

1. The Stalemate in Electing the Speaker

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz highlighting the ongoing struggle within the House of Representatives to elect a Speaker, noting that after an 11th failed vote, negotiations behind the scenes are intensifying.

Ted Cruz (00:00):

"The House has adjourned until Friday. After an 11th fail vote to come up with a speaker, deals are being made."

Cruz emphasizes the growing tensions, mentioning Representative Dan Crenshaw's strong rhetoric against dissenters, labeling them as "terrorists."

Representative Dan Crenshaw (00:26):

"Get another scalp and another scalp."

Ben Ferguson acknowledges the seriousness of such statements, stressing that heated rhetoric is detrimental to Republican unity and effective leadership.

2. Detailed Breakdown of the Voting Rounds

Ben Ferguson provides an in-depth analysis of each voting round, outlining the shifting allegiances and the challenges faced in reaching the requisite 218 votes for a Speaker.

Ferguson (02:14):

"For the first round, all the Democrats Voted together. First round, Hakeem Jeffries, who's the new Democrat leader, got 212 votes. It takes 218 to be speaker. Hakeem Jeffries is not going to be speaker. It's going to be a Republican speaker."

He details how Kevin McCarthy initially garnered 203 votes, with defections to other candidates like Andy Biggs and Jim Jordan. As the votes progressed, McCarthy's support dwindled due to commitments and shifting loyalties among Republicans.

Ferguson (04:37):

"Now we have McCarthy at 200, so he's 18 votes short. The last round of balloting, Akeem Jeffries had 212. He's had it the whole time."

3. Internal Republican Dynamics and Potential Resolutions

Senator Cruz praises Chip Roy for his strategic approach in navigating the speaker vote, highlighting Roy's clarity and consistency in his demands for procedural changes.

Ted Cruz (07:42):

"If you're teaching a master class on speaker votes... Chip Roy has played this perfectly."

Ferguson concurs, noting that while Chip Roy remains focused on substantive issues without personal attacks, the diversity of motivations among the dissenting Republicans complicates negotiations.

Ferguson (08:49):

"There are 20 players... Chip has done a good job of focusing on procedural issues."

He discusses Kevin McCarthy's concession to refrain from engaging in Republican primaries, a significant promise aimed at appeasing conservative members frustrated with past leadership interference.

Ferguson (10:37):

"McCarthy made a public commitment... to stay out of primaries."

Senator Cruz probes the impact of financial influence in primaries, to which Ferguson responds by referencing historical precedents where leadership interference led to electoral setbacks.

4. Media Portrayal and Accusations of Racism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the media's representation of the speaker deadlock and the derogatory remarks directed at Republican members, particularly Byron Donalds.

Ferguson (24:26):

"Byron Donalds... supports a policy agenda intent on upholding and perpetuating white supremacy."

Ferguson criticizes both the media and certain Democratic members for perpetuating racist narratives against black Republicans, drawing parallels to historical instances of tokenism and racial bias.

Ted Cruz (28:42):

"How is it that not a single member of the media gets this tweet and immediately goes and demands a comment from the Democratic leadership? Because it is racist."

He underscores the silence and lack of accountability from the media when confronted with overtly racist statements, contrasting it with the swift condemnation that should be expected.

5. Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its end, both hosts reflect on the resilience of the democratic process amidst internal strife. Ben Ferguson remains optimistic that the deadlock will be resolved through either negotiated settlements involving procedural concessions or the emergence of a consensus candidate, albeit expressing uncertainty about the exact outcome.

Ferguson (31:12):

"Keep calm and carry on. This is debate. This is democracy. It will play out."

Senator Cruz echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to remain composed and not be swayed by sensationalist media narratives that attempt to paint the situation as a national security or public health crisis.

Ted Cruz (31:53):

"This is going to play out and things are going to end well for us."

Key Takeaways

• Internal Challenges: The Republican Party faces significant internal divisions, making the election of a Speaker a complex and prolonged process.

• Media Critique: Both hosts critique the media for its portrayal of the deadlock and failure to address racist rhetoric effectively.

• Leadership and Procedural Concessions: Effective leadership, exemplified by figures like Chip Roy, is crucial in navigating the speaker vote, with potential resolutions hinging on procedural changes and negotiated concessions.

• Racial Dynamics: The conversation highlights the challenges faced by minority Republicans, who often encounter racial biases and derogatory labeling from opposing factions.

• Optimism for Resolution: Despite the chaos, there is a collective belief that the democratic process will prevail, leading to a resolution that restores Republican leadership in the House.

This episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the Speaker of the House deadlock, emphasizing the interplay of internal party dynamics, media influence, and the enduring strength of democratic institutions.