Podcast Summary: The Battle Over Ballots The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Release Date: December 4, 2020

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves deep into the contentious landscape of the 2020 U.S. elections, focusing on legal battles over ballot integrity and the high-stakes Senate races in Georgia. Through a detailed conversation with co-host Michael Knowles, Ferguson provides unfiltered insights into the ongoing election disputes, the implications for American democracy, and the future of the Republican Party.

1. Introduction and Election Disputes

The episode opens with Michael Knowles discussing an emergency appeal filed to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Pennsylvania election results. He emphasizes the gravity of the legal issues at stake, stating, “This appeal raises serious legal issues and I believe the court should hear the case on an expedited basis” (00:00).

2. The Pennsylvania Case: Legal Challenges and Implications

Ferguson and Knowles explore the complexities of the Pennsylvania election litigation. Knowles highlights that the Trump legal team is contesting the election results across multiple states, with Pennsylvania being the most significant due to its size and pivotal role.

“Election fraud is a challenge we deal with, and it occurs... the judicial process exists to determine what can be proven and what can't” (02:24) – Ben Ferguson

They discuss how the Pennsylvania legislature's recent changes to election laws, allowing universal mail-in voting, contradict the state constitution. This has led to numerous lawsuits aiming to overturn the election results based on alleged constitutional violations.

“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said, look, you guys waited till after the election to bring this case. You should have brought it earlier” (08:40) – Ben Ferguson

3. Supreme Court's Role and Jurisdictional Hurdles

Ferguson addresses the potential for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the Pennsylvania case, noting the challenges posed by jurisdictional doctrines that limit the Court's ability to intervene in state law issues.

“There are challenges also... what is the federal question that gives the U.S. Supreme Court jurisdiction?” (12:24) – Ben Ferguson

He references historical precedents, such as the Bush vs. Gore case, where the Supreme Court ultimately resolved the disputed election, underscoring the potential impact of their involvement.

4. The Georgia Senate Races: A Decisive Battle

Shifting focus to Georgia, Ferguson outlines the critical Senate runoff elections set for January 5th, which will determine control of the Senate. With Republicans currently holding a 52-48 majority, the outcome hinges on the Georgia races between Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and their Democratic challengers.

“If we lose them both, the Senate becomes 50, 50” (15:25) – Ben Ferguson

Ferguson warns of the drastic consequences if Democrats gain control, including the potential end of the Republican Party as a national force, significant policy overhauls, and the packing of the U.S. Supreme Court.

5. Democratic Strategies and Republican Responses

The discussion highlights the Democratic Party's unified and disciplined approach, driven by leaders like Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, contrasted with the more individualistic Republican caucus. Ferguson expresses skepticism about the ability of moderate Republicans, particularly Senator Joe Manchin, to counteract the Democratic agenda.

“I cannot think of a single issue where Joe Manchin was the deciding vote” (18:51) – Ben Ferguson

He critiques the Democratic candidates in Georgia as overly radical, describing Raphael Warnock as someone who has “openly embraced socialism” and comparing his demeanor to that of “Jeremiah Wright” (20:16).

6. Future Projections: Republican Majority and Policy Control

Ferguson underscores the importance of securing Senate seats in Georgia to maintain Republican control. He outlines the benefits of a Republican majority, including the ability to block massive tax increases, prevent the addition of new states like D.C. and Puerto Rico, and resist attempts to pack the Supreme Court.

“If there's the majority, you're the chairman of every committee and you can control what bills are voted on and what are not” (22:00) – Ben Ferguson

He candidly acknowledges that while some unfavorable policies may pass, the preservation of fundamental constitutional structures outweighs these concerns.

7. Engaging the Electorate: Campaign Efforts and Voter Turnout

Emphasizing the necessity of voter turnout, Ferguson discusses his plans to campaign aggressively in Georgia, collaborating with organizations like the Club for Growth to mobilize conservative voters.

“It's getting conservatives. We're gonna do a bus tour where the plan is to hit all of the biggest counties in Georgia” (24:00) – Ben Ferguson

8. Mailbag Segment: Addressing Conspiracy Theories

In the mailbag segment, Ferguson and Knowles tackle a listener’s question about countering accusations of conspiracy theorism amidst ongoing election lawsuits. Ferguson maintains that belief in the judicial process is a constitutional stance, not a conspiracy theory.

“We've got courts that hear evidence. The only thing that is going to impact the outcome of these elections is whether the Trump campaign can present sufficient evidence to build a factual case and convince a court” (26:52) – Ben Ferguson

He reinforces the importance of adhering to the rule of law and relying on the judicial system to resolve election disputes.

9. Conclusion and Call to Action

Ferguson wraps up the episode by urging listeners to remain engaged and proactive in the electoral process, highlighting the multifaceted battle over ballots that extends beyond a single election phase. He stresses the significance of both legal challenges and voter mobilization in shaping the future of American governance.

Notable Quotes:

• “Election fraud is a challenge we deal with, and it occurs... the judicial process exists to determine what can be proven and what can't.” – Ben Ferguson (02:24)
• “There are challenges also... what is the federal question that gives the U.S. Supreme Court jurisdiction?” – Ben Ferguson (12:24)
• “If we lose them both, the Senate becomes 50, 50.” – Ben Ferguson (15:25)
• “We've got courts that hear evidence. The only thing that is going to impact the outcome of these elections is whether the Trump campaign can present sufficient evidence to build a factual case and convince a court.” – Ben Ferguson (26:52)

Key Takeaways:

• The Pennsylvania election results are under intense legal scrutiny, with significant implications for the overall election outcome.
• The U.S. Supreme Court may play a pivotal role, but jurisdictional challenges complicate potential interventions.
• The Georgia Senate races are crucial for maintaining or shifting Senate control, with profound consequences for national policy and party dynamics.
• The Democratic Party's unified and radical approach poses significant challenges for the Republican minority.
• Voter mobilization in battleground states like Georgia is essential for Republicans to safeguard their legislative priorities and constitutional integrity.
• Addressing allegations of conspiracy theories requires reliance on the judicial system and factual evidence rather than media narratives.

This episode underscores the high stakes of the 2020 elections, highlighting the intricate interplay between legal battles, voter engagement, and partisan strategies that will shape the future of American politics.