Podcast Summary: The Future of Verdict – The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Podcast Information
- Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
- Host/Author: Premiere Networks
- Episode: The Future of Verdict
- Release Date: October 8, 2022
- Description: Hosted by renowned national radio host, podcaster, and political commentator Ben Ferguson, The 47 Morning Update delivers the latest news and political headlines, emphasizing the President's administration, policies, and agenda. Ben offers unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and candid commentary, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the issues shaping America today. New episodes are released daily from Monday through Saturday.
1. Campaign Bus Tour Highlights
The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz discussing his ongoing 17-state, month-long campaign bus tour aimed at bolstering Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. Cruz shares detailed updates from his stops across various states, highlighting successful rallies and promising candidates.
- Key Stops and Events:
- Texas: Began in Tomball, Texas, with a significant rally featuring Wesley Hunt, a new Republican congressman and West Point graduate.
- Rio Grande Valley: Held three packed rallies in McAllen, Harlingen, and Laredo with Hispanic female Republican congressional candidates, expressing strong confidence in their victories.
- New Mexico and Arizona: Successfully rallied support for Yvette Harrell in New Mexico and Navy SEAL Eli Crane in Arizona. Cruz also co-hosted a rally with Blake Masters and Kari Lake in Arizona, which garnered substantial online attention.
Notable Quote:
"We're doing rallies in Arizona with Eli Crane, who's a Navy SEAL. The guy's a badass, smart, principled. He's a warrior. He's gonna win, defeat a Democrat."
— Ted Cruz [02:34]
2. Transition to iHeartRadio and Introduction of Ben Ferguson
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to announcing a major shift for the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast. Cruz reveals that iHeartRadio has offered to take over the show, providing extensive funding, production support, and nationwide promotion. This transition aims to elevate the podcast's reach beyond its current independent status.
- Key Points:
- Verdict has achieved remarkable success as a bootstrapped operation, reaching over 50 million downloads and consistently outperforming CNN's morning show.
- The partnership with iHeartRadio ensures the show's sustainability and expansion, potentially making it a staple in conservative media for years to come.
- Due to contractual obligations with the Daily Wire, Cruz will step back from the podcast, with Ben Ferguson set to take over as the new host.
Notable Quote:
"iHeart is a monster. It's got 850 stations across the country. This is something that's going to make this show sustainable, not just for the next few months going into the midterms, but for the next years."
— Ted Cruz [09:00]
Introduction of Ben Ferguson: Ben Ferguson joins the conversation, discussing his role and the exciting prospects of expanding the podcast. He emphasizes the importance of addressing current issues and connecting with a broader audience to change hearts and minds.
Notable Quote:
"We want to promote it across our 850 stations. We want to promote it across our podcasts. ... The more people we can have listen to what we believe in, why we believe in it, why it makes sense logically."
— Ben Ferguson [10:25]
3. Midterm Election Predictions and Strategies
The discussion shifts to the upcoming midterm elections, with Cruz and Ferguson sharing their optimistic outlook for Republican gains in both the House and the Senate.
-
House of Representatives:
- Cruz is highly confident, assigning over a 90% chance of Republicans retaking the House with a substantial majority of 30 to 50 seats.
-
Senate:
- He forecasts a 65% likelihood of Republicans gaining 53 seats, though he acknowledges the map is challenging.
- Ferguson concurs, noting increased public stress over economic issues which may sway undecided voters.
Notable Quote:
"I put the odds of the House at north of 90% and I think there's a real chance. We have a big majority in the House."
— Ted Cruz [19:15]
Ferguson's Insights: Ferguson highlights economic distress, such as high gas prices and inflation, as critical factors influencing voter sentiment. He underscores the Republican focus on these pressing issues as a strategic advantage.
Notable Quote:
"People are feeling that stress. ... The closer the closer we get to election Day, it's getting worse, not better."
— Ben Ferguson [20:05]
4. Current Political Climate: Economic and Social Issues
Cruz and Ferguson delve into the multifaceted challenges facing America, including economic instability, rising crime rates, and ineffective Democratic policies.
-
Economic Concerns:
- High inflation, skyrocketing food and labor costs, and dwindling strategic oil reserves.
- Ferguson cites personal anecdotes of small businesses suffering losses due to these economic pressures.
-
Crime and Public Safety:
- Surge in violent crimes, including mass stabbings and shootings, attributed to defunding police departments.
- Examples include increased crime rates in Memphis and violent incidents in Las Vegas and Arizona.
-
Political Messaging:
- Democrats' focus on abortion as their primary campaign issue is criticized for neglecting more pressing concerns like the economy and public safety.
- Cruz emphasizes the need for Republicans to address "kitchen table issues" that directly impact voters' daily lives.
Notable Quotes:
"You see, the higher the gallon gas, the higher the mortgage rates, the higher the unemployment numbers, ... and it's getting worse, not better."
— Ben Ferguson [21:11]
"Democrats everywhere have just gone all in on abortion... What else do they have to talk about?"
— Ted Cruz [22:58]
5. Reflections on Podcast Growth and Future Prospects
Cruz reflects on the remarkable growth of Verdict with Ted Cruz, from its humble beginnings to becoming a top-ranked podcast surpassing major media outlets. The partnership with iHeartRadio is seen as a pivotal move to further enhance the show's reach and impact.
-
Achievements:
- Achieved the number one spot among podcasts, surpassing even Joe Rogan.
- Accumulated over 50 million downloads and maintained consistent weekly growth.
-
Future Vision:
- With iHeartRadio's support, Cruz envisions the podcast reaching new demographics and providing timely, reliable information to equip listeners for political engagement.
- The transition aims to maintain the show's core mission of informing and empowering the conservative base.
Notable Quote:
"This show was always about really equipping our listeners... we're gonna give you as much of those tools as possible so that you're prepared and, you know, the inside story."
— Ted Cruz [15:36]
6. Closing Remarks and Farewell
The episode concludes with heartfelt goodbyes as Ted Cruz prepares to step back from hosting duties. He expresses deep appreciation for the show's success and his collaboration with Michael Knowles and Ben Ferguson.
-
Personal Reflections:
- Cruz shares emotional sentiments about launching the show and its journey to prominence.
- He acknowledges the strong friendship with host Michael Knowles and the camaraderie built over numerous campaign trails.
-
Future of the Podcast:
- Ben Ferguson assumes hosting responsibilities, promising to uphold the show's legacy and continue addressing critical issues.
- Cruz assures listeners that the partnership with Ferguson and iHeartRadio will sustain the show's influence and reach.
Notable Quotes:
"It has been truly one of the great pleasures and honors and privileges of my life to start this show with you, Senator."
— Michael Knowles [29:10]
"This is going to be really. It's in excellent hands with Mr. Ben Ferguson."
— Ted Cruz [29:02]
Conclusion
The Future of Verdict marks a significant transition for Verdict with Ted Cruz, signaling its evolution into a more expansive and influential platform under the stewardship of Ben Ferguson and the support of iHeartRadio. The episode underscores the current political landscape's challenges and the strategic efforts by Republican leaders to address voter concerns ahead of the crucial midterm elections.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Ted Cruz on Bus Tour Success:
"We did in New Mexico, we were with Yvette Harrell, who's running for re-election. She's fantastic in New Mexico."
— Ted Cruz [02:24] -
Michael Knowles on Exhaustion:
"I'm exhausted just hearing that schedule."
— Michael Knowles [03:38] -
Ted Cruz on iHeartRadio Partnership:
"iHeart is a monster. It's got 850 stations across the country... It will make this show sustainable."
— Ted Cruz [09:00] -
Ben Ferguson on Expanding Reach:
"People are hungry for that. ... The more people we can have listen to what we believe in, ... it's been my life goal."
— Ben Ferguson [10:25] -
Ted Cruz on Election Predictions:
"I put the odds of the House at north of 90% and I think there's a real chance."
— Ted Cruz [19:15] -
Ben Ferguson on Economic Stress:
"People are feeling that stress. ... It's getting worse, not better."
— Ben Ferguson [20:05] -
Ted Cruz on Democratic Messaging:
"Democrats everywhere have just gone all in on abortion... What else do they have to talk about?"
— Ted Cruz [22:58] -
Ted Cruz on Podcast Achievements:
"We've done 145 shows. We've had over 50 million downloads of this podcast, and every single week, we beat CNN's morning show."
— Ted Cruz [15:30] -
Closing Remarks:
"This is going to be in excellent hands with Mr. Ben Ferguson."
— Ted Cruz [29:02]