Summary of "The Smirk Heard Around the World: Dems Celebrate & We Break Down Why Trump Verdict WILL Be Reversed"
Released on June 3, 2024, "The Smirk Heard Around the World" episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson delves into the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump. Hosted by Ben Ferguson and featuring Senator Ted Cruz, the episode provides a critical analysis of the trial's fairness, the political motivations behind the prosecution, and the potential repercussions leading up to the November elections.
1. Introduction: The Verdict and Biden's Reaction (00:00 - 01:55)
The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz acknowledging the White House's reaction to Donald Trump's conviction. Ben Ferguson emphasizes the significance of President Joe Biden's overt celebration, describing it as a "smirk heard around the world" (00:11). This reaction underscores Biden's support for what Ferguson and Cruz term a "political persecution" aimed at weakening Trump ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Notable Quote:
- Ben Ferguson (00:11): “Joe Biden, jubilant, gleeful, celebrating and spiking the football in the end zone at this political prosecution.”
2. Critique of the Judicial Process and Partisanship (01:05 - 08:44)
Ferguson and Cruz argue that Trump's trial was a "kangaroo court," suggesting that the judicial process was manipulated for political gain. They highlight the bipartisan disdain for Trump from key Democratic figures, including Judge Merchant and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whom they describe as politically motivated prosecutors with ties to influential liberal donors like George Soros.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz (00:56): “It was shocking to see how gleeful the President of the United States of America was at knowing that his political opponent is now an official political prisoner.”
- Ben Ferguson (01:05): “If you're going to do a kangaroo trial... Usually people pretend they're not doing that. Well, not with Joe Biden.”
3. The Role of George Soros and Political Financing (12:41 - 13:29)
The discussion shifts to the influence of George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, in orchestrating political outcomes. Ferguson asserts that Soros-funded strategies have significantly contributed to the election of Democratic prosecutors like Bragg, who are portrayed as intent on targeting Trump and eroding conservative power.
Notable Quote:
- Ben Ferguson (12:41): “Soros is doing this all across the country, investing millions and millions of dollars in electing left-wing DAs who let criminals out of jail, who won't prosecute murderers.”
4. Analysis of Jury Instructions and Legal Flaws (22:25 - 44:48)
A substantial portion of the episode dissects the jury instructions given during Trump's trial. Ferguson argues that the instructions were deliberately vague and permissive, allowing the prosecution to elevate misdemeanors to felonies without concrete evidence of additional crimes. He cites Attorney Ellie Hoenig's critique, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the charges and the questionable application of New York Election Law Section 17152.
Key Points:
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor unless intended to conceal another crime, which the prosecution alleges was a violation of election law (23:35).
- Unlawful Means Definition: The instructions allow for broad interpretations of "unlawful means," including violations of tax laws, without requiring proof of actual intent or occurrence of a separate crime (28:36).
- Campaign Finance Misuse: Ferguson highlights flaws in defining campaign expenditures, illustrating how actions like paying hush money could be misconstrued as campaign contributions under FECA (Federal Election Campaign Act).
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Ferguson (22:25): “Falsification of business record, it is a misdemeanor. It is punishable by less than a year in jail... So every one of the charges that Alvin Bragg brought, you can't bring now under the plain text, because two years has passed.”
- Ted Cruz (28:36): “Is it fair to say that the judge basically gave instructions to the jury that almost put them in a position where there's no way to not find them guilty?”
5. Potential Sentencing and Appeal Paths (45:20 - 50:23)
Ferguson speculates on the possible sentencing outcomes, suggesting that although Judge Merchant may be inclined to impose harsh sentences, practical considerations like immediate appeals would likely result in suspended sentences pending appellate reviews. He outlines the standard appellate process in New York, predicting that higher courts would overturn the verdict due to procedural irregularities.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Ferguson (48:38): “If the sentence is suspended pending the resolution of the appeal, I think the justice's instincts will be, you know what, the New York State courts might correct this.”
- Ted Cruz (50:15): “Do you really want that guy to be your president? I mean, this is.”
6. Implications for the 2024 Election and Political Landscape (46:12 - 54:30)
The hosts discuss the strategic use of the conviction in the political arena, emphasizing how Democrats aim to label Trump as a "convicted felon" to tarnish his reputation leading up to the election. They express skepticism about the trial's integrity and its impact on the American justice system, portraying it as a weaponized tool for maintaining Democratic dominance.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Ferguson (46:12): “This is about politics. It'll get reversed on appeal... They know these jury instructions will never survive an appeal.”
- Ted Cruz (54:30): “It'd also be useful politically, because then not only can you say, he's a convicted felon, but then you can say, do you want a guy going to the White House that's about to go to jail?”
7. Conclusion and Forward Look (54:30 - 54:30)
The episode concludes with Ferguson and Cruz reaffirming their belief that the conviction will be overturned on appeal and that the trial was fundamentally flawed. They urge listeners to stay informed and vigilant, anticipating further developments and their potential effects on the political landscape.
Notable Quote:
- Ted Cruz (54:30): “This is going to be interesting to see how it plays out. It's going to be interesting to see what the poll numbers say.”
Final Thoughts: In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz present a vehement critique of Donald Trump's recent conviction, framing it as a politically motivated attack designed to disadvantage Trump in the 2024 elections. They scrutinize the legal processes, jury instructions, and the broader implications for American democracy, while forecasting a probable reversal of the verdict on appeal. The hosts call for heightened awareness and engagement among listeners to navigate the political challenges ahead.