The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary – "Trudeau Gets Trucked"

Release Date: February 5, 2022

In the episode titled "Trudeau Gets Trucked" of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Michael Knowles engages in a robust discussion with Senator Ted Cruz and guest Liz Wheeler. The conversation delves into critical political issues, focusing primarily on Supreme Court nominations, race and discrimination, cancel culture, free speech, workers' rights, and GOP policies. This detailed summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and insightful analysis.

1. Supreme Court Nominations and Racial Considerations

The episode opens with a discussion on President Joe Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, a commitment that has stirred reactions within the Republican Party. Senator Ted Cruz addresses the controversy surrounding this pledge, emphasizing what he perceives as discriminatory practices.

Ted Cruz (00:00): "Following up on the Supreme Court decision, a number of Republicans... have spoken out about the president's pledge to pick a black woman for the high court."

Cruz criticizes Biden’s approach, arguing that setting racial and gender criteria for Supreme Court nominees undermines the meritocratic selection process. He contrasts Biden’s strategy with former President Donald Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, noting a lack of similar backlash when Barrett was nominated.

Ted Cruz (09:44): "If anyone else tried to do this in your business... It would be obviously illegal. It would be wrong."

Senator Cruz asserts that Biden's method of excluding 94% of potential nominees based on demographic characteristics is inherently flawed and contrary to American values of equality and merit.

2. Cancel Culture and Academic Freedom

The conversation transitions to the issue of cancel culture, particularly within academic institutions. Senator Cruz discusses the case of Ilya Shapiro, a libertarian law professor at Georgetown Law, who faces potential termination for his originalist views on constitutional interpretation.

Ted Cruz (19:16): "They put him on unpaid administrative leave. Why does it say that? Our law schools don't believe in anything resembling free speech..."

Cruz laments the suppression of diverse intellectual perspectives in universities, arguing that such environments stifle meaningful debate and penalize dissenting opinions. He criticizes Georgetown Law for allegedly valuing political conformity over academic rigor and free speech.

3. Free Speech and Media Censorship

The discussion shifts to the broader landscape of free speech, highlighting the clash between conservative voices and mainstream media figures. Senator Cruz references the backlash against podcast host Joe Rogan, who faces pressure from old rock stars like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to moderate his content.

Ted Cruz (27:08): "They are the defenders of the entrenched power... Maybe you'll have no more choice but to listen to their songs."

Cruz praises Rogan for his stance against censorship, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in defending free speech against powerful cultural figures who seek to silence dissenting opinions.

4. Workers' Unity and Political Movements

Addressing workers' rights and movements, Cruz lauds the Canadian truckers' convoy protesting vaccine mandates, drawing parallels to American workers' struggles. He underscores the significance of such movements in advocating for freedom and opposing governmental overreach.

Ted Cruz (34:52): "I'm just like, all right, you guys are nimwits and idiots. And the Canadian truckers, look, they're standing up for freedom."

Cruz celebrates the unity and activism of working-class individuals, positioning them as critical players in the fight against restrictive policies and advocating for American freedom.

5. GOP Policies and the Party of the Working Man

The conversation culminates with an in-depth analysis of the Republican Party's evolving policies under the influence of former President Trump. Senator Cruz outlines the GOP's positioning as the champion of the working class, small businesses, and energy independence, contrasting it with Democratic policies perceived as anti-worker.

Ted Cruz (38:24): "We're the party of jobs. You want a job, you ought to be a Republican. We're the party of small businesses... Democrats are the party of taking away your job."

Cruz highlights the GOP’s commitment to protecting jobs, supporting small businesses, promoting energy sectors like oil and gas, and enforcing stricter immigration controls. He criticizes the Democratic Party for policies that he believes lead to job losses and economic instability, asserting that the GOP offers a stable alternative focused on growth and opportunity for the average American worker.

6. Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, Michael Knowles poses questions about the future direction of the GOP and its policy initiatives aimed at the working class. Senator Cruz remains optimistic, emphasizing the party's strategic shifts towards supporting labor and opposing corporate cronyism.

Ted Cruz (41:21): "Democrats are the party of corporate welfare today. They embrace it openly."

Cruz reiterates the GOP’s dedication to dismantling corporate favoritism and fostering an environment where small businesses and workers can thrive without excessive governmental intervention or support for large multinational corporations.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz (09:44): "If anyone else tried to do this in your business... It would be obviously illegal. It would be wrong."

• Ted Cruz (19:16): "They put him on unpaid administrative leave. Why does it say that? Our law schools don't believe in anything resembling free speech..."

• Ted Cruz (27:08): "They are the defenders of the entrenched power... Maybe you'll have no more choice but to listen to their songs."

• Ted Cruz (34:52): "I'm just like, all right, you guys are nimwits and idiots. And the Canadian truckers, look, they're standing up for freedom."

• Ted Cruz (38:24): "We're the party of jobs. You want a job, you ought to be a Republican. We're the party of small businesses... Democrats are the party of taking away your job."

• Ted Cruz (41:21): "Democrats are the party of corporate welfare today. They embrace it openly."

Conclusion

In "Trudeau Gets Trucked," The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson delivers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary political challenges through the lens of Senator Ted Cruz and host Michael Knowles. The episode critically examines the intersection of race, justice, free speech, and workers' rights, presenting a conservative viewpoint on these pivotal issues. By addressing Supreme Court nominations, academic freedom, media censorship, and GOP policy shifts, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current political climate and the Republican Party's strategic positioning for upcoming elections.

For those seeking unfiltered insights and a conservative analysis of America's pressing issues, this episode serves as a thought-provoking and informative listen.