Summary of "Trump Indictment Is Garbage - Understand The Facts & Law To Know Why This Is a Brazen Political Persecution"

Podcast Information

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode Title: Trump Indictment Is Garbage - Understand The Facts & Law To Know Why This Is a Brazen Political Persecution
• Release Date: March 20, 2023

Participants

• Ben Ferguson: Host of The 47 Morning Update
• Senator Ted Cruz: Guest and political commentator

1. Introduction: Trump's Announcement of Possible Indictment

The episode opens with Ben Ferguson addressing the recent announcement made by former President Donald Trump via Truth Social, stating he would be arrested the following Tuesday. This declaration sets the stage for a deep dive into the potential legal and political ramifications of such an event.

Notable Quote:

Ben Ferguson [00:02]: "On March 18, former President Donald Trump announced via True Social that he, quote, will be arrested on Tuesday of this coming week."

2. Critique of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg

Senator Ted Cruz provides a scathing critique of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, painting him as an activist prosecutor influenced by George Soros. Cruz argues that Bragg's legal actions against Trump are baseless and politically motivated.

Key Points:

• Bragg's indictment of Trump is unprecedented and historically significant.
• Cruz labels the case "utter and complete crap," citing its flimsy legal standing and political retribution motives.
• Bragg's prosecution rates are criticized, highlighting a reduction in felony prosecutions and a low conviction rate.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [00:48]: "Number one, obviously this is a big damn deal if the former President of the United States is arrested tomorrow. That is historic."

Senator Ted Cruz [02:26]: "Alvin Bragg is a Democratic DA supported by more than a million dollars from George Soros...his conviction rate is 51%... he is an activist Democrat who hates Donald Trump."

3. Overview of Ted Cruz's Book "Justice Corrupted"

Cruz references his book, "Justice Corrupted: How the Left Weaponized Our Legal System," emphasizing his longstanding concern over the Left's influence on the judiciary and their use of the legal system to target political opponents.

Key Points:

• The book explores how George Soros funds and empowers radical district attorneys.
• Historical examples, including the Department of Justice's actions against Donald Trump and other political figures, are discussed.
• Cruz urges listeners to read his book for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [05:16]: "You talk about this persecution of your political opponents...this is exactly what he's doing here."

Senator Ted Cruz [08:29]: "If you want to understand what is going on right now with the Biden DOJ and these George Soros prosecutors targeting Trump, go buy the book 'Justice Corrupted.'"

4. The Potential Indictment Process for Trump

The conversation shifts to the legal procedures that would follow if Trump is indeed indicted. Cruz outlines the typical steps in an indictment, the likelihood of a mugshot, and the challenges Trump's legal team might face.

Key Points:

• Possible issuance of a mugshot and the political spectacle it would create.
• Comparison with past political cases like Tom DeLay and Rick Perry.
• The slim chance of conviction due to the weak nature of the case and biased jurors.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [10:41]: "So presumably there will be a mugshot if he is in fact arrested."

Senator Ted Cruz [14:36]: "What is the Manhattan DA's theory here? Well, it's a bookkeeping requirement...this case is crap."

5. Comparison with Hillary Clinton's Legal Challenges

Cruz draws parallels between Trump's situation and Hillary Clinton's handling of the Steele dossier, highlighting perceived double standards in how similar actions are treated differently based on political affiliation.

Key Points:

• Clinton's payments for the Steele dossier were categorized as legal fees, despite similarities to Trump's alleged hush money.
• The absence of an indictment against Clinton underscores the partisan nature of Bragg's prosecution efforts.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [24:43]: "She did the exact same thing at exactly the same place at exactly the same time...How the hell do you just go after the opposing party and not your own party's nominee?"

6. Timing and Political Implications of the Indictment

The episode discusses the coincidental timing of Biden family corruption allegations breaking alongside the potential indictment of Trump, suggesting a diversionary tactic by the media to overshadow these new developments.

Key Points:

• The media's focus on Trump's personal scandals instead of Biden family corruption serves a political narrative.
• Cruz expresses skepticism about a direct connection but emphasizes complementary political agendas driving media coverage.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [28:01]: "The media was more than eager to jump all over it...they don't want anyone to know about it."

Senator Ted Cruz [29:43]: "The best way to do that is to talk instead about who Trump was sleeping with a decade ago."

7. Media Portrayal and Accusations of Inciting Violence

Cruz criticizes CNN and other mainstream media outlets for misrepresenting Trump's statements, accusing them of portraying him as a domestic terrorist and ignoring his calls for peaceful protests.

Key Points:

• Trump's message emphasizes his innocence and calls for peaceful protests, yet CNN frames it as a threat of violence.
• The media is accused of selectively highlighting violent actions by others while vilifying Trump.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [31:14]: "CNN is not a news organization. They are a left wing propaganda outlet and they lie for a living."

Senator Ted Cruz [37:15]: "Nothing Trump said was a call for violence...peaceful protesting, speaking out, that is protected by the Constitution."

8. Eligibility of an Indicted or Convicted President

Cruz addresses common misconceptions about presidential eligibility in the event of an indictment or conviction, clarifying that the Constitution does not prohibit indicted or even convicted individuals from running for or holding the presidency.

Key Points:

• An indictment does not disqualify a candidate from running for president.
• Historical precedents, such as Eugene Debs running for president from jail, support this interpretation.
• The only constitutional mechanism that could prevent Trump from running would involve impeachment and Senate conviction, which Cruz deems highly unlikely.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [39:12]: "There is no prohibition on someone who is indicted running for president. There's no prohibition on someone who is indicted being elected president."

Senator Ted Cruz [45:42]: "If I were a partisan Democrat, if I wanted a Democrat to win in 2024 as president, I would be crying in my beer right now..."

9. Conclusion: The Political Fallout of a Failed Indictment

Cruz emphasizes that a weak and politically motivated indictment could backfire, galvanizing Trump's supporter base and enhancing his prospects for re-election. He cites legal expert Jonathan Turley to reinforce the fragility of the case against Trump.

Key Points:

• A failed prosecution could serve as a boon for Trump's campaign.
• The politicized nature of the indictment undermines its legitimacy and effectiveness.
• Cruz underscores the cyclical advantage of overzealous persecution rallying the opposition.

Notable Quotes:

Senator Ted Cruz [45:42]: "If Bragg brings this case and he tries it to a jury and he loses, which is what should happen if Trump wins at trial, that single action could be the single most decisive action that elects Trump as president."

Senator Ted Cruz [45:42]: "Jonathan Turley... 'the case is legally pathetic.'"

Closing Remarks

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by urging listeners to subscribe to the podcast for timely updates and reaffirming the importance of sharing accurate information amidst widespread misinformation.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments within the transcript have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the substantive content of the discussion between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz.