Episode Summary: WE'RE BACK! Analyzing Why Colorado & Maine Decisions Barring Trump WILL BE Reversed

Podcast Information:

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host: Premiere Networks
• Episode Title: WE'RE BACK! Analyzing Why Colorado & Maine Decisions Barring Trump WILL BE Reversed
• Release Date: January 1, 2024

Introduction and New Year Greetings

The episode kicks off with Ben Ferguson extending New Year wishes to guests and listeners. He introduces Senator Ted Cruz, highlighting the significant developments that unfolded over the holiday season, particularly focusing on the Democrats' attempts to remove Donald Trump from the primary ballots in Colorado and Maine.

Democratic Efforts to Remove Trump from Ballots

Ben Ferguson initiates the discussion by addressing the Democratic strategies aimed at disqualifying Trump from the ballot:

“[00:39] Ben Ferguson: ... Democrats trying to kick Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado, in Maine. And this has been unfolding really over the holidays.”

Senator Ted Cruz responds by condemning these actions as unprecedented assaults on democracy:

“[00:39] Ted Cruz: ... the decisions in Colorado and Maine are the most grotesque assaults on democracy that I have ever seen in my life.”

Cruz emphasizes that these moves disregard the voters' will, undermining the foundational democratic principles of the United States.

Legal Analysis: The 14th Amendment, Section 3

The conversation delves into the legal underpinnings of the Democrats' actions, specifically focusing on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Ben Ferguson references a tweet by Maine's Democratic Secretary of State, highlighting the basis for excluding Trump:

“[05:16] Ben Ferguson: ... she is not elected by the people, she's elected by the legislature... she said she wanted to take Trump off the ballot was mainly from what she described in the filings as from being from YouTube videos.”

Senator Ted Cruz critiques the legal rationale, pointing out the lack of due process and the Secretary’s reliance on unverified sources:

“[05:16] Ted Cruz: ... Shanna Bellows is her name. She's a Democrat... She based her ruling on a lot of documents. But also YouTube clips.”

Cruz underscores that the determination of insurrection should follow rigorous legal standards, not arbitrary judgments based on questionable evidence.

Prediction of Supreme Court Reversal

Cruz confidently predicts that the Supreme Court will overturn the decisions made by Colorado and Maine:

“[04:15] Ted Cruz: I put the odds at these decisions being reversed at 100%. ... the Supreme Court will take this case... there is a very real possibility they do so unanimously.”

He anticipates a swift and decisive action from the highest court, restoring Trump’s eligibility on the ballots and reaffirming the voters' authority.

Weaponization of the Legal System

The discussion shifts to a broader critique of how the legal system has been manipulated to target political opponents.

Senator Ted Cruz elaborates on his theory from his books about the left's use of the legal framework as a weapon:

“[07:00] Ted Cruz: ... the radical left turned our legal system into an offensive weapon to try to attack their political opponents and destroy their political opponents.”

He draws parallels to past administrations, particularly under Barack Obama, where federal agencies were allegedly used to undermine conservative figures and policies.

Political Ramifications and Voter Sentiment

Ben Ferguson introduces the potential political fallout from these anti-Trump maneuvers, questioning whether Democrats have overplayed their hand:

“[31:31] Ben Ferguson: ... there are a lot of conservative voters now that are very upset... supporting Donald Trump because this is just so egregious.”

Senator Ted Cruz supports this notion by citing polling data where legal challenges have bolstered Trump’s support base:

“[32:02] Ted Cruz: ... Donald Trump will go up 10 points in the polls as a result of this... he's never come down since.”

Cruz suggests that these actions may inadvertently strengthen Trump’s position in the Republican primaries, as voters rally in defense against perceived democratic overreach.

Timing and Upcoming Primaries

The episode examines the strategic timing of the Colorado and Maine decisions in relation to the upcoming primaries.

Senator Ted Cruz explains the procedural aspects and the likelihood of a rapid Supreme Court response:

“[24:58] Ted Cruz: ... The appeal is already pending at the Supreme Court... The court could act exceptionally quickly... it can move exceptionally fast.”

He references the Bush v. Gore case to illustrate the Supreme Court's capacity for swift decision-making during electoral disputes.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, both hosts reflect on the implications of these legal battles for the 2024 election cycle. Cruz reiterates his belief that Democratic actions undermine democratic principles and praises Trump’s resilience in the face of these challenges.

“[35:34] Ted Cruz: ... it undermines the ability of the voters to choose who they want as president. That is as foundational to democracy in our country as anything there is.”

Ben Ferguson concludes by assuring listeners of continued coverage and analysis of the unfolding political landscape throughout 2024.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Ted Cruz [02:15]:

  "Democracy is a process through which the people vote and their wishes are enacted... The Democrats have said, hell with the voters."

• Senator Ted Cruz [04:15]:

  "I put the odds at these decisions being reversed at 100%."

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:00]:

  "The radical left turned our legal system into an offensive weapon to try to attack their political opponents."

• Senator Ted Cruz [24:58]:

  "The court could act exceptionally quickly... it can move exceptionally fast."

• Senator Ted Cruz [32:02]:

  "Donald Trump will go up 10 points in the polls as a result of this... he's never come down since."

• Senator Ted Cruz [35:34]:

  "It undermines the ability of the voters to choose who they want as president."

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political maneuvers to exclude Donald Trump from primary ballots in Colorado and Maine. Through a detailed legal and political lens, Senator Ted Cruz articulates the potential ramifications of these actions on the democratic process and the upcoming 2024 elections, predicting a reversal of these decisions by the Supreme Court and highlighting the broader implications for American democracy.