The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary – "Wild & Woolly Speaker Drama"

Release Date: January 4, 2023
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

Introduction

In the January 4, 2023 episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senator Ted Cruz regarding the unprecedented turmoil within the House of Representatives over the Speaker of the House election. The episode delves into the multi-ballot struggle to elect Kevin McCarthy, the historical significance of the event, internal Republican conflicts, media perceptions, and broader implications for the Republican Party.

Unprecedented Speaker Vote Drama

Ben Ferguson opens the conversation by highlighting the chaotic scenario in Washington, where "20 House Republicans have voted for someone other than Kevin McCarthy." This turmoil comes after multiple votes failed to secure McCarthy the necessary 218 votes to clinch the Speakership, leading to the suspension of proceedings until noon the following day.

Senator Ted Cruz underscores the gravity of the situation, noting, "It's the first time in 100 years that the House speaker vote went to multiple ballots." He elaborates on the context, explaining that none of the three rounds of balloting achieved the required majority, signaling deep divisions within the House Republican caucus.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Ferguson draws parallels between the current House scenario and historical precedents, questioning the potential long-term implications of such political standoffs. He mentions concerns from both Democrats and Republicans about setting a precarious precedent where leadership battles could become personal rather than issue-focused, potentially leading to future gridlocks.

Cruz responds by comparing the House dynamics to those in the Senate, highlighting the structural differences that contribute to the current chaos. He recalls his own experience with leadership battles in the Senate, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such conflicts within the realm of Republican leadership.

Senate vs. House Republican Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the contrasting behaviors and structures of the Senate and the House Republican bodies. Senator Cruz explains, "The Senate Republican leader is elected only by Republicans," allowing leaders like Mitch McConnell to maintain control more effectively. In contrast, the House Speaker must secure a majority among all House members, not just Republicans, making consensus more challenging with a narrow Republican majority.

He further elaborates on the fragility of the current Republican majority in the House, which stands at a mere four votes. This slim margin exacerbates internal divisions, as members have increased incentives to prioritize individual agendas over collective goals.

Key Players and Internal Conflicts

The episode delves into the roles of influential House Republicans like Andy Biggs, Jim Jordan, and Chip Roy. Cruz recounts the progression of the Speaker votes:

• First Ballot: Andy Biggs garnered 19 votes against McCarthy.
• Second Ballot: Jim Jordan received 19 votes, despite his initial support for McCarthy.
• Third Ballot: Chip Roy passionately advocated for Jim Jordan, who then secured 20 votes, including a pivotal flip from Byron Donalds.

Chip Roy’s impassioned speech is highlighted, where he advocates for transparency and procedural debates within the House, challenging the existing norms and pushing for meaningful legislative discourse. His remarks resonate beyond partisan lines, suggesting a broader call for accountability and debate within Congress.

Media Portrayal and Public Perception

Ferguson addresses the media's characterization of the Republican turmoil as chaotic and compares it to the perceived irrationality of the Democratic side, referencing headlines that depict Democrats as the true "crazies." Cruz vehemently disagrees with this portrayal, labeling the media as "left wing propagandists" intent on undermining Republican unity and accountability.

He contrasts the current Republican struggles with the Democrats' unified stance over the past years, attributing Democratic cohesion to their willingness to embrace more radical agendas without internal dissent.

Leadership, Strategy, and Future Implications

Senator Cruz offers insights into the strategic missteps that may have led to the current predicament, such as Republican leadership's failure to present a unified front or clear policy contrasts during the elections. He emphasizes the importance of internal debates on leadership and strategy, highlighting the need for Republicans to articulate and stand firm on key issues to avoid future electoral disappointments.

The discussion touches upon the potential influence of former President Donald Trump, who has a personal relationship with Kevin McCarthy. Cruz notes Trump's supportive remarks towards McCarthy, which could sway the dynamics depending on Trump's stance in the critical hours following the episode.

Procedural Changes and Future Outcomes

The conversation explores the procedural aspects, such as the motion to vacate, which allows any individual member to challenge the Speaker, potentially destabilizing the Speakership further. Cruz explains that instituting such motions could provide necessary checks on leadership but remains uncertain about McCarthy's willingness to concede to these procedural reforms.

Possible outcomes discussed include negotiated concessions to secure McCarthy's Speaker election, increased support for alternative candidates like Jim Jordan, or the emergence of a third candidate. Cruz also speculates on the unlikely but possible scenario of a Democrat Speaker being elected amidst Republican disarray, though he deems it improbable.

Recent Senate Developments and COVID-19 Protocols

In an unexpected turn, Cruz brings attention to recent events in the Senate where new senators were mandated to present negative COVID-19 test results to attend swearing-in ceremonies with their families. He criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris for enforcing these protocols, portraying them as obstructive and disrespectful to the traditions of the Senate. This move has reportedly caused friction between new Republican senators and the Democratic leadership, further straining bipartisan relations.

Conclusion and Looking Forward

As the episode wraps up, Ben Ferguson and Senator Cruz reflect on the unpredictability of the ongoing Speaker election and express anticipation for upcoming developments. Cruz reiterates his confidence in the Republican negotiation efforts and emphasizes the importance of maintaining conservative principles amidst internal challenges.

Ferguson assures listeners that The 47 Morning Update will continue to provide timely updates on the Speaker vote and other critical political events, encouraging subscribers to stay informed as the situation unfolds.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:36]: "It's the first time in 100 years that the House speaker vote went to multiple ballots."

• Chip Roy [11:15]: "This is not personal. It's not. This is about the future of the country. This is about the direction of the country."

• Senator Ted Cruz [22:47]: "The media are left wing propagandists. They hate having a debate about Republicans leading, about Republicans being conservative."

• Senator Ted Cruz [27:10]: "Kamala is literally saying, I'm not going to do my damn job."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update offers an in-depth analysis of the unprecedented challenges facing the House Republicans in electing a Speaker. With insights from Senator Ted Cruz, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the historical context, internal dynamics, media implications, and potential future outcomes of this political drama. As the situation remains fluid, the episode serves as a crucial resource for staying informed on the developments shaping America's legislative landscape.