Summary of "Will Tanks Roll In Ukraine?" Episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Release Date: December 9, 2021

In this compelling episode of "The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson," host Ben Ferguson navigates through the intricate and urgent issue of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. The discussion provides a deep dive into the geopolitical tensions, historical contexts, and U.S. policy decisions that are shaping the current landscape. The episode also touches on domestic defense policies and engages with listener questions, offering a comprehensive analysis for those seeking informed perspectives on these critical topics.

1. Escalating Threat: Russia’s Potential Invasion of Ukraine

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz highlighting the imminent threat posed by Russia towards Ukraine:

“We are in the early stages of a new presidential administration, which can only mean one Russia is planning to invade a sovereign state... the tanks could start rolling in as little as a month.”
[00:00]

This statement sets a tense tone, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate attention.

2. Historical Context of Russian Aggression

Jimmy Kimmel provides a historical backdrop, recounting Russia's previous military actions:

“We know that Vladimir Putin invaded Georgia during the Bush administration... he invaded Crimea during the Obama administration... now he is poised to go into Ukraine again.”
[09:10]

This context underscores a pattern of Russian attempts to expand its influence over former Soviet states, positioning Ukraine as the next target in this ongoing geopolitical struggle.

3. The Nord Stream 2 Pipeline: A Symbol of Imperial Ambitions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a critical infrastructure project with profound geopolitical implications.

Jimmy Kimmel explains the strategic importance of the pipeline:

“The pipeline is a symbol... a physical representation of the imperial ambitions of Vladimir Putin. The whole point of the pipeline... is to free up Russia to go pursue whatever imperial ambitions it has in Ukraine.”
[19:37]

Senator Cruz elaborates on his efforts to halt the pipeline:

“I introduced legislation in the Senate to sanction the companies that were building Nord Stream 2... These sanctions are using American economic power to stop military tyrants from dominating Europe and threatening America.”
[19:45]

This segment highlights the bipartisan efforts to curb Russian influence and the critical role of economic sanctions in international diplomacy.

4. Critique of the Biden Administration’s Foreign Policy

The episode delves into the perceived weaknesses of the Biden administration in handling foreign policy, particularly concerning Russia.

Jimmy Kimmel criticizes Biden’s reversal on sanctions:

“Joe Biden needs to bring out a damn pen and piece of paper and impose the sanctions that Congress has mandated.”
[24:20]

Senator Cruz echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of reinstating sanctions to deter Russian aggression:

“We should use [sanctions]. We should also be providing lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine... if Biden doesn't change course, I think it is the odds are high that within 90 days, Russia will have invaded and sadly, in all likelihood conquered Ukraine.”
[19:45]

This critique underscores the tension between legislative actions and executive policies, advocating for stronger measures to prevent conflict.

5. Domestic Defense Policies: The Draft Debate

Transitioning to national security, the conversation addresses the controversial topic of drafting women into the military.

Senator Cruz vehemently opposes amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that propose drafting women:

“This is so disgusting. This is so backwards. What kind of a country... America is basically safe, basically wealthy, basically secure, and we're going to drag our daughters and send them overseas and draft.”
[25:52]

Jimmy Kimmel reinforces this stance, highlighting the impracticality and ethical concerns:

“Conscripting a woman and putting her in harm's way when there are real biological differences between men and women is putting them at real risk.”
[27:24]

The discussion emphasizes the importance of voluntary service and the complexities of implementing a gender-inclusive draft.

6. Listener Engagement: Addressing Community Concerns

The episode features listener-submitted questions, addressing topics such as Nancy Pelosi’s handling of the January 6th commission and the legal implications of parental liability in school shootings.

Senator Cruz responds to concerns about partisan overreach in the January 6th commission:

“This is a commission set up in Congress that is all Democrats... the conclusions are already decided. This is a political operation.”
[34:25]

Regarding parental liability in school shootings, Jimmy Kimmel discusses the balance between responsible gun ownership and legal accountability:

“If you are recklessly allowing firearms to fall into the hands of a child under your care, who you have reason to know is a danger to others... you could be held liable.”
[40:06]

This engagement highlights the show's commitment to addressing real-world issues voiced by their listeners.

7. Political Insights: Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s Comments

The hosts analyze a viral video featuring Congressman Dan Crenshaw criticizing the Freedom Caucus, exploring intra-party dynamics and public perceptions.

Jimmy Kimmel expresses disappointment with Crenshaw’s remarks:

“I don’t agree with what Dan had to say. I think that’s pretty misguided.”
[43:17]

Senator Cruz adds perspective on political rhetoric and loyalty:

“The purpose of Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger in Congress right now is to do what Democrats want them to do... they're like court jesters in the kingdom of liberalism.”
[46:46]

This segment examines the challenges within the Republican Party and the broader implications for conservative leadership.

8. Conclusion: Balancing Heavy News with Hopeful Wins

The episode wraps up by reflecting on both the serious geopolitical threats and positive political developments, such as successfully opposing drafts and reaffirming conservative values.

Senator Cruz commends the efforts to maintain national security and uphold constitutional rights:

“Should we bring Liz back on to get to a little bit of mailbag before we go?”
[32:41]

Jimmy Kimmel concludes with a humorous nod to political relief:

“And the most delightful story is that the House of Cuomo has fallen. It reminds us there's always a little silver lining in the storm clouds of politics.”
[49:38]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ted Cruz on Russian Invasion Threat
  “We are in the early stages of a new presidential administration... the tanks could start rolling in as little as a month.”
  [00:00]

• Jimmy Kimmel on Nord Stream 2 and Putin’s Ambitions
  “The pipeline is a symbol... a physical representation of the imperial ambitions of Vladimir Putin.”
  [19:37]

• Senator Cruz on Economic Sanctions
  “These sanctions are using American economic power to stop military tyrants from dominating Europe and threatening America.”
  [19:45]

• Jimmy Kimmel Critiquing Biden’s Policy Reversal
  “Joe Biden needs to bring out a damn pen and piece of paper and impose the sanctions that Congress has mandated.”
  [24:20]

• Senator Cruz Opposing Drafting Women
  “This is so disgusting. This is so backwards... we're going to drag our daughters and send them overseas and draft.”
  [25:52]

Key Takeaways

1. Imminent Threat: There is a credible and urgent threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, influenced by historical aggression and current geopolitical strategies.
2. Nord Stream 2 Significance: The pipeline serves as a critical factor in Russia’s ability to fund military actions, and halting it through sanctions is pivotal in deterring aggression.
3. Biden Administration’s Role: The administration's reversal on sanctions is seen as a pivotal weakness that emboldens Russian actions, necessitating immediate policy corrections.
4. Domestic Defense Policies: The debate over drafting women into the military highlights broader discussions on national security and ethical governance.
5. Engaged Listening: The show effectively incorporates listener questions, addressing real-world concerns with informed perspectives and actionable insights.
6. Intra-Party Dynamics: Criticism of figures like Congressman Dan Crenshaw reflects ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, emphasizing the need for cohesive leadership.

"The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson" successfully blends serious geopolitical analysis with engaging conversations on domestic policies, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. By addressing both international threats and internal political dynamics, the episode offers a well-rounded perspective essential for informed discourse.