The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: WOKE Target Loses BILLIONS Plus IRS Whistleblower Catches AG Merrick Garland In A Lie Release Date: May 26, 2023

Hosted by Ben Ferguson, "The 47 Morning Update" delves deep into the latest political and economic developments shaping America. In this episode, Ferguson engages in a robust discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, exploring the ramifications of an IRS whistleblower's revelations, the unconventional presidential campaign launch by Ron DeSantis, and Target's staggering financial losses attributed to its "woke" initiatives.

1. IRS Whistleblower Exposes Potential DOJ Misconduct

Overview: The episode kicks off with a compelling conversation about a second IRS whistleblower who has come forward with serious allegations against the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ). This whistleblower claims that the DOJ is deliberately hindering the investigation into Hunter Biden, suggesting possible misconduct at the highest levels.

Key Points:

• Whistleblower's Allegations: Gary Shapley, a supervisory special agent for the IRS with 14 years of experience, alleges that the DOJ is "slow walking" and blocking the investigation of Hunter Biden. These actions, if true, imply that Attorney General Merrick Garland may have provided false testimony to Congress.

  Gary Shapley [01:36]: "I have not, no. These deviations from normal process and each and every time it seemed to, to always benefit the subject."

• Senator Cruz's Analysis: Senator Ted Cruz emphasizes the gravity of these claims, highlighting that if Garland knowingly lied under oath, it constitutes a felony. He underscores the need for a thorough investigation to determine the veracity of the whistleblower's statements.

  Senator Ted Cruz [10:36]: "If what the whistleblower is saying is accurate, then Merrick Garland in all likelihood gave false testimony to Congress."

• Congressional Accountability: Cruz expresses skepticism about the Senate Judiciary Committee's responsiveness but remains optimistic about the House of Representatives taking decisive action, especially with representatives like Jim Jordan and Comer actively investigating these concerns.

  Senator Ted Cruz [12:04]: "I don't expect the Senate judiciary to do anything about it. I think Dick Durbin and the Democrats, they do not care."

2. Ron DeSantis Launches Presidential Campaign on Social Media

Overview: The discussion shifts to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has entered the presidential race by announcing his campaign exclusively through social media platforms. This unconventional approach marks a significant shift in how political campaigns can engage with the electorate.

Key Points:

• Innovative Campaign Strategy: DeSantis's decision to utilize social media for his campaign launch is unprecedented, highlighting the growing influence of digital platforms in political mobilization.

  Senator Ted Cruz [18:36]: "What DeSantis did this week is similar to that, but obviously the technology and communication has changed dramatically in the years since then."

• Media Dynamics: Cruz draws parallels to Donald Trump's use of Twitter, noting how instant communication via social media can shape public perception rapidly. He also speculates that CBS News's coverage of the IRS whistleblower might be influenced by the evolving Republican field, including DeSantis's candidacy.

  Senator Ted Cruz [15:18]: "It will get more interesting if you see more of the corrupt corporate media following suit."

• Future Campaign Trends: Expectation of more campaigns leveraging social media platforms directly to engage voters, bypassing traditional media channels.

  Senator Ted Cruz [23:13]: "Engaging in social media is an instantaneous press release to millions of people, including every reporter on planet Earth."

3. Target Suffers $9 Billion Loss Due to "Woke" Initiatives

Overview: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Target's reported $9 billion loss in market capitalization following widespread backlash against its LGBTQ-friendly products and marketing strategies perceived as "woke."

Key Points:

• Financial Impact: Target experienced a substantial drop in market value within a week, attributed to consumer boycotts over its inclusive product lines targeting children.

  Ben Ferguson [27:25]: "They're learning very quickly that parents and normal adults are going to not just sit back and take it anymore."

• Corporate Missteps: Senator Cruz criticizes Target for not understanding and respecting its customer base. He argues that by imposing political ideologies through products aimed at children, Target alienated a significant portion of its clientele.

  Senator Ted Cruz [31:28]: "If you respect your customers, you don't insult them."

• Internal Contradictions: Despite financial losses, internal memos reveal that Target is not retracting its LGBTQ-focused products but merely repositioning them within stores, indicating a strategic pivot rather than a complete reversal.

  Ben Ferguson [31:28]: "They even said in their own internal email... We stand with you."

• Broader Implications for Corporate America: Cruz suggests that such high-profile financial repercussions serve as a deterrent for other companies considering similar "woke" initiatives. He emphasizes the growing power of consumer activism, especially among women and mothers, in shaping corporate policies.

  Senator Ted Cruz [35:06]: "There's a constellation now of three events... which are Bud Light... and now thirdly, Target."

4. The Rising Influence of Women and Mothers in Political and Economic Spheres

Overview: The episode highlights the pivotal role women, particularly mothers, are playing in driving economic boycotts and influencing political outcomes. This shift is seen as a response to corporate overreach into sociopolitical issues previously deemed outside the purview of businesses.

Key Points:

• Economic Power of Mothers: Target's loss illustrates how women's collective consumer choices can have significant financial ramifications for corporations. The episode points out that, unlike previous boycotts driven by other demographics, this movement is predominantly led by women.

  Ben Ferguson [35:06]: "It's so happy to see mothers that are being inspired."

• Political Mobilization: Cruz notes that this economic activism is translating into increased political engagement, with more women running for office and influencing local elections, particularly in school board races across the country.

  Senator Ted Cruz [38:06]: "We are seeing and we have seen the power of women and moms when they get really engaged and they get really angry."

• Long-Term Impact: The combination of economic pressure and political activism is expected to create a ripple effect, compelling more corporations to reconsider their sociopolitical stances to align with consumer expectations.

  Senator Ted Cruz [41:45]: "If we want to stop corporate America from going woke, we've got to change the cost-benefit analysis."

5. Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

Overview: Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by reflecting on the transformative events discussed and their implications for the future of corporate America and political engagement.

Key Points:

• Shift in Corporate Strategies: The backlash against "woke" corporate policies signals a potential realignment of business practices to prioritize customer preferences over sociopolitical agendas.

• Empowerment Through Boycotts: The episode underscores the effectiveness of targeted economic boycotts as a tool for consumers to influence corporate behavior and policy.

• Continued Vigilance: Both hosts emphasize the importance of ongoing accountability and transparency in government and corporate actions to ensure alignment with public interest.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [10:36]: "If what the whistleblower is saying is accurate, then Merrick Garland in all likelihood gave false testimony to Congress."

• Ben Ferguson [27:25]: "They're learning very quickly that parents and normal adults are going to not just sit back and take it anymore."

• Senator Ted Cruz [31:28]: "If you respect your customers, you don't insult them."

• Senator Ted Cruz [38:06]: "We are seeing and we have seen the power of women and moms when they get really engaged and they get really angry."

Conclusion: This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents a critical examination of the intersection between politics, corporate policies, and consumer activism. Through insightful discussions with Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson highlights significant developments that not only reflect the current political climate but also hint at future trends in corporate accountability and political mobilization.