Episode Overview

Episode Title: BONUS POD: Holiday Spending to Break $1 Trillion as Democrats Push Economic Narrative
Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Primary Host: Ben Ferguson (with occasional reference to Senator Ted Cruz as the typical co-host; Senator Cruz does not directly appear in this bonus episode)
Date: November 28, 2025

This bonus episode examines the state of the U.S. economy as Americans enter the critical holiday spending season. Host Ben Ferguson challenges media and Democratic Party narratives about affordability, inflation, and the economic impact of presidential policies. He highlights current economic indicators—such as gas prices and holiday spending trends—arguing that conservative, pro-energy policies are delivering real financial relief to Americans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Framing the “Affordability” Narrative

• Timestamp: 06:25
• Ben argues that “affordability” is now the word du jour for Democrats, noting their shift in messaging since Joe Biden left office.
• He claims Democrats previously downplayed inflation and rising costs, but now emphasize economic pessimism in political discourse.

“Affordability. It is the obsession word of the Democratic Party right now, something they never mentioned when Joe Biden was president... Now they're wanting Americans to believe that the economy is a disaster and they're trying to blame Donald Trump for everything.”
— Ben Ferguson [06:28]

2. Analysis of Gas Prices Across States

• Timestamps: 06:50 – 11:20
• Gas prices are at their lowest since the pandemic, averaging $3.02 nationally for Thanksgiving, with nearly 30 states under $3 per gallon.
• Conservative states (like Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana) enjoy some of the nation’s cheapest gas, e.g., Oklahoma at $2.57/gallon.
• Liberal states such as California are outliers, with much higher prices ($4.63/gallon), attributed to regulations and taxation.

“Where there are conservative states, there are lower prices. And when you have the most radical liberals... their prices? Almost double what is being paid in conservative states.”
— Ben Ferguson [10:49]

• AAA projects record-level Thanksgiving travel, with 82 million Americans planning trips.

3. Holiday Spending Trends—Record Highs Despite Caution

• Timestamps: 11:50—13:50
• U.S. holiday spending is predicted to break $1 trillion for the first time, despite mixed consumer sentiments.
• Surveys by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte suggest tightening budgets (5-10% lower spending), especially Gen Z (23% less), while the National Retail Federation forecasts 2.9–3.4% growth.
• There are early positive indicators for discount retailers like Walmart and TJ Maxx.
• Elimination of the “de minimis” tariff may soon raise prices on imported goods under $1000, so experts urge consumers to shop soon.
• Shipping delays remain a risk; consumers are advised to plan accordingly.

“If you want to save money this holiday season, make a list, stick to it, and start early.”
— Jerry Willis, Fox Business Channel excerpt [13:50]

4. Thanksgiving Meal Costs at a Four-Year Low

• Timestamps: 13:54—16:01
• The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 has dropped to $55.18, the lowest since 2021, according to the American Farm Bureau.
• Turkey prices in particular have fallen 16% from the previous year.
• Ben notes this reverses steep price hikes seen under Biden (14% increase in 2021, 20% in 2022), reinforcing his argument for improvement in everyday affordability under new policies.

“Is the economy getting better? Yes. Is pricing getting better for you? Yes. And is this something we should all be excited about? You better believe it.”
— Ben Ferguson [15:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democratic Messaging Turnaround:
  “They lied to you and said that there was no such thing as inflation, that it was transitory and that things were, quote, getting better and gas prices really weren't that bad.”
  — Ben Ferguson [06:33]

• On Gas Price Extremes by State:
  “California is now topping the list as the most expensive state when it comes to buying a gallon of gasoline... It is now less expensive to buy a gallon of gas in Hawaii than it is with all the regulations on gasoline in California.”
  — Ben Ferguson [09:08]

• On Biden-Era Price Increases:
  “By Biden's final Thanksgiving, the price of a traditional family holiday meal was 24% higher than it was when he took office.”
  — Ben Ferguson [15:25]

• On Takeaway for Listeners:
  “If you want to save money this holiday season, make a list, stick to it, and start early.”
  — Jerry Willis, Fox Business Channel excerpt [13:50]

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|-------| | 06:25 | Main economic topic introduction: "Affordability" and media narratives | | 06:50 – 11:20 | Deep dive into national and state-by-state gas prices | | 11:50 – 13:50 | U.S. holiday spending projections and expert advice | | 13:54 – 16:01 | Thanksgiving meal cost analysis and inflation trends | | 12:12 | Audio from Fox Business Channel's Jerry Willis on spending trends | | 15:52 | Closing summary and positive economic outlook |

Summary & Tone

This episode is a direct, combative response to Democratic and mainstream media perspectives on the economy and affordability. Ben Ferguson uses concrete examples—fuel prices, travel data, holiday expenditure forecasts, and grocery bills—to argue that conservative policies are improving economic conditions for typical Americans. He highlights statistical data, news audio, and retail trends to fortify his perspective. The tone is confident, optimistic, and unapologetically partisan.

For further details or direct quotations, see suggested timestamps above. The episode skips in-depth debate or panel participation, focusing on Ben Ferguson’s commentary with excerpts from business news segments.