Verdict with Ted Cruz: Media’s Role in Biden’s Decline "Only Good Four Hours a Day"

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Senator Ted Cruz and Co-host Ben Ferguson
Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Producer: Premiere Networks

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosts Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson delve into the controversial claims surrounding President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities and the alleged media cover-up orchestrated by mainstream news outlets. The discussion centers around Jake Tapper's book, "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," co-authored with Alex Thompson from Axios.

Unveiling Jake Tapper’s Book and its Claims

Ben Ferguson initiates the conversation by highlighting the release of a new book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, titled "Original Sin," which accuses President Biden of significant cognitive decline and suggests a deliberate media cover-up by CNN and other major news organizations.

• Ben Ferguson [02:15]: "Jake Tapper from CNN has a book along with Alex Thompson from Axios... 'Original Sin, President Biden's Decline, Its Cover up and His Disastrous Choice to run again.'"

Ted Cruz challenges the characterization of the book as "full of crap," arguing instead that it presents alarming evidence akin to an "arsonist discovering a fire he started."

• Ted Cruz [02:15]: "This is like a book. Arsonist discovers a fire he started... This is like a book. Tony Montana, the drug dealer, says cocaine is bad for you."

Media Cover-Up and Cognitive Decline Evidence

The hosts discuss the extent of the alleged cover-up, asserting that Jake Tapper and CNN were fully aware of Biden's mental decline but chose to suppress this information.

• Ted Cruz [05:41]: "Tapper and Thompson report Biden's physical deterioration was so severe that his advisors discussed the possibility he would need to use a wheelchair if he won reelection."

Ben Ferguson emphasizes the readiness to present evidence to substantiate these claims, urging listeners to share the information widely.

Critical Incidents Highlighting Biden’s Decline

Several incidents are cited to illustrate Biden's cognitive issues:

1. Fundraiser Confusion:

   • Biden failed to recognize George Clooney at a fundraiser, necessitating an introduction.
   • Ted Cruz [09:00]: "In June of 2024, Joe Biden didn't recognize George Clooney... And Obama had to lead Biden off the stage because he was confused and staring out in space."

2. Memory Lapses:

   • Biden struggled to remember significant events and relationships.
   • Ted Cruz [31:23]: "He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended..."

Use of Auto Pens for Signing Documents

A significant point of discussion is the alleged use of auto pens by President Biden to sign official documents, raising legal and procedural questions.

• Ted Cruz [27:11]: "Every elected official has an auto pen... If you have legislation that the President didn't sign, it has legal force."

• Ben Ferguson [28:20]: "I want to know, did they use the auto pen to sign any legislation? Because it's not clear to me legislation that the President didn't sign has legal force."

The conversation questions the legitimacy of actions taken by the administration if they were executed without the President's cognitive consent.

Cabinet Members’ Concerns and Lack of Oversight

The hosts reference testimonies from cabinet members expressing worries about Biden's capacity to lead, especially during crises.

• Ted Cruz [17:43]: "Multiple cabinet members were worried that he could not be relied on at a time of crisis because his mental diminution was so, so great."

Ben Ferguson probes the lack of congressional oversight regarding these serious concerns.

• Ben Ferguson [21:32]: "Who was running the country? Was it 30 people that were elected by no one? I don't think it was one person."

Ted Cruz admits uncertainty about who was truly in control, suggesting a shadow administration may have been at play.

• Ted Cruz [21:43]: "I genuinely don't know. I think it was Barack Obama... his minions... bought a big house in Kalorama."

Comparisons to Historical Political Events

The episode draws parallels between current events and historical political infractions, such as Harry Reid’s false claims about Mitt Romney not paying taxes.

• Ted Cruz [12:37]: "That's the same thing as Chuck Schumer. We're just looking forward."

This comparison serves to highlight perceived hypocrisy and dishonesty within the Democratic leadership.

Biden’s Role and Command Over Nuclear Codes

A chilling point is raised about President Biden’s ability to authorize nuclear strikes despite his allegedly compromised mental state.

• Ted Cruz [34:19]: "They say you couldn't charge him with a crime because he's... not competent to stand trial. And yet Joe Biden tonight, if he so desired, could literally exterminate humanity from the face of the planet as Commander in Chief."

This assertion underscores the severity of the claims regarding Biden's fitness for office.

Department of Justice Report on Biden’s Cognitive Abilities

Referencing a report by the Biden Department of Justice, the hosts highlight formal acknowledgments of Biden's mental state issues.

• Ted Cruz [31:23]: "They say you couldn't charge him with a crime because he's not aware of enough to have the requisite mental intent."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up by reiterating the urgent need for accountability and transparency regarding the President's cognitive health, urging listeners to stay informed and proactive.

• Ted Cruz [35:27]: "It's easy for some observers to dismiss that... In this instance, the people speaking are the Biden Department of Justice... Why does he have access to the nuclear codes?"

Ben Ferguson encourages sharing the podcast to raise awareness about these critical issues.

Notable Quotes

• Ted Cruz [02:15]: "This is like a book. Arsonist discovers a fire he started..."
• Ted Cruz [05:41]: "Tapper and Thompson report Biden's physical deterioration was so severe..."
• Ted Cruz [17:43]: "Multiple cabinet members were worried that he could not be relied on at a time of crisis..."
• Ted Cruz [34:19]: "They say you couldn't charge him with a crime because he's not aware of enough to have the requisite mental intent..."

Final Remarks

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" presents a compelling narrative questioning President Joe Biden's cognitive health and the media’s role in allegedly concealing these issues. Through detailed discussions and cited evidence, Cruz and Ferguson call for greater scrutiny and accountability to ensure the integrity of the nation's leadership.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the main discussions and points raised during the podcast episode.