Podcast Episode Summary:

Verdict with Ted Cruz
Episode: "Shutdown Showdown: Will Friday Bring a Government Reboot?"
Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz & Ben Ferguson

Episode Overview

On this special, time-stamped episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," Senator Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson offer a real-time update on the ongoing government shutdown negotiations, acknowledging the uncertainty of events as Ben travels from Jerusalem back to the United States. The hosts break down the latest status in Congress, clarify key procedural details about reopening the government, and preview the plan for an imminent follow-up episode once new developments occur.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Podcast’s Unusual Timing and Live Context

• Ben Ferguson is in Jerusalem and acknowledges the challenge of reporting up-to-the-minute news across time zones.
• The episode is intentionally time-stamped (11:22 pm Wednesday D.C. time) to provide transparency about what they know as of recording, with a promise to provide further updates upon Ben's return.
  • “So Senator, I'm in Jerusalem right now. I am going to be flying back to the Estados Unidos in a, in several hours. This is all happening while the government shutdown is being negotiated as we're recording this.” (03:10)
• The episode is positioned as a "teaser" or interim update, with a full episode to follow as soon as circumstances change.

2. State of the Shutdown Negotiations (as of Recording)

• The U.S. government is shut down during recording; Cruz gives listeners a real-time sense of congressional mood and possible outcomes.
• There is significant uncertainty about which day the government may fully reopen:
  • “As of lunch today, Republican leadership in the Senate thought there was a very good chance Senate Democrats would open the government in the next 24 or 48 hours...there’s a chance the government opens on Thursday...there’s a chance the government opens on Friday, and there’s a chance...they can delay the vote until Saturday.” (04:14–04:39)
• Cruz comments on the possibility of political brinkmanship extending the shutdown based on the Democrats' response to recent election results.
  • “There’s also a chance that Democrats look at the election results from Tuesday night. They say the crazies are resurgent. To hell with it. Let's keep it shut down even longer so we could be facing a government shutdown that extends into next week...” (04:40–04:57)
• The hosts want the audience to know this is not the main analysis episode, but a check-in to avoid seeming oblivious to breaking news.

3. The Math & Mechanics Behind Reopening the Government

• There is confusion in the media over the number of Democratic votes needed in the Senate to reopen the government. Cruz and Ferguson clarify:
  • Ben asks: “You said we need seven Democrats on TV. We've been hearing the number six. Why did you say the number seven?” (06:07)
  • The answer: The Senate needs 60 votes to bring the government back. With 53 Republicans, but Senator Rand Paul voting with Democrats, Republicans can reliably count on only 52. Therefore, at least 8 Democrats are needed (52 + 8 = 60).
    • “If you assume Rand is a no, and he almost surely is, then we have 52 Republicans and we gotta have eight Democrats. That's the math. We may end up with 10 or 12 Democrats, but we need a minimum of eight.” (06:25–06:38)
• Cruz points out that, depending on how many Democrats cross party lines, the total could be higher than eight, but eight is the critical minimum.

4. Looking Ahead: The Next Update

• Ben promises a full update episode as soon as he lands in the U.S., giving listeners a reason to subscribe and check back later Friday.
  • “We'll record it on Friday...hopefully then we will know. My hope is that the Friday show will begin: 'Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The government is open again. The Democrats have surrendered.' I don't know if that will happen, but sure would be a good result.” (05:37–05:53)
• The show will notify listeners across platforms (including X/Twitter) when the full episode drops.
  • “...check back this afternoon and we'll see you then.” (07:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Time Zones and Being in the Know:

  • Ben Ferguson: “I am finally smarter than you. Let's just make that moment clear. I know more than you, Senator, for the first time ever, this feels very good.” (04:01)
  • Ted Cruz (light-hearted reply): “Like Socrates. The one thing I know is how little I know. So, I’m happy to concede that, my friend.” (04:07)

• Uncertainty and Political Theater:

  • Ted Cruz: “If the government has just opened up and Ben and I are not talking about it, you guys would think, what the heck is wrong with these people?” (05:06)

• On the Critical Number of Votes:

  • Ben Ferguson: “So explain. They're 53 Republicans. To open the government you need 60 votes. 53 plus seven is 60. However, Rand Paul is voting with the Democrats over and over and over again to keep the government shut down...So we need eight.” (06:21–06:38)

• Senator Cruz’s Hope for the Next Update:

  • Ted Cruz: “My hope is that the Friday show will begin: ‘Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The government is open again. The Democrats have surrendered.’ I don't know if that will happen, but sure would be a good result.” (05:45–05:53)

• Sign-Off With a Personal Touch:

  • Ben Ferguson: “Say a little prayer for a long flight across the pond as they say.” (07:02)
  • Ted Cruz: “Safe travels from Jerusalem, my friend.” (07:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:10] Ben gives the real-time update and travel context
• [04:01–04:07] Light-hearted banter about time zones and knowing more
• [04:14–04:57] Cruz details the possible scenarios for reopening the government
• [06:07–06:38] The math behind the Senate vote requirements explained
• [07:09–07:13] Promise of upcoming updates; info on where to find them

Tone & Style

• The conversation is direct, urgent, and sometimes humorous, balancing political analysis with personality and banter.
• Both hosts emphasize transparency and honesty about what is known and unknown at the time of recording.
• The episode is positioned to keep listeners informed and engaged during an unfolding news event, with a commitment to return for a more detailed update as events develop.

In summary:
This special edition of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is a time-stamped check-in focused on the mechanics, math, and political drama behind the government shutdown, offering listeners a clear understanding of the real-time situation and what to expect in the coming days.