The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Cruz argues that the DSA is not merely socialist but fundamentally Marxist or communist, and claims it is increasingly shaping the direction of the Democratic Party.

He expresses concern that ideological activists are gaining influence within the Democratic Party and describes this trend as a "hostile takeover."

The conversation focuses heavily on voting patterns by education and income level, citing polling data comparing Democratic and Republican presidential voters across demographic groups.

Cruz says the most Democratic-leaning voter group consists of people with postgraduate degrees earning between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with approximately 70% voting Democratic.

He characterizes this group as highly educated but relatively low-income individuals who are dissatisfied with their economic outcomes and therefore more likely to support left-wing political movements.

Cruz argues that the modern Democratic Party is increasingly supported by educated, higher-income urban and coastal voters, rather than traditional working-class voters.

He contends that the Republican Party has become the party of blue-collar and working-class Americans, including truck drivers, oil and gas workers, police officers, firefighters, and service workers.

The most Republican-leaning demographic group is people with a high school education or less earning $60,000–$100,000 annually, with roughly 61% voting Republican.

Cruz attributes Democratic support among college and postgraduate degree holders to what he describes as ideological indoctrination in universities.

The host expands this argument, claiming that similar ideological influences exist throughout K–12 public education, including debates around gender identity and social issues.

The discussion highlights Cruz's support for Republican policy proposals such as:
No tax on tips
No tax on overtime
Reduced taxation on Social Security benefits

Cruz states that he authored the legislation for no tax on tips and describes it as a benefit for service workers such as waiters, waitresses, and barbers.

Cruz has support for:
School choice initiatives
The creation of"Trump Accounts", which he says would encourage young Americans to become investors and participate in the stock market.

Cruz concludes that many DSA supporters are attracted to socialist or communist ideas because they believe society owes them economic support, whereas he views blue-collar work and skilled trades as examples of productive economic contribution.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic Party and DSA Discussion
Cruz "the Democratic Party is increasingly influenced by the DSA and other far-left activists"
He characterizes the DSA as Marxist and contends that its ideology is becoming more prominent within Democratic politics.
The hosts discuss voting patterns, education levels, and income demographics, asserting that highly educated, lower-income voters are among the strongest Democratic constituencies.
They argue that universities contribute to political radicalization and ideological indoctrination.
Education and Reading Instruction
Cruz discusses legislation he introduced to encourage schools receiving federal literacy funds to adopt teaching methods supported by evidence.
The bill promotes the "science of reading" and phonics-based instruction rather than approaches such as “three-cueing.”
The conversation cites literacy concerns and references improvements in reading scores in states such as Mississippi after adopting phonics-focused methods.
The bill is described as bipartisan, with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii as a co-sponsor.
New York City and Israel-Related Issues
The hosts discuss a stabbing incident in New York involving victims who were reported to be Jewish and Asian.
They criticize New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, alleging that his comments regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrate hostility toward Israel.
Cruz argues that local officials do not have authority to enforce actions based on International Criminal Court warrants.
New Jersey Voting Controversy
New Jersey entered thousands of non-citizens into the state voter rolls
State findings show that some improperly registered individuals cast ballots.
This supports stricter voter registration and identification requirements.
Democrats oppose these election-integrity measures.
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz
X: https://x.com/tedcruz
X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1: New York City Mayor and Benjamin Netanyahu
Key Points
The mayor initially suggested that New York City might be able to arrest Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
The mayor later stated that New York City lacks the legal authority to execute such an arrest.
A lengthy excerpt of the mayor's remarks is included, in which: Netanyahu is accused of war crimes.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is discussed.
Support is expressed for the ICC arrest warrant.
The mayor calls on the U.S. federal government to take action instead.

The mayor is misleading supporters and making promises he cannot legally fulfill.
2: New Jersey Non-Citizen Voter Registration Controversy
Key Points
The governor claimed that a software glitch resulted in hundreds or thousands of non-citizens being registered to vote.
Some of those individuals allegedly cast ballots in elections.
The software company (Idemia) disputes the governor's explanation.
The company argues that: Its role is only to transmit voter registration information.
State election officials are responsible for verifying voter eligibility.

The commentator presents this as evidence that state officials are attempting to avoid responsibility.
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury Department Payment Screening
The U.S. Treasury Department prevented nearly $99 million in federal payments from being sent to individuals identified as deceased.
A new verification system reviewed 885 million federal payments totaling $2.77 trillion and flagged approximately 4,900 payments connected to deceased recipients.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of enhanced fraud detection and payment verification systems.

Government Fraud and Improper Payments
Estimates that federal improper payments could reach up to $500 billion annually, citing this as evidence of widespread waste and fraud in government programs.
Reducing improper payments could lower taxpayer burden and reduce government deficits.

Policy and Legislative Changes
Expanded use of the Treasury's "Do Not Pay" system and access to the Social Security Administration's death records.
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which allegedly strengthened the government's ability to identify payments tied to deceased beneficiaries.

Medicaid Fraud Investigations
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The administration is said to have deferred more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments: Approximately $869.7 million to California.
Approximately $199 million to Minnesota.

These payments were flagged as high-risk or insufficiently documented and are being withheld pending further verification.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. World Cup Final Experience
Ted Cruz recounts attending the World Cup Final with his daughter, Katherine.
He describes the event as a memorable father-daughter experience and reflects on a longstanding tradition of attending major sporting events with her.
The discussion includes: The atmosphere at the World Cup.
International fans visiting the United States.
Cruz's thoughts on soccer and his own experience playing the sport in high school.
Comparisons to memorable sporting events such as the 2017 World Series, Super Bowl LI, and the 2006 Rose Bowl.

2. Celebrity Encounters
Cruz shares stories about meeting Drew Barrymore at the World Cup.
He describes her as friendly, genuine, and approachable.
The hosts discuss some of her films, including: E.T.
Charlie’s Angels
50 First Dates

3. White House Meeting on Artificial Intelligence
A significant portion of the podcast focuses on Cruz's meeting in the Oval Office regarding AI policy.
Participants included: President Trump
Senator Marsha Blackburn
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
White House economic advisers and staff

4. Debate Over AI Legislation
Cruz explains several AI-related legislative proposals:
Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA):
Intended to improve online protections for children.
Previously passed the Senate but stalled in the House.

App Store Accountability / Age Verification Measures:
Would require age verification for app usage.
Faces opposition from some technology companies and lawmakers.

NO FAKES Act:
Designed to combat AI-generated impersonations, deepfakes, and unauthorized use of a person's image or voice.
Raises concerns regarding free speech and parody protections.

5. Cruz's Legislative Perspective
Cruz emphasizes balancing: Protection from AI-related harms.
Preservation of free speech.
Practical political realities needed to pass legislation.

He argues that several proposed AI bills face significant obstacles due to opposition from various stakeholders and lack of sufficient bipartisan support.
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz
X: https://x.com/tedcruz
X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.