Tariff Revenue and Proposed Rebates
President Donald Trump is advocating returning surplus tariff revenue to Americans in the form of $2,000 “tariff rebate checks” or tax credits.
The plan targets low- and middle-income U.S. citizens, excluding high-income earners.
Trump frames this as a dividend from tariffs, emphasizing that the funds should not be used for government projects but returned to taxpayers.
He claims tariffs have generated trillions of dollars in revenue and attracted significant foreign investment (estimated at $18–20 trillion).
The proposal also aims to reduce national debt (currently cited as $37–38 trillion).
Legal challenges exist, with the tariff policy under review by the Supreme Court.


Government Shutdown Update
Ben also reports on the end of the longest U.S. government shutdown in history (lasting about 40 days).
A compromise deal is moving through Congress to reopen the government until January 30, including:

Full funding for SNAP benefits through September 2026.
Guaranteed back pay for federal workers.
Passage of three appropriations bills (Military Construction/Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Legislative Branch).
Air travel disruptions are highlighted due to unpaid air traffic controllers.
The shutdown is politically motivated, with criticism directed at Democrats for prolonging it.

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<ul>
<li>
Tariff Revenue and Proposed Rebates
<ul>
<li>President Donald Trump is advocating returning surplus tariff revenue to Americans in the form of&nbsp;$2,000 &ldquo;tariff rebate checks&rdquo; or tax credits.</li>
<li>The plan targets low- and middle-income U.S. citizens, excluding high-income earners.</li>
<li>Trump frames this as a dividend from tariffs, emphasizing that the funds should not be used for government projects but returned to taxpayers.</li>
<li>He claims tariffs have generated trillions of dollars in revenue and attracted significant foreign investment (estimated at $18&ndash;20 trillion).</li>
<li>The proposal also aims to reduce national debt (currently cited as $37&ndash;38 trillion).</li>
<li>Legal challenges exist, with the tariff policy under review by the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Government Shutdown Update
<ul>
<li>Ben also reports on the&nbsp;end of the longest U.S. government shutdown in history (lasting about 40 days).</li>
<li>A compromise deal is moving through Congress to reopen the government until January 30, including:
<ul>
<li>Full funding for SNAP benefits through September 2026.</li>
<li>Guaranteed back pay for federal workers.</li>
<li>Passage of three appropriations bills (Military Construction/Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Legislative Branch).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Air travel disruptions are highlighted due to unpaid air traffic controllers.</li>
<li>The shutdown is politically motivated, with criticism directed at Democrats for prolonging it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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If you hate the liberal media but love the 47th President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

If you hate the liberal media but love the&nbsp;47th&nbsp;President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

THIS PODCAST GIVE YOU WHAT THE BIASED MEDIA WON'T!

The Ben Ferguson Podcast

Trump Floats YUGE Tariff Rebate Checks as Government Shutdown Nears an End

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/39d07c35-095e-4621-a442-b389005e2bad/transcript

1. Election Results & Significance
Ken Paxton wins decisively with roughly 64% vs 36% (a ~28-point margin).
This is described as:

A major upset for an incumbent
A “sea change” in Republican politics
Cornyn had:

24 years in the Senate
Significant institutional power and funding
Despite heavy financial backing (over $100M+ spent, mostly for Cornyn), Paxton wins overwhelmingly.

2. Why Paxton Won

Several factors are highlighted:

✅ Anti-establishment sentiment
The race was a:

“Conservative grassroots vs establishment Republican”
Voters favored a more ideological, outsider-style candidate.

✅ Trump’s influence
Donald Trump endorsed Paxton (late in the race).
The hosts argue:

The endorsement boosted Paxton’s margin
But Paxton was already leading in polls

✅ Perception of ideological purity
Paxton is:

“The most conservative attorney general in the country”
This appealed to Republican primary voters.

3. The Role of Money
The race becomes:

One of the most expensive Senate primaries ever
Despite:

Massive spending (mostly pro-Cornyn)
Outcome shows: 👉 Money was less decisive than voter sentiment and political alignment

4. Warning About the General Election
Do not assume Republicans will easily win

Historical comparison:
Cruz compares this to the 2018 Texas Senate race:

Democrats dramatically increased turnout
He narrowly won despite being heavily outspent

Key risks identified:
Energized Democratic voters
Lower Republican turnout in non-presidential cycles
Heavy outside funding from national donors

5. Introduction of the Democratic Candidate

The Democratic nominee is introduced as James Talarico.
Ideologically extreme
Strategically dangerous because:

He presents himself in a calm, relatable manner
He may appeal to moderate voters

6. Strategic Concerns for Republicans

The authors emphasize:

🧠 Voter perception risk
Talarico could appeal to:

Moderates
Less politically engaged voters

🎯 Campaign advice
Republicans should:

Focus on communicating Talarico’s positions
Drive high voter turnout
Avoid complacency

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

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1. Election Results &amp; Significance
<ul>
<li>Ken Paxton wins decisively with roughly 64% vs 36% (a ~28-point margin).</li>
<li>This is described as:
<ul>
<li>A major upset for an incumbent</li>
<li>A &ldquo;sea change&rdquo; in Republican politics</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cornyn had:
<ul>
<li>24 years in the Senate</li>
<li>Significant institutional power and funding</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite heavy financial backing (over $100M+ spent, mostly for Cornyn), Paxton wins overwhelmingly.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Why Paxton Won
Several factors are highlighted:
✅ Anti-establishment sentiment
<ul>
<li>The race was a:
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Conservative grassroots vs establishment Republican&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Voters favored a more ideological, outsider-style candidate.</li>
</ul>
✅ Trump&rsquo;s influence
<ul>
<li>Donald Trump endorsed Paxton (late in the race).</li>
<li>The hosts argue:
<ul>
<li>The endorsement boosted Paxton&rsquo;s margin</li>
<li>But Paxton was already leading in polls</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
✅ Perception of ideological purity
<ul>
<li>Paxton is:
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;The most conservative attorney general in the country&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This appealed to Republican primary voters.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. The Role of Money
<ul>
<li>The race becomes:
<ul>
<li>One of the most expensive Senate primaries ever</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite:
<ul>
<li>Massive spending (mostly pro-Cornyn)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Outcome shows: 👉 Money was less decisive than voter sentiment and political alignment</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Warning About the General Election
<ul>
<li>Do not assume Republicans will easily win</li>
</ul>
Historical comparison:
<ul>
<li>Cruz compares this to the 2018 Texas Senate race:
<ul>
<li>Democrats dramatically increased turnout</li>
<li>He narrowly won despite being heavily outspent</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Key risks identified:
<ul>
<li>Energized Democratic voters</li>
<li>Lower Republican turnout in non-presidential cycles</li>
<li>Heavy outside funding from national donors</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Introduction of the Democratic Candidate
The Democratic nominee is introduced as James Talarico.
<ul>
<li>Ideologically extreme</li>
<li>Strategically dangerous because:
<ul>
<li>He presents himself in a calm, relatable manner</li>
<li>He may appeal to moderate voters</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Strategic Concerns for Republicans
The authors emphasize:
🧠 Voter perception risk
<ul>
<li>Talarico could appeal to:
<ul>
<li>Moderates</li>
<li>Less politically engaged voters</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
🎯 Campaign advice
<ul>
<li>Republicans should:
<ul>
<li>Focus on communicating Talarico&rsquo;s positions</li>
<li>Drive high voter turnout</li>
<li>Avoid complacency</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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Cornyn Crushed, Grassroots Paxton Wins plus Beware of Likable Jim Talarico, the Liberal RADICAL 'Moderate?'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d3fb40bf-3f32-48a2-b0cc-b44600697e5b/transcript

🧩 Democratic Party Internal Conflict
The Democratic Party is experiencing a “civil war” between factions.
Senator Cory Booker is cited as acknowledging:

A lack of clear leadership
A missing coherent message
The need for new faces and ideas
The party is:

Divided between progressives vs moderates
Losing support among key groups (working-class voters, young men, etc.)
Struggling to compete with Donald Trump’s influence
Booker's comments are evidence of a deeper crisis, not just normal political debate.

Leadership vacuum
Ideological splits
Electoral weakness

🌍 U.S.–Iran Tensions & Trump Policy 
Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile
Trump’s demand that it be:

Transferred, or
Destroyed entirely
Ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz
Trump’s approach is described as:

More aggressive than previous administrations
Focused on eliminating nuclear capability outright
The Strait of Hormuz is highlighted as:

Critical to global oil supply (~20%)
Currently unstable and militarized
Negotiations involve multiple global players and high stakes:

Economic stability
Military escalation risks
Global energy markets

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

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🧩 Democratic Party Internal Conflict
<ul>
<li>The Democratic Party is experiencing a &ldquo;civil war&rdquo; between factions.</li>
<li>Senator Cory Booker is cited as acknowledging:
<ul>
<li>A lack of clear leadership</li>
<li>A missing coherent message</li>
<li>The need for new faces and ideas</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The party is:
<ul>
<li>Divided between progressives vs moderates</li>
<li>Losing support among key groups (working-class voters, young men, etc.)</li>
<li>Struggling to compete with Donald Trump&rsquo;s influence</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Booker's comments are evidence of a deeper crisis, not just normal political debate. 
<ul>
<li>Leadership vacuum</li>
<li>Ideological splits</li>
<li>Electoral weakness</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🌍 U.S.&ndash;Iran Tensions &amp; Trump Policy&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Iran&rsquo;s enriched uranium stockpile</li>
<li>Trump&rsquo;s demand that it be:
<ul>
<li>Transferred, or</li>
<li>Destroyed entirely</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz</li>
<li>Trump&rsquo;s approach is described as:
<ul>
<li>More aggressive than previous administrations</li>
<li>Focused on eliminating nuclear capability outright</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Strait of Hormuz is highlighted as:
<ul>
<li>Critical to global oil supply (~20%)</li>
<li>Currently unstable and militarized</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Negotiations involve multiple global players and high stakes:
<ul>
<li>Economic stability</li>
<li>Military escalation risks</li>
<li>Global energy markets</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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Booker Bombshell: Top Democrat Admits Party Is Losing Its Way as Infighting Explodes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f7154de2-e20d-4eba-b4c8-b44600695817/transcript

1. Gerrymandering Argument
Gerrymandering is bipartisan, not just a Republican issue.
Democrats dominate redistricting in “blue states”:

Examples given: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Hawaii.
These states have little or no Republican representation despite Republican voters existing there.
Democrats:

Concentrate opposing voters into fewer districts.
Spread them thin elsewhere to minimize their political power.
Current Republican redistricting efforts are a correction, not abuse.

2. Criticism of Democratic Messaging
Democrats and their hypocrisy:

Condemning Republican maps as unfair
While benefiting from similar tactics themselves
Democrats use:

Media narratives
Racial arguments
Legal challenges to defend their political advantage.

3. Stacey Abrams Segment (Counterpoint Presented)
Abrams’ view (as quoted/interpreted in the text):

Redistricting could reduce representation for minority communities.
Effects would extend beyond Congress to:

State legislatures
Local governments
Education and healthcare policy
The commentary frames her argument as:

Fear of losing political influence
Overemphasis on race

4. Los Angeles Mayoral Race Narrative
A conservative/populist outsider candidate surge in a heavily Democratic city.
Attributes this to public dissatisfaction, including:

Homelessness
Crime
High cost of living
Government response to wildfires
The candidate’s appeal is:

Anti-establishment messaging
Focus on quality-of-life issues
Use of social media and populist rhetoric
Suggests:

Even some Democrats are shifting support
This could signal broader vulnerability for Democrats nationally

5. Broader Political Message
The situation is a power struggle:

Control of Congress
Influence over legislation, investigations, and national policy
Democrats are:

Losing ground with key voter groups (working class, suburban voters, etc.)
Increasingly reliant on structural advantages (like district maps)

6. National Security Segment (Cuba & Drones)
Raises concern about:

Cuba’s ties with Russia, Iran, and China
Potential deployment of drone technology near the U.S.
Emphasizes:

Drones as a modern, low-cost warfare threat
Vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure and defense systems
Links issue to:

Border security concerns
“Gray zone warfare” (non-traditional attacks like cyber or drone strikes)

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

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1. Gerrymandering Argument
<ul>
<li>Gerrymandering is bipartisan, not just a Republican issue.</li>
<li>Democrats dominate redistricting in &ldquo;blue states&rdquo;:
<ul>
<li>Examples given: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Hawaii.</li>
<li>These states have little or no Republican representation despite Republican voters existing there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Democrats:
<ul>
<li>Concentrate opposing voters into fewer districts.</li>
<li>Spread them thin elsewhere to minimize their political power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Republican redistricting efforts are a correction, not abuse.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Criticism of Democratic Messaging
<ul>
<li>Democrats and their hypocrisy:
<ul>
<li>Condemning Republican maps as unfair</li>
<li>While benefiting from similar tactics themselves</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Democrats use:
<ul>
<li>Media narratives</li>
<li>Racial arguments</li>
<li>Legal challenges to defend their political advantage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Stacey Abrams Segment (Counterpoint Presented)
<ul>
<li>Abrams&rsquo; view (as quoted/interpreted in the text):
<ul>
<li>Redistricting could reduce representation for minority communities.</li>
<li>Effects would extend beyond Congress to:
<ul>
<li>State legislatures</li>
<li>Local governments</li>
<li>Education and healthcare policy</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The commentary frames her argument as:
<ul>
<li>Fear of losing political influence</li>
<li>Overemphasis on race</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Los Angeles Mayoral Race Narrative
<ul>
<li>A conservative/populist outsider candidate surge in a heavily Democratic city.</li>
<li>Attributes this to public dissatisfaction, including:
<ul>
<li>Homelessness</li>
<li>Crime</li>
<li>High cost of living</li>
<li>Government response to wildfires</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The candidate&rsquo;s appeal is:
<ul>
<li>Anti-establishment messaging</li>
<li>Focus on quality-of-life issues</li>
<li>Use of social media and populist rhetoric</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Suggests:
<ul>
<li>Even some Democrats are shifting support</li>
<li>This could signal broader vulnerability for Democrats nationally</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Broader Political Message
<ul>
<li>The situation is a power struggle:
<ul>
<li>Control of Congress</li>
<li>Influence over legislation, investigations, and national policy</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Democrats are:
<ul>
<li>Losing ground with key voter groups (working class, suburban voters, etc.)</li>
<li>Increasingly reliant on structural advantages (like district maps)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. National Security Segment (Cuba &amp; Drones)
<ul>
<li>Raises concern about:
<ul>
<li>Cuba&rsquo;s ties with Russia, Iran, and China</li>
<li>Potential deployment of drone technology near the U.S.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emphasizes:
<ul>
<li>Drones as a modern, low-cost warfare threat</li>
<li>Vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure and defense systems</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Links issue to:
<ul>
<li>Border security concerns</li>
<li>&ldquo;Gray zone warfare&rdquo; (non-traditional attacks like cyber or drone strikes)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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Millions of Conservative Votes Vanish in Blue State Blackout plus City of Angels becomes City of Anger

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c6e101d1-de20-4e20-a5c0-b44600693061/transcript

Trump Floats YUGE Tariff Rebate Checks as Government Shutdown Nears an End

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