Howdy, y’all! Senator Ted Cruz is back home where he and his trusty cactus belong. And Michael Knowles? Well, he’s still looking for his cowboy hat and boots. Tonight, the podcasting pair is live from the maskless, open, free state of Texas and it’s going to be one hell of a ride. Following an unforgettable kickoff of the Verdict LIVE tour with Young America’s Foundation, the Senator and Michael are fired up and ready to tackle the hottest cultural issues, hottest political issues, and let’s be honest, probably the hottest sports issues too. We are in Texas after all. Plus, a special rapid-fire Q&A segment in which the Senator and Michael share fun facts you’ve always wanted to know about them… or not… but they’re sharing them anyway.

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Howdy, y’all! Senator Ted Cruz is back home where he and his trusty cactus belong. And Michael Knowles? Well, he’s still looking for his cowboy hat and boots. Tonight, the podcasting pair is live from the maskless, open, free state of Texas and it’s going to be one hell of a ride. Following an unforgettable kickoff of the Verdict LIVE tour with Young America’s Foundation, the Senator and Michael are fired up and ready to tackle the hottest cultural issues, hottest political issues, and let’s be honest, probably the hottest sports issues too. We are in Texas after all. Plus, a special rapid-fire Q&amp;A segment in which the Senator and Michael share fun facts you’ve always wanted to know about them… or not… but they’re sharing them anyway.Get more politics, more mailbag, more cactus, and more Verdict with the new all-access subscription, Verdict+. Use promo code LIVE for a one-month, risk-free trial: http://verdictwithtedcruz.com/plus.You asked, we answered. Verdict merch is HERE! Snag your exclusive Verdict swag and get 10% off your entire order with promo code LIVE at checkout: http://shop.verdictwithtedcruz.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Verdict with Ted Cruz

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Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson,&nbsp;The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda.
Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won&rsquo;t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President&rsquo;s Oval Office.
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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.

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Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Come and Vax It ft. Liz Wheeler, LIVE at Texas A&M University

1. Role of Popular Uprising
Millions of Iranians are described as actively protesting against the ruling clerical regime.
The movement is portrayed as organic, domestic, and secular, not Islamist or anti‑Western.
Economic collapse is identified as the primary catalyst rather than a single political trigger.
Protesters are framed as the legitimate engine of change, with the U.S. positioned as a supporter rather than the instigator.

2. Economic Collapse as a Destabilizer
Hyperinflation and currency collapse (rial exceeding 1,000,000 to the dollar) have crippled daily life.
Bazaar closures, labor strikes (notably in energy), and widespread shortages are presented as systemic stressors.
Low global oil prices weaken Iran’s primary revenue source, limiting the regime’s ability to fund repression and foreign proxies.

3. U.S. Policy Contrast: Trump vs. Obama/Biden
There is a sharp contrast between:

Obama/Biden: Characterized as conciliatory, passive, and supportive of engagement (e.g., Iran nuclear deal).
Trump: Portrayed as deterrence‑focused, confrontational, and openly supportive of regime change.
Trump’s public endorsement of a “new government” in Iran is framed as unprecedented and strategically consequential.

4. Deterrence Without Occupation
We reject a large‑scale military invasion.
Instead, we support:

Targeted military strikes (e.g., nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership)
Covert operations
Clear deterrent threats against mass repression
The killing of Qasem Soleimani is highlighted as a key inflection point that shattered regime confidence.

5. Iran’s Strategic Weakness
Iran’s air defenses and regional influence are described as severely degraded.
Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies have been decapitated or weakened.
The regime is increasingly isolated as allies (Venezuela, Syria, Russia) face their own crises.

6. Internal Regime Fractures
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is portrayed as a potential kingmaker or coup actor.
The text suggests the IRGC:

Controls vast economic assets
Is deeply unpopular with the public
May abandon the clerical leadership to preserve its own power
A coup becomes likely if U.S. pressure and labor strikes converge.

7. Information Control and Fear
Internet shutdowns and communication blackouts are signs of regime panic.
Supreme Leader Khamenei fears internal reform more than outright confrontation, drawing parallels to Soviet collapse.

9. Broader Geopolitical Context
Iran’s situation is linked to potential domino effects in Venezuela and Cuba.
Energy independence and low oil prices are framed as key U.S. national security tools.
The moment is compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting a possible systemic collapse of authoritarian regimes without U.S. ground wars.

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1. Role of Popular Uprising
<ul>
<li>Millions of Iranians are described as actively protesting against the ruling clerical regime.</li>
<li>The movement is portrayed as organic, domestic, and secular, not Islamist or anti‑Western.</li>
<li>Economic collapse is identified as the primary catalyst rather than a single political trigger.</li>
<li>Protesters are framed as the legitimate engine of change, with the U.S. positioned as a supporter rather than the instigator.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Economic Collapse as a Destabilizer
<ul>
<li>Hyperinflation and currency collapse (rial exceeding 1,000,000 to the dollar) have crippled daily life.</li>
<li>Bazaar closures, labor strikes (notably in energy), and widespread shortages are presented as systemic stressors.</li>
<li>Low global oil prices weaken Iran&rsquo;s primary revenue source, limiting the regime&rsquo;s ability to fund repression and foreign proxies.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. U.S. Policy Contrast: Trump vs. Obama/Biden
<ul>
<li>There is a sharp contrast between:
<ul>
<li>Obama/Biden: Characterized as conciliatory, passive, and supportive of engagement (e.g., Iran nuclear deal).</li>
<li>Trump: Portrayed as deterrence‑focused, confrontational, and openly supportive of regime change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Trump&rsquo;s public endorsement of a &ldquo;new government&rdquo; in Iran is framed as unprecedented and strategically consequential.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Deterrence Without Occupation
<ul>
<li>We reject a large‑scale military invasion.</li>
<li>Instead, we support:
<ul>
<li>Targeted military strikes (e.g., nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership)</li>
<li>Covert operations</li>
<li>Clear deterrent threats against mass repression</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The killing of Qasem Soleimani is highlighted as a key inflection point that shattered regime confidence.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Iran&rsquo;s Strategic Weakness
<ul>
<li>Iran&rsquo;s air defenses and regional influence are described as severely degraded.</li>
<li>Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies have been decapitated or weakened.</li>
<li>The regime is increasingly isolated as allies (Venezuela, Syria, Russia) face their own crises.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Internal Regime Fractures
<ul>
<li>The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is portrayed as a potential kingmaker or coup actor.</li>
<li>The text suggests the IRGC:
<ul>
<li>Controls vast economic assets</li>
<li>Is deeply unpopular with the public</li>
<li>May abandon the clerical leadership to preserve its own power</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A coup becomes likely if U.S. pressure and labor strikes converge.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Information Control and Fear
<ul>
<li>Internet shutdowns and communication blackouts are signs of regime panic.</li>
<li>Supreme Leader Khamenei fears internal reform more than outright confrontation, drawing parallels to Soviet collapse.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
9. Broader Geopolitical Context
<ul>
<li>Iran&rsquo;s situation is linked to potential domino effects in Venezuela and Cuba.</li>
<li>Energy independence and low oil prices are framed as key U.S. national security tools.</li>
<li>The moment is compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting a possible systemic collapse of authoritarian regimes without U.S. ground wars.</li>
</ul>
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Iran Revolution-Why this is Different...Trump is not Obama

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/631d5029-b0ef-4b89-a388-b3bd015019fb/transcript

1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground”
Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).
Strongly distinguishes between:

Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)
Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.
Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.

2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War
Ronald Reagan is a model:

“Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.
Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse.
The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.

3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States
Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:

Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans
Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable
Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.
Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.

4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado
A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.
Highlights her strategic emphasis on:

U.S. unity
Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump
She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest.
Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.

5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements
Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:

Iran
Venezuela
Cuba
These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.
Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.

6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)
A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro:

Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces
Operation allegedly resulted in:

No American fatalities
Multiple enemy combatant deaths
The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.
Emphasizing:

Their bravery
Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere”
Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)

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1. Support for Regime Change Without &ldquo;Boots on the Ground&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).</li>
<li>Strongly distinguishes between:
<ul>
<li>Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)</li>
<li>Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Frames &ldquo;regime change&rdquo; as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War
<ul>
<li>Ronald Reagan is a model:
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Peace through strength,&rdquo; rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.</li>
<li>Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., &ldquo;evil empire,&rdquo; &ldquo;tear down this wall&rdquo;) are catalysts for systemic collapse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States
<ul>
<li>Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:
<ul>
<li>Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans</li>
<li>Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.</li>
<li>Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Venezuela: Engagement With Mar&iacute;a Corina Machado
<ul>
<li>A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Mar&iacute;a Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.</li>
<li>Highlights her strategic emphasis on:
<ul>
<li>U.S. unity</li>
<li>Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela&rsquo;s national interest.</li>
<li>Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Trump&rsquo;s Role in Global Opposition Movements
<ul>
<li>Donald Trump&rsquo;s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:
<ul>
<li>Iran</li>
<li>Venezuela</li>
<li>Cuba</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.</li>
<li>Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)
<ul>
<li>A recent military raid targeting Nicol&aacute;s Maduro:
<ul>
<li>Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces</li>
<li>Operation allegedly resulted in:
<ul>
<li>No American fatalities</li>
<li>Multiple enemy combatant deaths</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.</li>
<li>Emphasizing:
<ul>
<li>Their bravery</li>
<li>Their role in &ldquo;changing the Western Hemisphere&rdquo;</li>
<li>Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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Regime Change Isn’t a Dirty Word, a Meeting with Machado & the Soldiers Who Changed a Hemisphere Week In Review

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a829272e-4e66-4a14-ad00-b3bd014fde52/transcript

1. Visit with U.S. Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid
Senator Ted Cruz visits three U.S. soldiers wounded during a raid intended to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
All soldiers are recovering in stable condition and none suffered life‑threatening injuries.
One soldier helped plan and lead the raid and continued fighting after being shot.
Two soldiers requested keepsakes from their injuries (a bullet and shrapnel), which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved as a morale gesture.
Emphasis on:

Heroism and discipline of U.S. forces
No American fatalities despite being outnumbered
Significant Cuban forces defending Maduro were reportedly killed

2. Symbolism and Morale
Soldiers and their families (wives present) showed strong morale and faith.
Soldiers expressed eagerness to return to duty.
A former commanding officer expressed regret at missing the mission, reinforcing camaraderie and pride.

3. Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado
Cruz met with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader now living in exile in the United States.
Machado:

Previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Met with President Donald Trump at the White House
Symbolically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize as gratitude for U.S. support

4. Political Situation in Venezuela
Widespread celebration in Venezuela following Maduro’s removal.
Some political prisoners released, though still monitored.
Current acting leadership (Delcy Rodríguez) is described as illegitimate and a continuation of the Maduro regime.
Machado strongly advocates for:

Free and fair elections
A swift election timeline (Cruz suggests within six months)

5. Bipartisan Senate Meeting
Machado met with about a dozen U.S. senators, including Republicans and Democrats.
Cruz praises her decision to pursue bipartisan unity instead of partisan attacks.
Unity from the U.S. is portrayed as critical for Venezuela’s democratic transition.

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1. Visit with U.S. Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid
<ul>
<li>Senator Ted Cruz visits three U.S. soldiers wounded during a raid intended to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicol&aacute;s Maduro.</li>
<li>All soldiers are recovering in stable condition and none suffered life‑threatening injuries.</li>
<li>One soldier helped plan and lead the raid and continued fighting after being shot.</li>
<li>Two soldiers requested keepsakes from their injuries (a bullet and shrapnel), which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved as a morale gesture.</li>
<li>Emphasis on:
<ul>
<li>Heroism and discipline of U.S. forces</li>
<li>No American fatalities despite being outnumbered</li>
<li>Significant Cuban forces defending Maduro were reportedly killed</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Symbolism and Morale
<ul>
<li>Soldiers and their families (wives present) showed strong morale and faith.</li>
<li>Soldiers expressed eagerness to return to duty.</li>
<li>A former commanding officer expressed regret at missing the mission, reinforcing camaraderie and pride.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado
<ul>
<li>Cruz met with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader now living in exile in the United States.</li>
<li>Machado:
<ul>
<li>Previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize</li>
<li>Met with President Donald Trump at the White House</li>
<li>Symbolically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize as gratitude for U.S. support</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Political Situation in Venezuela
<ul>
<li>Widespread celebration in Venezuela following Maduro&rsquo;s removal.</li>
<li>Some political prisoners released, though still monitored.</li>
<li>Current acting leadership (Delcy Rodr&iacute;guez) is described as illegitimate and a continuation of the Maduro regime.</li>
<li>Machado strongly advocates for:
<ul>
<li>Free and fair elections</li>
<li>A swift election timeline (Cruz suggests within six months)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Bipartisan Senate Meeting
<ul>
<li>Machado met with about a dozen U.S. senators, including Republicans and Democrats.</li>
<li>Cruz praises her decision to pursue bipartisan unity instead of partisan attacks.</li>
<li>Unity from the U.S. is portrayed as critical for Venezuela&rsquo;s democratic transition.</li>
</ul>
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Inside the Room with the Heroic Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid & with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6fcc0011-b50a-48e0-a220-b3bd014fba0b/transcript

Come and Vax It ft. Liz Wheeler, LIVE at Texas A&M University

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