It’s wall-to-wall mailbag today in the Verdict studio! After much too much of a hiatus, Michael Knowles takes a break from asking Senator Cruz his questions and instead poses yours. Some of today's questions are funny, some are smart, and some are even a little irreverent. Caitlyn Jenner 2020? Biden’s biggest blunder last week? How screwed are we, really? Your favorite dialoguing duo has the answers to this and more.



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It’s wall-to-wall mailbag today in the Verdict studio! After much too much of a hiatus, Michael Knowles takes a break from asking Senator Cruz his questions and instead poses yours. Some of today's questions are funny, some are smart, and some are even a little irreverent. Caitlyn Jenner 2020? Biden’s biggest blunder last week? How screwed are we, really? Your favorite dialoguing duo has the answers to this and more. 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

Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson, 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’t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President’s Oval Office.

Don’t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts—be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

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.
Don&rsquo;t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts&mdash;be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

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

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.

How Screwed Are We?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/92b8daca-764c-4c02-833d-af2a011c2b1a/transcript

1.No Endless War or Ground Occupation
Strong emphasis that this is not Iraq or Afghanistan:

No large ground invasion
No nation-building
No long-term occupation
Military strategy described as rapid, overwhelming, air-dominant action.
Confidence that U.S. casualties will be minimal and duration short.

2.Military Action Against Iran Is Justified as Self-Defense
The conflict is framed as a response to 47 years of Iranian aggression, including:

Sponsorship of terrorism
Killing nearly a thousand Americans
Attempted assassinations of U.S. officials
Iran is described as an irrational, theocratic death cult, making deterrence unreliable.
Nuclear capability in Iran is portrayed as an existential threat to U.S. cities.

3.This Is “America First,” Not a War for Israel
Repeated rejection of claims that the war is driven by Israel or Jewish influence.
Such claims are labeled dishonest, antisemitic, and propaganda.
The stated motivation: protecting American lives and national security.

4.Gas Prices Are a Short-Term Political Weapon
Gas price increases are framed as temporary and expected due to Middle East conflict.
Democrats are accused of exploiting gas prices the same way they previously focused on egg prices.
The speaker argues prices are still lower than under Biden, despite rising from recent lows.
Long-term expectation: Iran’s collapse would lower global gas prices.

5.Strong Leadership vs. Weak Appeasement
Trump is decisive and feared by adversaries.
Obama and Biden are criticized for appeasement and failed nuclear deals.
Past diplomatic failures (North Korea, Iran nuclear deal) are cited as evidence diplomacy failed.

6.Harsh Criticism of Tucker Carlson and Isolationists
Tucker Carlson is accused of:

Spreading anti-American propaganda
Echoing Islamist narratives
Undermining U.S. troops
His statements about unconditional surrender and nuclear escalation are called:

False
Dangerous
Morally grotesque
Isolationist conservatives are grouped with progressive Democrats as a shared threat to U.S. foreign policy.

7.Iranian Regime Change Is Seen as Necessary
The appointment of a new Iranian leader (son of the former Ayatollah) is rejected.
Any continuation of clerical Islamist rule is deemed unacceptable.
Regime collapse is framed as the only path to lasting security.

8.Deterrence Fails with Religious Extremism
Comparison between North Korea and Iran:

North Korea: dangerous but rational
Iran: irrational due to religious ideology
Argument: Traditional nuclear deterrence does not work with actors who glorify martyrdom.

9.Public Opinion Depends on Duration and Casualties
Acknowledgment that support would collapse if:

War drags on for years
U.S. casualties rise significantly
Confidence expressed that this outcome is “near zero.”

10.Closing Shift to Religion and AI
Ends with an unexpected, uplifting segment:

An AI-generated Christian apologetic is quoted at length.
The response argues Christianity is intellectually compelling, historically grounded, and uniquely truthful.
Used to:

Provide hope amid global uncertainty
Reinforce moral clarity and worldview coherence

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

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X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

1. No Endless War or Ground Occupation
<ul>
<li>Strong emphasis that this is not Iraq or Afghanistan:
<ul>
<li>No large ground invasion</li>
<li>No nation-building</li>
<li>No long-term occupation</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Military strategy described as rapid, overwhelming, air-dominant action.</li>
<li>Confidence that U.S. casualties will be minimal and duration short.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Military Action Against Iran Is Justified as Self-Defense
<ul>
<li>The conflict is framed as a response to 47 years of Iranian aggression, including:
<ul>
<li>Sponsorship of terrorism</li>
<li>Killing nearly a thousand Americans</li>
<li>Attempted assassinations of U.S. officials</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Iran is described as an irrational, theocratic death cult, making deterrence unreliable.</li>
<li>Nuclear capability in Iran is portrayed as an existential threat to U.S. cities.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. This Is &ldquo;America First,&rdquo; Not a War for Israel
<ul>
<li>Repeated rejection of claims that the war is driven by Israel or Jewish influence.</li>
<li>Such claims are labeled dishonest, antisemitic, and propaganda.</li>
<li>The stated motivation: protecting American lives and national security.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Gas Prices Are a Short-Term Political Weapon
<ul>
<li>Gas price increases are framed as temporary and expected due to Middle East conflict.</li>
<li>Democrats are accused of exploiting gas prices the same way they previously focused on egg prices.</li>
<li>The speaker argues prices are still lower than under Biden, despite rising from recent lows.</li>
<li>Long-term expectation: Iran&rsquo;s collapse would lower global gas prices.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Strong Leadership vs. Weak Appeasement
<ul>
<li>Trump is decisive and feared by adversaries.</li>
<li>Obama and Biden are criticized for appeasement and failed nuclear deals.</li>
<li>Past diplomatic failures (North Korea, Iran nuclear deal) are cited as evidence diplomacy failed.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Harsh Criticism of Tucker Carlson and Isolationists
<ul>
<li>Tucker Carlson is accused of:
<ul>
<li>Spreading anti-American propaganda</li>
<li>Echoing Islamist narratives</li>
<li>Undermining U.S. troops</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>His statements about unconditional surrender and nuclear escalation are called:
<ul>
<li>False</li>
<li>Dangerous</li>
<li>Morally grotesque</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Isolationist conservatives are grouped with progressive Democrats as a shared threat to U.S. foreign policy.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Iranian Regime Change Is Seen as Necessary
<ul>
<li>The appointment of a new Iranian leader (son of the former Ayatollah) is rejected.</li>
<li>Any continuation of clerical Islamist rule is deemed unacceptable.</li>
<li>Regime collapse is framed as the only path to lasting security.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
8. Deterrence Fails with Religious Extremism
<ul>
<li>Comparison between North Korea and Iran:
<ul>
<li>North Korea: dangerous but rational</li>
<li>Iran: irrational due to religious ideology</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Argument: Traditional nuclear deterrence does not work with actors who glorify martyrdom.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
9. Public Opinion Depends on Duration and Casualties
<ul>
<li>Acknowledgment that support would collapse if:
<ul>
<li>War drags on for years</li>
<li>U.S. casualties rise significantly</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Confidence expressed that this outcome is &ldquo;near zero.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
10. Closing Shift to Religion and AI
<ul>
<li>Ends with an unexpected, uplifting segment:
<ul>
<li>An AI-generated Christian apologetic is quoted at length.</li>
<li>The response argues Christianity is intellectually compelling, historically grounded, and uniquely truthful.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Used to:
<ul>
<li>Provide hope amid global uncertainty</li>
<li>Reinforce moral clarity and worldview coherence</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the&nbsp;<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://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-ben-ferguson-podcast%2Fid1386375601&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290104132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=RRil7WRhuVH0YkqvMtYlSMRSI71cvsxmUy24iRBm1e8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="6">The Ben Ferguson Show</a> 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
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Short‑Term Pain Long‑Term Results in Iran, Tucker & the WOKE Right plus No Cash for DHS even after 4 Terror Attacks Week In Review

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/798a0376-8320-405e-80af-b3ff0076f63c/transcript

1. Claim of Increased Terrorist Threat
four terrorist attacks have occurred within ten days in the U.S.
All attacks are described as being carried out by radical Islamic terrorists targeting Americans.
The country may be on the verge of a large-scale mass-casualty attack.

2. Blame on Open Border Policies
The Biden administration is accused of maintaining a “wide open border”.
Claims are made that millions of illegal immigrants, including terrorists, entered the U.S.
Statistics are cited showing an increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list after 2021.
“Gotaways” (unapprehended border crossers) are described as a major unknown security risk.

3. DHS Funding Controversy
Senate Democrats are accused of repeatedly voting against funding DHS.
The speakers argue this effectively:

Leaves TSA agents, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, and DHS analysts unpaid
Weakens terrorism prevention capabilities
ICE is noted as already funded, undermining the Democrats’ stated rationale.

4. Criticism of Democratic Leadership
Democrats are described as being “serene” about DHS shutdown risks.
Senator Brian Schatz is singled out as emblematic of this attitude.
The argument suggests Democrats prioritize ideology and opposition to Trump over public safety.

5. Specific Terror Attack Examples
Austin, TX: A shooter described as a radical Islamist opening fire at a bar.
New York City: Two teens allegedly inspired by ISIS throwing homemade bombs.
Michigan: A vehicle attack at a synagogue/school stopped by armed security.
Old Dominion University: A former ISIS supporter, released early from prison, opening fire and being stopped by a student.

6. Media Criticism
Mainstream outlets, especially CNN, are accused of:

Downplaying or mischaracterizing terrorist motives
Avoiding the term “radical Islamic terrorism”
Failing to hold Democrats accountable
Examples of allegedly misleading headlines and retractions are cited.

7. Distinction Between Islam and Islamism
Senator Cruz emphasizes a distinction between:

Peaceful Muslims
Islamism, defined as a violent political ideology
He argues refusing to name the ideology prevents effective counterterrorism.

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

1. Claim of Increased Terrorist Threat
<ul>
<li>four terrorist attacks have occurred within ten days in the U.S.</li>
<li>All attacks are described as being carried out by radical Islamic terrorists targeting Americans.</li>
<li>The country may be on the verge of a large-scale mass-casualty attack.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Blame on Open Border Policies
<ul>
<li>The Biden administration is accused of maintaining a &ldquo;wide open border&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Claims are made that millions of illegal immigrants, including terrorists, entered the U.S.</li>
<li>Statistics are cited showing an increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list after 2021.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Gotaways&rdquo; (unapprehended border crossers) are described as a major unknown security risk.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. DHS Funding Controversy
<ul>
<li>Senate Democrats are accused of repeatedly voting against funding DHS.</li>
<li>The speakers argue this effectively:
<ul>
<li>Leaves TSA agents, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, and DHS analysts unpaid</li>
<li>Weakens terrorism prevention capabilities</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ICE is noted as already funded, undermining the Democrats&rsquo; stated rationale.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Criticism of Democratic Leadership
<ul>
<li>Democrats are described as being &ldquo;serene&rdquo; about DHS shutdown risks.</li>
<li>Senator Brian Schatz is singled out as emblematic of this attitude.</li>
<li>The argument suggests Democrats prioritize ideology and opposition to Trump over public safety.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Specific Terror Attack Examples
<ul>
<li>Austin, TX: A shooter described as a radical Islamist opening fire at a bar.</li>
<li>New York City: Two teens allegedly inspired by ISIS throwing homemade bombs.</li>
<li>Michigan: A vehicle attack at a synagogue/school stopped by armed security.</li>
<li>Old Dominion University: A former ISIS supporter, released early from prison, opening fire and being stopped by a student.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Media Criticism
<ul>
<li>Mainstream outlets, especially CNN, are accused of:
<ul>
<li>Downplaying or mischaracterizing terrorist motives</li>
<li>Avoiding the term &ldquo;radical Islamic terrorism&rdquo;</li>
<li>Failing to hold Democrats accountable</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Examples of allegedly misleading headlines and retractions are cited.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Distinction Between Islam and Islamism
<ul>
<li>Senator Cruz emphasizes a distinction between:
<ul>
<li>Peaceful Muslims</li>
<li>Islamism, defined as a violent political ideology</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He argues refusing to name the ideology prevents effective counterterrorism.</li>
</ul>
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FOUR Terror Attacks in Ten Days, and Still Dems Won't Fund DHS

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8ca5ea9d-cab1-4ee0-a3ca-b3ff0076cfe8/transcript

1. The State of the Iran Conflict
The U.S. is in week two of a war with Iran, claiming major military success

Iran’s missile and drone capabilities have been nearly eliminated.
Iran’s navy has been almost entirely destroyed.
The U.S. is using overwhelming force, rapid strikes, and no gradual escalation.

2. U.S. Objectives (as framed in the discussion)

The stated goals of “Operation Epic Fury”:
Destroy Iran's missile stockpiles, launchers, and weapons manufacturing.
Destroy Iran’s navy.
Permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

3. Justification for War
Iran has been at war with the U.S. for 47 years, funding terrorism (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis).
Iran attempted to assassinate former President Trump and other U.S. officials (Bolton, O’Brien, etc.).
This war is described as “America-first,” not about Israel, and responds to direct threats against Americans.

4. Political Framing & Criticism of Opponents
Democrats are:

Confused in their messaging.
Trying to politicize gas prices.
Accusing Trump of being manipulated by Israel.
Media personalities (notably Tucker Carlson) are heavily criticized for:

Alleged pro‑Islamist, anti‑Israel, anti‑American rhetoric.
Being amplified by foreign adversaries (Iran, Russia, Muslim Brotherhood).

5. Foreign Influence
Qatar is:

Funding U.S. universities with $6.6 billion.
Supporting Hamas.
Influencing American academic and political spheres.

6. Economic Effects
Gas prices have risen during the conflict.

The increase is temporary.
Prices are still much lower than under Biden.
If Iran’s regime collapses, oil prices may drop significantly.

7. Vision of the Endgame
The conflict will be short, decisive, and not like Iraq or Afghanistan.
Expectations:

No long-term occupation.
No large-scale troop deployment.
Focused destruction of hostile infrastructure.
Confidence that the Iranian regime might collapse, leading to a more stable region without prolonged war.

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1. The State of the Iran Conflict
<ul>
<li>The U.S. is in week two of a war with Iran, claiming major military success 
<ul>
<li>Iran&rsquo;s missile and drone capabilities have been nearly eliminated.</li>
<li>Iran&rsquo;s navy has been almost entirely destroyed.</li>
<li>The U.S. is using overwhelming force, rapid strikes, and no gradual escalation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. U.S. Objectives (as framed in the discussion)
The stated goals of &ldquo;Operation Epic Fury&rdquo;:
<ol>
<li>Destroy Iran's missile stockpiles, launchers, and weapons manufacturing.</li>
<li>Destroy Iran&rsquo;s navy.</li>
<li>Permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.</li>
</ol>
<hr>
3. Justification for War
<ul>
<li>Iran has been at war with the U.S. for 47 years, funding terrorism (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis).</li>
<li>Iran attempted to assassinate former President Trump and other U.S. officials (Bolton, O&rsquo;Brien, etc.).</li>
<li>This war is described as &ldquo;America-first,&rdquo; not about Israel, and responds to direct threats against Americans.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Political Framing &amp; Criticism of Opponents
<ul>
<li>Democrats are:
<ul>
<li>Confused in their messaging.</li>
<li>Trying to politicize gas prices.</li>
<li>Accusing Trump of being manipulated by Israel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Media personalities (notably Tucker Carlson) are heavily criticized for:
<ul>
<li>Alleged pro‑Islamist, anti‑Israel, anti‑American rhetoric.</li>
<li>Being amplified by foreign adversaries (Iran, Russia, Muslim Brotherhood).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Foreign Influence
<ul>
<li>Qatar is:
<ul>
<li>Funding U.S. universities with $6.6 billion.</li>
<li>Supporting Hamas.</li>
<li>Influencing American academic and political spheres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Economic Effects
<ul>
<li>Gas prices have risen during the conflict. 
<ul>
<li>The increase is temporary.</li>
<li>Prices are still much lower than under Biden.</li>
<li>If Iran&rsquo;s regime collapses, oil prices may drop significantly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Vision of the Endgame
<ul>
<li>The conflict will be short, decisive, and not like Iraq or Afghanistan.</li>
<li>Expectations:
<ul>
<li>No long-term occupation.</li>
<li>No large-scale troop deployment.</li>
<li>Focused destruction of hostile infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Confidence that the Iranian regime might collapse, leading to a more stable region without prolonged war.</li>
</ul>
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Iran: Why We're Fighting, How's it Going & What's the End Game

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/abf10f8a-5126-4367-8b85-b3ff0076a87c/transcript

How Screwed Are We?

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