Are lockdowns and men in dresses the new normal? Old pals Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles get together to break down the dramatic shifts happening right now in politics and pop culture. From ludicrous leftist lockdowns to Harry Styles eating a banana—what do these things mean for normalcy in America? Plus, the podcasting pair outlines what the Senate could do to influence a potential Biden cabinet and preclude the worst scenarios.



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Are lockdowns and men in dresses the new normal? Old pals Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles get together to break down the dramatic shifts happening right now in politics and pop culture. From ludicrous leftist lockdowns to Harry Styles eating a banana—what do these things mean for normalcy in America? Plus, the podcasting pair outlines what the Senate could do to influence a potential Biden cabinet and preclude the worst scenarios. 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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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.

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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.

Will We Ever Return to Normal?

1. U.S. Military Success Against Iran (“Operation Epic Fury”)
The U.S. has massively reduced Iran’s missile and drone launch capacity over eight days.
U.S. forces allegedly destroyed air defenses, missile sites (including mobile launchers), drone infrastructure, and naval capabilities.
They argue the U.S. now holds air and naval superiority, enabling cheaper munitions and sustained operations.

2. Global Oil Strategy and Potential Seizure of Kharg Island
Discussion of Iran’s dependency on Kharg Island as its primary oil export hub (≈90%).
Suggestion that the U.S. may be positioning itself to seize or control this strategic point.
This would cripple Iran financially, control the Strait of Hormuz, and create major leverage over China’s energy supply.

3. Domestic Terror Concerns
Several incidents referenced (NYC explosive scare, Austin attack, embassy explosion in Norway).
Such threats are not caused by the Iran conflict but by long-standing extremist ideology.
Strong accusations that open border policies increased vulnerability to terrorism.

4. DHS Funding Fight in Congress
Democrats are accused of keeping parts of DHS unfunded (Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA) while ICE remains funded due to earlier legislation.
The speakers assert this creates risk to national security during a heightened terror threat environment.
Claim: Democrats are doing this to appeal to their base who oppose ICE and strict immigration enforcement.

5. Global Reactions and Rising Islamist Activity
Some Islamist groups allegedly responding violently worldwide due to Iran’s conflict and loss of funding.
Concern raised that DHS funding issues undermine the U.S.’s ability to defend against these threats.

6. Criticism of Democrat Positions on Iran
Senator Chris Murphy is specifically criticized for defending the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal.
The deal never provided real inspection rights and would have allowed Iran to eventually obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump pulling out of the deal and attacking Iranian facilities set Iran’s program back significantly.

7. Tucker Carlson Controversy

“Unconditional surrender” leads to U.S. soldiers committing atrocities.
The U.S. might require nuclear weapons to force Iranian surrender.
These statements are anti-American, extremist, and helpful to Islamist propaganda.
Claims that Iranian state media and the Muslim Brotherhood promote Carlson’s segments.

8. New Iranian Leadership
Iran allegedly names the son of the previous Ayatollah as its new leader.
Speakers argue any continuation of clerical rule is unacceptable for U.S. security.
They describe Iran’s leadership as religious extremists who cannot be deterred like other states.

9. Airport Security Incidents and Public Anxiety
Several recent flight diversions and security scares are mentioned.
Reduced DHS staffing (due to the funding dispute) worsens risks and delays.

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1. U.S. Military Success Against Iran (&ldquo;Operation Epic Fury&rdquo;)
<ul>
<li>The U.S. has massively reduced Iran&rsquo;s missile and drone launch capacity over eight days.</li>
<li>U.S. forces allegedly destroyed air defenses, missile sites (including mobile launchers), drone infrastructure, and naval capabilities.</li>
<li>They argue the U.S. now holds air and naval superiority, enabling cheaper munitions and sustained operations.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Global Oil Strategy and Potential Seizure of Kharg Island
<ul>
<li>Discussion of Iran&rsquo;s dependency on Kharg Island as its primary oil export hub (&asymp;90%).</li>
<li>Suggestion that the U.S. may be positioning itself to seize or control this strategic point.</li>
<li>This would cripple Iran financially, control the Strait of Hormuz, and create major leverage over China&rsquo;s energy supply.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Domestic Terror Concerns
<ul>
<li>Several incidents referenced (NYC explosive scare, Austin attack, embassy explosion in Norway).</li>
<li>Such threats are not caused by the Iran conflict but by long-standing extremist ideology.</li>
<li>Strong accusations that open border policies increased vulnerability to terrorism.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. DHS Funding Fight in Congress
<ul>
<li>Democrats are accused of keeping parts of DHS unfunded (Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA) while ICE remains funded due to earlier legislation.</li>
<li>The speakers assert this creates risk to national security during a heightened terror threat environment.</li>
<li>Claim: Democrats are doing this to appeal to their base who oppose ICE and strict immigration enforcement.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Global Reactions and Rising Islamist Activity
<ul>
<li>Some Islamist groups allegedly responding violently worldwide due to Iran&rsquo;s conflict and loss of funding.</li>
<li>Concern raised that DHS funding issues undermine the U.S.&rsquo;s ability to defend against these threats.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Criticism of Democrat Positions on Iran
<ul>
<li>Senator Chris Murphy is specifically criticized for defending the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal.</li>
<li>The deal never provided real inspection rights and would have allowed Iran to eventually obtain nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Trump pulling out of the deal and attacking Iranian facilities set Iran&rsquo;s program back significantly.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Tucker Carlson Controversy
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Unconditional surrender&rdquo; leads to U.S. soldiers committing atrocities.</li>
<li>The U.S. might require nuclear weapons to force Iranian surrender.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These statements are anti-American, extremist, and helpful to Islamist propaganda.</li>
<li>Claims that Iranian state media and the Muslim Brotherhood promote Carlson&rsquo;s segments.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
8. New Iranian Leadership
<ul>
<li>Iran allegedly names the son of the previous Ayatollah as its new leader.</li>
<li>Speakers argue any continuation of clerical rule is unacceptable for U.S. security.</li>
<li>They describe Iran&rsquo;s leadership as religious extremists who cannot be deterred like other states.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
9. Airport Security Incidents and Public Anxiety
<ul>
<li>Several recent flight diversions and security scares are mentioned.</li>
<li>Reduced DHS staffing (due to the funding dispute) worsens risks and delays.</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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Big Victories in Iran, More Risks of Terrorism at Home and Tucker & Dems Both Attack Trump

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/57e17b82-bb21-44c7-badc-b3ff00768504/transcript

1. Iran’s Regional Escalation
Iran launched missiles, drones, and attacks on multiple Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan), pulling them into alignment with the U.S. and Israel.
Commentary emphasizes Iran’s willingness to target anyone, showing “suicidal” or “homicidal” motives.
Raises the danger of Iran possessing nuclear weapons.
Discussion clarifies Trump’s position as opposing “forever wars,” not all military action.
No expectation of U.S. ground troops in Iran.
Military strikes are preemptive self‑defense due to Iran’s history of killing Americans.
Critique of left‑wing politicians and activists who oppose U.S. involvement in Iran.
Statement from Comrade Mamdani criticized as sympathetic to Iran’s regime.
Contrast drawn between American leftist protesters and Iranian citizens protesting against the Ayatollah.
The area may have been mined by Iran; shipping and air traffic are restricted.
Mine‑sweeping operations expected before reopening.

2. DHS Leadership Shake‑Up
Kristi Noem removed as DHS Secretary; replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
Noem’s controversial $220M ad spending questioned in Senate Judiciary hearing—described as the catalyst for her removal.
Senator John Kennedy’s cross‑examination highlighted as pivotal.
Administration criticized for rhetoric after police-involved shootings in Minneapolis.
Said to have contributed to Noem’s ousting.

3. Texas Election Outcomes
Several candidates endorsed by the speaker (Cruz) won key primaries.
Notable upset: Dan Crenshaw lost his House seat to Cruz‑backed Steve Toth.
Personal conflict between Cruz and Crenshaw described, including a heated confrontation on a plane.
Runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas AG Ken Paxton.
Both candidates are longtime allies of the speaker; race expected to be bruising and expensive.
Trump expected to endorse but hasn’t yet.

4. Democratic Challenger – James Talarico
Described as an “extreme but polished” candidate.
Concerns raised about his ability to appear moderate while holding left‑wing positions.

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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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

1. Iran&rsquo;s Regional Escalation
<ul>
<li>Iran launched missiles, drones, and attacks on multiple Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan), pulling them into alignment with the U.S. and Israel.</li>
<li>Commentary emphasizes Iran&rsquo;s willingness to target anyone, showing &ldquo;suicidal&rdquo; or &ldquo;homicidal&rdquo; motives.</li>
<li>Raises the danger of Iran possessing nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Discussion clarifies Trump&rsquo;s position as opposing &ldquo;forever wars,&rdquo; not all military action.</li>
<li>No expectation of U.S. ground troops in Iran.</li>
<li>Military strikes are preemptive self‑defense due to Iran&rsquo;s history of killing Americans.</li>
<li>Critique of left‑wing politicians and activists who oppose U.S. involvement in Iran.</li>
<li>Statement from Comrade Mamdani criticized as sympathetic to Iran&rsquo;s regime.</li>
<li>Contrast drawn between American leftist protesters and Iranian citizens protesting against the Ayatollah.</li>
<li>The area may have been mined by Iran; shipping and air traffic are restricted.</li>
<li>Mine‑sweeping operations expected before reopening.</li>
</ul>
2. DHS Leadership Shake‑Up
<ul>
<li>Kristi Noem removed as DHS Secretary; replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin.</li>
<li>Noem&rsquo;s controversial $220M ad spending questioned in Senate Judiciary hearing&mdash;described as the catalyst for her removal.</li>
<li>Senator John Kennedy&rsquo;s cross‑examination highlighted as pivotal.</li>
<li>Administration criticized for rhetoric after police-involved shootings in Minneapolis.</li>
<li>Said to have contributed to Noem&rsquo;s ousting.</li>
</ul>
3. Texas Election Outcomes
<ul>
<li>Several candidates endorsed by the speaker (Cruz) won key primaries.</li>
<li>Notable upset: Dan Crenshaw lost his House seat to Cruz‑backed Steve Toth.</li>
<li>Personal conflict between Cruz and Crenshaw described, including a heated confrontation on a plane.</li>
<li>Runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas AG Ken Paxton.</li>
<li>Both candidates are longtime allies of the speaker; race expected to be bruising and expensive.</li>
<li>Trump expected to endorse but hasn&rsquo;t yet.</li>
</ul>
4. Democratic Challenger &ndash; James Talarico
<ul>
<li>Described as an &ldquo;extreme but polished&rdquo; candidate.</li>
<li>Concerns raised about his ability to appear moderate while holding left‑wing positions.</li>
</ul>
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Iran Invites Neighbors to War by Attacking Them, Noem Out-Mullin In & Elections are BIGGER in Texas Week In Review

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8ca433ad-d05b-4391-9e07-b3ff00765b70/transcript

1. U.S. Military Action & Objectives in Iran
The U.S., alongside Israel, has conducted a major military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s military capabilities—missiles, drones, and leadership structure.
Primary objective:Regime collapse, not a prolonged war.
Trump administration views the Iranian regime as a 47‑year sponsor of terrorism and responsible for killing Americans.
Intelligence suggested Iran was rapidly scaling missile and drone production, prompting immediate action.
The Ayatollah and much of Iran’s security leadership were reportedly eliminated early in the conflict.

2. Nuclear & Terror Concerns
Iran previously claimed it had enriched uranium sufficient for 11 nuclear bombs.
U.S. officials believed Iran intended to develop and potentially use nuclear weapons.
Iran has provided an estimated 90% of funding to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis over decades.

3. Impact on China via Oil Disruption
Iran historically sent 87% of its oil exports to China; Venezuela sent ~55%.
U.S. actions against both nations’ regimes have significantly disrupted China’s energy supply chain.

4. Shake-Up at the Department of Homeland Security
President Trump removed Christy Noem as DHS Secretary.
Replacement: Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.
Noem faced backlash during Senate questioning—especially from Sen. John Kennedy—regarding:

$220M in DHS-funded TV ads featuring her
Possible improper contracting
Claims that Trump approved the campaign (which he denied)
Her testimony was viewed as damaging, contributing to her removal.

5. Texas Primary Elections
Major developments in several key GOP races:

Dan Crenshaw lost his House primary to Steve Toth, receiving criticism for confrontational behavior and losing touch with constituents.
Multiple candidates endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz won their primaries (Jessica Steinman, Chris Gober, John Bank).
Texas Senate GOP runoff: John Cornyn vs. Ken Paxton—an expensive, bitter contest.
Democratic nominee: James Talarico—portrayed as ideologically extreme but rhetorically moderate, making him a potentially formidable opponent.

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1. U.S. Military Action &amp; Objectives in Iran
<ul>
<li>The U.S., alongside Israel, has conducted a major military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran&rsquo;s military capabilities&mdash;missiles, drones, and leadership structure.</li>
<li>Primary objective: Regime collapse, not a prolonged war.</li>
<li>Trump administration views the Iranian regime as a 47‑year sponsor of terrorism and responsible for killing Americans.</li>
<li>Intelligence suggested Iran was rapidly scaling missile and drone production, prompting immediate action.</li>
<li>The Ayatollah and much of Iran&rsquo;s security leadership were reportedly eliminated early in the conflict.</li>
</ul>
2. Nuclear &amp; Terror Concerns
<ul>
<li>Iran previously claimed it had enriched uranium sufficient for 11 nuclear bombs.</li>
<li>U.S. officials believed Iran intended to develop and potentially use nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Iran has provided an estimated 90% of funding to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis over decades.</li>
</ul>
3. Impact on China via Oil Disruption
<ul>
<li>Iran historically sent 87% of its oil exports to China; Venezuela sent ~55%.</li>
<li>U.S. actions against both nations&rsquo; regimes have significantly disrupted China&rsquo;s energy supply chain.</li>
</ul>
4. Shake-Up at the Department of Homeland Security
<ul>
<li>President Trump removed Christy Noem as DHS Secretary.</li>
<li>Replacement: Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.</li>
<li>Noem faced backlash during Senate questioning&mdash;especially from Sen. John Kennedy&mdash;regarding:
<ul>
<li>$220M in DHS-funded TV ads featuring her</li>
<li>Possible improper contracting</li>
<li>Claims that Trump approved the campaign (which he denied)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Her testimony was viewed as damaging, contributing to her removal.</li>
</ul>
5. Texas Primary Elections
<ul>
<li>Major developments in several key GOP races:
<ul>
<li>Dan Crenshaw lost his House primary to Steve Toth, receiving criticism for confrontational behavior and losing touch with constituents.</li>
<li>Multiple candidates endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz won their primaries (Jessica Steinman, Chris Gober, John Bank).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Texas Senate GOP runoff: John Cornyn vs. Ken Paxton&mdash;an expensive, bitter contest.</li>
<li>Democratic nominee: James Talarico&mdash;portrayed as ideologically extreme but rhetorically moderate, making him a potentially formidable opponent.</li>
</ul>
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What's the Objective in Iran? plus New DHS Secretary & Big Texas Primaries

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Will We Ever Return to Normal?

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