Episodes

  • Remembering my Friend Lindsey Graham: Who he was as a Person & Why he left such an Extraordinary Legacy

    Remembering my Friend Lindsey Graham: Who he was as a Person & Why he left such an Extraordinary Legacy
    Jul 13 2026
    Lindsey Olin Graham (July 9, 1955 – July 11, 2026) was an American politician, attorney, and Air Force officer who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death in 2026. He was one of the most influential Republican senators of his era, particularly on national security, judicial nominations, and foreign policy. Early Life Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, where his parents owned a restaurant, pool hall, and liquor store. He became the first member of his family to attend college, earning both a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of South Carolina. While in school, he suffered the loss of both parents within about 15 months and took responsibility for helping raise his younger sister. Military Service After law school, Graham joined the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, serving as a military lawyer. He served on active duty from 1982 to 1989, including assignments in Germany, and later continued in the South Carolina Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. During his military career he reached the rank of Colonel and retired in 2015 after 33 years of service. Entry into Politics Graham began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving from 1993 to 1995. In 1994, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, becoming the first Republican elected from that district since Reconstruction. During his time in the House, he gained national attention as one of the House managers who prosecuted the impeachment case against President Bill Clinton in 1999. U.S. Senate Career Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and took office in January 2003. He won reelection in 2008, 2014, and 2020. Throughout his Senate career he served on several powerful committees, including Judiciary, Appropriations, Budget, and Environment and Public Works. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and later the Senate Budget Committee. Key Political Positions Graham became known for: Strong support for a robust U.S. military and interventionist foreign policy. Advocacy for American support of allies such as Ukraine and Israel.Leadership on judicial confirmations, including helping advance the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Relationship with Donald Trump One of the most notable aspects of Graham's career was his evolving relationship with Donald Trump. During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham strongly criticized Trump, but after Trump's election, however, Graham became one of his closest allies in Congress and frequently advised him on foreign-policy and judicial matters. Legacy His supporters remember him as a skilled legislator, military veteran, and influential voice on national security. Critics often challenged his changing political alliances and hawkish foreign-policy positions. Nevertheless, he remained one of the most recognizable and consequential Republican senators of the early 21st century 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Trump Gets Green Light to Clean House, Mamdani's 'Gloom and Doom' American Vision & Birthright Citizenship Hits a SCOTUS Wall Week In Review

    Trump Gets Green Light to Clean House, Mamdani's 'Gloom and Doom' American Vision & Birthright Citizenship Hits a SCOTUS Wall Week In Review
    Jul 11 2026
    Our podcast today focuses on several U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving presidential authority, birthright citizenship, and election procedures. The conversation examines competing constitutional interpretations of executive power, the structure of federal agencies, immigration and citizenship policies, absentee ballot regulations, and judicial reasoning in closely divided court decisions. It also includes extensive discussions on American politics, ideological disputes, government institutions, immigration, capitalism, communism, national identity, and public remarks made by political figures regarding America and its values. 1. Presidential Authority to Fire Officials A Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's authority to remove officials from independent federal agencies strengthened presidential control over the executive branch by overturning or limiting previous precedent that restricted a president's ability to remove agency officials. It is characterized as a major constitutional and political victory for presidential power. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should be fully accountable to the president because they are part of the executive branch. Bipartisan commissions may become less common as a result of these decisions. 2. Commentary on Zohran Mamdani and Progressive Politics His Fourth of July remarks were anti-American and compare progressive or socialist policies to communism. Communism produces poverty and authoritarianism and contrasts "American exceptionalism" with what we characterize as Mamdani's worldview. 3. Birthright Citizenship Another major topic is the Supreme Court's handling of birthright citizenship. Children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants should not automatically receive U.S. citizenship. Current policy, an argument for restricting birthright citizenship, expresses support for either a constitutional amendment or federal legislation to change it. 4. Mail-In Ballot and Election Law Case Supreme Court case concerning absentee ballots in Mississippi. The Court upheld a law allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be received and counted afterward. The ruling will make it harder to make elections fair and argue for stricter election procedures and federal election reforms. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Historic Week Launching Trump Accounts for every Kid in America—the Inside Story behind this Landmark Victory

    Historic Week Launching Trump Accounts for every Kid in America—the Inside Story behind this Landmark Victory
    Jul 10 2026
    Trump Investment Accounts are designed to give every eligible child in America an opportunity to participate in long-term wealth building through the power of compound growth. Creating a new generation of investors by introducing children to ownership in major American companies at an early age.Showcasing strong collaboration between government leaders, business executives, and philanthropists to expand financial opportunities for families.Promoting financial literacy by encouraging parents, grandparents, and children to actively engage with and understand investing together.Celebrating significant philanthropic commitments, including large-scale contributions intended to help children build assets for the future.Demonstrating innovative efforts to provide broader access to investment opportunities for children from a wide range of economic backgrounds.Encouraging employer participation through matching contributions, helping families accelerate long-term savings growth.Focusing on expanding financial inclusion by making investment accounts accessible to millions of children nationwide.Illustrating the potential for public-private partnerships to create meaningful and lasting economic benefits for future generations.Highlighting support and recognition from leaders across different perspectives who view the initiative as a positive step toward increasing financial opportunity.Underscores the goal of helping children develop a stronger connection to the economy through tangible ownership and investment experience.Presents a vision for long-term wealth creation that could positively impact families and communities for decades to come. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • BONUS POD: Trump's got Beef & Draws the Line—We're Done Dealing w Iran

    BONUS POD: Trump's got Beef & Draws the Line—We're Done Dealing w Iran
    Jul 9 2026

    1. Breakdown of the Ceasefire & U.S. Military Response

    President Trump considers the ceasefire with Iran finished, citing frustration toward Iranian leadership. Diplomatic efforts have effectively collapsed.

    • Strikes on Iranian radar systems and anti-ship missile sites.
    • Attacks against dozens of Iranian military targets.
    • Efforts to reduce Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
    • Warnings that additional strategic infrastructure could be targeted.

    2. Iranian Retaliation

    • Launching missiles at U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
    • Threatening further retaliation.
    • Rejecting what it describes as American "bullying and extortion."

    3. NATO and Broader Foreign Policy

    • Trump's participation in the NATO summit.
    • Pressure on NATO allies to increase defense spending.
    • Support for Ukraine through Patriot missile systems.
    • Strategic discussions involving Turkey.

    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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Platner Implosion Reveals Utter Hypocrisy of National Democrats

    Platner Implosion Reveals Utter Hypocrisy of National Democrats
    Jul 8 2026

    1. Allegations Against Graham Platner

    • Sexual assault allegations.
    • Claims of abusive behavior.
    • Accusations of racism, misogyny, antisemitism, and extremist political beliefs.
    • References to allegedly offensive past statements and conduct.

    2. Criticism of Democratic Party Leaders

    • Chuck Schumer
    • Bernie Sanders
    • Elizabeth Warren
    • Tim Walz
    • Ruben Gallego
    • Sheldon Whitehouse

    3. Comparison to Other Political Cases

    Platner situation is compared to:

    • Joe Biden's presidency and concerns about age and competence.
    • Eric Swalwell (as described by the hosts).
    • Roy Moore, a Republican candidate whom Cruz says he ultimately refused to support due to allegations against him.

    4. Political Opportunism

    Democratic leaders only abandoned Platner when they believed he would lose the election. They contend that electoral concerns—not ethics or principle—motivated the shift in support.

    5. Broader Critique of the Democratic Party

    Platner controversy is a case study about Democratic politics. The situation to other political figures and controversies is obvious, arguing that party leaders prioritize retaining power over enforcing moral standards consistently

    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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • BONUS POD: Rising Socialist Star One Day, Democrats Rush for the Exits the Next

    BONUS POD: Rising Socialist Star One Day, Democrats Rush for the Exits the Next
    Jul 7 2026

    • Sexual Assault Allegation

      • A former partner, Jenny Racicot, accused Platner of entering her home while intoxicated and forcing himself on her despite her objections.
      • The allegation is being reported by Politico.
      • Platner is said to have denied the accusation and described it as false and politically motivated.

    • Previous Controversies

      • Earlier controversies involving Platner, include allegations regarding his behavior toward women and claims regarding a tattoo associated with Nazi symbolism.
      • The document argues that these warning signs were overlooked by Democratic leaders and supporters.

    • Democratic Party Response

      • Democratic officials who initially supported Platner are now withdrawing endorsements after the latest allegation became public.
      • The speaker argues that party leaders acted out of political self-interest rather than principle.

    • Claims of Double Standards

      • Democrats apply different standards to members of their own party than to Republicans.
      • The document claims that party leaders and some media organizations ignored earlier concerns until the candidate became a political liability.

    • Election Strategy

      • Maine election rules and the timing of calls for Platner to withdraw is linked to the party's ability to replace him before a deadline.
      • This is a strategic political calculation rather than a response based on ethical concerns.

    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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Celebrating America’s Greatness and Answering the Call to Defeat the Communists Taking over the Democrat Party

    Celebrating America’s Greatness and Answering the Call to Defeat the Communists Taking over the Democrat Party
    Jul 6 2026
    1. Celebration of America and National Pride America's 250-year history and achievements.Patriotism, family values, and traditional celebrations.The belief that the United States is the greatest country in history due to its freedoms and opportunities. 2. American Exceptionalism Rights come from God rather than government.The principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence provide the foundation for liberty.Capitalism, rather than socialism or communism, has created prosperity and opportunity. 3. Criticism of Democratic Socialists and Progressive Politics Zohran Mamdani and his speech of doomOther progressive candidates associated with democratic socialist policies.Immigration reform proposals.Criticism of capitalism.Concerns about expanding government authority. 4. Anti-Communist Perspective Cite examples from Cuba, Russia, North Korea, and other communist states.Argue that communism leads to poverty, oppression, and loss of freedom.Use personal family stories, particularly related to Cuba under Fidel Castro, to illustrate these concerns. 5. Immigration and Political Power Immigration should occur legally.Some Democratic policies are intended to increase political support for the Democratic Party.Progressive politicians support citizenship pathways that could reshape U.S. politics. 6. Sports and National Unity The FIFA World Cup.Support for the U.S. national soccer team.A controversial red-card decision that was later overturned.The role of sports in fostering national pride. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Minnesota Fraud Whistleblowers Hunted, the Fight for the Future of College Athletics & Controversial DA Practices in PA Week In Review

    Minnesota Fraud Whistleblowers Hunted, the Fight for the Future of College Athletics & Controversial DA Practices in PA Week In Review
    Jul 4 2026
    1. Minnesota Fraud Investigation and Whistleblower Allegations Government fraud within Minnesota social service programs.Claims that Minnesota officials, including individuals within Governor Tim Walz's administration, suppressed or retaliated against whistleblowers.Reports that employees who raised fraud concerns were allegedly investigated, monitored, intimidated, or discouraged from reporting misconduct.The possibility of criminal and civil liability for officials if the allegations are proven true. 2. College Sports and NIL Reform The current challenges facing college athletics.Concerns about unrestricted player transfers, eligibility disputes, and escalating financial pressures on athletic programs.A proposed bipartisan congressional bill designed to stabilize college sports.Discussion of how football revenue supports many non-revenue sports such as tennis, track and field, and Olympic sports.The role sports scholarships play in helping students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, access higher education. 3. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.Claims that Krasner has improperly sought relief or new trials for convicted murderers.References to a Pennsylvania court opinion criticizing the District Attorney's office for alleged procedural misconduct and unreliable concessions in post-conviction cases.Broader criticism of criminal justice reform policies associated with progressive prosecutors and billionaire donor George Soros. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins