Advertise on podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben breaks down the Inspector General’s findings and discuss what they believe the report reveals about immigration enforcement policies during the Biden administration. They examine the distinction between illegal border crossings and visa overstays, the role of ICE and DHS leadership, and the impact of enforcement guidance issued in 2021. The conversation also explores challenges cited in the report, including resource limitations, difficulties locating individuals after entry into the country, and questions surrounding how potential national security risks were prioritized. Ben argues that the findings deserve greater public attention and debate, particularly as immigration remains one of the central issues in national politics.  A new Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report is raising major questions about immigration enforcement during the Biden administration. According to the findings, ICE received more than 3 million potential visa overstay leads between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, including more than 100,000 cases identified as possible national security or public safety concerns. The report focuses on individuals who entered the United States legally but allegedly remained after their authorized stay expired. The findings also examine how ICE handled those cases, including the number of investigations opened and arrests made. The data is fueling a broader debate about immigration enforcement priorities, visa tracking, national security, and the federal government's responsibility to monitor those who overstay their visas.  Topics Covered: DHS Inspector General report on visa overstays More than 3 million potential overstay leads reviewed by ICE Cases categorized as national security or public safety concerns Immigration enforcement guidance issued in 2021 Challenges involving tracking, investigations, and removals The debate over border security versus visa enforcement 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the IRGC’s appeal to American voters, arguing that the letter provides a revealing look at Iran’s political strategy and its expectations for the midterm elections. He also discusses the Iranian regime’s economic challenges, the impact of U.S. pressure on oil exports, and the ongoing debate over whether Tehran is attempting to outlast the Trump administration politically. Ferguson then turns to reports detailing Democratic efforts to reverse policies and institutional changes made during Trump’s second term. He reviews proposals involving presidential authority, tariff powers, federal workforce protections, Justice Department oversight, and broader questions about the future balance of power between Congress and the presidency.  Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has released a lengthy public letter urging Americans to oppose President Donald Trump in the upcoming midterm elections. The message, which criticizes Trump’s foreign policy, support for Israel, and economic policies toward Iran, has become a new flashpoint in the broader political debate over national security, election messaging, and U.S.-Iran relations. At the same time, Democrats and progressive organizations are openly discussing plans for a post-Trump political landscape. According to recent reporting highlighted in this episode, proposals are being developed to limit presidential emergency powers, restructure executive branch authority, strengthen protections for federal employees, and alter how future administrations interact with key federal institutions.  Topics Covered: The IRGC’s public letter urging Americans to oppose Donald Trump U.S.-Iran tensions and competing narratives about Iran’s nuclear program Economic pressure on Iran, including oil exports and currency challenges Democratic planning for a post-Trump presidency Proposed limits on presidential emergency powers and executive authority Debates over federal workforce protections and Justice Department independence 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict w Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson, the Senator talks about a controversial exchange involving Tucker Carlson and British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg has ignited debate over World War II, Adolf Hitler, Russia, and the direction of the American right. At the same time, New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is drawing attention for comments supporting International Criminal Court warrants, including those involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In this episode, Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson react to Carlson’s recent interview, discussing his comments about Nazi Germany, the United Kingdom’s role in World War II, Vladimir Putin, and Russia’s economy. They examine the arguments made during the interview and explain why they believe the historical and economic claims are significant. The show also features a lighthearted moment as Senator Cruz surprises a 16-year-old Verdict listener with a phone call to help him win a bet with his father and secure tickets to a Florida Gators football game. Later, Cruz and Ferguson turn to Mamdani’s appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, where he discussed the International Criminal Court and the arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They debate the implications of ICC authority, U.S. sovereignty, Israel policy, and the broader political alliances emerging ahead of the midterm elections.  Topics Covered: Tucker Carlson’s comments on World War II and Adolf Hitler Debate with Jacob Rees-Mogg over Nazi Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom Russia’s economy versus the UK economy Ted Cruz’s surprise phone call to a young Verdict listener Zohran Mamdani’s comments on the International Criminal Court U.S. sovereignty, Israel, and international legal institutions 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines research claiming that spam filtering by major email providers affected Republican fundraising through WinRed, reviews responses from technology companies disputing those conclusions, and discusses what the debate could mean for future political campaigns. He also analyzes new polling data on rural voters, highlighting concerns about affordability, healthcare costs, immigration, government fraud, and energy prices, while exploring how economic issues may shape voter behavior in key midterm races. A new study estimates that Republican fundraising efforts may have lost millions of dollars after political emails were allegedly filtered into spam folders by major email providers. The findings have reignited debate over Big Tech's role in political communication, campaign fundraising, and whether digital platforms are applying their policies fairly during election cycles. At the same time, new polling suggests that economic concerns continue to dominate voter priorities heading into the midterm elections. Rural voters report growing concerns about the cost of living, healthcare expenses, energy prices, and government spending, creating new challenges for candidates seeking to connect with voters in the final weeks before Election Day.  Topics Covered: Study alleging reduced Republican fundraising due to spam filtering WinRed, ActBlue, and political campaign email delivery Responses from Google, Microsoft, and other technology companies Rural voter concerns about inflation and the cost of living Healthcare, energy prices, and government spending priorities Economic issues driving voter sentiment ahead of the midterms 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson break down comments from Democratic lawmakers on impeachment and immigration, discuss polling on socialism and economic ideology, and argue that these issues reveal the core priorities shaping the Democratic Party’s midterm message. They also provide an update on a bipartisan college sports bill that passed the Senate with overwhelming support, explain what comes next in the House of Representatives, and discuss President Trump’s appearance at a Peterbilt manufacturing facility in Texas, along with the ongoing Texas Senate race involving James Tallarico. With just weeks until the midterm elections, Democrats are signaling what they would prioritize if they regain power in Washington. According to comments highlighted in this episode, leading Democratic voices are discussing renewed impeachment efforts against President Donald Trump, broad immigration reforms that could legalize millions of people currently in the country illegally, and policy proposals that Ted Cruz argues reflect an increasing embrace of socialism within the party. Senator Cruz also points to recent polling showing changing public attitudes toward socialism and capitalism, raising concerns about the future direction of economic policy and the political messages resonating with independent voters. The conversation examines what these trends could mean for the upcoming election and how Republicans should respond. Topics Covered: Democratic discussions of impeachment and investigations involving President Trump Immigration policy and proposals to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants New polling on socialism, capitalism, and voter attitudes The bipartisan college sports legislation advancing through Congress President Trump’s economic message during a visit to a Texas manufacturing plant The Texas Senate race and scrutiny of James Tallarico’s policy 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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben discusses recent federal indictments tied to alleged non-citizen voting in Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and other states, while evaluating the Department of Justice's broader efforts to enforce federal election laws. They also examine reports involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian diplomats attending the United Nations General Assembly, the continuing pressure campaign against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration's response to proposed negotiations with Tehran. The conversation focuses on election security, federal prosecution strategies, legal challenges surrounding voting laws, and the geopolitical implications of escalating tensions with Iran. Federal election crime prosecutions are increasing across multiple states as the Department of Justice brings new cases involving alleged non-citizen voting and false citizenship claims. At the same time, a separate international story is unfolding as reports emerge that Iranian diplomats were ordered to leave the United States following unsuccessful discussions tied to ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The episode examines how these developments are shaping political debate ahead of the midterm elections, raising questions about election integrity, federal enforcement priorities, foreign policy, and the broader consequences for national politics.  Topics Covered: Minnesota indictments involving alleged non-citizen voting and voter registration violations DOJ election crime prosecutions across multiple states Federal enforcement of election laws and voter roll compliance efforts Legal debate surrounding non-citizen voting statutes Reports that Iranian diplomats were ordered to leave the United States Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and proposed negotiations with the Trump administration 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss Cruz’s trip aboard Air Force One, President Trump’s campaign strategy heading into the midterms, and two major Treasury Department decisions involving Trump Accounts and the school choice tax credit. They also examine the president’s visit to the Peterbilt manufacturing plant in Texas, the state of the economy, and the growing attention on the Texas Senate race. Additionally, they react to reports of a dramatic in-flight attack aboard a FlyDubai flight and highlight the actions of passengers who helped prevent a potential catastrophe.  Senator Ted Cruz joins Ben Ferguson after flying aboard Air Force One with President Trump, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their conversations about the midterm elections, the Texas Senate race, and key administration priorities. With the election campaign entering its final stretch, Trump is preparing for an aggressive rally schedule across the country. Cruz discusses the president’s focus on voter turnout, his visit to Texas, and the political stakes surrounding the race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico.  Topics Covered: Ted Cruz’s conversations with President Trump aboard Air Force One Trump’s campaign strategy and nationwide midterm rally schedule Treasury decisions on Trump Accounts auto-enrollment and school choice tax credits The Texas Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico Trump’s visit to the Peterbilt manufacturing plant and economic messaging Reports of a thwarted in-flight attack aboard a FlyDubai flight to Israel 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben recounts the extraordinary chain of events that followed. From a wounded captain who managed to open the cockpit door while seriously injured, to passengers who rushed toward the danger, restrained the alleged attacker, and helped stabilize the aircraft, the story becomes one of courage, quick thinking, and survival. Ben also examines what investigators currently know about the incident, the unanswered questions surrounding the alleged attacker, and the security concerns that remain under investigation.  A routine flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a fight for survival when FlyDubai Flight 1073 reportedly plunged thousands of feet after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit. According to reports discussed in this episode, the aircraft entered a dramatic descent as chaos unfolded at more than 30,000 feet. With over 170 people on board, passengers and crew were suddenly forced into an unthinkable situation that could have ended in catastrophe.  Topics Covered: The reported attack on the captain of FlyDubai Flight 1073 The aircraft’s dramatic midair descent and emergency alerts Passengers who intervened and helped stop the alleged attacker The role of medical personnel and reserve flight crew onboard Ongoing questions about aviation security and pilot vetting The investigation into the alleged motive and circumstances surrounding the incident 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the political battle surrounding the SAVE Act, the challenges of passing election-integrity legislation in the Senate, and the growing dispute over whether Republican opposition could ultimately determine the bill’s fate. They also discuss a new study alleging that spam-filtering practices by major technology companies harmed Republican fundraising efforts, the response from Google, and what the findings could mean heading into the next election cycle.  The debate over the SAVE Act is intensifying as the White House and Senate Republicans clash over how to move election-integrity legislation forward before the midterm elections. With supporters arguing the bill would require proof of citizenship and voter identification for federal elections, the political fight has shifted from Democrats alone to divisions within the Republican Party. Vice President J.D. Vance says he and President Trump have extensively discussed procedural options to advance the legislation, while publicly identifying Republican senators he believes could stand in the way. At the same time, broader concerns about election administration, mail-in voting, and Senate rules are fueling an increasingly heated national conversation over voting policy.  Topics Covered: J.D. Vance's comments on advancing the SAVE Act through the Senate The SAVE Act's voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements Republican senators identified as potential obstacles to the legislation Senate filibuster dynamics and procedural battles over election policy Research alleging spam-filtering impacts on Republican fundraising Responses from Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo regarding the study's claims 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson sit down with Senator Eric Schmidt to discuss the years-long effort behind the Protect College Sports Act, the bipartisan coalition that helped secure 77 Senate votes, and why they believe congressional action is necessary to preserve college athletics. They explain how federal antitrust decisions contributed to the current environment, why many athletic departments are under financial strain, and what supporters believe is at stake for student-athletes, universities, and fans. The conversation also includes a lighter discussion about college sports, the Congressional Baseball Game, and the role athletics play in building discipline, leadership, and opportunities for young people.  The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, marking a major step toward reshaping the future of college athletics. Supporters argue the legislation addresses growing concerns around the transfer portal, athlete eligibility, escalating spending, and the long-term viability of college sports programs across the country. What happens next could determine whether the current college sports model survives or continues moving toward a system dominated by a small number of powerhouse programs. With the bill now headed to the House, the debate turns to whether lawmakers will act quickly and send it to the president's desk.  Topics Covered: Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act Bipartisan negotiations that produced a 77-vote coalition Transfer portal rules, athlete eligibility, and NIL-related challenges Financial pressures facing athletic departments and non-revenue sports Concerns about consolidation of college football into a small number of elite programs Congressional Baseball Game stories featuring Senator Eric Schmidt 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the Southern California daycare fraud case, the Justice Department's broader enforcement efforts, and what these investigations reveal about alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs. He discusses recent actions involving pandemic loan fraud, health care fraud prosecutions, efforts to recover lost funds, and the administration's stated goal of making fraud enforcement a government-wide priority. A federal crackdown in Southern California has led to charges against 12 individuals accused of fraudulently collecting more than $10 million in taxpayer-funded child care subsidies. Federal prosecutors allege that licensed home daycare operators submitted false attendance records, claimed payments for services never provided, and collected funds intended to help low-income families access child care. The case highlights a broader push by the Trump administration and the Department of Justice to target fraud across multiple government programs, from child care subsidies to pandemic-era relief loans and health care reimbursements. Investigators say they used surveillance, travel records, bank data, and other evidence to test whether taxpayer-funded services were actually being delivered.  Topics Covered: The Southern California home daycare fraud investigation Allegations involving more than $10 million in child care subsidies Surveillance and border-crossing records used by investigators Nationwide enforcement actions targeting pandemic loan fraud DOJ health care fraud prosecutions involving billions in alleged losses Trump administration efforts to expand federal fraud enforcement 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines newly reported survey data on political violence, discuss the assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the subsequent incident in Florida, and debate whether escalating political rhetoric is contributing to growing acceptance of violence among portions of the electorate. They also analyze partisan differences in the polling data, reactions to recent political events, and comments from Democratic Representative Ro Khanna regarding impeachment and constitutional accountability. A new survey on political violence is at the center of this discussion, raising questions about public attitudes toward the use of force in American politics and what those findings could mean for the country’s political climate. The episode focuses on polling cited from political scientist Robert Pape and the University of Chicago’s Chicago Project on Security and Threats. The reported results suggest a significant increase in the number of Americans who say force would be justified to prevent Donald Trump from being president, prompting a broader debate about political extremism, assassination attempts, and the normalization of violence in political discourse. Topics Covered: Survey findings from the Chicago Project on Security and Threats Public attitudes toward political violence and the use of force The assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania The reported attempted assassination incident in Florida Partisan divides reflected in polling on political conflict Debate over impeachment, constitutional limits, and political rhetoric 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson analyze new polling showing increased support for socialism among Americans, particularly among independents and Democrats, and debate what is driving those trends. They also discuss immigration policy, Democratic priorities in the midterm campaign, and concerns about proposals involving legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants. The conversation then turns overseas, where British authorities arrested five men suspected of preparing a terrorist attack near RAF Fairford, a military base that hosts U.S. forces. Cruz and Ferguson review the details of the investigation, the reported possibility of links to Iran, and what they see as broader national security implications. The episode also examines reports involving a former Hamas leader's bodyguard who allegedly obtained asylum and citizenship status in the United Kingdom before later being accused in a major terrorism plot. With five weeks until the midterm elections, Democratic messaging on impeachment, immigration, and the growing popularity of socialism takes center stage. Senator Ted Cruz argues that the stakes of the election extend well beyond control of Congress, touching on economic policy, border security, and the future direction of the country. Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine comments from Democratic lawmakers regarding potential impeachment efforts if Democrats regain power, and they discuss what those proposals could mean for the political landscape heading into Election Day.   Topics Covered: Democratic discussions of potential impeachment efforts if they regain congressional power New Gallup polling on rising public support for socialism Immigration policy and proposals involving legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants Midterm election messaging and voter concerns heading into Election Day The foiled terrorist plot near RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom Reports involving a former Hamas bodyguard and broader security concerns tied to immigration screening 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines statements from Democratic leaders about potential investigations and impeachment efforts, discuss Speaker Mike Johnson’s warning about the stakes of the upcoming midterm elections, and debate what a change in congressional control could mean for the Trump administration, cabinet officials, donors, and political allies.  Democrats are signaling what they would do if they regain control of Congress after the midterms, and the conversation is extending beyond President Donald Trump himself. Recent comments from Democratic lawmakers have fueled debate over whether future congressional investigations could target members of the Trump administration and cabinet officials. The controversy intensified after remarks suggesting that impeachment efforts could be directed not only at Trump, but also at key figures serving in his administration. Supporters view such oversight as a legitimate congressional tool, while critics argue it would represent a broader expansion of political and legal warfare.  Topics Covered: Comments from Democratic lawmakers on investigating and potentially impeaching cabinet secretaries The role of congressional oversight and impeachment powers Speaker Mike Johnson’s warning about the consequences of losing the midterms Concerns over political investigations, lawfare, and government weaponization Debate surrounding the Democratic Socialists of America platform The political stakes of the upcoming midterm elections 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Week In Review Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss a study examining political donations by Princeton faculty, debate ideological diversity on college campuses, analyze comments from academics and university leaders, and connect those trends to contemporary Democratic politics. They also review Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign, his previous support for the uncommitted movement during the 2024 presidential cycle, Kamala Harris’s appearance on the campaign trail, and the broader political fight over DEI, progressive activism, and messaging ahead of the midterm elections. The episode concludes with a discussion of Texas Democrat James Talarico, his public image as a moderate Christian, and criticism of views expressed by leaders associated with his longtime church community. A new study on political donations at Princeton University found that none of its full-time faculty contributed to Republican candidates during the 2023 and 2024 election cycles. Ted Cruz argues the findings reflect a broader ideological shift within higher education and what he describes as the growing influence of university culture on today’s Democratic Party. The conversation expands beyond academia to the 2026 Michigan Senate race, where Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed welcomed former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign with him. Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine El-Sayed’s past support for Michigan’s “uncommitted” movement, the political implications of Harris’s involvement, and ongoing debates surrounding DEI policies and progressive political messaging.  Topics Covered: Princeton faculty political donation data and ideological diversity in higher education Commentary from Jonathan Turley on universities, free speech, and faculty hiring Yale, Harvard, and broader debates over political representation on college campuses Abdul El-Sayed, Kamala Harris, and Michigan’s 2026 Senate race The “uncommitted” movement and disagreements within Democratic coalition politics James Talarico, religion in politics, and controversy surrounding church leadership statements 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.