• Main Themes

  • Blame Assignment: the government shutdown is caused by Democrats, specifically Chuck Schumer, to avoid pressure from progressive figures like AOC.

  • Media Criticism: Mainstream media portrays shutdowns emotionally (e.g., TSA officers, families struggling) to support Democrats’ narrative.

  • Lawmakers & Paychecks: Criticizes Democratic lawmakers who refuse to withhold their pay during the shutdown while ordinary federal workers face delays.

  • Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants: Argues Democrats shut down the government over demands to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants, citing state-level programs (Rhode Island, New York).

  • Public Opinion: References polls showing most Americans (including Democrats and independents) oppose a shutdown over such demands.

  • Contradictions Among Democrats: Notes conflicting statements from different Democratic representatives and senators—some denying responsibility, others admitting to supporting a shutdown.

  • Republican Framing: Republicans upport a “clean” continuing resolution to keep government open, while Democrats are inserting expensive demands ($1.5 trillion, healthcare for illegals, social programs).

• Polls & Data Used

  • New York Times poll cited: 65% of Americans against shutdowns tied to Democrats’ demands.

  • Breakdown by party: Republicans (92% opposed), Independents (59% opposed), Democrats (43% opposed).

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.

• • Cause of Shutdown:

    • Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.

    • Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.

  • Senate Dynamics:

    • A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.

    • Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.

  • Partisan Framing:

    • Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.

    • Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.

  • Policy Disputes:

    • Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.

    • The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.

  • Impact of Shutdown:

    • Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.

    • Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.

  • Political Messaging:

    • Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.

    • They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.

    • WATCH WH Hakeem Jeffries VIDEO HERE

  • Strategic Angle:

    • The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.

    • This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

• • Cause of Shutdown:

    • Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.

    • Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.

  • Senate Dynamics:

    • A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.

    • Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.

  • Partisan Framing:

    • Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.

    • Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.

  • Policy Disputes:

    • Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.

    • The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.

  • Impact of Shutdown:

    • Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.

    • Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.

  • Political Messaging:

    • Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.

    • They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.

    • WATCH WH Hakeem Jeffries VIDEO HERE

  • Strategic Angle:

    • The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.

    • This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferg

• Cause of Shutdown:

  • Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.

  • Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.

• Senate Dynamics:

  • A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.

  • Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.

• Partisan Framing:

  • Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.

  • Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.

• Policy Disputes:

  • Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.

  • The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.

• Impact of Shutdown:

  • Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.

  • Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.

• Political Messaging:

  • Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.

  • They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.

  • WATCH WH Hakeem Jeffries VIDEO HERE

• Strategic Angle:

  • The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.

  • This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and

               The country is only “hours away” from a government shutdown

• • Partisan Blame: The responsibility for the shutdown is Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

  • Republican Positioning: Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, JD Vance, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, are portrayed as wanting a “clean funding extension” (a short-term budget measure) to keep the government open.

  • Democratic Hypocrisy: The commentary highlights past Democratic statements opposing shutdowns, contrasting them with current positions to claim inconsistency.

  • Accusations of Radicalism: Democrats are described as pushing a $1.5 trillion spending package that allegedly includes:

    • Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants

    • Funding for gender-affirming surgeries

    • Open borders and Medicaid fraud

    • Other “radical left” priorities

  • Political Motivation: A recurring argument is that Schumer is resisting compromise to protect himself from a potential primary challenge by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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.

• Impending Shutdown: The country is only “hours away” from a government shutdown,

• Partisan Blame: The responsibility for the shutdown is Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

• Republican Positioning: Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, JD Vance, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, are portrayed as wanting a “clean funding extension” (a short-term budget measure) to keep the government open.

• Democratic Hypocrisy: The commentary highlights past Democratic statements opposing shutdowns, contrasting them with current positions to claim inconsistency.

• Accusations of Radicalism: Democrats are described as pushing a $1.5 trillion spending package that allegedly includes:

  • Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants

  • Funding for gender-affirming surgeries

  • Open borders and Medicaid fraud

  • Other “radical left” priorities

• Political Motivation: A recurring argument is that Schumer is resisting compromise to protect himself from a potential primary challenge by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Consequences of Shutdown

The episode also notes practical impacts of a shutdown, such as:

• Federal employees furloughed or unpaid

• Disruptions for TSA officers, military families, firefighters, veterans, and prison guards

• Delays in Social Security, SNAP, and WIC benefits

• Risks to disaster relief and FEMA funding

• Potential harm to the economy, including billions in costs and possible credit rating downgrades

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/

Event Overview

• A violent attack took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

• The attacker rammed a truck into the church, opened fire, and then set the building on fire using gasoline.

• The suspect was shot dead by police within minutes of the first 911 call.

---

Casualties

• At least 5 dead total:

  • 4 victims (2 shot, others possibly from the fire).

  • The suspect also deceased.

• 10 wounded, some critically.

• Hundreds of congregants were present at the time; many were shielded and moved to safety.

• Some victims remain unaccounted for due to fire damage and collapse of parts of the building.

---

Investigation Details

• Explosives: Suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found but unclear if used.

• Cause of fire: Believed to be an accelerant (likely gasoline) intentionally set by the attacker.

• FBI & ATF are leading the investigation, treating it as a case of targeted violence.

• The attacker, identified as a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, had his home searched for evidence, including digital records.

• Motive: Still unknown. No confirmed link between the suspect and the church at this time.

---

Community & Response

• First responders acted within 30 seconds of the first emergency call; the shooter was neutralized in under 8 minutes.

• A Family Assistance Center has been set up for victims’ families and community members.

• Counselors and victim services are available, but donations and volunteer counseling are not being accepted yet.

• Authorities also responded to additional bomb threats at other churches in the area, though none were confirmed.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're P

• James Comey Indictment

  • Asserts that the former FBI director has been indicted on two counts.

  • References past reporting (e.g., Catherine Herridge, FBI code name “Arctic Hayes”) alleging Comey directed leaks of classified information.

  • Suggests the indictment is only a “holding charge” and could lead to more serious charges later.

  • Contrasts this with Democrats calling the case “weak” and “vengeful.”

• Democratic Response

  • Quotes Sen. Amy Klobuchar describing the prosecution as politically motivated.

  • Argues Democrats are trying to downplay or distract from the case, even suggesting a government shutdown narrative is being used as a diversion.

• Big Tech & Censorship Allegations

  • Claims Google and YouTube admitted they were pressured by the Biden administration to censor Donald Trump and other conservatives.

  • Suggests that platforms removed content—even when it did not violate their policies—because of government pressure.

  • Frames this as a violation of First Amendment principles.

• Media Criticism

  • Points to late-night hosts mocking Trump’s social media bans, using this as evidence of media complicity in silencing conservative voices.

  • Accuses mainstream outlets of ignoring stories that could damage Democrats.

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.

• Michigan Church Attack

  • The discussion opens with news of a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, where a man drove a truck into the building, opened fire, killed four people, injured ten, and set the church on fire.

  • The speakers frame the attack as part of a wider trend of violence against religious institutions, emphasizing hostility toward people of faith.

  • They highlight the quick response of law enforcement, using it to argue against what they see as Democratic “demonization” of police and ICE agents.

• The “Schumer Shutdown”

  • Cruz and Ferguson repeatedly call it a “Schumer Shutdown,” arguing Democrats are deliberately causing it to appease their progressive base and avoid criticism from figures like AOC.

  • They claim Republicans offered a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep government open, but Democrats opposed it for political reasons.

  • They warn of shutdown consequences, such as furloughed workers, closed national parks, and delayed paychecks, while also suggesting it could be an opportunity for Trump’s administration to terminate “deep state” bureaucrats in agencies like the EPA, IRS, and Labor Department.

  • The commentary portrays Democrats as inconsistent, citing their past statements opposing shutdowns.

   

• Escalating Democratic Rhetoric and Its Effects

  • The episode then devotes significant time to Democratic leaders’ rhetoric about Republicans, ICE, and law enforcement.

  • It cites examples: Gavin Newsom calling Stephen Miller a fascist, Hakeem Jeffries describing Trump’s inauguration as a “supervillain convention,” and others comparing ICE to the Gestapo or slave patrols.

  • The speakers argue this rhetoric incites violence against conservatives and law enforcement, linking it to incidents like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and attacks on ICE facilities.

  • They present this as part of a broader Democratic strategy to delegitimize institutions like ICE, police, and the Supreme Court.

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!