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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,” 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

1. 🏛️ Government Shutdown Status
 
 • The government had been shut down for 
40 days • , the longest in U.S. history.
 • A 
Senate vote secured 60 votes • (including 8 Democrats) to begin the reopening process.
 • The 
continuing resolution (CR) • will fund the government through 
January 30 • , avoiding a holiday-season funding crisis.
 
2. ⚙️ Reopening Process
 
 • Despite the vote, procedural delays (e.g., Senate rules requiring 60 votes and time gaps between votes) mean the government may not fully reopen until 
Tuesday or Wednesday • .
 Unanimous consent • could have expedited the process, but some Democrats (e.g., Bernie Sanders) were accused of obstructing.
 
3. ✈️ Impact on Travel and Public Services
 
 TSA agents and air traffic controllers • were working without pay, leading to 
sick-outs • and 
flight delays • .
 • Even after reopening, 
normal operations may take several days • to resume.
 
4. 📜 Legislation Introduced
 
 • 

Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025:
 • 

 • Would make 
welfare fraud by illegal immigrants a deportable offense • .
 • Cites statistics on non-citizens receiving SNAP and WIC benefits.
 • Claims a 
10-year cost of $15 billion • due to illegal immigrant access to benefits.
 • 
 • 

Obamacare Subsidies Debate:
 • 

 • Discussion on expiring subsidies for health insurance companies.
 • Republicans agreed to a 
vote in early December • on whether to extend these subsidies.
 • Cruz and Trump oppose the subsidies, calling them 
corporate welfare • , and advocate for 
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) • instead.
 • 
 
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Government Shutdown ENDING! We Explain When & How

🗳️ U.S. Election Analysis
 
 • The speakers describe the recent election as a “disaster” for conservatives, with high turnout among left-wing voters, particularly 
young women • .
 Zohran Mamdani • , referred to repeatedly as “Comrade Mandani,” is portrayed as a symbol of far-left politics, with accusations of communism and ties to wealthy donors like 
Alex Soros • .
 • Detailed demographic breakdowns are given for voter support in 
New York, New Jersey, and Virginia • , highlighting gender gaps and educational differences.
 Young women (ages 18–29) • overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates.
 • Voters with 
advanced or bachelor’s degrees • leaned toward Mamdani, while those with 
less education • favored Cuomo.
 Newer residents of NYC • (less than 5 years) were more likely to vote for Mamdani than native New Yorkers.
 
📚 Book Promotion & Personal Stories
 
 • Senator 
John Kennedy • promotes his book 
“How to Test Negative for Stupid and Why Washington Never Will.” • He shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, legal career, and entry into politics.
 • The tone is humorous and self-deprecating, with jokes about Washington, Chuck Schumer, and political bumper stickers.
 
🇮🇱 Trip to Israel & War Commentary
 
 • Ben recounts a 
visit to Israel • , including meetings with victims of 
Hezbollah rocket attacks • and families of children killed while playing soccer.
 • Descriptions of 
psychological warfare • , 
hostage situations • , and 
military operations • (like the “pager attack” targeting Hezbollah leaders) are included.
 • The trip is framed as both a 
spiritual pilgrimage • and a 
political mission • , with references to Christian faith and biblical sites.
 
 
 
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Who Elected Comrade Mamdani, How to Test Negative for Stupid & a Pilgrimage to Israel Week In Review

1. Government Shutdown and FAA Flight Cancellations
 
 • Cruz and Ferguson argue that Democrats are intentionally prolonging the shutdown for political gain, particularly to hurt Donald Trump.
 • Essential federal workers like TSA agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages and safety concerns.
 • The FAA has announced a 
mandatory 10% reduction in air traffic • at the 40 largest U.S. airports due to understaffing.
 • This could result in 
up to 5,000 flight cancellations per day • , affecting potentially 
500,000 passengers daily • .
 • Cruz says Democrats blocked a bill to pay essential workers during the shutdown, including air traffic controllers.
 
2. Analysis of Election Results
 
 • The podcast dives into the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist/communist, in New York City.
 • Cruz and Ferguson portray Mamdani as emblematic of the radical left’s growing influence in the Democratic Party.
 • They analyze 
exit poll data • and voter demographics, highlighting: 
 Young women (18–29) • were the most supportive group, with 
81% voting for Mamdani • .
 Educational attainment • correlated with support: those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees leaned heavily toward Mamdani.
 Income brackets • between $30,000 and $300,000 favored Mamdani, while the very poor (<$30k) and very rich (>$300k) leaned toward Cuomo.
 Religious affiliation • showed that Protestants, Catholics, and Jews leaned toward Cuomo, while Muslims and non-religious voters favored Mamdani.
 LGBTQ+ voters • supported Mamdani by 
81% • , despite the podcast hosts expressing disbelief due to Mamdani’s alleged Islamist sympathies.
 • 
 
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When the Shutdown Ends, Why the FAA is Cancelling 5000 Flights per Day & Inside the Numbers behind Mamdani's Election

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Shutdown Showdown: Will Friday Bring a Government Reboot?

1. Setting and Context
 
 • Ben is reporting live from Israel, specifically Jerusalem.
 • He describes his visit to multiple sites affected by the Hamas attacks, including: 
 • Northern border areas near Syria and Lebanon.
 • Kibbutzim (rural communities) attacked by Hamas.
 • A music festival where mass killings occurred.
 • A military base overrun by terrorists.
 • 
 
2. Eyewitness Accounts and Graphic Details
 
 • Ferguson recounts 
firsthand stories • from survivors and victims’ families.
 • He describes: 
 • Families slaughtered in their homes.
 • Children and elderly burned alive.
 • Soldiers, especially young women, raped and executed.
 • Civilians at a music festival massacred while seeking shelter.
 • 
 • The narrative includes 
vivid imagery • of bullet-riddled safe rooms, abandoned toys, and homes left untouched since the attacks.
 
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BONUS POD: Burned Alive, Shot, Raped: The Brutality of Oct 7th as seen from Ben's Pilgrimage to Israel

🗳️ U.S. Election Analysis
 
The hosts express deep concern and disappointment over recent election results in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, which they characterize as a “disaster” for Republicans and conservatives.
 
Key Points:
 
 Virginia • : Republicans suffered major losses, including the defeat of Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares. The hosts cite massive Democrat spending and controversial candidates like J. Jones, who allegedly made violent remarks.
 New Jersey • : Jack Ciattarelli lost to Mikie Sherrill by a wide margin, surprising the hosts who expected a stronger Republican showing.
 New York City • : The election of Zohran Mamdani (referred to as a “communist jihadist” by Cruz) is described as alarming. Cruz accuses Mamdani of supporting Hamas and promoting radical ideologies.
 California Proposition 50 • : Passed to redistrict and create five new Democrat seats, which Cruz claims is a power grab and anti-democratic.
 
The tone is highly critical of Democratic strategies, voter behavior, and what the hosts see as a growing radicalism within the party.
 
🇮🇱 Ben Ferguson’s Visit to Israel
 
Ben Ferguson shares emotional and spiritual experiences from his first trip to Israel, including:
 
Highlights:
 
 Spiritual Pilgrimage • : Visits to the Sea of Galilee, the Whaling Wall, and the tomb believed to be where Jesus was buried and resurrected.
 War Zone Encounters • : 
 • Met families of children killed by Hezbollah rockets while playing soccer.
 • Visited northern Israel near the Lebanon border, witnessing destruction and meeting displaced farmers.
 • Described the “Pager Attack” — a covert Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah leadership using explosive-laden pagers.
 • Met with Holocaust survivors and families of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack.
 • 
 Psychological Warfare • : Ferguson recounts stories of hostages being mentally tortured, lied to, and starved.
 
Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe. 
 
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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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Election Disaster: Wipeouts in VA, NJ & NYC plus Ben on the ground in Israel

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.
 
 
 
Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
 
 
 
It's Election Day!
 
 
 
A high-energy Election Day edition packed with breaking political analysis and cultural commentary. Clay celebrates the release of his new book “Balls”, urging listeners to support conservative voices in publishing. The hour dives deep into the New York City mayoral race, spotlighting the shocking Donald Trump endorsement of Andrew Cuomo as a strategic move to block socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. Clay and Buck debate whether this last-minute endorsement helps or hurts Cuomo, referencing insights from Stephen Miller and Van Jones, and warning that a split in the anti-Mamdani vote could hand victory to the far-left.
 
 
 
The hosts analyze key battlegrounds in Virginia and New Jersey, stressing the importance of down-ballot races like Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor. They predict razor-thin margins and urge listeners nationwide to get out and vote. Discussion turns to Mamdani’s progressive promises—rent freezes, free buses, and government grocery stores—which Cuomo calls “TikTok promises” with no legal basis. Clay and Buck argue these policies would worsen crime and quality of life, drawing parallels to failed corporate virtue-signaling like Starbucks’ bathroom policy and Bud Light’s marketing missteps.
 
 
 
Get Some Balls! 
 
 
 
Clay promotes his new book “Balls”, endorsed by President Trump, and shares plans for charitable initiatives tied to free speech advocacy. Clay and Buck analyze the high-stakes contests in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, emphasizing how Democrats will frame victories as a referendum on Donald Trump’s presidency, despite these being deep-blue strongholds. The hosts spotlight the New Jersey governor’s race, where Jack Ciattarelli’s chances hinge on massive Republican turnout to overcome Democrats’ early voting lead. They slam progressive policies like plastic bag bans, arguing they harm consumers and the environment, and highlight housing affordability crises caused by government mandates and rent control schemes.
 
 
 
Our Data Guru Crunches the Early Numbers
 
 
 
Data analyst Ryan Girdusky joins to break down record-breaking voter turnout, surging Democratic numbers in key counties, and the implications for future elections. The discussion expands to electricity price spikes, the impact of data centers, and Democrats’ strategy to nationalize local races around Trump. In New York City, the conversation centers on the mayoral showdown featuring Zohran Mamdani, whose socialist platform promises rent freezes, free buses, and government grocery stores—policies Clay and Buck call “fairy tales” that would worsen crime and quality of life. 
 
 
 
They dissect Andrew Cuomo’s failure to give Republicans a reason to support him, despite Trump’s last-minute endorsement, and warn that a Mamdani victory could embolden far-left figures like AOC to push national socialism. The hour also covers Virginia’s gubernatorial race, where Winsome Sears struggles after running a single-issue campaign on transgender bathrooms, while down-ballot races for Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor remain competitive.
 
 
 
Gonna Be Gavin and The Empire Strikes Back
 
 
 
The hosts revisit the stakes in New York City’s mayoral race, the Virginia and New Jersey governor contests, and California’s Proposition 50, warning that Democrats will frame any wins as a repudiation of Donald Trump’s presidency despite these being deep-blue strongholds. Clay and Buck emphasize the importance of voting and highlight how Democrats use emotional manipulation—rather than real solutions—to distract from failures on crime, cost of living, and governance. 
 
 
 
Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8
 
 
 
For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/
 
 
 
Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: 
 
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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck
 
 
 
 

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Bonus - Daily Review with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton

1. Hostage Remains and Psychological Warfare
 
 • The podcast opens with a news story from the 
Jerusalem Post • about Hamas returning partial remains to Israel.
 • These remains were not from known hostages, which the speaker describes as a form of 
psychological torture • against Israeli families.
 • The Red Cross acted as an intermediary in the handover, but Hamas did not specify whose remains were being returned.
 
2. Personal Reflections and Pilgrimage
 
 • Ben then shares that this trip to Israel is a 
spiritual journey • , visiting sites related to Jesus and expressing feelings of safety and peace in Jerusalem.
 • Encourages others to visit Israel, stating it feels safe despite the conflict.
 
3. Rise of Antisemitism in the U.S.
 
 • A major theme is the 
alleged rise of antisemitism among American conservatives • .
 • Specific figures mentioned include 
Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Nick Fuentes • , accused of downplaying Israel’s importance as a U.S. ally.
 • The speaker references 
Senator Ted Cruz • , who warned of a “growing cancer” of antisemitism on the political right and urged Christian leaders to confront it.
 
4. Media Criticism
 
 • Ben criticizes mainstream media for allegedly portraying Israel as the aggressor and failing to tell the stories of Israeli victims and hostages.
 
5. Support for Donald Trump
 
 • Ben praises 
Donald Trump’s leadership • , particularly his role in the 
Abraham Accords • and efforts to secure the release of hostages.
 • Expresses gratitude from Israelis for Trump’s support and contrasts it with previous U.S. administrations.
 
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BONUS POD: Safe in the Holy Land-A Firsthand Look at Life in Jerusalem Today

1. Kennedy’s Humor and Persona (GRAB SEN KENNEDY'S NEW BOOK HERE!)

 
 • Kennedy is a "
Southern trial lawyer with a sharp wit" • , often underestimated due to his accent and folksy demeanor.
 • He’s known for 
devastating cross-examinations • of judicial nominees, both Democrat and Republican.
 • His humor is often biting and irreverent, with jokes about colleagues like Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and even Ted Cruz.
 
2. Behind-the-Scenes Senate Culture
 
 • Kennedy compares the Senate to 
junior high school • , full of cliques, egos, and petty drama.
 • He shares stories of interactions with nominees who failed basic constitutional knowledge.
 • The book aims to 
demystify the Senate • and show how disconnected Washington can be from everyday Americans.
 
3. Critique of Washington
 
 • Kennedy argues that 
Washington lacks common sense • , and that change is only possible by removing entrenched interests (“pigs out of the creek”).
 • He emphasizes the importance of 
storytelling in politics • , using humor to make serious points.
 
4. Praise and Promotion
 
 • Cruz and Ferguson praise Kennedy’s storytelling and comedic timing.
 • The book is a very 
giftable item • , especially for those with conservative leanings or frustrations with Washington.
 
Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe. 
 
http://www.backyardbutchers.com/Verdict
 
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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The Wit & Wisdom of Sen John Kennedy One-on-One

1. Criticism of Gavin Newsom
 
 • The hosts mock 
California Governor Gavin Newsom • for allegedly misrepresenting his upbringing as impoverished.
 • They highlight his privileged background, connections to the Getty family, and early business ventures.
 • Newsom is portrayed as part of a broader trend of wealthy leftists promoting socialism while living in luxury.
 
2. Democratic Party and Radicalism
 
 • The episode argues that the 
Democratic Party has shifted radically left • , embracing socialism and Marxism.
 • Figures like 
Comrade Mamdani • are cited as examples of extreme ideology within the party.
 • The hosts lament the lack of moderate Democrats willing to challenge the radical wing, referencing 
Bill Maher • as a rare voice of reason.
 
3. Bill Maher’s Commentary
 
 • Maher is quoted warning Democrats about the dangers of aligning with far-left candidates like Mamdani.
 • He calls for a “
Sister Souljah moment • ,” referencing Bill Clinton’s strategic distancing from radical elements during his campaign.
 
4. Human Rights in Nigeria
 
 • Senator Cruz discusses 
Christian persecution in Nigeria • , citing over 50,000 murders since 2009.
 • He criticizes the Nigerian government for corruption and complicity in violence.
 • Proposes sanctions and leveraging U.S. aid to pressure Nigeria into protecting human rights.
 
5. Recognition of Somaliland
 
 • The guest, born in Somalia, advocates for 
U.S. recognition of Somaliland • as an independent nation.
 • Somaliland is praised for its democratic governance, stability, and alignment with U.S. values.
 • The argument is framed as a strategic move to counter instability in the Horn of Africa.
 
6. Bill Gates and Climate Change
 
 • The hosts poke fun at 
Bill Gates • for allegedly reversing his stance on climate change alarmism.
 • Gates is quoted saying the “doomsday view” is wrong and that other global issues deserve more attention.
 • The episode criticizes climate policies, solar energy failures, and the hypocrisy of elites using private jets.
 
7. Fracking and U.S. Emissions
 
 • The hosts credit 
George Mitchell • , a Texas oilman, with pioneering fracking and reducing U.S. carbon emissions.
 • They argue that 
natural gas • has helped the U.S. lead in emission reductions, while 
China • remains the top polluter.
 
Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe. 
 
http://www.backyardbutchers.com/Verdict
 
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/
 
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The Rise of the Smiling Socialist Elites, Nigeria’s Silent Christian Crisis & Bill Gates from Alarmist to Realist Week In Review

In the historic 50th (!!!) episode of the show, Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles break down an even more historic occasion: peace in the Middle East. Why does the Israel-UAE-Bahrain deal matter, and what led to this momentous event? Your favorite podcasting pair has the answer. Plus, Senator Cruz recounts one very important cigar he shared with PM Netanyahu.

 

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Montecristos with Bibi (and Peace in the Middle East)

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