Podcast appearances and mentions of Ted Cruz

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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Adam Hamilton, the pastor and Democratic candidate challenging Sen. Roger Marshall, sits down with Dasha at a campaign office in Kansas to discuss why he thinks the race is competitive – and why he believes a moderate, bridge-building approach can win over voters in this deeply Republican state. Hamilton talks about the cost of fuel and tariffs, the war in Iran, his appeal to Republican voters and the role of faith in politics. He also responds to criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz over his theology, discusses whether Democrats can win over evangelical Christians and weighs in on whether President Donald Trump is a Christian. Check out our new POLITICO podcast “Decoded,” starting on Monday, October 5. It will be a daily brief on the people, power moves, policy battles and market shifts defining what's next in global technology. Subscribe here: https://pod.link/politicodispatch Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Wednesday September 30, 2026. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Bill explains why the socialist and communist movement is seizing control of urban cities. The latest on President Trump signing an executive order renaming artificial intelligence (AI) to super intelligence (SI). Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis designates more than 90 groups as terrorist organizations. What does this mean? Why does Jack Smith continue to say Trump committed crimes during his first term? A look at Ted Cruz's (R-TX) response during the Senate Judiciary hearing. Dr. Michael Schwartz, author and host of The Mike Schwartz Show, discusses the First Amendment's protection of the freedom to publish and report and the problems with the mainstream media. Final Thought: A sneak peek of Bill's "The Siege of London" special, airing Sunday night at 7 PM ET on NewsNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senator Ted Cruz joins Macrodosing to talk about the Protect College Sports Act and the future of college athletics. Plus, the guys get into Senator Eric Schmidt and the hawks vs hawkeyes debacle, the wild Air Dubai plane incident, an alleged hacker selling Auburn football information to other schools, Alix Earle admitting she's never read a book, Mike Tomlin's Minecraft game, and Manchester City's massive financial fraud case. Enjoy! (00:02:35) Senator Eric Schmidt (00:16:50) America.gov (00:27:19) AI Getting a New Name (00:36:44) DoorDash Air (00:41:54) PFT's Plane Corner (00:51:24) University of Auburn (01:01:54) Alix Earle Has Never Read a Book (01:06:06) Mike Tomlin (01:18:15) Chris Hansen (01:25:02) Manchester City (01:33:19) Ted Cruz Order Pardon My Cheesesteak on https://pardonmycheesesteak.com and use code AWL for free delivery. Start your free trial at https://SHOPIFY.COM/doseYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/macrodosing

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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Guys breaks down the midterm battlefield, from the biggest Senate, governor, and House races to polling and ad spending, while Sen. Ted Cruz joins the progrum to discuss his bipartisan college sports bill and new book on Justice Clarence Thomas. #RuthlessPodcast #Midterms #CollegeSports 0:00:00 Intro 0:04:29 What the Generic Ballot Says About the Midterms 0:10:18 The Senate Battleground Map Takes Shape 0:12:01 Kansas Senate Race Moves Into the Spotlight 0:14:25 Minnesota Senate Race Tightens 0:17:43 Ohio and Iowa Senate Polling Under the Microscope 0:22:07 Maine and Michigan Senate Races Heat Up 0:24:07 The Key Governor's Races to Watch 0:36:46 Critical House Races in New York and Pennsylvania 0:43:14 Republicans' Midterm Ad Spending Advantage 0:46:07 Adam Gray Faces Questions Over a California Infrastructure Deal 0:56:18 Ted Cruz on the Protect College Sports Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode: Jack Smith told the Senate Judiciary Committee Trump caused the violence on Jan. 6., it was foreseeable, and he sought to exploit it. Axios had Senator Schmitt on JD Vance's 2028 VP shortlist, then Schmitt humiliated himself. Schmitt then went on Turning Point USA and kept the story going. CNBC: Trump may have up to $1 billion in municipal bonds after Forbes put his wealth at $7 billion. ICE's quiet surge: 51,000 arrests in August. Supreme Court allows rapid third-country removals move forward. Key figures covered: Donald Trump, Jack Smith, Senator Eric Schmitt, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Lindsey Graham, Kristi Noem, Fani Willis, Merrick Garland, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez

The fallout continues as explosive claims reveal the full extent of weaponized government agencies spying on conservative figures, political donors, and regular Americans

Unsettling revelations continue to surface about the scope of government surveillance, political lists, and agency oversight

From stunning new economic metrics to intense political debates, we unpack everything you need to know today!

In this action-packed full-day roundup, we dive deep into the biggest national headlines, political scandals, and local breaking news!

Explosive developments pull back the curtain on weaponized government power, high-stakes political oversight, and the ongoing fight to protect citizen privacy

Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge host Derrick Morgan, Executive Vice President of The Heritage Foundation. The segment examines testimony by Special Counsel Jack Smith before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, analyzing lines of questioning by Senator Josh Hawley and Senator Ted Cruz concerning Department of Justice prosecutorial standards, sub-poenaed congressional communications, and federal oversight. Morgan evaluates state-level energy relief policies, discussing proposals to suspend motor fuel excise taxes, global petroleum refining capacity, and diesel fuel storage dynamics. The discussion concludes with an examination of educational policy and municipal licensing requirements affecting homeschooled emergency service applicants in Nebraska. LISTEN TO 97.1 FM TALK LIVE IN ST LOUIS OR STREAM WORLDWIDE AT 971TALK.COM Hashtags: #971FMTalk #StLouis #STLNews #DerrickMorgan #JackSmith #GasTax

The September 30, 2026 edition of The Marc Cox Morning Show opens with comprehensive coverage of U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing proceedings concerning Special Counsel Jack Smith. Hosts Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge examine questioning by U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, John Kennedy, and John Cornyn regarding federal special counsel oversight, subpoenaed congressional communications, and Department of Justice appointment timelines. The hosts review media coverage surrounding Senator Schmitt's examination of hearing transcript details. The broadcast introduces the station's official 2026 Missouri Voter Guide, available on 971talk.com. The guide provides structural analysis on statewide ballot measures, including Amendment 3, Amendment 6, Amendment 7, Amendment 8, and Proposition A. Bob Eno, Chairman of the St. Charles County Republican Central Committee, previews the committee's October 1, 2026 Get Out the Vote rally at Old Hickory Golf Club featuring guest speakers Jamie Reed and State Senator Nick Schroer. On Kim on a Whim (sponsored by Missouri Brush Control), the hosts analyze the launch of the federal America.gov digital portal and examine post-mistrial court motions in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy. The show details internal revenue updates regarding federal "Trump Accounts" savings auto-enrollment, electric grid capacity filings by Ameren Missouri, and the U.S. Navy's selection of Boeing St. Louis to build the sixth-generation F/A-XX carrier-based fighter aircraft. Derrick Morgan, Executive Vice President of The Heritage Foundation, evaluates state fuel tax suspensions and petroleum refining dynamics. Comedian and Fox News host Jimmy Failla and Fox Business Network co-anchor Taylor Riggs deliver commentary on national political media and macroeconomic indicators. In the final segment, Tom Shaw of the Tom Shaw Foundation, Curtis Barks of St. Charles County BackStoppers, and Chief Bob Rankosky preview the October 11, 2026 Freedom Walk for Charities in Defiance, Missouri. LISTEN TO 97.1 FM TALK LIVE IN ST LOUIS OR STREAM WORLDWIDE AT 971TALK.COM Hashtags: #971FMTalk #StLouis #STLNews #EricSchmitt #MissouriVoterGuide #TrumpAccounts #BoeingSTL #BackStoppers

Hour 2 opens with Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge evaluating internal revenue announcements regarding federal "Trump Accounts" savings programs, analyzing automatic enrollment protocols for newborn Social Security applicants, private philanthropic funding structures, and long-term financial literacy objectives. The segment reviews demographic birth rates alongside U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee questioning of Special Counsel Jack Smith by Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz. On the St. Louis Morning Brief, the hosts examine St. Louis County budget management options regarding municipal road maintenance transfers, St. Charles County revenue initiatives at the Family Arena, and legal developments involving a former Missouri Department of Transportation worker. The segment highlights defense manufacturing updates, reporting on the U.S. Navy's selection of Boeing St. Louis to develop the sixth-generation F/A-XX carrier-based fighter aircraft. Financial reporter Nicole Murray delivers market indicators, covering Panera Bread consumer litigation and clinical weight-loss data for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy oral treatment. The hour closes on In Other News (sponsored by Zerorez St. Louis) with reports on Toys "R" Us store expansion plans and morning dating trends. LISTEN TO 97.1 FM TALK LIVE IN ST LOUIS OR STREAM WORLDWIDE AT 971TALK.COM Hashtags: #971FMTalk #StLouis #STLNews #TrumpAccounts #BoeingSTL #ToysRUs

Chris and Sean are back in the Cave with five weeks to go before the Arizona election. They start with the governor's race and the arguments surrounding Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs on taxes, vetoes, affordability, and the direction of the state. Then the conversation jumps ahead to 2028. J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis, Ted Cruz, control of Congress, polling problems, and what Republicans should do if border enforcement finally opens the door to a serious immigration reform debate. They also play Marco Rubio's response to Iran at the United Nations before closing on a completely different note: U2 returning to Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin exactly 50 years after the band first came together. Chris and Sean talk about the surprise performance, U2's new music, and Dolly Parton's final recording. #KatieHobbs #AndyBiggs #MarcoRubio #U2 #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:Conservative Texas Senator, Ted Cruz.

Hour 1 Segment 1 Tony starts the first hour of the show talking about the 5 men that were arrested before engaging a plot to attack RAF Fairford in the U.K. were released on bail. Hour 1 Segment 2 Tony talks about Dennis Haskins of Saved by the Bell passing away at the age of 75. Hour 1 Segment 3 Tony talks about Ted Cruz going off on Jack Smith's testimony on the Democrat DOJ having spied on Republicans. Tony also talks about the latest midterm Senate race polls in Michigan. Hour 1 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the first hour of the show talking about how $521B are lost every year to fraud. Hour 2 Segment 1 Tony starts the second hour of the show talking about how the evil done by the COVID-19 experts cannot be undone. Hour 2 Segment 2 Tony talks about the rumors of Sydney Sweeney converting to Judaism for her fiancé Scooter Braun. Hour 2 Segment 3 Tony talks about the reasons why he’s not a liberal. Hour 2 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the second hour of the show talking about Adam Brody thinking Hollywood has grown more conservative. Hour 3 Segment 1 Tony starts the final hour of the show talking about President Donald Trump speaking on AI and America.gov. Hour 3 Segment 2 Tony talks about Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking on the seriousness of abortion. Hour 3 Segment 3 Tony talks more about Ted Cruz going off on Jack Smith's testimony on the Democrat DOJ having spied on Republicans. Hour 3 Segment 4 Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking more about the 5 men that were arrested before engaging a plot to attack RAF Fairford in the U.K. were released on bail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 Segment 1 Tony starts the first hour of the show talking about the 5 men that were arrested before engaging a plot to attack RAF Fairford in the U.K. were released on bail. Hour 1 Segment 2 Tony talks about Dennis Haskins of Saved by the Bell passing away at the age of 75. Hour 1 Segment 3 Tony talks about Ted Cruz going off on Jack Smith's testimony on the Democrat DOJ having spied on Republicans. Tony also talks about the latest midterm Senate race polls in Michigan. Hour 1 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the first hour of the show talking about how $521B are lost every year to fraud. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 Segment 1 Tony starts the final hour of the show talking about President Donald Trump speaking on AI and America.gov. Hour 3 Segment 2 Tony talks about Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking on the seriousness of abortion. Hour 3 Segment 3 Tony talks more about Ted Cruz going off on Jack Smith's testimony on the Democrat DOJ having spied on Republicans. Hour 3 Segment 4 Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking more about the 5 men that were arrested before engaging a plot to attack RAF Fairford in the U.K. were released on bail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29SEP26 | Cruz, Hasan & Clancy • Harvard DEI • Kamala's Word Salad • Pastor Calls God QueerHosts: Matt and OliviaSHOW NOTESTed Cruz questions Jack Smith, raising fresh arguments about the former special counsel's conduct and accountability.Cornell faces scrutiny over its defense of Hasan, while the Clancy case returns to the spotlight with a lawyer's outburst.The show examines Harvard's DEI pledge, Kamala Harris's latest word salad, and a pastor's claim that God is queer.The Don't Unfriend Me Show is a live conservative news and political commentary podcast hosted by Matt and Olivia Speer. Every weeknight, we break down the biggest stories in politics, government, culture, immigration, free speech, the economy, and current events with live audience interaction and open phone calls.Call in: (276) 200-2105Watch and support: thedumshow.com | linktapgo.com/thedumshowLIVE: Monday-Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern#TheDUMShow #DontUnfriendMe #Politics #CurrentEvents #ConservativeTalk #PoliticalCommentary #TedCruz #Harvard #KamalaHarrisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dum-show--6012883/support.

Election Day is just five weeks away and Republicans are hoping to keep control of the House through the end of President Trump's term. Such a case has not happened since 2002. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is trying to turn that around, by kicking off a 22-state blitz, where he plans to campaign in Democrat held districts. Johnson says he's confident that the trend of the Democratic Socialist of America backed candidates taking wins, will help boost their chances of keeping control of the House.President Trump announcing on Monday, that the largest steel mill in the U.S. will be opening in Iowa. There will be $15 billion in investments going into this mill and the White House is saying that this new project could create over 1,700 permanent jobs and 6,000 construction jobs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick doubling down on this newest investment, saying that it was only made possible by tariffs.The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act on Tuesday night, a sweeping bill that would establish nationwide rules for college athletics. The bill is sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, and would create a nationwide standard for name, image and likeness rules and exempt the NCAA from antitrust laws. It would allow athletes five seasons of eligibility within five years and limit them to one transfer during their college careers. President Trump says the Act will not only save college sports, but will save the colleges themselves.

The Senate passed Ted Cruz’s college sports bill last night, 77-22. It heads to the House after the election.Athletes can still get paid for their name and likeness. Schools would get a harder cap on what they can share. Kids would get one free transfer. The NCAA would get legal cover to enforce the rules. Cruz says college sports turned into the wild west and this puts one rulebook on it. Critics say Congress is doing what the courts would not let the NCAA do.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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MAGA, it would seem, is on the ropes. Things are looking dire. Tucker Carlson is appearing on NPR talking about removing Trump for threatening nuclear war, even though, you know, not long ago he was telling Ted Cruz that we should definitely nuke a country if they tried to assassinate our president. Here is Ben Shapiro:Marjorie Taylor Greene has learned the trick of the elite Left that you can be as rich as you want, live wherever you want, party all you want, marry and spend lavishly as long as you also hate on Trump and name-drop the “resistance.” Hey, it's nice work if you can get it.The idea is that Trump was supposed to rebuff Israel, ignore Iran's threats of building a nuke because of Israel, find pedophiles that do not exist in the Epstein Files buried because of Israel, and listen to Tucker Carlson for advice OR ELSE. But really, it's the Jews. It's always been the Jews. After ten years of Trump giving himself over to fight for representation of people who have been thrown away like human garbage by a country ruled by an aristocratic ideological utopian cult, after being the target of the worst attacks I've ever seen - his hair, his weight, his hands, his skin, his daughter, his sons, his wife, his walk, his clothes, what he says, what he does, where he goes, what he eats- here we are again: the walls are closing in, only this time the calls are coming from inside the house.How hard would it be, you know, just for old times' sake, to use your vote to prevent what is likely to be the Series Finale of the Trump Show? Him getting impeached a third time, maybe booted out of office this time. Sure, it would take a large majority of Senate Republicans, but by now, why wouldn't they go along with it? Then, he'd be prosecuted and frog-marched off in an orange jumpsuit as Jen Psaki and Kara Swisher throw a party at Rosie O'Donnell's house, livestreamed on The View.I mean, this is your future MAGA, should you choose to accept it:And for these folks, their dream is finally coming true. Their ten-year war is about to come to an end because Trump supporters are jumping ships like rats. But someone should tell them their future will look grim with Trump out of the way.Maybe they don't realize what's coming, how much worse it will be than either the country under Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Maybe they have no idea what's in store for them after the revolution. Maybe the revolutionaries somehow take X from Elon. Maybe they take control of AI and gain mind-control capabilities for generations to come. I know these people. They do it with a smile and the best intentions, but they want absolute power. They want their utopia back, and you are in the way. The biggest threat is what will happen to our freedom, something most are not even factoring into the equation, but I know because I come from the Left. In China, in Iran, in other countries run by dictators, everything seems to be going very well. People are smiling, going to work, living their lives and saying nothing. They stay silent because they know what will happen if they ever say what they really think. My daughter has grown up inside of a culture now that is ruled by the same kind of fear. She already knows that she can't say what she really thinks because everyone on the Left knows. They can't write books they want to write—they can't tell the truth—but they still have to smile and pretend everything is going great in utopia!They have scared an entire generation into compliance. And it's oh so much worse now that Sharia Law has entered the chat. Oh, I know we're not supposed to think of guys like Abdul El-Sayed and Zohran Mamdani as anti-American terrorists - that's racist! But the more I think about it, the more I think this alliance was inevitable: two strident fundamentalist ideologies that hate America's history and want to remake it from the ground up as something completely different, and they're prepared to use their army of fanatics and scolds to make everyone go along with it.The Left and their legacy media have spent ten years lying about Trump, saying fascism or authoritarianism was the threat. But it was never the Trump side that represented oppression and societal control. It's always been the Left. And now, it's gone to the next level. And the only one standing in their way, the Gray Champion of the Fourth Turning, the guy so many in MAGA have turned against, is The Donald. Perfect? No. Flawed, beyond. Messy — he makes it up as he goes along. Offends people casually. Can't be controlled, but this man is the one, the only one who was tough enough, rich enough, and determined enough to stand up to the most powerful political party in American history and beat them twice. He's not done smart things this time around. He's been too careless with his second win. He enriched himself and his family. He might have made a mistake trying to end the forever war with Iran. But on his worst day, he is still the one to lead us to a brighter future, away from totalitarianism, away from fanaticism, away from societal control. A Blue TsunamiThe conspiracy theories started instantly after Charlie's death. The Jews did it, the same people who are hidden in the Epstein Files - the Pizzagate of it all - the dangerous invisible menace that was choking the life out of all good things in America. Genocide and pedophiles, Epstein and Iran. And all of that came before they found their real weapon: affordability. Note the pivot by the Left away from “abolish ICE” and “Trans women are women” to kitchen table issues. Don't be fooled. It's just a new strategy to the same end goal. Affordability! That got MAGA's attention. Gas prices are high. Trump couldn't wave his magic wand and get rid of the inflation hangover from 2020. Tariffs were implemented to help Americans bring back manufacturing, but they seem to have had the opposite effect by making things cost more—or so they say. I haven't seen it myself. It just looks like politics as usual to me. Mark Halperin keeps suggesting a Blue Tsunami wipeout is coming in November. They could lose both the House and the Senate. And Texas.Cook Political Report has now predicted doom as well, and even Rasmussen is coming up blue. One of Trump's gifts has always been eternal optimism. They threw their whole arsenal at him, and he'd pop up cheerily, wave to the crowd with a thumbs up, and get one with it. Now, that might not work for the first time in ten years because his own side is going against him. Rick Wilson must be uncorking the champagne every night. Rachel Maddow is probably dancing naked under the full moon. Should this be the moment MAGA has had enough and turns on the only guy who saw them at all, let alone fought for them, people like this sad woman will finally have their dreams come true. Some people are still out there trying to hold the line, but it seems nearly impossible now. How to Stop the Islamo-Commie TakeoverFor ten years, the Democrats never figured out that the only way to stop Trump was to offer the people something better. Fear can only take you so far. The GOP can't sell fear alone because most Americans don't understand an existential threat like Communism fused with Islam. In 1932, Herbert Hoover was painted as out of touch, with “rugged individualism” not matching the suffering of America's underclass hit hard by the Great Depression. FDR won in a landslide and served for four terms, through World War II.So how bad will it get if the Democrats win? Will they keep Trump or persecute him for the next two years? Will they impeach all of his Cabinet members? Try them for war crimes? Trump was the MoonshotIn 2020, nothing in my life made sense anymore. The media I trusted were lying. The friends I had were too scared to speak out, and mobs were coming for me on almost a daily basis. I was alone. My daughter was away. All I could see coming off of my social media was hate. The most overwhelming and ugly hate I'd ever seen in my life, all aimed at one man and his supporters.I don't know exactly what happened to me, but something did. I pulled back. I knew I could not live that way anymore. I decided to find out for myself who Trump really was, who his supporters were, and what this MAGA movement was really about. What I found was a guy who had fame, wealth, and power who had dropped into a story where he was cast as the unlikely hero, the guy who would represent forgotten Americans. If Obama represented the New America built mostly online - where geography did not matter as much as ideology- then Trump represented the other America - out there in the real world. I saw this America when I drove across the country. There it was. The churches, the towns. The highways. The tire shops. The parks. The World War II memorials. It was an America those of us living our lives virtually didn't think much about, but Trump reached them as they reached out to him.The side with all of the power wanted their complete destruction. They were called racists, bigots, transphobes, extremists, fascists, Nazis, Christian Nationalists. None of it worked because they had the truth on their side, and they had Trump, and he was indestructible. Trump did big things: kept his promises on the border, transgender ideology foisted upon children, and protecting women in sports. Perfect, no, but he gave us a chance at a better future. He wanted to move mountains, build ballrooms, and end wars. He took on crime directly and changed things. But of course, it wasn't enough because it's never enough for the permanently aggrieved. Trump was never going to be destroyed by the Left. They tried and failed. Ah, but if he's destroyed from within, that's the best way to bring down the hero. Such a lowly finale, isn't it, for such a mighty warrior as Trump, who dodged bullets and came back to win a second time, handing his supporters more power than they've ever had or will ever have.It's hard for me to watch them give it all up after Trump gave so much. It's hard for me to watch them leap off the cliff to their own demise, like lemmings. No future is written for them in this story except to paint them as the rioters at the Capitol who almost overthrew the United States. As for me, well, I learned my lesson in 2016. I won't be wasting much of my time trying to save people who don't want to be saved. I'll just have to stand back and watch in horror as they learn their lesson the hard way.Either way, I will hold out hope for the decent Americans I know who are ride-or-die MAGA and who stood with Trump even when they were freezing to death, even in the midst of a shooting, and in the rain, watching the water come down in sheets, refusing to move, refusing to find shelter from the storm, and hanging on every word. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping, the strategic competition between the United States and China, the race for AI supremacy, China’s role in supporting Iran, and efforts to secure the release of dissidents and prisoners held by authoritarian regimes. They also discuss recent political controversies involving progressive activists and Democratic candidates, along with a closely watched Senate race in Texas. President Trump’s high-profile meeting and state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping put the U.S.-China rivalry at the center of the global conversation. With leading American CEOs in attendance and artificial intelligence emerging as a defining strategic battleground, the discussion focused on far more than diplomacy. The stakes include economic leadership, technological dominance, supply chain security, and the future values that shape AI around the world. At the same time, concerns over China’s relationship with Iran, the status of political dissidents, and ongoing geopolitical competition added another layer of urgency to the talks. Senator Ted Cruz argues that the challenge posed by China is the most significant long-term geopolitical issue facing the United States and discusses why he believes American leadership is critical in the decades ahead. Topics Covered: President Trump’s meeting and state dinner with Xi Jinping The U.S.-China competition over artificial intelligence and technology China’s economic, military, and geopolitical ambitions China’s support for Iran and the impact of Iranian oil exports The cases of Jimmy Lai and other political dissidents imprisoned by authoritarian governments Political debates surrounding Hasan Piker, Abdul El-Sayed, and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico 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.

Trump and the World Cup, Iran War Blowing up F1, Congress vs Football. Plus: Why AI can't solve chess. Ranch dressing diplomacy. Sports may be the last thing left in American life that everyone watches at the same time. Eight of the top 10 live broadcasts last year were the NFL. That kind of reach is why politicians, presidents, luxury conglomerates, and the MAGA machine have all decided the field is the new front line — and why what happens there increasingly refuses to stay there. Wall Street Journal sports editor Joshua Robinson joins Paul from Montreal, where he's covering the World Road Cycling Championships, to unpack a moment when the White House is reaching down into games, rosters, and referee decisions in ways that used to be unthinkable. They dig into the World Cup — a genuine win for American hospitality that got contaminated the moment Trump inserted himself into the Balogun affair — Ted Cruz getting booed off College GameDay, the Ben Sasse argument that America needs football to build tough men, and the widening gap between SEC business and Ivy League purity. Joshua also breaks down F1 losing races to the Iran war, AI relearning chess from first principles, and why the smartest quarterbacks in the country are still getting up at 5:30 to lift at Columbia and Amherst. Then Paul and Joshua run the Friday Football board: Arch Manning in Knoxville with Trump watching, Georgia thumping Oklahoma, the Rams as the smartest team in football, and whether Jameis Winston can be trusted with anything. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Millions of American veterans are being locked out of primary elections in the country they served. See what we're doing to change that. -Visit Kalshi and trade on anything. Use code INDEPENDENT to get $25 when you trade $25. -Head to cozyearth.com and use the code AMERICANS for an exclusive 20% off. -Join Noble Mobile today and get a $100 bonus when you use code PAUL and stay a member for 2 months! -Join IVA and help us get independent veterans elected to office. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, Hightower had the absolute pleasure of appearing on Tavis Smiley's live radio talk show—a lot of great laughs, and a lot of good ground covered! From the Texas races, to America at 250, to the idea that fundamental fairness is a sense all humans share, Tavis and Hightower went deep. Tavis and his team have given us permission to share it with you here, and we're so grateful—he's also just started his own Substack newsletter, and we encourage you to subscribe to one of the greats of American media at tavissmiley.substack.com. You can also listen live on KBLA 1580 daily, and subscribe to his podcast. —dzTranscriptEdited lightly for clarityPart 1Tavis Smiley: Tavis Smiley, glad you're with us in the second hour of our program here today.Yesterday, we stepped into what I call the Elders' Skybox to talk to Dr. Johnette Cole. She was absolutely amazing yesterday. If you missed that conversation with Johnnetta Cole yesterday, I encourage you to check out the podcast, now posted. She, of course, is the legendary, the iconic, first African American woman to be president of Spelman. But she's covered so much ground in her amazing career, and she joined us yesterday on the show. And Johnnetta Cole still got it. I mean, she was just blazing yesterday. So if you missed the conversation with Johnnetta Cole yesterday, I encourage you, you will not be disappointed. Check out the podcast, now up, of our dialogue with Dr. Cole yesterday.So we stepped into the Elders Skybox again today to talk to our friend and brother Jim Hightower, the legendary talk show host down in Texas. I quote him oftentimes. When you hear me say that the only thing you find in the middle of the road is a dead armadillo, that was Jim Hightower years ago, and I've never forgotten that line from all those years ago. You can't be middle of the road. We were just talking about that in our hour with Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead about Hakeem Jeffries and some of these Democrats who, on a number of issues, still want to occupy the center, the middle of the road. That is not where one needs to be, especially right about now. Pick a side. Pick a side is my point. And that was Jim Hightower's advice many, many years ago. I never forgot when he said it, and I've held on to it all these years.I invited him on today to talk about this hot Texas Senate race, but more broadly to get his take, as a longtime progressive, on the march that we are witnessing in real time by these progressives after decades of being in the wilderness. With all that said, I'm honored to welcome Jim Hightower to this program. Jim, how are you, sir?Jim Hightower: I'm doing great, Tavis, and all the greater because I get to visit with you.Tavis Smiley: It's my honor to have you on this program. Thank you for those kind words. I meant what I said earlier about having listened to you. I'm at that age now. I just turned 62 a couple of days ago, and I've been at this, what, 35 years. My mom teases me about it, but people come on the show all the time: “Mr. Smiley, I grew up listening to you, I grew up watching you.” So I'm at that age now where I'm getting that. And this is funny, because I can say that to Jim Hightower now. I grew up listening to him and watching him, and so I'm thrilled to have him on this program.Let me just start with this, broadly speaking. I've asked this question of other guests. I've got two minutes now, we've got the rest of the hour when we come forward, but in these first two minutes, I'm asking you the same question I've asked of others. We are inside that eight-week sprint from Labor Day to Election Day. How are you feeling?Jim Hightower: I am feeling more upbeat than I have been in years about Texas politics. Our party has finally come alive down here, as you just indicated. We've had too many corporate centrists trying to dominate our party, thinking we can fool the people if we just tiptoe around our progressivism, rather than recognizing that people themselves are progressive. And if we talk to them in that kind of language, they might respond to us in a more favorable way than they have in the past, or respond at all.I would point out, first of all, Tavis, that Texas is not a right-wing state. It is not a Republican state. It is a non-voting state. And it has not been voting because the Democratic Party, my party, has been over in the ditch somewhere, trying not to be discovered, rather than recognizing that most people are quite progressive. I think of it in terms of my own father, who kept up with politics, but he was not political, particularly. He didn't know he had a political philosophy, but he did, and it was expressed to me many times in these words. He said, “Jim, everybody does better when everybody does better.” And that is what the Democratic Party is supposed to represent.And so that spirit is coming back within the Democratic Party. We have it with James Talarico running for Senate, Gina Hinojosa running for governor, but also let us not forget those down-ballot candidates, who can make such a difference in a campaign. I've been one of those myself, so I can attest to it. And we have a terrific lineup this year, including Clayton Tucker running for agriculture commissioner, a position that most people wouldn't pay a whole lot of attention to until you realize, wait a minute, if you eat, you are involved in agriculture. And we need to make that political as well as edible.Tavis Smiley: Love it. He's already on a roll. That is the Jim Hightower that I grew up listening to. He's wise, he drops these one-liners; as we say these days, he's dropping bars. I love his father's edict that everybody does better when everybody does better. It's so simple. But I want to give him some time to unpack this. I want to interrogate this notion that people themselves are progressive. People themselves are progressive. That line resonated with me; I suspect it did with you as well. I'll let him unpack that and a great deal more. I'm glad to have Jim Hightower for the hour on Tavis Smiley.Tavis Smiley, and longtime progressive activist, legendary talk show host, bestselling author Jim Hightower. So we've stepped into the Elders Skybox to tap into his wisdom in this hour as we are hurtling inexorably toward Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd. Wanted to check in with him on some national issues, but certainly everybody's watching this Senate race in Texas. I talk to my friends down there all the time, and they are so excited about turning Texas blue. You heard Jim Hightower say a moment ago that Texas is not a Republican state, it's not a red state, it's a non-voting state. I'll let him unpack that as we move through this hour.But just some quick updates here. So you saw the Republican convention, that two-day farce they had down in Texas not long ago. Since that convention, a new poll has come out about the race in Texas. Interestingly, the survey happened on September 13th. That was Sunday, my birthday. And it's good news for James Talarico. The latest poll, this is the SoCal Strategies poll, shows Talarico leading Paxton 50 percent to 45 percent. It's a five-point margin. There had been a two-point lead by Paxton over Talarico. It's fascinating. So before the convention, Paxton was leading Talarico by two points in Texas. Post the convention, it flips. Talarico is now leading Paxton by five points. Not sure what Ken Paxton did or said at that convention that made these numbers flip. Obviously it's very, very tight, and these polls are snapshots in time. We still have weeks to go before Election Day. We'll let Jim Hightower unpack a bit more about the tightness of this race in Texas in this hour.But I want to start right now, Jim, where we left off moments ago, and that is with your suggestion that people are themselves a great deal more progressive than we acknowledge or give them credit for. We've got time. Unpack that for me.Jim Hightower: Well, just go back to your childhood. The very first political expression of a child, maybe at two years old, is “That's not fair.” That is a powerful political sentiment, and it's within all of us. And that's what we're seeing today. The unfairness of the billionaires with their data centers invading our communities. The unfairness of the destruction of voting rights, period. Not just the Voting Rights Act, but voting rights. The unfairness of economic plutocracy, really, and just a general unfairness that pervades our society, including the election itself.The idea that money can control. That happened to Texas, just as it did nationally, in the 1980s, when Tony Coelho, a member of Congress from California, decided that the Democrats didn't need to have all this grassroots stuff. We could just get money from rich people and throw it at television ads, and then we could compete with the Republicans. And the powers that be in the Democratic Party here in Texas agreed with that. So they began to shift away from what Ann Richards and myself and Jim Mattox and Garry Mauro and other good, solid Democrats were winning elections with: a focus on the grassroots people of our state. That got abandoned. Instead they turned to money.And when you turn to money, I can tell you, if you get a corporate check, written on the back of it is the corporate agenda. And they're going to cash that check, not you. That is what happened to Texas. The Democrats quit being Democrats because, well, we don't want to upset those money people, so we'll just tone down our message. And by toning down the message, we tone down our public support, our people's support. If we weren't standing for them, why would they stand for us? And so that's what happened. Our solid Democratic constituencies, which were farmers, working-class folks, teachers, environmentalists, didn't hear themselves in the Democratic message. So they quit voting. It's not that they turned Republican.We consistently had among the top one or two worst voting records in the country in the state of Texas. We have the lowest turnout in our country. Ken Paxton, you just mentioned, is now running for the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket. Paxton got 68 percent of the Republican primary election that made him their nominee. Sixty-eight percent, boy, that sounds good. He must be very popular, until you realize that is 3.4 percent of the voters of Texas. That's who nominated him. That's his basic support: 3.4 percent. Can we not get 3.5 percent? Well, maybe if we began to organize and mobilize and strategize and do something a little stronger than we had been doing.And that's the good news in Texas. That's what has changed this election cycle over previous ones: our Democratic Party, with a new party chair, and a dynamic bunch of candidates running for statewide office and local office as well. We used to have 50 counties in our state that had no Democratic Party chair, much less a Democratic committee. We had state legislative district after district that had no Democratic contender in it. So we weren't even running. But this year we do. We have candidates, good candidates, in all of those districts. We have vibrant party building in every county in the state. You have to have the infrastructure. It's not just handsome candidates like myself, or smart and sassy people, that make the difference. It is grassroots, fundamentally. And if you abandon the grassroots, then there's no one to appeal to.Part 2Tavis Smiley: Let me ask you this. You said a few things, and I want to go back to them right quick. You're on a roll, and that's what he does every day, and I love it. I just have to keep up with him. Let me start with the money. No naiveté here, but my sense is, even though we've seen efforts, I think of McCain-Feingold, other efforts we've seen over the years, my sense is that at this point that horse has left the barn, and I can't imagine how we get money out of our politics. Citizens United, I can do this all day long, as you could, Jim Hightower. But that trade-off that Democrats made to get access to that money, there's no 180 on this. I mean, the Democratic Party is so broke now, as you know. The national Democratic Party is so broke, they've been borrowing money. So even though your indictment about the money in our politics is spot on, can you imagine any way to get money out of our politics at this point?Jim Hightower: Yes, I can, which is to go to the people with it. It is the most popular polling issue in America and has been for some time: getting corporate money out of politics. It's up at the 90 percent level, including something like 75 percent of Republicans who want to get this corporate money out of our system. So we have the base of support, but we have to have a politics that goes out there and collects that base. And that means running on it again. Our party nationally has quit running on that issue. So we've abandoned one of the very best issues we have, an issue of abject plutocracy over democracy, money over people.And that is what's beginning to change. That's why Talarico is up there, running as our Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. He has raised a ton of money, outraised Paxton himself, because he's getting small-dollar donations from people who are mad as hell about money in politics and how government serves money, not people. And again, Clayton Tucker, running for agriculture commissioner, has a theme that says to beat money power, you have to have people power. You have to organize people against organized money. That is a winning topic, and candidate after candidate around the country this time are beginning to grasp that and make hay with it.Tavis Smiley: Let me ask you this. The other thing you said, I want to come back to it. You're saying so much that's just jumping out at me. I want to come back to this notion of fundamental fairness. I find myself time and time again over the course of my career, Jim, on any number of issues, making the point that it's ultimately about fundamental fairness. Pick the issue, and my moral stance on so many of these issues is that it's ultimately about what I term fundamental fairness.And I loved your suggestion that one of the first things that comes out of our mouths as kids... I don't know where we get this, but when you said it, I smiled. I'm sure every parent listening to this program right now smiled. We've all heard kids say, “That's not fair. That's not fair.” I don't even know where that comes from, but we've all heard babies say that line. So I'm glad you used that.I'm wondering whether or not, in this moment, you believe that everyday people in this country care about fundamental fairness. And before you answer, here's my point. I think that we've become more nativist for a lot of reasons. People are turning inward, they're lashing outward. I'm not sure that we actually believe in meritocracy anymore. We see Donald Trump and the big grift. We see him not playing the game by any set of rules that speaks to any kind of fairness. We see the Supreme Court putting its thumb on the scale in favor of Donald Trump too often. We see a Congress that's doing nothing; they're letting Donald Trump run roughshod. In the legislative branch, the executive branch, or the judicial branch, I don't see any semblance of fairness. Tell me whether or not you believe that everyday people in this nation still believe in the notion. Never mind what we say as a two-year-old: as adults, do we believe in fundamental fairness?Jim Hightower: Yes, we do. And in every case that you mentioned there, Trump being a sleaze, Congress not taking any action, the Supreme Court being a corporate subsidiary, et cetera, their popularity has declined in direct proportion to their abandonment of those values of fairness. That still is within the people. We don't appeal to it. For the most part, we've not had a politics nationwide that appeals to that fairness issue. But again, I think it is so fundamental that it is the core of reestablishing a people's democracy in our country: just to focus on that fundamental issue of fairness.You know, again, back to my upbringing in the little town of Denison, Texas. My parents taught egalitarianism. They didn't know what that word was. Probably couldn't spell it, you know. But they understood it. What they said to me was, “Nobody is better than you, and you're not any better than anybody else.” Again, those are powerful moral sentiments that are deeply imbued, I think, in the human experience.And you see it as people rebel against the privatization of our schools, as people rebel against the monopolization of our food economy, our energy economy, any basic economy you want to talk about, controlled by a handful of billionaires. You see it in the public disgust with Elon Musk and Peter Thiel and Jeff Bezos and these sorts of billionaires who seem to think that because they've got money, they've got brains, and they can just run things. But you can't run over the American people. You know, Lincoln said it: you can fool some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time. And I think those people are on the move.And again, if we have a politics that appeals to “we're going to be a unified country that believes in egalitarianism, that believes in fairness, that believes in economic justice, social justice,” then people will respond. They won't respond to those words, but they will respond to the reality that you put forward. Here's what we mean by that.Part 3Tavis Smiley: I hear it, I hear it. Jim Hightower, still on fire all these decades later. As I said earlier, in case you've just tuned in, people tell me all the time, “I grew up listening to you, I grew up watching you,” and I can say that about Jim Hightower, and now you see where I got it from. So much of the way I approach these issues I learned from Jim Hightower. He just speaks plain. I call it KISS MIP: keep it simple, make it plain. KISS MIP, keep it simple, make it plain. I love his parents' edict that everybody does better when everybody does better. There's a reason why he is the legendary Jim Hightower. You see why I want him on this program. I hope when I achieve his age, my mind is still as sharp as his and still on point the way his is. I am honored to have another half hour with Jim Hightower when we come forward on Tavis Smiley.I just saw the numbers. People are signing up by the hundreds to join us on Saturday, October 3rd. I'm inviting you once again, right now: mark your calendar. This is history in the making, the California Voices Town Hall and Ballot Forum, live from L.A., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All the candidates are showing up, and you should too. The event is free, but you must register. Go to KBLA1580.com right now and get your seat. California Voices, Saturday, October 3rd. Come be a part of history, brought to you by KBLA Talk 1580 and the Community Voter Education Project.And this is what I call wisdom speaking. Wisdom speaking. I am honored to be in conversation with the legendary, the iconic talk show host Jim Hightower, New York Times bestselling author, syndicated columnist, who has his own Substack called the Hightower Lowdown that I encourage you to sign up for: the Hightower Lowdown on Substack, by Jim Hightower. He's still dropping bars as often as he can. And again, I'm just thrilled to have him on this program for the hour. In case you missed the first half hour, you missed a good one. I love this homespun wisdom that he's sharing with us. There are thankfully a few more minutes to go in this dialogue, but check out the podcast of the entire conversation, posted later this evening, if you missed any of the brilliance of Jim Hightower in this first half hour.I want to play a clip for you. Jim and I were talking a little bit ago about the Republican convention, the midterm convention, the first time in 50-plus years that somebody did one of these in the midterms. And it was in Texas, of course, in Dallas. James Talarico is running for Senate in Texas as a Democrat against Ken Paxton. He didn't go to the convention, but post the convention, Talarico got a bump. Typically the guy featured at the convention gets a bump. Didn't work that way. Paxton did not get a bump. Post the convention, the poll indicates that Talarico is now leading Paxton in Texas by five points.If you were listening earlier, you heard Jim Hightower say that Texas is not a red state, not a Republican state, it's a non-voting state. And when you break down the numbers, as he did so brilliantly earlier, you'll see that Texas really is a non-voting state. I was thinking, when Jim was making that point, that if we did the data on every state, we may find out that most of these 50 states are not blue or red. They're all non-voting states. It ain't just Texas. I think Jim is on to something. We should stop this red and blue nonsense, even the purple nonsense, and just call them non-voting states. Jim Hightower once again is giving us something to think about.But Talarico gets a bump out of their convention. He goes up. He's up by five points right now. So all of my friends in Texas are excited about the chance for Texas to turn blue this time around. We will see if Talarico can pull that off.But back to that convention. I want you to listen very carefully. I'm just setting this up now. There was a heckler at this convention when Ted Cruz was speaking. And maybe heckler is the wrong word, because in the Black church we say you've got your amen corner. So I'm not sure he's a heckler as much as he is an amen corner for Ted Cruz, who did nothing to chin-check this guy, to stop this guy from what he was saying repeatedly while Ted Cruz was speaking. Cruz heard it loud and clear. You can hear it on the tape. And at no point did Ted Cruz stop to correct him. But listen to Ted Cruz, and just listen very carefully. You're going to hear it two or three times; see if you can't pick it out for yourself. Give it to me, Miles.Ted Cruz (audio clip): When Mamdani says he wants to seize the means of production, he means it. When Abdul El-Sayed says he has a quote “obligation to comply with Sharia law,” he means it. And when James Talarico says he wants to dismantle capitalism, he means it.Tavis Smiley: Have Miles play it one more time. I want you to hear it now. I'll tell you exactly what you should have heard. Every time he calls out the name of Mamdani, then Abdul El-Sayed, then James Talarico, there's a guy standing not too far from Ted Cruz who yells out, “He should be shot.” Mamdani: “He should be shot.” Abdul El-Sayed: “He should be shot.” James Talarico: “He should be shot.” Now listen again; see if you hear it.Ted Cruz (audio clip, replayed): When Mamdani says he wants to seize the means of production, he means it. When Abdul El-Sayed says he has a quote “obligation to comply with Sharia law,” he means it. And when James Talarico says he wants to dismantle capitalism, he means it.Tavis Smiley: Going back, Jim Hightower, to all of the pronouncements made after the death, the murder, of Charlie Kirk, and now on national television, at a Republican convention, you have someone yelling three times, no less, “He should be shot, he should be shot, he should be shot,” and ain't nobody said nothing about it, Jim Hightower.Jim Hightower: Yes, the silence is the evil. And that's all about Trump. You know, almost no Republican will stand up and say Trump is just full of it. He is espousing hatred, he is espousing misogyny, he is espousing racism, he's espousing xenophobia. He's espousing everything that America is against. Everything America stands for is being rejected by Ted Cruz and Ken Paxton and Donald Trump, et cetera. You know, I heard on TV recently, Tavis, some Republican saying about Ted Cruz, “Well, you know, sometimes Ted is his own worst enemy.” And I said, “Not while I'm alive, he's not.”We have to take on these people. We progressives can't just say, “Well, they're just talking.” No, they're not. They're spewing a doctrine of hatred and of violence, really, as you just portrayed in that amazing work of audio technology that you pulled off. It's very, very telling. And again, you know, I keep coming back to the positive side of it. That is not America. That's what gets portrayed most, but that is not who we are.Part 4Tavis Smiley: Not who we are. You see why I love Jim Hightower. I mean, he said Ted's his own worst enemy? Not as long as I'm living. I love, love, love Jim Hightower. All right, and that's why I invited him on this program for an hour. Let me circle back, Jim, to something else you said earlier, and actually I opined on it myself. I thought about what you said during the break. Based on your analysis and based on your framing, Texas ain't the only non-voting state. So why are we stuck on this red, blue, sometimes purple narrative when the truth is that all of these states are non-voting states?Jim Hightower: Yes. Well, the media, the political consultants, they're the ones who drew this red-blue color map on us. And it is not true. It has never been true. I've got a great story from my campaigning days of going into an area with people who are supposedly right-wing, and being able to talk to them. And we have candidates today doing that. Talarico is doing it, Clayton Tucker is doing it, Gina Hinojosa is doing it: going into areas where people have been told, “You're right-wing,” and they're saying, “Wait a minute, we like what this person is saying. Can't we talk about that?” And so we just have to keep saying it. But that requires, Tavis, that we go back to grassroots people politics again, to where we're talking to the people, not talking through consultants and PR people.You know, I'll tell you, today I'm sitting in my kitchen in Austin, Texas. But I live on the south side of Austin, and we're a little more irreverent over here. We're just a little more spunky. In fact, our slogan over here is “We're all here because we're not all there.”Tavis Smiley: I love Austin, and I'm glad to know that you are in that part of town. As a matter of fact, Austin's my favorite city in Texas. I didn't realize that until 25, 30 years ago, when I started going to the Texas Book Festival, one of the best book festivals in the country. I've been honored to be invited to speak there a number of times over the course of the 24 or 25 books I've written. I've been going to the Texas Book Festival for years. It's in Austin, the state capital. And I remember the first time I went there, I wanted to know where Barbara Jordan sat. That's what I wanted to know. In what seat did Barbara Jordan sit, before she went to Congress, of course? I wanted to find that out. But I've been to Austin a number of times over the years, and I like Austin. It's my favorite city in Texas. I didn't know that's where Jim was today, but I'm glad to know he's there.When we come forward... We've been talking about Texas, and of course a lot of national issues, and I don't want to color this any more than this. I want to give Jim all the canvas he needs to paint. I am curious, given all the years he's been out here espousing these progressive POVs, these progressive points of view, what he makes of the march that progressives are on right now across the country. Call them progressives, call them DSA. What does Jim Hightower think of this march by progressives right about now? And I'm also curious to get his take more broadly on how he sees America at 250. He's been on the front lines as a progressive fighter for a long time, but here we are, 250 years in. What does Jim Hightower make of this moment in this republic? You're listening to Tavis Smiley.Tavis Smiley, with Jim Hightower. Jim Hightower, you've been out here a long time on the front lines of this fight as an unapologetic progressive. What's your read of, as I would term it, this progressive march literally all across the country?Jim Hightower: Well, it is the most encouraging thing I've seen in a long, long time. And it is happening for real reasons, because the powers that be are running roughshod over the powers that ought to be. And people are catching on to that. So they're beginning to rebel, and not just liberals, and not just progressives or populists like me, but everyday working people are saying, as we started our conversation, Tavis, “That's not fair. This ain't right. This is not America.”And so we've been battling for years. We win fights. Again, you know, I was elected in the 1980s, two terms as Texas agriculture commissioner, elected with Ann Richards running for treasurer, Mattox running for attorney general, Garry Mauro running for land commissioner. We ran a unified campaign, because we could then go to people and say, “It's not just about electing poor old Hightower here. It's about electing a government. We can make change.” And that is what's missing in our politics: people believing that change can actually happen. Because, as you indicated so rightly early on, Congress doesn't do anything, the Supreme Court just follows the corporate agenda, and the White House, of course, is the mess that it's in.So we have to have results coming from our work. And that means a long-term view of politics. You know, I ran for office the first time and I lost. I came very close, but I lost. But I was able to turn it around, because even a losing campaign creates energy. It creates new people. It creates talent. And you can apply that to the next campaign, not just for one individual, but for many, many others. As Willie Nelson put it to me once, he said, “Hightower, the early bird might get the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese.”Tavis Smiley: You can't fade Jim Hightower. You cannot fade Jim Hightower, coming with wisdom of his own, wisdom from his parents, wisdom from Willie Nelson. Love me some Jim Hightower. We'll close this conversation when we come forward with his thoughts on America at 250. You're listening to Tavis Smiley.I've got three minutes left in this hour, which I have enjoyed immensely, stepping into the Elders Skybox. Again, yesterday Johnnetta Cole was here, former president of Spelman. Check out the podcast if you missed that brilliant conversation. And if you missed any of this dialogue with Jim Hightower, there's so much richness in this thing, man. You'll want to hear it again if you heard it once. And if you didn't hear it, check out the podcast, posted tonight. You will not be disappointed in this conversation with Jim Hightower. As they say in Washington, I want to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas. I've got three minutes left. It's all yours, Jim Hightower. Three minutes. Talk to me about America at 250 as you see it, my friend.Jim Hightower: I think America is healthy in a fundamental way. It's very active right now. You know, there are all kinds of great groups out there making fundamental changes, groups that are progressive and inclusive. And all the bad words we're not supposed to say, again: diversity and equity. I mean, what's wrong with diversity? What's wrong with equity? What are they talking about? And I think more and more people are asking that. And we need to have a constant politics that asks that question. Why should we be afraid of diversity? Unless you're a Native American, you are an immigrant. Stop pretending.And I'm talking to our people now, our progressive people. Stop thinking that it's dangerous to say this stuff. It's not dangerous. People want to hear it, and they will be better for hearing it. You'll get called an agitator. Our wonderful friend and mentor Jesse Jackson spoke brilliantly about being an agitator. You know, after all, it was agitators that built America: Thomas Paine, Shays' Rebellion, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, the populists, right on through. And Jesse put it like this. He said the agitator is the center post in the washing machine that gets the dirt out. We need a lot more of that. We need a lot more of that. And people are ready for it.And I would add just another Jesse Jackson moment, which, again, he did brilliantly. He said, “We might not all have come over on the same boat, but we're in the same boat now.” And that is a powerful political reality. So he was able to rally farmers, and I was with him at some of those events in his presidential campaign, and in his Rainbow Coalition and the other coalitions related to the Rainbow Coalition. They all built together. Jesse Jackson had an intentional program to create a little-d democratic, diverse populist movement based on equality for all. Those are old-time American themes. And we have fought for them, and we have won again and again. Let us not forget that we have won this battle before. It's in front of us, but we've got to do it again.Tavis Smiley: There you go, Jim. We say around here all the time, when we fight, we win. When we fight, we win, and you can't win it if you ain't in it. America needs more of Jim Hightower. I declare it. I knew I hadn't talked to Jim in a long time. I knew it'd be a great hour. I didn't know how great it would actually be, but he still got it. And I am pleased that he put me on his schedule for a full hour today. How blessed are we to have heard the insights of this longtime, unapologetic progressive, Jim Hightower, who's feeling himself these days, and I ain't mad at him, about this march that progressives are on. And I close with what his parents said to him many, many years ago: everybody does better when everybody does better. Jim Hightower, thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend.Jim Hightower: Thank you, Tavis.Tavis Smiley: Good to have you on. More of Tavis Smiley when we come forward.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine Kamala Harris’s appearance alongside Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, including remarks on DEI and maternal health that sparked controversy. They also discuss El-Sayed’s past involvement with the “uncommitted” movement during the 2024 election cycle and what that may signal about the direction of the Democratic Party. The conversation then shifts to a broader debate over socialism on the political right, with Cruz explaining why he believes conservative voters should reject policies that mirror the economic approach of the left. Finally, the hosts break down a widely discussed essay from Nikole Hannah-Jones, who reflected on her decision to keep her daughter in a struggling public school and the regrets that followed, leading to a larger discussion about school choice and educational opportunity. A campaign stop featuring Kamala Harris and Abdul El-Sayed reignites debate over DEI, identity politics, and the language shaping today’s political discourse. At the same time, a prominent voice behind the 1619 Project publishes a deeply personal reflection on public education that raises new questions about school choice and educational outcomes. Topics Covered: Kamala Harris and Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan appearance and the controversy surrounding “birthing people” language DEI initiatives, maternal health, and the political messaging debate El-Sayed’s ties to the 2024 “uncommitted” movement and Democratic Party divisions Ted Cruz’s critique of socialism and the rise of “woke right” economic populism Nikole Hannah-Jones’ essay on public schools, educational inequality, and parental regret School choice, education reform, and the debate over improving student outcomes 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.

Dave Smith brings you the latest in politics! On this episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave and Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein discuss Trump's address to the UN, Ted Cruz and J.D. Vance's efforts to gather support before the midterms, and more.Support Our Sponsors:Undrdog - Our listeners get up to 30% off their entire order at Undrdog.com.Hexclad - Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get10% off at https://hexclad.com/PROBLEM! #hexcladpartnerMy Patriot Supply - http://preparelikedave.comUltra - Don't sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PROBLEM at https://takeultra.com!Part Of The Problem is available for early pre-release at https://partoftheproblem.com as well as an exclusive episode on Thursday!PORCH TOUR DATES HERE:https://robbernsteincomedy.com/eventsFind Run Your Mouth here:YouTube - http://youtube.com/@RunYourMouthiTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-your-mouth-podcast/id1211469807Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4ka50RAKTxFTxbtyPP8AHmFollow the show on social media:X:http://x.com/ComicDaveSmithhttp://x.com/RobbieTheFireInstagram:http://instagram.com/theproblemdavesmithhttp://instagram.com/robbiethefire#libertarian See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And how AI and college sports are basically running the same terrible playbook. ----- More fallout from the big Weil departures. Joe and Kathryn talk about balancing business and why "values" is not necessarily the corporate speak language law firms should adopt all the time. Plus new speculation that Weil is considering merger partners -- has the music stopped on merger musical chairs, or does the industry have another blockbuster left in it. Then we discuss ChatGPT, college sports, Ted Cruz, conference realignment, the AI regulation freakout, ESPN, and the Protect College Sports Act. All of that fits into one story by the way. Finally, Brett Kavanaugh crashed a Notre Dame dorm and... wait, he did what?

We're back by popular demand and talking about the Converse Ad, Caleb WIlliams getting hurt, Ted Cruz saying it's the most consequential election of our lifetime, introducing Alan to Jerry Banfield, and more.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the latest push to pass the Protect College Sports Act, the Senate vote count behind the legislation, and what happens next if the bill clears the Senate. They examine proposed rules involving coaching recruitment and athlete eligibility, discuss support from figures such as Matthew McConaughey and Deion Sanders, and analyze broader political stories involving Democratic candidates, media coverage, and ideological shifts within higher education. The episode concludes with a discussion of political donations among university faculty and what the hosts argue that trend says about the modern political landscape. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act is headed toward a major Senate vote, with supporters arguing it could reshape the future of college athletics through national standards for NIL, athlete benefits, and coaching rules. As momentum builds, the debate is expanding well beyond Washington and onto college campuses, athletic programs, and fan bases across the country. Fresh off a high-profile college football weekend, the conversation turns to how changes in college sports have created pressure for federal action. The episode also explores the growing support behind the legislation from conferences, universities, the NCAA, and prominent figures in the sports world. Topics Covered: Senate momentum behind the Protect College Sports Act and the path to House consideration Proposed national standards for NIL, athlete benefits, and college sports governance Coaching recruitment rules and the hosts’ discussion of Lane Kiffin’s role in shaping proposed reforms Support for the legislation from the NCAA, major conferences, universities, and advocates including Matthew McConaughey Debate over Abdul Al-Sayed, Hassan Piker, and Democratic Party politics Discussion of faculty political donations at Princeton University and ideological diversity in higher education 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.

G'mar Chatimah Tovah It's Fun Day Monday on The Majority Report On today's program: California Attorney General Rob Bonta caves and reaches a settlement to allow the Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Brothers. Eyal Weizman, Professor of Spatial and Visual Cultures at Goldsmiths, University of London and founder and Director of Forensic Architecture joins for a discussion about his book, "Ungrounding: The Architecture of Genocide". In the Fun Half: At an event in the Oval Office, Trump brags about banning certain press outlets from the White House, falls asleep, then wakes up to talk about his wife's ass and to spread disinformation about vaccines. Lauren Boebert has a very weak rebuttal to journalists reporting on her reported multiple affairs. Houston Texans star linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair speaks to the media about why he chose to wear Hind Rajab's name on his eye black. Football analyst Chris Simms perfectly articulates how Ted Cruz and the Republicans are attacking college athletes as the country crumbles. Bill Maher gives another one of his typical soup-brain take on the Macklemore - Ed Sheeran controversy. Morning Joe panel discusses how it could be possible that polling is showing a tight race in the Senate race in Florida. all that and more. Please consider helping the Aldaghma family, they are the family behind Gaza Bakery, which provides bread and meals to displaced families, and Future Flowers Kindergarten, which gives children a place to learn, play, and experience moments of normalcy whenever conditions allow. On Sunday, October 4, Emma will be in Los Angeles doing a Bitchuation Room Live with Francesca Fiorentini at the Lodge Room. Get tickets here. To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AM Quickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: COZY EARTH: Go to cozyearth.com/MAJORITYREPORT for an exclusive 20% off home and sleepwear. SUNSET LAKE CBD: Head to SunsetLakeCBD.com and use coupon code 'Left Is Best' to save 20% your entire order. Follow the crew on X @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's YouTube channel: https://ww.youtube.com/Th3Discourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here: https:/www.youtube.com/@avaraiza

Sen. Ted Cruz sits down with Paul Gigot to discuss why the current makeup of the Supreme Court is the best in his lifetime, his thoughts about running for president, and his new book, “Going Further: The Incomparable Clarence Thomas.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sen. Ted Cruz joins to react to right adopting identity politics, the public opinion on Israel, slams Tucker Carlson, his biography on Clarence Thomas and more. Ed Sheeran says that he “made mistakes” last week in handling the issue between venues and Macklemore and breaks down on stage. President Trump bans CNN, MS Now and Politico from reporting inside The White House, a bridge too far? Meanwhile, Israel's favorability rating has swung over 60% negative among Americans in the last 8 years. Dana explains how this remains a psyop. Plus, more political commentary.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Alliance Defending Freedomhttps://JoinADF.com/DanaIf you believe your freedom is worth defending, now is the time to act.  Donate to Alliance Defending Freedom at the link above and have your gift MATCHED. Relief Factorhttps://ReliefFactor.comBe the next person sharing a Relief Factor success story. Get started today with the 3-Week QuickStart for only $17.76 and tell them you heard about them on The Dana Show. Patriot Mobilehttp://PatriotMobile.com/DANAMake the switch to Patriot Mobile today. Visit online or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code DANA for a FREE month of service.Webroothttps://Webroot.com/DanaSave 60% off Webroot. Protect your devices. Protect your family. Protect your peace of mind. Live a better digital life with Webroot. Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/DanaTrusted by law enforcement, security professionals, and everyday Americans—defend yourself and your family with Byrna.Ghost Bedhttps://GhostBed.com/DANAIf you're waking up tired before the day even starts, check out GhostBed.  Now get an extra 10% off their lowest prices of the season with promo code DANA. HumanNhttps://Humann.com/DanaGet the limited edition HumanN Watermelon Flavor and find out how to get a FREE 30-day supply before they sell out.Subscribe today and stay in the loop on all things news with The Dana Show. Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramXMore InfoWebsite

Carrot Top hospitalized after suicide attempt, Ed Sheeran's on-stage apology session, Prince Harry public appearance flop, Eli Zaret joins us in-studio, Lane Kiffin's daughter, and Bobby Lee's cuck podcast. Eli Zaret stops in to recap Michigan's victory over the formidable UTEP Miners. Notre Dame smacks around MSU. Lane Kiffin humiliated at Ole Miss. NC State loses to Vanderbilt in comedic fashion. The Protect College Sports Act is a bit controversial. Kirk Herbstreit has never heard of Ted Cruz. Buffalo Bills beat the Detroit Lions on Thursday. The Bills bend to Canada. The Chicago Bears suck at football when it's raining outside. Sydney Sweeney is hot and "ruining" female sports. Holly Rowe memes are really mean. Eli wants to slap Jalen Duren in the face for being greedy. The Detroit Tigers failed in 2026. Justin Verlander made like $4M per inning pitched this year. Dylan Larkin is just sick and tired of the Red Wings. Lindsay Clancy: 60 Minutes chats with husband Patrick Clancy. Holdout juror, Michael P. Desronvil, speaks out. Carrot Top attempted suicide over the weekend. A couple guys are accusing Carrot of bad behavior. Kate Beckinsdale needs attention again. Some people are saying she is Markle-cidal. Ed Sheeran is really sorry. A small amount of protesters showed up. Trudi spent the weekend in San Diego ogling hot surfers. Bobby Lee still podcasts with his ex, Khalyla Kuhn. Oh, and she lives with him too. Awkward.  Their most recent guest was her baby. RIP Adam Carolla's buddy, Bald Bryan. Ketamine at Cornell leads to gang rape. Jolin Ellison loves Michigan football and is the Queen of the North. Lane Kiffin's daughter is bummed a bunch of frat boys taunted her when her dad came back to town. The Super Bowl Halftime Show is in jeopardy due to Macklemore. Orville Peck is a county singer who banged a Las Vegas Raider player. Nicole Henderson has been indicted for threatening Austin Metcalf's family. Sunny Hostin might be facing legal action from Nolan Wells friends for butchering the facts of the case. Frankie Muniz is having a really hard time lately. Mike Tomlin's nepo-brat, Dino, pops off on LeBron James and babbles nonsense. Who's ready for some steak nuggets from Arby's? Tom Cruise spills about talking with Taylor Swift. Hugh Jackman's new girlfriend hates Blake Lively so much that his bromance is over with Ryan Reynolds. Blake Lively might be pooping out another nepo-brat soon. Long Live Def Leppard is coming soon. Brad Pitt is bringing back World War Z. CBS Sunday Morning News tries to make degenerate gambling look bad. Markleverse: Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, is popping off. The Harry and Meghan need Ian Wace's mansion for a little bit longer because they are cheap. Harry needs ZERO security as nobody shows up anywhere he appears. Harry showed up to school and the kids did not care at all. Hello Magazine did an extremely hard-hitting interview with the former prince. Meghan is dumb and doxxed herself. Howard Stern's new HBO show is awful. Merch is available if you want to rep the show. You'd look amazing too. If you'd like to help support the show… consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Drew Lane, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley, BranDon, and Roberto).

In this Week In Review episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the difference between Islam and Islamism, revisit lessons from the 9/11 era, and debate the political influence of controversial figures and movements inside Democratic politics. They also shift to a major Senate victory on college sports reform, outlining a bipartisan bill that passed with overwhelming support and explaining how it would reshape NIL, transfer rules, eligibility standards, and protections for student-athletes. Twenty-five years after 9/11, a new debate has emerged over how political leaders, media figures, and the public discuss Islam, Islamism, and national security. Senator Ted Cruz argues that critics are intentionally blurring the distinction between a religion practiced by millions and a political ideology he describes as a threat to democratic institutions. Cruz responds to criticism of remarks he delivered at the Republican Midterm Convention, where he warned about what he calls a growing alliance between far-left activists and Islamist political movements. He also reacts to a CNN panel discussion that challenged his characterization of Islamism and examines why the issue continues to generate intense political controversy. Topics Covered: Cruz’s response to criticism of his Republican Midterm Convention speech The distinction between Islam, Islamism, and political movements rooted in Sharia governance The legacy of 9/11 and ongoing debates about terrorism and extremism Allegations involving Abdul El-Sayed, religious leaders, and political allies Senate passage of a bipartisan college sports reform bill NIL rules, transfer portal reforms, athlete eligibility standards, and protections for women’s and Olympic sports 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.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine newly released economic data showing record median household income, historically low poverty rates, and continued low uninsured rates. They compare recent economic trends across different administrations, debate the role of media coverage in shaping public perception of the economy, and discuss the impact of data center construction on jobs, investment, and market growth.The conversation then turns to two high-profile Senate races. Cruz and Ferguson discuss undercover footage involving Texas Senate candidate James Talarico’s pastor, who comments on his campaign messaging and positions on transgender issues. They also examine reports surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, including controversy involving sermons by his imam, allegations concerning views on Hamas, and El-Sayed’s association with political commentator Hasan Piker. Throughout the episode, the hosts argue that voters should focus on candidates’ stated beliefs, past statements, and political records when evaluating campaigns. New Census Bureau data shows median household income reaching a record high while poverty and child poverty rates fall to historic lows. Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson argue that these economic indicators deserve far more attention and discuss why they believe the story has received limited media coverage. Topics Covered: Record-high median household income and historic poverty-rate data from the Census Bureau Child poverty reaching a reported all-time low Media coverage of economic news and competing national headlines Data center construction, job creation, and stock market growth James Talarico controversy involving comments from his pastor and campaign positioning Abdul El-Sayed, imam-related allegations, and debate over political associations 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.

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on MAGA Republicans facing mounting pressure as they head back to their districts, with Ted Cruz and Tom Emmer struggling to defend the latest developments on air. Meiselas breaks down the political landscape and interviews Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries about the upcoming midterm elections. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af Sidebar with Katie Phang: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-katie-phang/id1886801652 The Parnas Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parnas-perspective/id1869165949 The Intersection with Michael Popok: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intersection-with-michael-popok/id1818863274 Scott MacFarlane Reports: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scott-macfarlane-reports/id6807138300 MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Five Minute News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/five-minute-news/id1471715443 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the Senate’s 74-vote bipartisan victory on the Protect College Sports Act, why Congress became involved in college athletics, and what reforms the legislation would implement. They examine transfer portal restrictions, eligibility limits, NIL revenue-sharing rules, spending caps, protections for women’s and Olympic sports, and the broader economic pressures facing universities. Cruz also explains the political strategy behind building a bipartisan coalition, the opposition to the bill, and the path forward as the legislation moves toward the House and potentially President Trump’s desk. The Senate has taken a major step toward reshaping college athletics. After years of debate, the Protect College Sports Act cleared a key Senate vote with broad bipartisan support, advancing legislation designed to address the transfer portal, NIL compensation, eligibility rules, and the future of college sports. Supporters argue the current system has created instability across college athletics, threatening scholarships, non-revenue sports, women’s programs, and the long-term viability of many universities. The bill aims to establish a national framework that supporters believe can bring order to what Senator Ted Cruz describes as a growing crisis. Topics Covered: Senate passage of a key procedural vote on the Protect College Sports Act New transfer portal rules and limits on athlete movement NIL compensation, revenue sharing, and proposed spending caps Eligibility standards, age limits, and enforcement of competitive rules Protections for women’s sports, Olympic sports, and scholarship opportunities The bill’s next steps in the House and the anticipated presidential signing process 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.

Bomani Jones is joined by Stephen Godfrey to examine the “Protect College Sports Act,” ESPN’s support for the legislation and the growing effort to regain control over college athletes. Download the PrizePicks app today and use code BOMANI to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/BOMANI Today, Bomani and Godfrey explain why a proposed $20 million compensation cap could benefit athletic departments while limiting what athletes can earn. They also examine Nick Saban’s advocacy for greater control, Ted Cruz’s appearance on College GameDay and the conflict between ESPN’s role as a media company and its enormous financial stake in college football. Then, the conversation turns to Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford as LSU faces Ole Miss. Bomani and Godfrey break down Kiffin’s departure, Pete Golding’s unexpected opportunity, Trinidad Chambliss’ rise and why LSU–Ole Miss could become college football’s messiest revenge game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the growing momentum behind the Protect College Sports Act ahead of an expected Senate vote, including support from major conferences, coaches, professional sports leagues, and the Olympic movement. They break down key provisions of the bill, including restrictions on recruiting coaches during active seasons, athlete eligibility standards, and protections designed to preserve opportunities across college athletics. The conversation also covers Cruz’s appearance on ESPN College GameDay, the reaction it generated online, Texas’ comeback win over Ohio State, and a debate sparked by comments from Cruz’s recent speech at the Republican Midterm Convention concerning Islamism, radical extremism, and media coverage. The Protect College Sports Act is moving toward a Senate vote, with lawmakers, athletic conferences, coaches, and professional sports organizations weighing in on the future of college athletics. As the legislation advances, questions about athlete eligibility, coaching departures, gambling, and the structure of modern college sports remain at the center of the debate. Ted Cruz also reflects on a dramatic Texas victory over Ohio State, discusses his appearance on ESPN College GameDay, and responds to reactions surrounding both the legislation and broader political debates from the week. Topics Covered: The Senate outlook for the Protect College Sports Act Support from conferences, coaches, and professional sports leagues The proposed “Lane Kiffin Rule” and coach recruitment restrictions College athlete eligibility, gambling concerns, and roster protections Texas’ comeback victory over Ohio State and ESPN College GameDay Debate over Islamism, radical extremism, and media reactions to Cruz’s speech 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.

"ALRIGHT, WE'RE GONNA GO OUT HERE-" Does Chris Cote give you a Barney Rubble vibe? Plus, Dan delivers his No. 24 through No. 16 Observations From the Football Weekend including one of the worst contracts ever and one of the best names ever. Plus, why did College GameDay bring in Ted Cruz to spew propaganda for the Save College Sports Act? And is Dan Lanning a Mario Cristobal merchant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can donate to the Kyra Fund using this link: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/campaign/812889/donate The MLB season is coming to a close. Two weeks to go! What are we watching? (13:10) Greg Cote was let go after 50 years at the Miami Herald. That is the sign of where local journalism is now. Local papers are going away. (22:48) Let's talk about scheduling. Sunday was the NFL Week 1, MLB games, the US Open Men's Final, and the Women's FIBA World Cup Final. Why? (28:10) Ted Cruz was on College Gameday. The schilling is continuing. (37:20) Mark Walter is selling more. This time it is Chelsea. Before it was the Lakers. Sell Sell Sell! (43:20) The Premier League is having a TV issue. Like every sports league in the world sans the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the DNC’s unanimous support for a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE, the political implications of that vote, and how immigration enforcement has become a major dividing line between Republicans and Democrats. They also examine public statements attributed to Abdul El-Sayed's sister, concerns about ideological activism in higher education, questions raised about the family ties of political commentator Hasan Piker, and the Democratic Party’s relationship with progressive activists and influencers. The Democratic National Committee has approved a resolution supporting the abolition of ICE, a move presented in this episode as evidence of a broader shift toward more progressive and activist positions within the Democratic Party. The discussion examines what that policy would mean for immigration enforcement, public safety, and the party’s political direction.The episode also explores controversies surrounding Abdul El-Sayed, comments and activism attributed to members of his family, and debates over the influence of political activists, academics, and online personalities on Democratic politics. Topics Covered: The DNC resolution supporting the abolition of ICE and its unanimous approval process Immigration enforcement, deportation policy, and border security debates Criticism of Abdul El-Sayed and statements attributed to his family members Activism, anti-capitalist views, and organizing efforts within universities Questions surrounding Hasan Piker, his political influence, and national security concerns discussed in the episode Reactions from Democratic leaders and the party’s progressive wing 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.

At the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump promises that he'll give every American adult a $5,000 check if — and only if — Republicans retain control of the Senate and House, a plan so absurd that even his own defenders can't explain it. Jon and Dan process the most ridiculous moments from the 18 hours of speeches, including JD Vance previewing his presidential campaign, Mike Rogers and Ted Cruz using the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to paint Democrats as terrorist sympathizers, and Democratic Senator John Fetterman's surprise video appearance. Then, to cap off a Republican-filled episode, Lovett talks to Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for California governor, about his relationship with Trump and what it'll take to tackle California's housing crisis.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.You can request a transcript by emailing transcripts@crooked.com. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.