Ben Ferguson, one of America’s leading political commentators and popular national radio personality, has hosted his syndicated weekend show, “The Ben Ferguson Show,” for the past 20 years. He also hosts the daily “Ben Ferguson Podcast”, one of the fastest-growing conservative podcasts in the country. Additionally, he serves as a FOX News political commentator, an American commentator on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain,” and hosts an afternoon talk show each weekday at 5 p.m. on 600 WREC in Memphis, TN. From 2012 to 2015, Ferguson hosted the #1 mid-morning radio show from 9 - 11 a.m. on weekdays in Dallas, Texas on WBAP-AM. He began his radio career in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 13, which made him the youngest radio talk show host in the country when the national show debuted in 2004 and the youngest nationally-syndicated host at the age of 20. His first book, a political work, “It’s My America, Too,” published by William Morris/Harper Collins in 2004 was named "a top choice read" by USA Today.
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Federal Funds for Illegal Immigrants
The piece argues that contrary to public statements, federal tax dollars do go to undocumented immigrants through:
Emergency Medicaid (covering ER and maternity care).
Improper state claims, citing California as an example.
Democratic Shutdown Demands
It lists alleged Democratic demands to prevent a shutdown, portraying them negatively:
Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Restoring funding for NPR and PBS (described as “propaganda machines”).
Revoking rural hospital funding in favor of urban sanctuary cities.
Climate and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) funding for foreign nations.
Continuation of Obamacare subsidies.
Framing of the Shutdown
Democrats are accused of orchestrating the shutdown to push these demands.
Chuck Schumer is depicted as trying to “trick” the public into blaming Trump.
The commentary insists it is a “Schumer shutdown,” not Trump’s fault.
Election Narrative
The podcast emphasizes that these issues were “on the ballot” and claims voters rejected them by electing Trump.
It contrasts Trump’s policies with Biden/Harris, presenting Trump as the true defender of rural America and fiscal restraint.
Media Criticism
Mainstream media (NPR, PBS, ABC, NBC, CBS) are accused of being “state-sponsored” propaganda outlets for Democrats.
Coverage of positive economic news (like stock market highs) is said to be deliberately downplayed.
Economic Impact
The shutdown is claimed to cost Americans $400 million per day.
The Democratic spending package is alleged to include nearly $200 billion in healthcare subsidies for non-citizens.
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Government Shutdown Narrative
Democrats blamed for deliberately causing the shutdown for political reasons.
Framed as Chuck Schumer’s attempt to appeal to progressive factions like AOC.
House Republicans passed a “clean CR” (continuing resolution) to keep government funding stable, but Democrats rejected it.
Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants
Democrats WANT taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Cited past Democratic presidential debate where all candidates raised hands in support of coverage for undocumented immigrants.
References to California and New York already providing state-level healthcare to undocumented immigrants.
Argument that Democrats are gaslighting the public by denying this stance.
Crime in “Blue Cities”
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing highlighted as focusing on rising crime rates in Democrat-led cities.
Claims that progressive DAs, often linked to George Soros funding, refuse to prosecute violent criminals.
Examples cited: New York, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee DA cases.
Pattern described of criminals repeatedly being released and reoffending.
Defund the Police & Bail Reform
Criticism of Democratic-led efforts to defund or reduce police funding (examples: Minneapolis, New York, Austin).
Soros-backed DAs accused of eliminating cash bail, downgrading felonies, and prioritizing criminals over victims.
Proposed Solutions
Sen. Cruz mentions his “Clean DC Act,” aimed at reversing soft-on-crime laws in Washington, D.C.
Advocates stronger penalties and more police support.
Credits Trump with using the National Guard to reduce crime in DC.
Left-Wing Violence
Democratic rhetoric is causing violent outcomes (e.g., BLM riots, anti-Semitic incidents, ICE facility attacks).
Claims left-wing activists celebrate violence while conservatives condemn it.
Mentions assassination attempts (Trump, Justice Kavanaugh) and murder of Charlie Kirk as examples of left-inspired violence.
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Main Themes (WATCH Stalemate to Last at Least Three Days)
Blame Assignment: the government shutdown is caused by Democrats, specifically Chuck Schumer, to avoid pressure from progressive figures like AOC.
Media Criticism: Mainstream media portrays shutdowns emotionally (e.g., TSA officers, families struggling) to support Democrats’ narrative.
Lawmakers & Paychecks: Criticizes Democratic lawmakers who refuse to withhold their pay during the shutdown while ordinary federal workers face delays.
Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants: Argues Democrats shut down the government over demands to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants, citing state-level programs (Rhode Island, New York).
Public Opinion: References polls showing most Americans (including Democrats and independents) oppose a shutdown over such demands.
Contradictions Among Democrats: Notes conflicting statements from different Democratic representatives and senators—some denying responsibility, others admitting to supporting a shutdown.
Republican Framing: Republicans upport a “clean” continuing resolution to keep government open, while Democrats are inserting expensive demands ($1.5 trillion, healthcare for illegals, social programs).
Key Individuals Mentioned
Democrats: Chuck Schumer, AOC, Ruben Gallego, Hakeem Jeffries, Jasmine Crockett, Peter Aguilar, Jeanne Shaheen, Kamala Harris, Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff.
Polls & Data Used
New York Times poll cited: 65% of Americans against shutdowns tied to Democrats’ demands.
Breakdown by party: Republicans (92% opposed), Independents (59% opposed), Democrats (43% opposed).
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Main Themes
Blame Assignment: the government shutdown is caused by Democrats, specifically Chuck Schumer, to avoid pressure from progressive figures like AOC.
Media Criticism: Mainstream media portrays shutdowns emotionally (e.g., TSA officers, families struggling) to support Democrats’ narrative.
Lawmakers & Paychecks: Criticizes Democratic lawmakers who refuse to withhold their pay during the shutdown while ordinary federal workers face delays.
Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants: Argues Democrats shut down the government over demands to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants, citing state-level programs (Rhode Island, New York).
Public Opinion: References polls showing most Americans (including Democrats and independents) oppose a shutdown over such demands.
Contradictions Among Democrats: Notes conflicting statements from different Democratic representatives and senators—some denying responsibility, others admitting to supporting a shutdown.
Republican Framing: Republicans upport a “clean” continuing resolution to keep government open, while Democrats are inserting expensive demands ($1.5 trillion, healthcare for illegals, social programs).
Polls & Data Used
New York Times poll cited: 65% of Americans against shutdowns tied to Democrats’ demands.
Breakdown by party: Republicans (92% opposed), Independents (59% opposed), Democrats (43% opposed).
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Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.
Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.
Senate Dynamics:
A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.
Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.
Partisan Framing:
Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.
Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.
Policy Disputes:
Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.
The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.
Impact of Shutdown:
Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.
Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.
Political Messaging:
Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.
They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.
Strategic Angle:
The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.
This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.
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Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.
Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.
Senate Dynamics:
A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.
Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.
Partisan Framing:
Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.
Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.
Policy Disputes:
Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.
The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.
Impact of Shutdown:
Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.
Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.
Political Messaging:
Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.
They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.
Strategic Angle:
The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.
This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.
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Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.
Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.
Senate Dynamics:
A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.
Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.
Partisan Framing:
Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.
Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.
Policy Disputes:
Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.
The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.
Impact of Shutdown:
Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.
Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.
Political Messaging:
Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.
They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.
Strategic Angle:
The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.
This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.
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The country is only “hours away” from a government shutdown
Partisan Blame: The responsibility for the shutdown is Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Republican Positioning: Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, JD Vance, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, are portrayed as wanting a “clean funding extension” (a short-term budget measure) to keep the government open.
Democratic Hypocrisy: The commentary highlights past Democratic statements opposing shutdowns, contrasting them with current positions to claim inconsistency.
Accusations of Radicalism: Democrats are described as pushing a $1.5 trillion spending package that allegedly includes:
Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants
Funding for gender-affirming surgeries
Open borders and Medicaid fraud
Other “radical left” priorities
Political Motivation: A recurring argument is that Schumer is resisting compromise to protect himself from a potential primary challenge by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
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Impending Shutdown: The country is only “hours away” from a government shutdown,
Partisan Blame: The responsibility for the shutdown is Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Republican Positioning: Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, JD Vance, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, are portrayed as wanting a “clean funding extension” (a short-term budget measure) to keep the government open.
Democratic Hypocrisy: The commentary highlights past Democratic statements opposing shutdowns, contrasting them with current positions to claim inconsistency.
Accusations of Radicalism: Democrats are described as pushing a $1.5 trillion spending package that allegedly includes:
Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants
Funding for gender-affirming surgeries
Open borders and Medicaid fraud
Other “radical left” priorities
Political Motivation: A recurring argument is that Schumer is resisting compromise to protect himself from a potential primary challenge by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Consequences of Shutdown
The episode also notes practical impacts of a shutdown, such as:
Federal employees furloughed or unpaid
Disruptions for TSA officers, military families, firefighters, veterans, and prison guards
Delays in Social Security, SNAP, and WIC benefits
Risks to disaster relief and FEMA funding
Potential harm to the economy, including billions in costs and possible credit rating downgrades
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