Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 25 2026

BONUS POD: Rising Socialist Star One Day, Democrats Rush for the Exits the Next

Jul 7, 202610 minSummary

In this episode, the discussion focuses on the rapid shift in Democratic support for Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Cartwright following severe allegations of misconduct. The program analyzes the timeline of events, noting that while Cartwright faced prior scrutiny regarding disturbing past comments and controversial personal history, the party continued to back him as a rising progressive star. It was only when the latest allegations became politically toxic that Democratic leaders and organizations began calling for his resignation. The host argues that this sudden reversal is not motivated by moral clarity or a newfound commitment to standards, but rather by political calculation and liability management. By examining the timing of these withdrawals—coinciding with key election deadlines for candidate replacement—the episode suggests that the party is prioritizing electoral strategy over principle. The commentary highlights a perceived double standard in media and political accountability, asserting that Democrats conveniently abandon candidates only when their scandals become insurmountable burdens to the party's broader goals. Ultimately, the discussion serves as a critique of partisan blindness and the inconsistency of those who claim the moral high ground.

Celebrating America’s Greatness and Answering the Call to Defeat the Communists Taking over the Democrat Party

Jul 6, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson reflect on the nation’s 251st year following Fourth of July celebrations. The hosts share personal anecdotes from the holiday, emphasizing the importance of family and the symbolic beauty of American traditions, including the record-breaking fireworks displays. The conversation shifts to a more serious tone as the hosts address what they describe as a critical juncture for the United States. They analyze recent political speeches, specifically critiquing rhetoric they identify as a shift toward radical leftist and communist ideologies infiltrating the Democratic Party. The hosts argue that this represents a fundamental challenge to the principles of individual liberty and limited government. They discuss specific political candidates they view as embodying this ideological shift, expressing concern over the potential long-term consequences for the country’s direction. Finally, the discussion moves to the sports arena, where they celebrate the reversal of a red card penalty against a U.S. soccer player in the World Cup, framing the victory as a win for the team and a moment of national pride.

Minnesota Fraud Whistleblowers Hunted, the Fight for the Future of College Athletics & Controversial DA Practices in PA Week In Review

Jul 4, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, the host and co-host Ben Ferguson break down three major news stories from the past week. The conversation begins with a report on Minnesota, where government officials allegedly hired private investigators to intimidate whistleblowers who were attempting to expose massive social services fraud. The hosts discuss the implications of this scandal, criticizing the state’s leadership and emphasizing the necessity of federal accountability. The discussion then shifts to the future of college athletics. Senator Cruz details his new bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting the collegiate sports ecosystem. He explains how current legal challenges and a lack of clear rules have pushed college sports toward a chaotic model that threatens to eliminate non-revenue sports and scholarships for hundreds of thousands of students. Finally, the episode examines the practices of progressive district attorneys, with a specific focus on Philadelphia. The hosts argue that outside financial influence in local DA races has shifted the justice system toward policies like bail reform and reduced sentencing, which they contend lead to increased crime and societal instability. Throughout the discussion, the hosts analyze the motivations behind these trends and advocate for a return to traditional law enforcement principles.

Happy Birthday America: Celebrating What is Extraordinary about our Great Nation

Jul 3, 202635 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Moving away from typical political debates, the hosts dedicate the episode to reflecting on what makes the American experiment unique and why citizens should feel a sense of pride in their country regardless of the current political climate. Senator Cruz highlights the bravery of the Founding Fathers, noting that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were committing treason against the world’s most powerful empire, risking their lives, fortunes, and honor. The discussion centers on the revolutionary concept that sovereignty rests with the people rather than an elite ruler, and that fundamental rights are endowed by the Creator rather than granted by the government. The hosts emphasize the importance of passing these values down to the next generation, encouraging parents to have meaningful conversations with their children about the blessings of liberty. Ultimately, the episode serves as a patriotic reflection on American resilience, the nation’s founding principles, and the responsibility to preserve the republic for the future.

BONUS POD: Democrats Double Down on Trans Athletes Ahead of Midterms

Jul 2, 202612 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts analyze the political fallout following a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows states to enforce laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. The discussion centers on how this issue is poised to become a defining theme in the upcoming midterm elections. While conservatives celebrate the ruling as a victory for fairness and the preservation of biological advantages in competitive athletics, the hosts highlight the starkly different reaction from Democratic leadership. The program examines comments from figures like J.B. Pritzker, who characterizes such state-level bans as a distraction and expresses concern for the mental health of transgender youth. The hosts argue that despite Democratic attempts to frame these policies as exclusionary, the move to restrict transgender athletes in female sports is supported by a significant majority of the American public. By contrasting the legal arguments heard in court—focused on testosterone levels and physiological differences—with the heated rhetoric surrounding the campaign trail, the episode illustrates a deepening divide. The discussion concludes that both parties are utilizing this cultural flashpoint to energize their respective bases as the election season intensifies.

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 30 2026

Jul 1, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, the host discusses a significant and controversial Supreme Court ruling regarding birthright citizenship. The decision effectively maintains that individuals born on U.S. soil are automatically citizens, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, including cases involving birth tourism. The host expresses strong disapproval of the ruling, arguing that it represents a serious error by the court and devalues the meaning of American citizenship. The discussion highlights the legal implications of the decision, noting that it complicates efforts to address illegal immigration and the use of the immigration system to gain long-term status. Later, the episode features a conversation with Congressman Jim Jordan, who weighs in on the ruling and explores potential legislative responses. Jordan emphasizes the need to tighten immigration laws and eliminate sanctuary jurisdictions, which he describes as a harmful policy that prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities. The discussion also touches upon the upcoming election cycle in Ohio and the broader challenges of maintaining national security and legal integrity in the face of current immigration policies.

Understanding the Historic Supreme Court Victories & Losses this Week

Jul 1, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, the host and co-host Ben Ferguson provide a detailed analysis of several landmark rulings issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. The discussion centers on categorizing these decisions as either significant victories for constitutional principles or notable losses. A primary focus is the overturning of the 91-year-old precedent in Humphrey’s Executor. Cruz explains why he believes the court correctly ruled that the president possesses the authority to remove executive branch officials, specifically noting the case involving the Federal Trade Commission. The hosts also touch upon the nuances of presidential power regarding the Federal Reserve, highlighting the court’s reluctance to grant total discretion in that specific area. Furthermore, the podcast celebrates a major win regarding the protection of women's sports. Cruz breaks down the court’s decision to uphold state laws that require athletes to compete based on biological sex, discussing the constitutional and civil rights implications. Finally, the episode covers a decision involving the Federal Election Commission and the First Amendment, where the court struck down strict limits on how political parties coordinate spending with their candidates, which Cruz argues is a vital win for political free speech.

BONUS POD—FREEDOM VS. MANDATES: The Fight Over Faith, Jobs and Vaccines

Jun 30, 202612 minSummary

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz examines the findings of the Religious Liberty Commission, a body recently tasked with identifying threats to faith-based freedoms and proposing legislative and executive remedies. The discussion centers on the commission’s final report, which offers a roadmap for protecting Americans from government mandates that conflict with their sincerely held religious beliefs. A primary focus of the episode is the impact on the healthcare industry and the U.S. military. The hosts analyze recommendations aimed at shielding medical professionals and service members from being forced to choose between their livelihoods and their conscience, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The report advocates for stronger enforcement of federal conscience laws and more meaningful religious accommodation processes. While critics argue these protections could hinder access to certain medical services, proponents view them as essential safeguards for constitutional rights. By establishing a framework for future policy, the commission aims to ensure that federal agencies face a significantly higher legal bar before overriding religious exemptions, fundamentally shaping the landscape of religious liberty in the United States for years to come.

BONUS POD: Billions Stolen, War Paused & a Communist Mayoral Candidate goes for DC

Jun 29, 202625 minSummary

In this bonus episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, the hosts delve into a series of pressing national and international concerns. The discussion begins with a shocking healthcare fraud scheme involving billions of dollars, highlighting the tragic case of an eighteen-year-old student whose death was linked to fraudulent medical testing. The hosts emphasize that this systemic corruption is not merely a financial crime but a human one, stealing both taxpayer money and lives. The conversation then shifts to the recent diplomatic developments in the Middle East, specifically the temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran. The hosts analyze the fragility of this agreement, noting the potential impact on global energy markets and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, the episode addresses domestic politics, focusing on the mayoral race in Washington, D.C. The hosts criticize the platform of the leading progressive candidate, labeling her policies as radical. This segment connects local issues to broader concerns about political influence, referencing significant financial contributions from major donors aimed at shaping the direction of the country's leadership.

Activist DA in Philly Releases Criminals 'wit' LUV, Biden-Judge 'Sparkles' helping Illegals Vote & 2 YUGE Victories in SCOTUS Week In Review

Jun 27, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and host Ben Ferguson provide a critical analysis of recent legal and political developments. The conversation opens with a sharp critique of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, specifically targeting the policies of Larry Krasner. The hosts argue that Krasner’s administration has prioritized the release of convicted murderers by frequently and questionably conceding error in criminal cases, a practice they describe as a dangerous misuse of prosecutorial power that undermines public safety. The discussion then shifts to a federal court ruling regarding the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. Senator Cruz expresses concern over a decision by a district court judge that limits the government's ability to cross-reference databases to identify non-citizens on voter rolls, labeling it an act of judicial activism. Finally, the episode highlights two significant Supreme Court victories for former President Trump regarding immigration policy, specifically involving the Remain in Mexico program and the revocation of Temporary Protected Status. Senator Cruz offers his legal perspective on these rulings, emphasizing their importance for maintaining national border security and executive authority in immigration enforcement.