Episode Summary: An Orgy of Spending | Verdict with Ted Cruz

Release Date: August 30, 2021
Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Host/Author: Premiere Networks

An Orgy of Spending delves into the expansive fiscal policies proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, the implications of such spending on the U.S. economy, and the broader political ramifications within the Democratic Party. Senator Ted Cruz engages in a rigorous discussion with co-host Michael Knowles, examining the intersections of government expenditure, taxation, and the potential shifts within the Democratic ranks.

1. Bernie Sanders' Budget Proposal

The conversation opens with Senator Cruz highlighting the magnitude of Bernie Sanders' budget bill, which he claims threatens to bankrupt the nation.

• Ted Cruz (00:41):
  "Bernie is the chairman of the Budget Committee in the Senate. He has written it. It is three and a half trillion dollars. It's already been bumped up to 4.2 trillion. So 700 billion just as the first plus up, it may well get bigger. It is massive in spending."

Cruz emphasizes that the proposed $4.2 trillion budget is comparable to the U.S. expenditure during World War II, underscoring its unprecedented scale.

2. Tax Implications and Economic Impact

Cruz discusses the funding mechanism for Sanders' budget, primarily through substantial tax increases across various sectors.

• Ted Cruz (05:33):
  "It is funded by trillions in new taxes. They're raising taxes on everything. Families, individuals, small businesses, big businesses, capital gains, the death tax, all of Them going up by trillions."

He warns of the economic strain these taxes could impose, potentially stifling growth and burdening both individuals and businesses.

3. Political Dynamics: Democrats vs. Democrats

A significant focus is placed on the internal struggle within the Democratic Party between the progressive faction led by Sanders and the more moderate members.

• Ted Cruz (07:42):
  "So I hope so. On the pessimistic side, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have demonstrated a remarkable ability to crack the whip and force their members to just salute and like lemmings, jump off the cliff."

Cruz expresses skepticism about the likelihood of moderates like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema opposing the budget, suggesting that party leadership may override individual dissent.

4. Strategies to Defeat the Budget

Cruz outlines potential pathways to counteract Sanders' proposal, emphasizing grassroots mobilization and electoral strategies.

• Ted Cruz (07:42):
  "We're gonna try real hard to get them to say, hold on a second, let's not do this. I'll confess I'm not all that optimistic, but I hope it happens in the Senate."

He advocates for targeted efforts to persuade specific Democratic holdouts and urges constituents to pressure their representatives in closely contested House districts.

5. Public Sentiment and Economic Indicators

The discussion shifts to the public's reaction to government spending, linking it to observable economic challenges such as inflation and rising prices.

• Ted Cruz (10:24):
  "People across this country are seeing gas prices go up dramatically. They're seeing food prices go up dramatically. They're seeing lumber prices go up dramatically."

Cruz argues that visible economic hardships may galvanize opposition to expansive fiscal policies, highlighting a potential disconnect between legislative actions and voter priorities.

6. Automation and the Future of Work

Addressing a mailbag question, Cruz explores the impact of technological advancements on the labor force and debates the viability of Universal Basic Income (UBI).

• Ted Cruz (12:53):
  "I don't think the answer is ubi. I don't think the answer is the government just sending everyone a check. I think the answer is a workforce developing skills that are needed going forward."

He emphasizes the importance of education and workforce development over direct financial assistance, advocating for proactive measures to equip workers for evolving job markets.

7. Invoke the 25th Amendment: A Republican Perspective

Cruz responds to inquiries about the possibility of Republicans invoking the 25th Amendment against President Biden, categorically dismissing its feasibility.

• Ted Cruz (18:51):
  "I think it's exceedingly unlikely. The real mechanism to deal with that is, number one, fighting through the political process, but number two, winning elections."

He cautions against using constitutional mechanisms as political tools, advocating instead for electoral remedies to address policy disagreements.

8. Media Representation and Public Perception

The conversation critiques how media narratives can distort public perception, particularly concerning Republican stances on issues like vaccination.

• Ted Cruz (20:24):
  "The same disease, which is terminal condescension, ignorance and contempt directed at the American people."

Cruz accuses mainstream media outlets of perpetuating stereotypes and undermining genuine concerns among Republicans, exacerbating partisan divides.

9. California Politics and Democrat Leadership

Examining recent political upheavals in California, Cruz discusses the potential downfall of prominent Democrats like Gavin Newsom and Andrew Cuomo.

• Ted Cruz (27:42):
  "It's good to have confidence in your co host because we didn't pre plan that. Does this mean the media are turning against Joe Biden? Well, let me ask you, as a California resident, what do you think happens to Newsom?"

He attributes the susceptibility of California leaders to public recall efforts to their policy decisions and perceived double standards, highlighting the volatility within the Democratic stronghold.

10. Double Standards and Leadership Hypocrisy

Cruz vehemently criticizes Democratic leaders for exhibiting double standards, especially regarding COVID-19 protocols.

• Ted Cruz (30:36):
  "The same Nancy Pelosi who is Wining and dining rich liberals without masks is actively fining members of the House of Representatives $500 if they don't wear a mask, even if they've been vaccinated."

He portrays these actions as hypocritical and indicative of broader issues within Democratic leadership, potentially alienating both Republicans and moderate Democrats.

11. Concluding Remarks and Outlook for 2022

In wrapping up, Cruz expresses a cautiously optimistic view for the upcoming elections, rooted in public discontent with current Democratic policies and leadership.

• Ted Cruz (32:00):
  "I think there are a lot of independents pissed. And I think there are Democrats who are like, these guys are petty tyrants and enough is enough. And that is very encouraging for 22 and it's very encouraging for 24."

He anticipates that ongoing dissatisfaction may translate into electoral gains for Republicans in future races, contingent on continued public backlash against excessive spending and perceived leadership failures.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ted Cruz (00:41):
  "Bernie is the chairman of the Budget Committee in the Senate. He has written it. It is three and a half trillion dollars. It's already been bumped up to 4.2 trillion."

• Ted Cruz (05:33):
  "It is funded by trillions in new taxes. They're raising taxes on everything."

• Ted Cruz (07:42):
  "Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have demonstrated a remarkable ability to crack the whip and force their members to just salute and like lemmings, jump off the cliff."

• Ted Cruz (10:24):
  "People across this country are seeing gas prices go up dramatically."

• Ted Cruz (12:53):
  "I don't think the answer is ubi. I think the answer is a workforce developing skills that are needed going forward."

• Ted Cruz (18:51):
  "I think it's exceedingly unlikely. The real mechanism to deal with that is fighting through the political process, but winning elections."

• Ted Cruz (30:36):
  "Nancy Pelosi... is actively fining members of the House of Representatives $500 if they don't wear a mask, even if they've been vaccinated."

• Ted Cruz (32:00):
  "There are a lot of independents pissed. And I think there are Democrats who are like, these guys are petty tyrants and enough is enough."

Key Takeaways

• Fiscal Responsibility Concerns: Cruz argues that Sanders' expansive budget proposal poses a significant threat to the nation's financial stability, primarily through excessive taxation and borrowing.

• Internal Party Struggles: The Democratic Party faces potential fractures between progressive leaders and moderates, with implications for future legislative outcomes.

• Economic Implications of Spending: Massive government spending, coupled with new taxes, could exacerbate inflation and economic disparities, affecting everyday Americans.

• Automation vs. Workforce Development: As technology alters the job landscape, Cruz emphasizes the need for education and skill development over simplistic solutions like UBI.

• Media and Public Perception: There's a critical view of how mainstream media portrays Republican positions, potentially widening partisan divides and misrepresenting genuine concerns.

• Leadership Accountability: High-profile Democratic leaders in California are under scrutiny, with public dissatisfaction possibly translating into electoral challenges.

• Election Outlook: Despite challenges, there remains optimism that Republican strategies and public discontent may yield positive outcomes in upcoming elections.

This summary encapsulates the primary discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode "An Orgy of Spending" from The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. For a comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode available on the iHeartRadio app or other podcast platforms.