Episode Summary: "Enough From Michael" | Verdict with Ted Cruz | December 2, 2021
In the December 2, 2021 episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosts Senator Ted Cruz, Michael Knowles, and Liz delve into a series of pressing political and legal issues, answering listener questions and offering in-depth analysis on topics ranging from federal intervention in state judicial matters to the future of America's power grid. This episode, titled "Enough From Michael," provides listeners with unfiltered insights and candid commentary on the current political landscape.
1. Introduction and Show Dynamics
The episode begins with Michael Knowles addressing the audience before transitioning into the main content. Iconic advertisements and sponsorship messages from partners like stamps.com, AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens), and American Hartford Gold are strategically placed but are excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions.
2. Listener Questions and Expert Analysis
a. Federal Retrial After Acquittal
Timestamp [05:50]
A listener from Jersey poses a critical question regarding the federal government's authority to retry individuals after they've been acquitted in state courts. The question probes the constitutional safeguards against such actions.
Liz's Response:
Liz explains the constitutional protection against double jeopardy, emphasizing that an individual cannot be tried twice for the same crime. She clarifies, “The Constitution protects you from what's called double jeopardy, which is you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.” However, she notes an important exception where different and distinct crimes can be prosecuted even after an acquittal on a related charge. For instance, being acquitted of murder doesn’t prevent prosecution for an unrelated speeding offense committed simultaneously.
b. Libertarianism vs. Conservatism and Big Tech's Influence
Timestamp [07:31]
A listener (JJ4884) seeks clarification on Michael Knowles' stance towards libertarians and whether certain professions, like those in Big Tech, are incompatible with traditional conservatism.
Ted Cruz's Insights:
Senator Cruz addresses the intricate relationship between libertarianism and conservatism, particularly in the context of Big Tech. He states, “There are certain fields that, that naturally are just not going to be all that conservative.” Highlighting the tension, he critiques libertarian approaches that advocate for minimal regulation, suggesting that complete deregulation in areas like technology can lead to licentiousness. Cruz underscores the necessity of forming broad coalitions to achieve conservative goals, emphasizing that politics is the art of inclusion to secure majority support.
Notable Quote:
“Politics is the art of inclusion. And the only way you're ever gonna do anything is if you can win elections.” – Senator Ted Cruz [07:31]
c. DOJ's Role in High-Profile Cases and Parental Oversight in Education
Timestamp [13:11]
Elizabeth P. raises concerns about the Department of Justice (DOJ) potentially seeking to retry Kyle Rittenhouse despite his acquittal. Additionally, she inquires about the DOJ's efforts to target parents speaking out against school board policies.
Liz's Response:
Liz expresses deep apprehension regarding the politicization of the DOJ under the Biden administration. She asserts, “I think the Biden Justice Department has been wildly political.” Addressing the Kyle Rittenhouse scenario, she emphasizes the importance of upholding jury verdicts and criticizes the administration's tendency to abuse power for political gains. On the issue of targeting parents, Liz condemns the DOJ's aggressive stance against those opposing educational policies like critical race theory, labeling such actions as “an absolute grotesque abuse of power.”
d. Remedies Against Executive Overreach in Judicial Orders
Timestamp [16:00]
A listener asks about the legal remedies available when an administration persists in defying court rulings, specifically referencing the Biden administration's response to the vaccine mandate and border policies.
Liz's Detailed Analysis:
Liz provides a comprehensive overview of the conflict between the executive branch and the judiciary, using the vaccine mandate and the Remain in Mexico policy as case studies. She explains that when the administration ignores court orders, as seen with the OSHA vaccine mandate, the judiciary can impose remedies such as holding officials in contempt, potentially leading to incarceration.
She further discusses the Remain in Mexico policy's revocation by Biden, which led to a surge in illegal immigration and subsequent legal challenges. Despite court orders to reinstate the policy, the administration's delayed compliance showcases the challenges in enforcing judicial decisions against executive resistance.
Notable Quote:
“Ultimately, they risk. I think there's a real possibility. You see a judge enter a contempt hearing because they have, as a real and practical matter, a contempt for anything holding them to account.” – Liz [16:00]
e. Political and Cultural Divergences Within the Conservative Movement
Timestamp [21:38]
A listener (Deadass Nemo) inquires about the differences between Michael Knowles and Senator Cruz in political and cultural perspectives.
Humorous Exchange and Underlying Agreement:
In a light-hearted exchange, both hosts joke about their shared Italian heritage and mutual love for cigars, highlighting their close alignment on most issues. The conversation takes a playful turn when they discuss cigar preferences, symbolizing their camaraderie despite minor personal differences.
Notable Quote:
“I think Attila the Hun is a little more libertarian than I am, so I think it's absolutely fair.” – Ted Cruz [21:20]
f. Future of America's Power Grid and Innovative Solutions
Timestamp [22:56]
Eileen poses a forward-thinking question regarding alternative options for enhancing the resiliency of America's power grid.
Liz's Comprehensive Proposal:
Liz outlines a multifaceted approach to strengthening the power grid, emphasizing diversification of energy sources. She discusses the roles of coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and nuclear energy, highlighting their respective benefits and challenges. A significant portion of her analysis is dedicated to the innovative use of cryptocurrency mining as a means to improve grid resiliency.
She proposes that Bitcoin mining operations can act as a dynamic load on the grid, functioning similarly to a battery by absorbing excess energy during low demand and supplying it back during high demand or emergencies. This concept not only optimizes energy consumption but also reduces environmental impact by capturing and utilizing otherwise wasted natural gas from oil wells.
Notable Quote:
“One way to think about bitcoin and crypto mining is it's like a battery. It's a way of producing excess electricity that can be diverted back into the grid to meet critical needs in a time of emergency.” – Liz [22:56]
Future Episode Teaser:
Ted Cruz humorously teases an upcoming episode focused on cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, expressing personal interest and investment in the subject, thereby setting the stage for deeper discussions in future shows.
3. Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to submit questions for future episodes and to engage with the show's content through merchandise and supporting the Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC. While the hosts briefly mention these promotional elements, the core focus remains on providing insightful and substantive discussions on pivotal political issues.
Key Takeaways:
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Constitutional Safeguards: The Constitution's protection against double jeopardy is robust but allows for prosecution of distinct crimes arising from the same incident.
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Libertarianism vs. Conservatism: There's an ongoing debate within the conservative movement about the role of libertarianism, especially regarding regulation in sectors like Big Tech.
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Judicial vs. Executive Branch: The episode underscores the tension between judicial rulings and executive actions, highlighting the potential for executive overreach and the judiciary's role in enforcing checks and balances.
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Innovative Energy Solutions: The discussion on the power grid introduces cryptocurrency mining as a potential tool for enhancing energy resiliency and reducing environmental waste.
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Political Unity and Differences: While there is strong alignment among conservative leaders, minor personal differences, such as in cigar preferences, showcase the human side of political discourse.
Notable Quotes:
“Politics is the art of inclusion. And the only way you're ever gonna do anything is if you can win elections.” – Senator Ted Cruz [07:31]
“One way to think about bitcoin and crypto mining is it's like a battery. It's a way of producing excess electricity that can be diverted back into the grid to meet critical needs in a time of emergency.” – Liz [22:56]
This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz offers listeners a blend of serious political analysis and engaging discourse, ensuring that both seasoned followers and newcomers gain valuable insights into the complexities of American politics and policy-making.