Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode 1 - "Trump On Trial" Summary
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Release Date: January 22, 2020
Introduction: The Impeachment Trial Begins
The episode kicks off with Michael Knowles introducing Senator Ted Cruz to discuss the first day of President Trump's impeachment trial. [00:01]
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles: "The first day of President Trump's impeachment trial has just come to a close."
Early Impressions: No Shifts in Opinions
Senator Cruz observes that the day's proceedings did not alter the senators' or the public's stance on impeachment. He notes the monotony of repeating the same motions and arguments by the Democrats.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [00:49]: "I don't think anyone's mind was changed. I think anyone who came in as a yes is still a yes."
- Ted Cruz [01:19]: "It was like Groundhog Day, except they'd get up and have a different House manager stand up and make the same damn arguments."
Democratic Strategy: Repetition Without Progress
Cruz criticizes the Democrats for filing 11 repetitive motions, leading to disengagement both in the Senate gallery and among reporters who eventually left due to the lack of substantive debate.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [02:25]: "They were trying to call... they couldn't prove their case. So what they want to do is... go fishing, try to find something to back up their case."
Legal Framework: The Constitution and Impeachment Grounds
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the constitutional requirements for impeachment. Cruz emphasizes that impeachment must be grounded in clear offenses like treason or bribery, not merely political disagreements.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [04:42]: "The Constitution specifies what's required for impeachment... treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors."
- Ted Cruz [06:09]: "They haven't alleged treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors."
Historical Context: Comparing Impeachments
Cruz draws parallels between the current impeachment trial and past proceedings, notably the Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon impeachments. He highlights inconsistencies and perceived hypocrisy in how impeachment standards are applied.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [06:32]: "James Madison... stood up and he disagreed. He said... impeachment anytime the Senate disagrees with him."
- Ted Cruz [18:48]: "That's the right way to do it... Look, if the House Democrats wanted to get John Bolton's testimony, they should have subpoenaed him and they should have fought for it."
Procedural Dynamics: Senate's Approach to the Trial
Cruz explains the Senate's procedural steps, including adopting a bipartisan order reminiscent of the Clinton impeachment. He critiques the Democrats' approach as more about political maneuvering than substantive legal arguments.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [09:22]: "House managers want to call a whole bunch more witnesses. They want to go on a fishing expedition."
- Ted Cruz [10:27]: "Clinton order was approved 100 to nothing. It was bipartisan. Every Democrat, every Republican."
Senate Lunchroom Politics: Unity Amidst Division
Discussing Senate interactions, Cruz humorously likens the divisions to rival gangs but underscores the Republican efforts to maintain procedural fairness despite Democratic complaints about delays.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [19:34]: "It's sort of like the Crips and the Bloods. I mean, it is a much geekier, much older version."
- Ted Cruz [20:07]: "We gave them what they want and they still say it's a massive cover up."
The Role of Judiciary in Impeachment
Addressing Congressman Adam Schiff's comments, Cruz clarifies the judiciary's limited role in impeachment, emphasizing the Senate's authority while acknowledging the complexities of executive privilege and legal proceedings.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [15:09]: "Impeachment itself is a combination of the two branches... they chose the Senate, but let the Chief Justice preside."
- Ted Cruz [18:25]: "Privileges are commonplace and courts routinely litigate privileges."
Closing Thoughts: Substance Over Rhetoric
In his concluding remarks, Cruz advocates for focusing on factual and constitutional arguments rather than partisan rhetoric. He emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue on critical national issues beyond the impeachment trial.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [22:36]: "Truth and substance matters. I think facts matter. I think the Constitution matters."
- Ted Cruz [23:05]: "We need to engage more, we need to win people's hearts and minds."
Final Remarks and Future Outlook
Knowles and Cruz wrap up the episode by highlighting the ongoing nature of the trial and encouraging listeners to engage with the process. Cruz expresses optimism that the defense will present more substantive arguments in the days to come.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Cruz [24:31]: "I'm looking forward to the president's defense team having a chance to lay out the substantive merits."
- Michael Knowles: "We will be right back here breaking it down with as insider review as you can possibly get on the Senate on the impeachment trial and of course, on the Constitution."
Key Takeaways:
- Lack of New Arguments: The first day saw repetitive motions from Democrats without introducing new evidence or substantial arguments.
- Constitutional Standards: Impeachment must adhere to constitutional grounds—treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors—not merely political disagreements.
- Historical Comparisons: Cruz draws lessons from past impeachments to highlight perceived inconsistencies in current proceedings.
- Procedural Fairness: Emphasis on maintaining fair Senate procedures, resisting what is seen as partisan maneuvering by Democrats.
- Focus on Substance: A call for focusing on factual and constitutional matters rather than engaging in political theatrics.
This episode offers a critical perspective on the impeachment trial, underscoring concerns about political motivations and advocating for adherence to constitutional principles.