Podcast Summary: Ep. 13 - The Stakes of 2020
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Release Date: February 11, 2020
Transcript Excerpt From: Verdict with Ted Cruz
1. Impeachment's Conclusion and Emerging Political Risks
The episode opens with Michael Knowles announcing the end of the impeachment proceedings against President Trump, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the political landscape leading into the 2020 elections.
Michael Knowles [00:00]: "The impeachment is over. Now the real political risk begins."
Senator Ted Cruz concurs, acknowledging that while the impeachment saga has concluded, significant political challenges are on the horizon.
Ted Cruz [00:21]: "Now you can get a good night's sleep."
2. The Critical Importance of the 2020 Elections
Knowles emphasizes the significance of the 2020 election cycle, questioning what is truly at stake.
Michael Knowles [00:22]: "Every single election cycle, this is the most important election of our lifetimes. Now, everything is about 2020. I wanna know from your vantage on the inside in the Senate what is really at stake in 2020."
Cruz responds by framing the election as "unbelievably consequential" across multiple fronts, highlighting the ongoing battle between Democrats and conservatives.
Ted Cruz [00:56]: "Look, I think it is an unbelievably consequential election on a lot of fronts."
3. Democrats' Strategy and Potential Amplification of Partisan Behavior
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Democrats' tactics and the potential consequences if they secure victories in November.
Ted Cruz [01:17]: "Do you like the nuttiness? Do you like the gallop to the left? Do you like the abuse of the Department of Justice and the FBI and Target targeting the president and attacking the president and impeaching him for partisan purposes?"
Cruz warns that a Democratic win could lead to the amplification of extreme behaviors and policies.
Ted Cruz [01:44]: "Depending on what happens in November, we'll either get a lot more of it or a lot less of it."
4. Historical Context: Impeachment Lessons from Clinton and Obama Administrations
The conversation delves into past impeachment efforts, comparing the outcomes of President Bill Clinton's impeachment to the attempts during President Obama's tenure.
Ted Cruz [03:05]: "Because the Bill Clinton impeachment didn't go well."
Cruz points out that impeachment can backfire, as seen with Clinton's approval ratings rising post-impeachment.
Ted Cruz [04:13]: "Impeaching Clinton was a disaster. We don't want to do it again."
5. Filibuster's Role and Democratic Plans to Alter Senate Procedures
A critical segment discusses the filibuster's historical significance and the Democrats' intentions to dismantle it to further their legislative agenda.
Ted Cruz [08:01]: "When they fell to 59, there were some old bull Democrats who wouldn't end the filibuster."
Understanding the filibuster's impact, Cruz explains how its removal could lead to swift Democratic control over Senate decisions.
Ted Cruz [08:40]: "What it means as a practical matter, though, in the Senate is that to take up any legislation, you need 60 votes."
6. Democrats' Agenda to Alter the Electorate and Ensure Long-Term Power
Cruz outlines a hypothetical strategy Democrats might employ to secure indefinite control, including granting citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants and altering voter registration processes.
Ted Cruz [11:08]: "Make as many illegal aliens as possible citizens and voters instantaneously."
He argues that such measures would drastically shift electoral outcomes in favor of Democrats.
Ted Cruz [12:37]: "If Republicans lose Texas, we're never becoming president again."
7. Statehood for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico as Political Tools
The discussion covers proposals to grant statehood to Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, which Cruz suggests would guarantee additional Democratic seats in the Senate.
Ted Cruz [12:58]: "They can make the District of Columbia a state. Washington, D.C. is like an 85% Democratic city."
8. National Instantaneous Voter Registration and Electoral Reforms
Cruz critiques Democratic proposals for federalizing voter registration, arguing it undermines state-level controls designed to prevent voter fraud.
Ted Cruz [14:33]: "The Democrats want a federal takeover. They wanna put the states and local governments out of the election business."
9. Big Tech's Influence and Potential Censorship Under a Democratic Regime
A significant concern raised is the role of Big Tech in elections and the potential for increased censorship if Democrats gain power.
Ted Cruz [16:10]: "But as bad as they are now, in a Democratic, in a Bernie Sanders administration, they would. I am not exaggerating when I say this podcast could very well be off the air."
He fears that Democratic control could lead to stringent regulation and suppression of conservative voices online.
10. Judicial Appointments and Supreme Court Expansion Fears
Cruz expresses anxiety over potential Democratic efforts to expand the Supreme Court and appoint more liberal justices.
Ted Cruz [19:48]: "The Democrats are talking about packing the Supreme Court. In other words, expanding it from nine. The number they're talking about is to 15 justices, so six brand new justices."
11. Senate Conduct During Impeachment and Upholding Constitutional Principles
In response to a mailbag question, Cruz defends the Senate's role in conducting a fair impeachment trial, emphasizing the importance of due process.
Ted Cruz [22:29]: "We had a responsibility to say we're going to do a fair trial. The House has voted. That constitutionally is a big deal."
12. Final Thoughts: Legislative Priorities and Defense of Liberty
Cruz concludes by outlining his legislative goals, including confirming effective judges and defending constitutional liberties against perceived socialist threats.
Ted Cruz [20:26]: "The most important thing I'll do is defend the principles of liberty. It's why we're doing this podcast."
He highlights his efforts in promoting school choice, presenting it as a pivotal civil rights issue.
Ted Cruz [21:07]: "School choice, it is the most important civil rights issue facing America now."
Conclusion
This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz provides a comprehensive analysis of the political tensions surrounding the 2020 elections. Senator Cruz articulates concerns over potential Democratic strategies to entrench power, legislative maneuvers like ending the filibuster, and the broader implications for American democracy. Through insightful dialogue, the conversation underscores the high stakes of the upcoming elections and the profound impact they may have on the nation's future trajectory.