Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz – From Hong Kong to TikTok
Release Date: July 15, 2020
Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Guest: Michael Knowles

Overview

In the episode titled "From Hong Kong to TikTok", Senator Ted Cruz engages in a robust discussion with Michael Knowles, delving into the multifaceted challenges posed by China's growing global influence and the internal divisions within the United States. The conversation spans geopolitical threats, democratic erosion in Hong Kong, the implications of Chinese technology on national security, and the need for constitutional reforms in the U.S. The episode underscores the interplay between domestic policies and international relations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing both to safeguard American interests.

Key Discussions

1. America's Internal Divisions and External Threats ([00:00] - [01:53])

Michael Knowles opens the discussion by highlighting the current state of America, noting the distractions caused by internal debates over social issues such as statue removals and branding changes (e.g., Aunt Jemima). He raises concerns about whether these distractions are allowing genuine external enemies, particularly China, to exploit America's divided state.

Notable Quote:

"Our enemies abroad, you know, our actual enemies are taking advantage of this." – Michael Knowles ([00:00])

Senator Cruz agrees, emphasizing that America's internal strife provides fertile ground for adversaries like China to undermine U.S. interests.

Notable Quote:

"China is the greatest geopolitical threat to the United States over the next century." – Ted Cruz ([00:53])

2. The Erosion of Hong Kong's Autonomy ([02:25] - [03:41])

Cruz discusses the deteriorating situation in Hong Kong, noting that China has effectively dissolved the "one country, two systems" framework promised upon Hong Kong's return from British governance in 1997. He points out that China’s actions have stripped Hong Kong of its promised democracy and freedoms.

Notable Quote:

"China is very quietly but very deliberately crushing Hong Kong democracy beneath its jackboots." – Ted Cruz ([01:53])

Cruz mentions his legislative efforts to hold China accountable, referencing a recent State Department assessment that confirmed China's non-compliance with its commitments to Hong Kong.

3. China's Aggression in the South China Sea and Beyond ([03:59] - [08:21])

The conversation shifts to China's broader aggressive tactics in the South China Sea, including threats to the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and recent incursions into India. Cruz underscores the strategic importance of these regions and the implications of China's military and economic maneuvers.

Notable Quote:

"China is using Hong Kong as a way to get around US Sanctions, get around restrictions on trade with China." – Ted Cruz ([03:41])

Cruz recounts his 2019 trip to Asia, visiting Pearl Harbor, Japan, Taiwan, India, and Hong Kong. He highlights meetings with local leaders and protests, emphasizing the solidarity among America's allies against Chinese aggression.

Notable Quote:

"I believe Hong Kong is the new Berlin. And just as that terrified the Soviet leadership, so too does the prospect of freedom terrify the Chinese communist government." – Ted Cruz ([08:21])

He draws parallels between China's tactics and the historical strategies used by Ronald Reagan against the Soviet Union, suggesting that shining a "light" on oppressive regimes can undermine their authority.

4. The TikTok Debate and National Security ([08:43] - [11:00])

The discussion transitions to the controversy surrounding TikTok, a popular Chinese-owned social media platform. Knowles expresses concern over national security implications, especially with young users potentially compromising data security.

Notable Quote:

"You've got all these 12 year olds who are compromising our national security with funny videos on their phones." – Michael Knowles ([08:43])

Cruz responds optimistically, acknowledging the threat but noting a shift in public perception due to China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes this shift will lead to a reassessment of U.S.-China relations.

Notable Quote:

"I think the most significant long term policy consequence from this pandemic is going to be a fundamental reassessment of the United States relationship with China." – Ted Cruz ([09:20])

5. Social Media and Free Speech: Joining Parler ([11:44] - [12:52])

Addressing alternative social media platforms, Cruz announces his move to Parler, positioning it as a bastion for free speech amidst increasing censorship on mainstream platforms like Twitter.

Notable Quote:

"Parler is explicitly designed to allow free speech... I put out a video explaining why that it was for free speech." – Ted Cruz ([11:44])

Knowles echoes the sentiment, expressing hope that more individuals will migrate to platforms that prioritize free expression.

6. Critique of Chief Justice John Roberts ([13:46] - [18:43])

The conversation takes a personal turn as Knowles questions whether Cruz's critique of Chief Justice John Roberts stems from personal animosity, given their long-standing professional relationship.

Cruz clarifies that his criticism is rooted in judicial performance, not personal feelings. He accuses Roberts of deviating from his role as an impartial umpire, instead politicizing his position by aligning with liberal justices and overlooking conservative principles.

Notable Quote:

"If John Roberts weren't so smart, I'd actually might be more forgiving of it." – Ted Cruz ([16:21])

He laments the lack of conservative voices in Supreme Court nominations, attributing the judiciary's leftward shift to the incentives created by media praise and academic accolades.

7. Advocacy for a Balanced Budget Amendment ([19:08] - [21:25])

Cruz introduces the concept of a balanced budget amendment, advocating for constitutional reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility. He points out that most states already have such amendments, contrasting with the federal government's propensity to overspend and incur debt.

Notable Quote:

"A balanced budget amendment would prevent Washington from borrowing the money from our chief geopolitical adversary." – Ted Cruz ([19:11])

He links fiscal policy to national security, emphasizing that excessive borrowing, particularly from China, exacerbates geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Cruz also mentions his support for term limits, proposing constitutional amendments to limit the tenure of House members and Senators. He argues that career politicians contribute to unchecked spending and entrenched corruption.

Conclusions and Insights

Senator Ted Cruz's discussion with Michael Knowles paints a comprehensive picture of the intertwined nature of domestic policy failures and external geopolitical threats. The erosion of democratic principles in regions like Hong Kong serves as both a symptom and a catalyst of broader global instability orchestrated by China's strategic maneuvers. Concurrently, internal divisions and fiscal irresponsibility within the United States undermine its ability to effectively counter these external threats.

Cruz's advocacy for constitutional reforms, such as a balanced budget amendment and term limits, underscores his belief that structural changes are essential for restoring American resilience and integrity. Moreover, his critique of judicial overreach highlights concerns about the judiciary's role in shaping policies that may not align with conservative principles.

The episode emphasizes the urgency of addressing both internal and external challenges in a cohesive manner to ensure national security and uphold democratic values.

Notable Quotes Recap

• "China is the greatest geopolitical threat to the United States over the next century." – Ted Cruz ([00:53])
• "China is very quietly but very deliberately crushing Hong Kong democracy beneath its jackboots." – Ted Cruz ([01:53])
• "I believe Hong Kong is the new Berlin." – Ted Cruz ([08:21])
• "Parler is explicitly designed to allow free speech." – Ted Cruz ([11:44])
• "If John Roberts weren't so smart, I'd actually might be more forgiving of it." – Ted Cruz ([16:21])
• "A balanced budget amendment would prevent Washington from borrowing the money from our chief geopolitical adversary." – Ted Cruz ([19:11])

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz offers a deep dive into the strategic challenges posed by China, the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions both domestically and internationally, and the critical need for constitutional reforms to enhance American fiscal and political integrity.