Podcast Title: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Episode Title: If You Give Iran a Nuke
Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Release Date: February 17, 2022

Introduction

In the episode titled "If You Give Iran a Nuke," Senator Ted Cruz engages in a robust discussion with an unnamed senator, delving deep into pressing geopolitical issues, including the declining interest in the Olympics, the influence of China on American politics, and the perilous trajectory of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation is peppered with incisive commentary, notable quotes, and critical analysis of current U.S. foreign policy.

Olympics: A Declining Spectacle

[00:00]
Senator Cruz opens the discussion by highlighting the dwindling viewership of the Olympics, citing a staggering 43% drop since the 2018 Winter Games and a 20% decrease from the already low ratings in the 1980s. He expresses concern over America's waning interest and the apparent lack of enthusiasm among American athletes to compete for the national teams.

Ted Cruz: "Nobody wants to watch the Olympics. And even more distressing, our own athletes don't seem to want to play for the American teams." [00:00]

America’s Global Standing and Internal Discontent

The conversation transitions to broader themes of America's role on the global stage. Senator Cruz questions what has transpired to diminish America's influence and reputation worldwide, pondering whether the dissatisfaction stems from anti-American sentiments on the left or a deeper national malaise akin to the 1970s.

Ted Cruz: "Is it a revulsion at China? Is it a revulsion at America? Or is it just that people are tuning out of the mainstream media?" [05:46]

China’s Expanding Influence and Democratic Complicity

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on China's pervasive influence within the United States, particularly through the Democratic Party. The unnamed senator criticizes the Democrats for being structurally pro-China, alleging that major sectors like big tech, Hollywood, and academia are deeply entangled with Chinese interests.

Unnamed Senator: "The Democratic Party does not want to decouple, does not want to delink... They have billions of dollars at stake with keeping us intertwined with communist China." [10:01]

The senator further contends that Democratic leaders are unwilling to take decisive actions against China due to financial dependencies, painting a bleak picture of America's ability to counteract Chinese aggression without internal reform.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions and U.S. Policy Failures

The discussion shifts to Iran, with Senator Cruz and the unnamed senator examining the historical and present U.S. policies toward Iran's nuclear program. They trace the origins of U.S.-Iran tensions back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis, condemning both past administrations' handling of Iran.

Unnamed Senator: "Obama Iran deal put Iran unavoidably on a path to having a nuclear weapon." [22:28]

The unnamed senator vehemently opposes the Iran Nuclear Deal, describing it as a "total capitulation" that dangerously paves the way for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He criticizes Senator Cruz for his efforts in rallying opposition to the deal and highlights the deal's flaws, such as the 21-day notice for inspections and exemptions for military sites.

Unnamed Senator: "Obama and Biden... they're leftists that it's the same we were talking a minute ago with respect to China about the anti-Americanism of the left. They view American leadership in the world as illegitimate." [27:09]

Biden Administration’s Approach and Future Prospects

Senator Cruz questions the Biden administration's intent to revive the Iran deal without Congressional approval, expressing skepticism about its effectiveness and longevity. The unnamed senator underscores that once Russia and China continue to exert influence, bipartisan support for strong policies against Iran diminishes, leaving Iran's threat unchecked.

Unnamed Senator: "What I've said repeatedly is Joe Biden can't give you that because the next Republican president who comes in is going to rip this deal up just like the last Republican president is." [37:30]

Mailbag Segment: Illicit Drugs and Policy Critique

In the mailbag segment, a listener questions Ted Cruz's stance on the legality of illicit drugs, tying it to a satirical claim that the Biden administration plans to distribute free crack pipes. The unnamed senator mocks the notion, emphasizing the absurdity of supporting such measures and reinforcing a hardline stance against drug legalization initiatives purportedly benefiting minority communities.

Unnamed Senator: "How is that not a headline from the Babylon Bee? It literally is the case that the Biden administration is giving out free crack pipes." [38:31]

Conclusion: A Call for Strong Leadership

Senator Cruz wraps up the episode by reiterating the urgent need for a robust Republican leadership to confront the intertwined threats posed by China and Iran. He underscores the importance of dismantling the structural support that allows these nations to undermine American sovereignty and advocates for policies that prioritize national security and global standing.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ted Cruz on Olympics Decline:
  "Nobody wants to watch the Olympics. And even more distressing, our own athletes don't seem to want to play for the American teams." [00:00]

• Unnamed Senator on Democratic Complicity with China:
  "The Democratic Party does not want to decouple, does not want to delink... They have billions of dollars at stake with keeping us intertwined with communist China." [10:01]

• Unnamed Senator on Biden’s Stance on Iran:
  "Obama and Biden... they're leftists that it's the same we were talking a minute ago with respect to China about the anti-Americanism of the left." [27:09]

• Unnamed Senator on Crack Pipes Controversy:
  "How is that not a headline from the Babylon Bee? It literally is the case that the Biden administration is giving out free crack pipes." [38:31]

Final Thoughts

The episode "If You Give Iran a Nuke" presents a critical examination of the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the threats posed by China and Iran. Senator Cruz and his guest provide a compelling argument for stronger, more assertive policies to restore America's global influence and ensure national security. The conversation is a clarion call for vigilance against internal and external forces that seek to undermine U.S. interests.