Summary of "It’s Not Over Yet" Episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz

Podcast Information:

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode: It’s Not Over Yet
• Release Date: February 1, 2020

Note: The following summary is based on the provided transcript from the episode titled "It’s Not Over Yet" featuring Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz discussing the impeachment trial.

Introduction

In the episode titled "It’s Not Over Yet," Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz engage in an in-depth discussion about the ongoing impeachment trial. Hosted by Michael Knowles, the conversation delves into the unexpected developments that have potentially accelerated the conclusion of the trial, the strategic decisions made by the senators, and the broader implications for American politics.

Unexpected Conclusion of the Impeachment Trial

Senator Lindsey Graham opens the discussion by expressing surprise at the rapid turn of events in the impeachment trial:

"The last time that we sat down, I was told this impeachment was gonna drag on for weeks... I go to sleep, I wake up today, and the senators are voting no more witnesses. This thing could have over next week." (00:16)

Senator Ted Cruz adds that the absence of witnesses could shorten the trial significantly:

"If the vote had gone differently today, this trial could have gone on for months." (00:50)

Strategic Decisions: No More Witnesses

The senators discuss the pivotal decision to halt the calling of witnesses, which was a significant deviation from expectations.

Senator Ted Cruz explains the Democratic strategy to extend the trial through a "fishing expedition" for evidence:

"We KNEW we had 47 Democrats that wanted more witnesses. Why? Because they hadn't proven the case." (01:02)

Senator Lindsey Graham emphasizes the argument against calling additional witnesses, labeling the impeachment process as a sham:

"The bottom line is the whole thing was a sham. And we were trying to convince Lisa and everybody else, don't legitimize this." (03:06)

Notable moments include the senators’ negotiation efforts to secure votes from key Republicans like Lamar Alexander and Lisa Murkowski, ultimately leading to the cessation of witness testimonies.

Key Moments Influencing Decision-Making

A critical moment highlighted by Senator Cruz involves a strategic question posed to White House lawyers, challenging the necessity of a witness if a quid pro quo is assumed:

"The most important question is... if you assume, for sake of argument, that John Bolton testifies... is that an impeachable offense or not?" (04:19)

Senator Graham concurs, illustrating how this line of questioning swayed the votes of crucial senators:

"We don't want to be throwing the court in this political swamp. If you put the court in the crosshairs of history, you begin to corrupt the court." (08:43)

Implications for the Supreme Court and Executive Privilege

The discussion extends to the potential ramifications for the Supreme Court and the concept of executive privilege:

Senator Cruz warns against politicizing the Supreme Court:

"If the Democrats tarnish the Supreme Court too, where they lose faith in every institution of government, that's a real problem." (15:05)

Senator Graham underscores the historical significance of this impeachment being "purely partisan" and its impact on judicial impartiality:

"This is a constitutional death penalty for a politician. You should use it sparingly... Clinton had bipartisan impeachment." (22:51)

Humorous and Human Moments During the Trial

Amidst the gravity of the discussion, the senators share lighter moments from the trial proceedings:

Senator Cruz recounts a humorous incident involving Senator Amy Klobuchar:

"She sends the wrong card down. So the chief doesn't read it... she realizes she screwed up and has to run down and write her name on the card." (23:23)

Senator Graham adds levity by joking about courtroom interactions:

"John Roberts, he had his reading glasses on the tip of his nose... he had a slight smile." (25:00)

Future Outlook and Political Ramifications

Looking ahead, the senators discuss the potential fallout and future political strategies:

Senator Cruz reflects on past impeachments and their effects on political careers:

"Bill Clinton helped keep Barack Obama from getting impeached... Republicans took that message. Impeachment wasn't the right tool." (20:53)

Senator Graham expresses concern over maintaining impartiality and adhering to constitutional principles:

"You got to have a country where the rules matter for everybody, not just President Trump." (29:22)

The conversation concludes with speculation about upcoming political maneuvers and the enduring impact of the impeachment process on American governance.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Lindsey Graham:
  "The bottom line is the whole thing was a sham." (03:06)

• Senator Ted Cruz:
  "If you call witnesses, you're not just going to call John Bolton. It becomes a nightmare for the country." (19:15)

• Senator Lindsey Graham:
  "This is a constitutional death penalty for a politician. You should use it sparingly." (22:59)

• Senator Ted Cruz:
  "Elizabeth Warren helped defeat the impeachment of the President of the United States." (15:42)

Conclusion

The episode "It’s Not Over Yet" provides a comprehensive look into the strategic decisions behind the cessation of witness testimonies in the impeachment trial. Senators Graham and Cruz articulate their concerns over the partisan nature of the proceedings and the potential long-term implications for American political institutions. Through candid discussions and insightful analysis, the episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the impeachment process and its broader impact on governance and public trust.

Timestamps Reference:

• 00:00 – Begin Transcript
• 00:16 – Senator Graham expresses surprise at rapid trial progress
• 00:50 – Senator Cruz discusses potential trial extension
• 01:02 – Democrats' strategy to call more witnesses
• 03:06 – Senator Graham labels the impeachment process a sham
• 04:19 – Strategic question regarding quid pro quo
• 08:43 – Impact on Supreme Court and executive privilege
• 15:05 – Senator Cruz warns against politicizing the Supreme Court
• 22:51 – Senator Graham on historical significance of impeachment
• 23:23 – Humorous trial moments
• 25:00 – Senator Graham on Chief Justice Roberts
• 20:53 – Reflection on past impeachments
• 29:22 – Maintaining impartiality and constitutional principles

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz during the "It’s Not Over Yet" episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz. It provides a structured overview for listeners seeking to understand the nuances of the impeachment trial without accessing the full transcript.