Summary of "Libs Gone Wild" Episode on Verdict with Ted Cruz

Release Date: June 9, 2022
Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Host: Ted Cruz
Guests: Michael Knowles, Liz Wheeler

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode titled "Libs Gone Wild" delves into the perceived missteps and extreme policies of the Democratic Party, highlighting internal conflicts and the repercussions of their agenda on various aspects of American society. The discussion is led by Senator Ted Cruz, with contributions from Michael Knowles and Liz Wheeler.

2. Democrats' Internal Struggles and Policy Failures

a. Backlash Within the Democratic Party

Ted Cruz opens the discussion by addressing the backlash not only from conservatives and Republicans but also from within the Democratic ranks. He emphasizes that Democrats are beginning to push back against their own ruling class as election outcomes threaten their dominance.

Notable Quote:

"It's not just us pushing back. ... you've got Democrats pushing back against the Democrat ruling class as they see them headed for disaster in the elections."
— Michael Knowles [00:00]

b. Analogizing Democratic Extremism to "Girls Gone Wild"

Cruz draws a parallel between the Democrats' current strategies and the infamous "Girls Gone Wild" videos, suggesting that the Democratic Party is engaging in extreme behaviors to alienate not just conservatives but also moderates and traditional liberals.

Notable Quote:

"This is liberals Gone Wild. This is the crazy left. ... how far can we go to drive away good old fashioned liberals who are not nuts."
— Ted Cruz [12:36]

3. Impact of Extreme Left Policies on Culture and Society

a. Sexualization of Children and Cultural Shifts

The conversation highlights controversial policies such as drag queens performing for young children in Dallas gay bars. Cruz criticizes these actions as harmful and inappropriate, arguing that they represent a radical shift in cultural norms imposed by the left.

Notable Quote:

"Radical gender ideology is corrupting our nation right now. It's seeping into our children's classrooms as young as kindergarten and preschool."
— Liz Wheeler [00:50]

b. Double Standards in Child Protection

Cruz points out the double standards in societal reactions, comparing the acceptance of drag performances for children in gay bars to the outrage that would ensue if similar acts occurred in traditional strip clubs with real women.

Notable Quote:

"If you had straight women who were strippers and you had five year olds tucking dollars in their G strings, ... you and I would be appalled."
— Ted Cruz [15:07]

4. Economic Policies and Energy Crisis

a. Biden's Energy Policies and Gas Prices

A significant portion of the discussion centers on President Joe Biden's energy policies, which Cruz argues are directly responsible for the soaring gas prices. He accuses the administration of implementing numerous policies aimed at reducing domestic energy production, leading to supply shortages and increased costs for consumers.

Notable Quote:

"Biden literally campaigned saying, I'm gonna shut down oil and gas drilling ... and he followed through, resulting in prices doubling."
— Ted Cruz [19:01]

b. Socialists' End Goals for Energy Prices

Cruz suggests that the Democratic leadership intentionally drives up energy prices to compel citizens to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives, aligning with their broader Green New Deal objectives.

Notable Quote:

"We're gonna make your life so miserable that you have to spend 100 bucks ... you're gonna get rid of it and buy a Prius."
— Ted Cruz [19:01]

5. Crime and Public Safety Concerns

a. Recalls and Challenges in Major Cities

The episode discusses the increasing challenges faced by Democrats in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where high crime rates have led to recalls and contentious mayoral races. Cruz attributes these issues to the Democratic Party's lenient stance on law enforcement and criminal justice.

Notable Quote:

"If we let violent criminals go, we will be so enlightened. ... people are liberals, but could you not let murderers ... wander the streets?"
— Ted Cruz [16:26]

b. Public Dissatisfaction with Democratic Leadership

Cruz highlights how constituents, including some Democrats, are expressing frustration with the party's handling of crime, leading to political instability and challenges from within.

6. Alienation of Moderates and Traditional Liberals

a. Shift Towards a Radical Elite

Cruz argues that the Democratic Party has become dominated by an urban, wealthy, and radical elite disconnected from the average American. This shift has led to policies that alienate not only conservatives but also moderate and traditional liberal voters.

Notable Quote:

"They have become this angry, fringe, wealthy, urban radical elite ... it's like the Yale faculty is their constituency."
— Ted Cruz [25:00]

b. Loss of Broad-Based Support

The conversation underscores the party's strategy of pushing boundaries to the extent that it loses the support of its broader base, including influential figures like Elon Musk who have distanced themselves from the party.

7. The January 6th Committee and Peter Navarro's Arrest

a. Constitutional Questions Surrounding Indictments

Liz Wheeler introduces the topic of Peter Navarro's arrest related to the January 6th Committee, raising concerns about executive privilege and the legality of congressional indictments without judicial intervention.

Notable Quote:

"The arrest of Peter Navarro itself is a constitutional question ... whether it's legal for Congress to have indicted him without the court intervening."
— Liz Wheeler [29:48]

b. Partisan Nature of the Committee's Proceedings

The episode critiques the January 6th Committee as being overtly partisan and suggests that its proceedings are designed more for spectacle than substantive legal inquiry.

Notable Quote:

"It's a showboat trial, if you will. ... making it a primetime, a primetime event here."
— Liz Wheeler [29:48]

8. Prospects for Upcoming Elections

a. Predicting Democratic Losses

Cruz is confident that the Democratic Party will face significant losses in the upcoming elections due to their extreme policies and the mounting pushback from both Republicans and disillusioned Democrats.

Notable Quote:

"I know what they're gonna do in November. They're gonna get obliterated in November. It is going to be an historic election."
— Ted Cruz [13:16]

b. Movements Toward Moderation

Michael Knowles offers a slightly optimistic view, suggesting that some Democrats and moderates are recognizing the party's overreach and may shift towards more centrist positions to regain voter support.

Notable Quote:

"They may be seeing that their time in office is going to be dwindling ... but I guess we won't know until those elections take place."
— Michael Knowles [26:53]

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a reflection on the current state of the Democratic Party, emphasizing the critical juncture it faces due to internal conflicts and external pressures. Cruz and his guests express confidence that the forthcoming elections will serve as a pivotal moment for the party, potentially leading to significant shifts in American political dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"The very fact that these keep cropping up these hotly contested elections ... shows you that something is in the air right now."
— Michael Knowles [28:28]

Key Takeaways

• Internal Democratic Backlash: Democrats are facing opposition from within their ranks as election outcomes threaten their control.

• Cultural Concerns: Radical policies, especially those related to gender and sexuality, are alienating traditional liberals and the general populace.

• Economic Policies: Biden's energy policies are blamed for rising gas prices, with Cruz arguing they are intentionally designed to push citizens toward environmentally friendly alternatives.

• Public Safety Issues: High crime rates in major Democratic strongholds are leading to political instability and recalls.

• Party Alienation: The Democratic Party is criticized for becoming an urban, wealthy, and radical elite disconnected from the average voter.

• Election Outlook: There is a strong belief among the hosts that Democrats will face significant losses in upcoming elections due to their extreme policies and missteps.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Knowles [00:00]:

  "It's not just us pushing back. ... you've got Democrats pushing back against the Democrat ruling class as they see them headed for disaster in the elections."

• Ted Cruz [12:36]:

  "This is liberals Gone Wild. This is the crazy left. ... how far can we go to drive away good old fashioned liberals who are not nuts."

• Ted Cruz [15:07]:

  "If you had straight women who were strippers and you had five year olds tucking dollars in their G strings, ... you and I would be appalled."

• Ted Cruz [19:01]:

  "Biden literally campaigned saying, I'm gonna shut down oil and gas drilling ... and he followed through, resulting in prices doubling."

• Ted Cruz [25:00]:

  "They have become this angry, fringe, wealthy, urban radical elite ... it's like the Yale faculty is their constituency."

• Michael Knowles [26:53]:

  "They may be seeing that their time in office is going to be dwindling ... but I guess we won't know until those elections take place."

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" presents a critical analysis of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, emphasizing the potential consequences of their extreme policies on upcoming elections and the broader American political landscape.