Podcast Summary: Season Premiere – Biden’s America

Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Release Date: January 23, 2021
Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Introduction and Personal Updates

The season premiere of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" kicks off with hosts Michael Knowles (A) and Senator Ted Cruz (B) reuniting after a brief hiatus. They exchange personal updates, highlighting significant life events that have occurred over the past month.

• Michael Knowles shares his excitement about becoming a father, revealing that his son, Simon John Knowles, has recently been born. He reflects on the emotional journey of parenthood, noting, “It was just wonderful. It's tremendous” (01:42).

• Senator Ted Cruz celebrates his 50th birthday and provides a heartfelt anecdote about caring for his infant daughter, Caroline, mentioning how playing opera music helped soothe her during late-night cries, adding a touch of humor and warmth to the conversation (03:53).

Election Integrity and January 6th Objections

The primary focus of the episode centers on the contentious events surrounding the January 6th Electoral College vote count and the ensuing Capitol riot. The discussion delves into the constitutional intricacies and the roles of various governmental bodies during the electoral process.

Function of the Vice President in Electoral Vote Counting

The conversation begins with an analysis of the Vice President's role as the President of the Senate during the counting of electoral votes. Senator Cruz compares the situation to historical precedents, specifically the Compromise of 1877, which also grappled with differing views on the Vice President's function in the electoral process (00:00).

Historical Precedents and the Electoral Count Act of 1877

Senator Cruz draws parallels between the 1877 Compromise and the contemporary electoral dispute, highlighting the creation of an unusual electoral commission comprising five House members, five senators, and five Supreme Court justices. He remarks on the oddity of such a hybrid entity, noting, “It's like a winged unicorn” (09:44).

Proposal for an Election Commission

Facing the dilemma of either accepting potentially fraudulent electoral results or rejecting them based on insufficient evidence, Senator Cruz sought a middle ground. He proposed the establishment of an election commission to conduct a 10-day audit of disputed ballots, aiming to balance the need for election integrity without delaying the inauguration. He explains his approach to garnering support among fellow senators, culminating in a joint statement by 11 senators advocating for this impartial tribunal (10:26; 12:55).

Senator Cruz (10:26): “We should follow the precedent of 1877 and specifically that Congress should create an election commission that would conduct an emergency 10 day audit...”

January 6th Capitol Riot: A Day of Chaos and Decisions

The episode provides a firsthand account of the events on January 6th, detailing the sequence of actions taken by senators and the abrupt escalation of violence.

Procession and Initial Objections

As the joint session of Congress convened, the Vice President began reading the electoral votes. Senator Cruz and his colleagues initiated an objection to Arizona's electoral votes, which triggered two hours of debate and voting. He recounts the procedural challenges, including logistical issues with filing objections (14:47).

Senator Cruz (14:47): “We weren't objecting saying, throw the results out. We want the candidate we favored to win.”

Interruption and Riot Escalation

During the debate, unexpected interference occurred when the Vice President was removed from the presiding chair by unidentified individuals, followed by police officers ordering the chamber to lock doors and evacuate. This led to Senators and staff being moved to a secure location as rioters breached the Capitol.

Senator Cruz (24:25): “They were telling us exactly where to go...”

Decision-Making Amidst Chaos

In the secure location, Senator Cruz and the other senators grappled with whether to continue their objections or cease proceedings in the face of the violent takeover. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining procedural integrity despite the unprecedented attack.

Senator Cruz (27:13): “We should follow through what we're fighting for. Election integrity, an independent election commission to protect the integrity of our election.”

Media Portrayal and Partisan Narratives

The discussion critiques the media’s portrayal of the objecting senators, labeling them as the "Sedition Caucus." Senator Cruz argues that the media narrative undermines the legitimacy of concerns regarding electoral fraud and manipulates public perception.

Senator Cruz (16:15): “The media narrative that doesn't exist, and you can't say it exists is weird. Rewriting history.”

Democratic Overreach and Legislative Concerns

The conversation shifts to the Biden administration's early actions, which Senator Cruz characterizes as radical and far-left, contrasting them with President Biden’s purported calls for unity during the inauguration. He expresses concerns over executive orders impacting job security, immigration policies, and other legislative agendas that he believes threaten economic stability and individual liberties.

Senator Cruz (35:39): “They signed executive orders that were anything but uniting, anything but moderate. They were radical, they were extreme.”

Impeachment of Former President Donald Trump

A significant portion of the episode addresses the Democratic Party's pursuit of impeaching former President Trump despite his leaving office. Senator Cruz discusses the constitutional ambiguities surrounding post-presidency impeachment and predicts the likelihood of conviction, which he doubts will succeed.

Senator Cruz (47:05): “I don't believe he's gonna be convicted. To convict him, take 67 votes. I don't think that'll happen.”

He further argues that impeachment is driven by political vindictiveness rather than genuine constitutional concerns.

Future of the Republican Party and Political Outlook

Looking ahead, Senator Cruz outlines the GOP's strategy for the upcoming years, emphasizing the importance of unity to counteract what he perceives as Democratic overreach. He warns against internal divisions within the Republican Party, which could weaken their efforts to oppose unfavorable legislation.

Senator Cruz (51:25): “We keep fighting for principles that are right and true and just. ... We have to make it through these two years. America is strong and resilient.”

He remains optimistic, citing historical political swings and the potential for voter backlash against extreme policies, predicting favorable outcomes for Republicans in the 2022 and 2024 elections if they maintain cohesion.

Closing Remarks and Lighthearted Anecdotes

The episode concludes with lighter moments, including a humorous take on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Freudian slip, highlighting the often theatrical nature of political discourse.

Senator Cruz (56:27): “That mental image, I could have gone my entire life without ever having it in my mind.”

Conclusion

Senator Ted Cruz uses this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" to dissect the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 Presidential Election, emphasizing the need for procedural integrity, election integrity, and Republican unity. He criticizes Democratic strategies and media narratives, while outlining a strategic path forward for the GOP amidst what he perceives as escalating political tensions and legislative challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Ted Cruz (10:26):

  “We should follow the precedent of 1877 and specifically that Congress should create an election commission that would conduct an emergency 10 day audit...”

• Senator Ted Cruz (14:47):

  “We weren't objecting saying, throw the results out. We want the candidate we favored to win.”

• Senator Ted Cruz (16:15):

  “The media narrative that doesn't exist, and you can't say it exists is weird. Rewriting history.”

• Senator Ted Cruz (27:13):

  “We should follow through what we're fighting for. Election integrity, an independent election commission to protect the integrity of our election.”

• Senator Ted Cruz (35:39):

  “They signed executive orders that were anything but uniting, anything but moderate. They were radical, they were extreme.”

• Senator Ted Cruz (47:05):

  “I don't believe he's gonna be convicted. To convict him, take 67 votes. I don't think that'll happen.”

• Senator Ted Cruz (51:25):

  “We keep fighting for principles that are right and true and just. ... We have to make it through these two years. America is strong and resilient.”

Key Takeaways

1. Election Integrity: Emphasis on the necessity for an impartial election commission to address concerns of voter fraud without undermining the electoral outcome.

2. January 6th Riot: A detailed account of the Capitol breach, highlighting the tensions between maintaining constitutional processes and responding to violence.

3. Media Critique: Strong criticism of media bias and its role in shaping public perception regarding electoral disputes.

4. Democratic Overreach: Concerns over the Biden administration’s executive orders and potential legislative agenda perceived as far-left and harmful to American workers and liberties.

5. Impeachment of Trump: Discussion on the controversial and largely symbolic impeachment proceedings against a former president, underscoring partisan motivations.

6. GOP Strategy: A call for Republican unity to counteract Democratic policies, with optimism for electoral success in upcoming cycles.

7. Political Climate: Reflection on the current polarized state of American politics, with references to historical events and predictions for future political dynamics.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints presented by Michael Knowles and Senator Ted Cruz in the "Verdict with Ted Cruz" podcast episode titled "Season Premiere: Biden’s America." The conversation provides insight into Republican strategies, concerns over election integrity, and the broader political landscape in the wake of the 2020 Presidential Election and its aftermath.