Podcast Summary: The Long Game ft. Governor Scott Walker

Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Episode Title: The Long Game
Release Date: March 24, 2021
Guests: Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Scott Walker

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz is joined by former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to discuss the strategic long-term efforts of conservatives to counteract the progressive "long march through the institutions." The conversation delves into the challenges conservatives face in educational institutions, media, and government, and outlines actionable strategies to reclaim influence and promote conservative values.

The Conservative Long Game

[00:00 - 02:10]
Michael Knowles opens the discussion by addressing the entrenched power the left has amassed across various institutions over decades. He highlights the conservative focus on short-term victories at the expense of long-term cultural influence.

Notable Quote:
"The left has engaged in a long march through the institutions. They've amassed power in higher education, lower education, the media, big tech, corporate America."
— Michael Knowles [00:00]

Governor Scott Walker emphasizes the necessity of engaging students early and widely. He underscores the efforts of the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) in supporting conservative students across approximately 2,000 campuses, aiming to expand to all 4,000 campuses in the U.S.

Notable Quote:
"We've got to be on all of them. We've got to be not only with undergraduates, we've got to be with folks getting their two-year associate degree..."
— Scott Walker [01:18]

Expanding Conservative Influence in Education

[02:10 - 06:47]
Ted Cruz reminisces about his college days, highlighting the rarity of liberal dominance at that time and contrasts it with the current climate where conservative voices are often marginalized on campuses.

Notable Quote:
"We weren't quite persecuted by death squads at midnight. At times it feels like that's where colleges are now."
— Ted Cruz [02:30]

Governor Walker discusses the increased suppression of conservative voices and the importance of creating a supportive environment for conservative students. He cites successes like shutting down programs at UC Berkeley that hindered conservative speakers.

Notable Quote:
"We've had big victories even at UC Berkeley. We shut down the program where they all but made it impossible for a conservative speaker to come on campus."
— Scott Walker [04:45]

The Impact of HR1: The Corrupt Politician Act

[12:21 - 19:58]
The conversation shifts to HR1, dubbed the "Corrupt Politician Act," which aims to overhaul election integrity laws. Ted Cruz criticizes the bill, arguing it would undermine voter ID laws, automatically register voters through government interactions (potentially including illegal aliens), and strip states of their authority to restrict voting for felons.

Notable Quote:
"HR1 says that's illegal. No more photo ID. You may need one to buy a beard or get on a plane to drive a car. But voting, no problem."
— Ted Cruz [13:48]

Governor Walker warns of the bill’s implications for states like Wisconsin, where such legislation could skew electoral outcomes by diluting voter integrity safeguards.

Notable Quote:
"If HR1 won, if the Corrupt Politicians Act had been the law, it would have pushed an incredible imbalance."
— Scott Walker [18:27]

Educational System and Union Influence

[21:17 - 32:50]
The discussion turns to the influence of teachers' unions on education. Governor Walker criticizes unions for prioritizing their interests over teachers and students, citing examples like the Milwaukee school district's difficulties in hiring exceptional teachers due to union constraints.

Notable Quote:
"The union is not looking out for them. They're looking out for what's best for the union bosses and for getting their money."
— Scott Walker [25:15]

Ted Cruz shares personal anecdotes illustrating the positive impact dedicated teachers can have on students, contrasting this with the restrictive behaviors of union leadership.

Notable Quote:
"There are millions of wonderful men and women who love kids who go into teaching because they want to make a difference."
— Ted Cruz [23:09]

Policy Proposals and Legislative Battles

[29:01 - 34:38]
Ted Cruz discusses his efforts to amend the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill to ensure funding supports in-person education, proposing scholarships for families if schools do not reopen. Despite bipartisan support from Republicans, the amendment was narrowly defeated by a single Democratic vote, highlighting the partisan stalemate.

Notable Quote:
"Every Republican supported the amendment, every Democrat voted no. And so it failed. 50 to 49."
— Ted Cruz [30:14]

Governor Walker reinforces the importance of these legislative battles as part of the broader long-term strategy to reclaim institutional influence from progressive forces.

Call to Action and Future Collaborations

[34:38 - 35:00]
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support the long-term conservative strategy by engaging with organizations like Young America’s Foundation. Governor Walker and Ted Cruz encourage listeners to participate in upcoming events and advocate for conservative values on their campuses.

Notable Quote:
"Tell us your campus. Tell us where you want to come. Tell us to come."
— Ted Cruz [34:40]

Conclusion

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz featuring Governor Scott Walker provides an in-depth analysis of the strategic efforts required to counteract progressive dominance in key societal institutions. Through discussions on election integrity, educational reform, and legislative actions, Cruz and Walker outline a comprehensive "long game" aimed at preserving and promoting conservative values for future generations.

For more information and to get involved with the long-term conservative strategy, visit long game@yaf.org.