Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz – Episode: Who Is Ray Epps?

Episode Release Date: January 18, 2022

Host: Ted Cruz, with co-hosts Michael Knowles and Liz Wheeler

Introduction

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz delves into the controversial figure Ray Epps and his alleged connections to the events of January 6th, 2021. Joined by co-host Michael Knowles and Liz Wheeler, Cruz explores the murky details surrounding Epps' actions and the FBI's involvement—or lack thereof—in investigating his role.

Ray Epps and the January 6th Investigation

Michael Knowles initiates the discussion by posing a critical question: "Who is Ray Epps specifically? What was the FBI's involvement in January 6th?" [03:27]

Senator Ted Cruz responds by highlighting the Biden administration's perceived lack of transparency. He expresses skepticism about Ray Epps' intentions and behavior leading up to the Capitol riot:

"Ray Epps was urging people to enter the Capitol, not just up to, but into the Capitol... I'M probably going to go to jail tomorrow. We need to go into the Capitol. Into the Capitol. Peaceful." [06:00]

Cruz points out the suspicious circumstances surrounding Epps, including the FBI’s initial interest in him and their subsequent removal of his image from public solicitations:

"The FBI posted a public posting with a picture of Mr. Epps asking for help identifying this person. And then magically, he disappeared from the FBI posting." [07:00]

Despite statements from the January 6th Committee asserting that Epps denied any connections to the FBI or acting as an informant, Cruz remains unconvinced:

"Ray Epps denying he's a Fed is exactly what he would say if he were a Fed." [08:43]

FBI Accountability and Partisan Concerns

Cruz criticizes the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for what he perceives as politicization and lack of accountability:

"The Biden Department of Justice be deeply politicized. We've seen this Attorney general use DOJ as a weapon to go after President Biden's political enemies." [04:00]

He underscores the importance of distinguishing between legitimate undercover operations and entrapment, asserting that the FBI should not instigate criminal behavior:

"The FBI can't join the Michael Knowles Book Club. And while you're sitting there reading... If the FBI agent instigates the criminal activity, that's where they cross a line." [08:00]

Challenges in Subpoenaing Ray Epps

When asked about the possibility of subpoenaing Ray Epps, Cruz explains the procedural hurdles faced by Republicans due to their minority status in the Senate:

"Republicans are in the minority right now in the Senate, so I lack the ability to subpoena anything. It takes a majority of a committee to subpoena something." [28:23]

He emphasizes the need for either a congressional majority or significant public pressure to compel the DOJ and FBI to provide answers:

"We've gotta have enough public attention that the Democrats are guilted or shamed or feel enough heat that they have to answer questions and get to the truth." [07:00]

Filibuster and Election Integrity Concerns

Transitioning from the Epps discussion, Cruz addresses broader political issues, particularly the filibuster and election integrity. He criticizes Democratic efforts to eliminate the filibuster to pass legislation unopposed, framing it as a power grab:

"He wants unelected bureaucrats of the Biden Department of Justice in charge of, of every election in America. And he wants them to have the ability to strike down laws adopted by democratically elected legislators." [19:00]

Cruz warns that such moves threaten the integrity of elections and voter ID laws, advocating for the preservation of the filibuster to maintain legislative balance:

"Their rhetoric, they claim it's voting rights. And listen, I don't know if the Democrats are going to do it or not. They're putting massive pressure on Manchin and Sinema... It's a power grab on like multiple levels." [20:56]

Audience Questions and Further Discussions

The episode features an interactive segment where listeners' questions are addressed:

1. Locating Ray Epps: Questions from Bill Smith and Linda Brown probe why Ray Epps hasn't been subpoenaed and how to uncover his true identity. Cruz reiterates the importance of congressional action and public scrutiny to resolve these uncertainties.

2. Moderating Political Debates: A humorous exchange ensues when Liz Wheeler asks about moderating a Texas governor's debate. The discussion lightens the mood but underscores the challenges of unbiased moderation in politically charged environments.

3. COVID-19 Messaging Shift: A listener questions why left-leaning media have shifted COVID-19 messaging from aggressive stances to more measured information. Cruz attributes this to political hypocrisy and public fatigue with inconsistent policies:

"We've seen Foushee say, masks don't work. And then suddenly you need two, three, four masks... I don't care. Uh, but some of us actually believe in freedom and are not gonna wear a mask for the rest of our lives." [30:00]

4. Dr. Fauci's Tenure: Padre Boston asks if Dr. Fauci can be removed by a Republican-controlled Congress. Cruz explains the limitations of Congressional power over executive appointments but emphasizes the role of political pressure and public accountability:

"Under our Constitution, we got three branches of government... Congress could put a lot of heat on the administration." [33:04]

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, Cruz and co-hosts encourage listeners to engage with the show through the Verdict Plus community and participate in giveaways celebrating the show's anniversary. They emphasize the importance of viewer participation in shaping future content and maintaining political accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Ted Cruz on Ray Epps' Behavior:
  "Ray Epps was urging people to enter the Capitol... Peaceful." [06:00]

• Cruz on FBI's Role:
  "The FBI can't... If the FBI agent instigates the criminal activity, that's where they cross a line." [08:00]

• On Filibuster and Power Grabs:
  "It's a power grab on like multiple levels." [20:56]

• Critique of Partisan Media:
  "Because you guys are a bunch of partisan hypocrites." [31:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz provides a critical examination of Ray Epps' involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot and raises significant questions about FBI accountability and potential political motivations behind investigative actions. Additionally, Cruz highlights broader concerns regarding legislative procedures and election integrity, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged in the political process.

For those interested in political commentary that challenges mainstream narratives, this episode offers insightful perspectives and encourages active participation in seeking the truth.