Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – "What's a 'CR,' and Why is This One So Bad?"

Date Released: December 18, 2024
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest: Mike Davis

Introduction

In this episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk delves deep into the complexities and frustrations surrounding the 35th Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by Congress. Joined by legal expert Mike Davis, the discussion navigates through the intricacies of federal budgeting, government shutdown fears, congressional pay raises, and the ongoing legal battles involving former President Donald Trump. The conversation is marked by Charlie's characteristic no-nonsense, conservative viewpoint, aiming to educate and mobilize listeners on pressing political issues.

Understanding Continuing Resolutions (CRs)

[00:00 - 19:33]

Charlie Kirk begins by explaining the concept of a Continuing Resolution (CR):

• Definition & Purpose: A CR is a temporary funding measure that prevents government shutdowns by maintaining current funding levels until new budget agreements are reached. Kirk outlines the typical four-step process of a CR, emphasizing that it is intended to be a short-term solution lasting from days to months.

• Current Context: Kirk criticizes the utilization of CRs, noting that the government has been operating under 35 CRs without reverting to a regular budgetary process. He describes this as "kicking the can down the road," highlighting the lack of substantial policy changes or spending cuts.

• Impact on Government Operations: While CRs avert shutdowns, they do not address underlying budgetary issues, leading to continuous reliance on temporary measures. Kirk is particularly frustrated by the inclusion of unrelated provisions in the CR, such as $100 billion in disaster relief and policy changes to pharmacy benefit managers, arguing that these additions complicate and undermine the purpose of a CR.

• Quotes:

  • "[00:42] Guest Speaker: I want to thank Charlie. He's an incredible guy, his spirit, his love of this country."
  • "[05:00] Charlie Kirk: What is a continuing resolution? We are now on the 35th CR... it's just a resolution to continue business as usual."

Critique of the 35th Continuing Resolution

[19:33 - 25:02]

The conversation intensifies as Charlie Kirk criticizes the 35th CR for its inefficiency and the inclusion of unnecessary provisions:

• Lack of Genuine Negotiation: Kirk argues that Congress is using the CR as an excuse to avoid meaningful budget negotiations, especially during the holiday season. He suggests that a one- or two-week CR would allow for continued discussions rather than a prolonged status quo.

• Constitutional and Ethical Concerns: The CR's inclusion of provisions like a significant pay raise for Congress members—boosting salaries from $174,000 to $243,000 annually—draws sharp criticism. Kirk labels this as a "dumpster fire" and "crap sandwich," highlighting the disconnect between rising executive salaries and stagnant or insufficient compensation for federal workers.

• Quotes:

  • "[13:01] Reporter: There’s a piece of pork giving yourself the Paris."
  • "[13:15] Reporter: Well, I mean, you guys deserve a raise."
  • "[14:17] Speaker Johnson: ...we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in roaring back with the America first agenda."

Congressional Pay Raises and Public Outrage

[25:02 - 27:30]

Charlie Kirk expands on the issue of congressional pay raises embedded within the CR:

• Public vs. Congressional Compensation: He underscores the irony of lawmakers increasing their salaries amidst taxpayer-funded financial strains and critiques Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois for seeking a pay raise despite his state's financial woes.

• Populist Revolt: Kirk connects the pay raise controversy to a broader populist backlash against entrenched political elites, suggesting that such moves fuel public discontent and erode trust in government institutions.

• Quotes:

  • "[19:33] Charlie Kirk: ...this rush that we are going to force feed another CR is not defensible."
  • "[25:31] Mike Davis: Federal crime is 18 U.S.C. section 241, conspiracy against rights."

Legal Battles Involving President Trump

[27:30 - 33:36]

The discussion shifts to the legal challenges faced by former President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on actions by Judge Juan Merchan:

• Presidential Immunity: Mike Davis emphasizes the Supreme Court's June decision affirming that a president is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts, not personal misconduct. He criticizes Judge Merchan for disregarding this ruling by allowing testimonies that violate presidential immunity.

• Potential Constitutional Crisis: The possibility of Trump being targeted by corrupt prosecutors and judges is raised, with Davis warning of a constitutional crisis if legal actions proceed against a sitting president.

• Calls for Accountability: Davis urges the incoming Justice Department to investigate and hold accountable those perpetuating legal injustices against Trump, framing it as a fight against politicized law enforcement targeting political enemies.

• Quotes:

  • "[20:55] Mike Davis: ...they are saying, oh, that evidence didn't really matter as cumulative. It was harmless here. That's nonsense."
  • "[24:14] Charlie Kirk: These people are insane."

Reforming the Justice Department and Key Appointments

[33:36 - 33:47]

In the final segment, Charlie Kirk and Mike Davis discuss strategic appointments within the Justice Department to combat ongoing legal challenges:

• Attorney General Pam Bondi: Davis praises Bondi's selection as Attorney General, highlighting her experience and potential to bring reform to the department.

• Key Positions: The discussion covers the appointments of Todd Blanch as Deputy Attorney General and John Sauer as Solicitor General, both of whom have strong ties to President Trump and are expected to lead significant reforms.

• FBI Reforms: Emphasis is placed on appointing Cash Patel to the FBI to implement serious reforms, ensuring the bureau operates without political bias.

• U.S. Attorneys: The importance of quickly nominating and confirming U.S. Attorneys to replace those perceived as politicized is stressed, particularly in the D.C. office.

• Quotes:

  • "[29:36] Mike Davis: Pam Bondi is an outstanding pick... She's going to bring serious reforms to the intel agencies and the Justice Departments."
  • "[33:05] Charlie Kirk: ...Emil Bove will be the principal deputy associate, excuse me, the principal associate deputy attorney general."

Conclusion and Takeaways

Throughout the episode, Charlie Kirk and Mike Davis articulate a strong critique of the current federal budgeting process, highlighting the inefficacies of prolonged CRs and the ethical issues surrounding congressional pay raises. They also address significant legal battles involving former President Trump, advocating for judicial reforms and accountability within the Justice Department. The episode serves as a call to action for listeners to stay informed, hold elected officials accountable, and support reforms aimed at reducing government overreach and ensuring justice within the legal system.

Notable Quotes:

• "[05:00] Charlie Kirk: What is a continuing resolution? We are now on the 35th CR... it's just a resolution to continue business as usual."

• "[13:15] Reporter: Well, I mean, you guys deserve a raise."

• "[19:33] Charlie Kirk: ...this rush that we are going to force feed another CR is not defensible."

• "[24:14] Charlie Kirk: These people are insane."

• "[29:36] Mike Davis: Pam Bondi is an outstanding pick... She's going to bring serious reforms to the intel agencies and the Justice Departments."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show offers a comprehensive critique of ongoing federal budgetary practices and legal challenges facing conservative leaders. By breaking down complex issues and providing actionable insights, Charlie Kirk aims to empower his audience to engage actively in the political process and advocate for meaningful reforms.