Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz – Episode "Reel Justice" (December 25, 2024)

Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson, delves into the intersection of politics, personal interests, and cultural influences. In the episode titled "Reel Justice," released on December 25, 2024, Cruz offers an intimate look into his passion for movies and television, illustrating how storytelling shapes his worldview and legislative priorities.

Introduction to "Reel Justice"

The episode opens with a festive holiday greeting from the hosts, setting a warm tone for the discussion. Ben Ferguson introduces the theme, highlighting Senator Cruz's love for cinema and television as a window into his personal life and values.

Ted Cruz's Cinematic Inspirations

Senator Cruz passionately shares his list of favorite movies and TV shows, explaining their significance in his life and career. He emphasizes the role of storytelling in shaping ethical and moral perspectives.

1. The Princess Bride (00:07 - 08:36)

Cruz declares The Princess Bride as his all-time favorite movie, recounting fond memories from college where he and peers played a drinking game inspired by the film:

"My favorite movie of all time is The Princess Bride. I have probably watched it a couple hundred times." [07:27]

He appreciates the film's memorable characters and quotable lines, which have become a staple in his personal interactions:

"Every character in it is exquisite. Every line from every character is fantastic." [07:34]

2. The Godfather Saga (08:36 - 10:55)

Cruz praises The Godfather trilogy, particularly admiring the depth of its characters and the intricate portrayal of power dynamics:

"I quote all of them all the time, you know, from three. Every time I get out, they keep pulling me back in." [09:00]

He humorously suggests using the movies as team-building tools for Senate staffers, highlighting the generational gap in appreciating classic cinema.

3. Scarface and Other Crime Dramas (10:55 - 11:38)

Reflecting on Scarface, Cruz connects the film to his Cuban heritage and admiration for Al Pacino's performances:

"Tony Montana. He's Cuban. I'm Cuban." [11:02]

Additionally, he mentions his affinity for Criminal Minds as his favorite TV show, despite differing tastes within his household:

"My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds. I love it." [11:33]

4. Fletch and Comedy Classics (12:07 - 14:03)

Cruz introduces Fletch as a comedic favorite, commending Chevy Chase's performance:

"It may be the funniest movie ever made. Chevy Chase plays Irwin Fletcher, an undercover investigative reporter." [12:12]

He also discusses Amazing Grace, a historical film about William Wilberforce, linking it to his legislative efforts:

"I introduced legislation to rename the street in front of NASA headquarters Hidden Figures Way." [29:42]

5. Westerns and War Films (15:12 - 21:31)

Highlighting Unforgiven and Magnificent Seven, Cruz appreciates how these films subvert traditional Western tropes and portray complex moral landscapes:

"Clint Eastwood plays this outlaw who had turned over a good leaf and was good, and then was going back." [16:26]

He shares a personal anecdote about introducing these movies to his Senate staffers, emphasizing their timeless lessons on integrity and duty.

6. Quentin Tarantino's Masterpieces (41:00 - 41:46)

Concluding his list, Cruz underscores the brilliance of Pulp Fiction and Inglourious Basterds, acknowledging their impact on modern cinema:

"Inglourious Basterds is a spectacular movie." [41:07]

He expresses regret at omitting Reservoir Dogs but stands by his selections as essential viewing.

Personal Anecdotes and Legislative Impact

Throughout the episode, Cruz intertwines his cinematic preferences with personal stories, illustrating the profound influence of films on his life and legislative actions.

Hidden Figures and Legislative Dedication (27:40 - 31:19)

Cruz recounts his personal connection to Hidden Figures, a film about African American female mathematicians pivotal to NASA's success:

"I introduced legislation to rename the street in front of NASA headquarters Hidden Figures Way." [29:53]

This act symbolizes his commitment to honoring unsung heroes and promoting diversity in STEM fields.

Meeting Hollywood Legends (31:28 - 33:21)

Senator Cruz shares his experience meeting Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks during the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Their conversations about Schindler's List and recognizing unsung heroes inspired Cruz to reflect on personal and collective responsibilities:

"Hearing them say 'I could have done more' reminds me of the end of Schindler's List, where Oskar Schindler says, 'This watch could have saved three more people.'" [31:50]

This reflection reinforces themes of sacrifice and the continual quest for improvement in public service.

Acting Ventures and Musical Interests

In a surprising turn, Cruz discusses his high school acting endeavors, revealing his attempts to balance political aspirations with creative pursuits.

High School Musicals (33:21 - 35:50)

Cruz humorously narrates his roles in school productions of Sound of Music and Oliver, despite his self-professed lack of singing talent:

"I took voice lessons to try to get. Be able to sing. Fagan is such a... it's mostly spoken." [35:29]

His experiences highlight the intersection of personal growth and public persona, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

Broadway and Modern Musicals (35:50 - 38:17)

Cruz extols the virtues of contemporary musicals like Hamilton and Les Misérables, drawing parallels between their narratives and his political ethos:

"There are few things that make me happier than when my daughters are singing songs from Hamilton." [37:50]

He reflects on the emotional impact of Les Misérables, connecting its themes to his own political journey:

"The two that get me choked up are 'Let Him Live' and 'Empty Chairs and Empty Tables'." [38:19]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Cruz synthesizes his cinematic experiences with his role as a public servant, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shaping societal values and policies. He encourages listeners to engage with diverse narratives, fostering empathy and informed decision-making.

"You will laugh, you will be moved, you will get good things from them." [41:30]

Key Takeaways:

• Cinematic Influence: Ted Cruz's favorite films and TV shows are deeply intertwined with his personal values and political ethos.

• Legislative Inspiration: Movies like Hidden Figures have directly influenced Cruz's legislative initiatives, showcasing the power of storytelling in public policy.

• Personal Growth: Cruz’s reflections on acting and musicals reveal a multifaceted personality, blending creativity with his political identity.

• Cultural Appreciation: His admiration for diverse genres, from Westerns to musicals, underscores the importance of varied narratives in understanding complex societal issues.

Notable Quotes:

• "Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie, but we would go out and do movies." [02:54]

• "If you can watch that speech and not be inspired, you're dead." [21:26]

• "Movies and stories are powerful." [30:54]

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz offers a rich exploration of how personal interests and cultural narratives shape a public figure's approach to leadership and governance. Through his cinematic journey, Cruz illustrates the enduring impact of storytelling on individual lives and broader societal frameworks.