1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground”
Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).
Strongly distinguishes between:

Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)
Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.
Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.

2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War
Ronald Reagan is a model:

“Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.
Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse.
The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.

3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States
Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:

Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans
Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable
Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.
Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.

4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado
A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.
Highlights her strategic emphasis on:

U.S. unity
Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump
She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest.
Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.

5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements
Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:

Iran
Venezuela
Cuba
These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.
Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.

6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)
A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro:

Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces
Operation allegedly resulted in:

No American fatalities
Multiple enemy combatant deaths
The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.
Emphasizing:

Their bravery
Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere”
Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)

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1. Support for Regime Change Without &ldquo;Boots on the Ground&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).</li>
<li>Strongly distinguishes between:
<ul>
<li>Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)</li>
<li>Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Frames &ldquo;regime change&rdquo; as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War
<ul>
<li>Ronald Reagan is a model:
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Peace through strength,&rdquo; rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.</li>
<li>Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., &ldquo;evil empire,&rdquo; &ldquo;tear down this wall&rdquo;) are catalysts for systemic collapse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States
<ul>
<li>Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:
<ul>
<li>Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans</li>
<li>Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.</li>
<li>Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Venezuela: Engagement With Mar&iacute;a Corina Machado
<ul>
<li>A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Mar&iacute;a Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.</li>
<li>Highlights her strategic emphasis on:
<ul>
<li>U.S. unity</li>
<li>Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela&rsquo;s national interest.</li>
<li>Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Trump&rsquo;s Role in Global Opposition Movements
<ul>
<li>Donald Trump&rsquo;s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:
<ul>
<li>Iran</li>
<li>Venezuela</li>
<li>Cuba</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.</li>
<li>Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)
<ul>
<li>A recent military raid targeting Nicol&aacute;s Maduro:
<ul>
<li>Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces</li>
<li>Operation allegedly resulted in:
<ul>
<li>No American fatalities</li>
<li>Multiple enemy combatant deaths</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.</li>
<li>Emphasizing:
<ul>
<li>Their bravery</li>
<li>Their role in &ldquo;changing the Western Hemisphere&rdquo;</li>
<li>Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Regime Change Isn’t a Dirty Word, a Meeting with Machado & the Soldiers Who Changed a Hemisphere Week In Review

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a829272e-4e66-4a14-ad00-b3bd014fde52/transcript