Ken Paxton Is Out For Blood

02/07/24 • 37 min

About the Guest(s):

In this week's edition of "Seeing Red," we do not have a guest feature. Instead, the hosts Andi Turner and Garrett Fulce carry the episode with their in-depth discussion on Texas politics, giving their opinions and breaking down recent political controversies and campaigns.

Episode Summary:

In this incisive and engaging episode of Seeing Red, hosts Andi Turner and Garrett Fulce dive into a range of hot-button issues surging through the veins of Texas politics. Returning from a brief hiatus, Andi is back at the helm with Garrett to unpack the seething controversies and the power struggles defining the state's political landscape.

From dissecting the actions and motivations of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to analyzing an anti-Muslim ad campaign, this episode is brimming with insider knowledge and commentary on the political maneuvers shaking up the primary season. The hosts critically evaluate Paxton's vendetta against those who aimed to remove him from office and his resultant crusade against not only House incumbents but also appellate judges. The conversation transitions into a biting critique of a deceptive ad campaign waged by the Texas Family Project, laying bare the underlying prejudices driving contemporary political strategies. This episode presents an unvarnished look at the state of Texas politics, replete with insightful commentary from two seasoned observers.

Key Moment:

0:00:55 | Garrett discusses the previous episode with Representative Jetton.
0:02:35 | Primary season updates and rumors in politics.
0:06:24 | Ken Paxton's grievances and endorsements of Texas House challengers.
0:07:55 | Court of Criminal Appeals ruling on AG's power to prosecute voter fraud cases.
0:13:11 | Discussion on the consequences and perception of Ken Paxton's actions.
0:17:49 | Speculation on ownership of the alleged Ken Paxton "Burner" Twitter account
0:24:33 | Condemnation of anti-Muslim ad campaign by the "Texas Family Project"
0:26:52 | Involvement of Luke Macias in the ad campaign
0:31:54 | These organizations prioritize power, specifically white evangelical Christian power.
0:32:39 | These organizations associate with anti-Semites and send out deceptive mailers.
0:37:09 | The impact of these issues on the primary election is yet to be seen.
0:37:33 | Closing remarks and call to action for viewers.

Resources:

This episode peels back the veneer of Texas politics to reveal the currents of power and reprisal pulsing beneath. For all those eager to understand the intricacies and the drama of the political scene, make sure to listen to the full episode of Seeing Red for more enlightening and candid content. Stay tuned for next week as the discussions promise to remain just as riveting.

About the Guest(s):

Episode Summary:

Key Moment:

Resources:

Previous Episode

S001 E022 - Border Security and GOP Primary w/ Rep. Jacey Jetton

Garrett Fulce is joined by special guest Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond.) They discuss Jetton's work with Governor Abbott to secure the Texas border and pass conservative priority legislation. They also address the divisive tactics used by some Republicans in primary elections and the importance of focusing on key issues like border security, property taxes, and public safety.
Jetton highlights his accomplishments in passing election integrity legislation and funding for the border wall. Tune in for an insightful conversation on Texas politics and the future of the Republican Party.

Next Episode

S001 E024 - Judge Michelle Slaughter Talks Reelection, Paxton, and Qualifications

About the Guest(s):
Our distinguished guest on the show is Judge Michelle Slaughter. She is currently serving as a jurist on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and is actively campaigning for reelection. Her legal career is marked by a transition from private practice to public service, where she won an election against a 12-year incumbent Democrat to become a judge in the 405th District Court of Galveston County. As a judge, she established a reputation for efficiency and staunch adherence to the principles of constitutional conservatism and originalist interpretation of law. With over eleven years of judicial experience and a commitment to never be an activist judge, Michelle Slaughter stands out as a jurist dedicated to the law's strict interpretation and original intent.
Episode Summary:
This week on "Seeing Red," hosts Andi Turner and Garrett Fulce welcome Judge Michelle Slaughter, one of the preeminent voices in the Texas legal landscape. Our guest shares an intriguing glimpse into the judiciary's inner workings, emphasizing the importance of judicial philosophy, the rule of law, and the efficient administration of justice.
In a dynamic conversation that spans topics from court efficiency and case backlogs to constitutional interpretation and election fraud, Judge Slaughter delineates her strict adherence to originalist legal philosophy. With a five-year term on the Court of Criminal Appeals and prior experience as a trial judge, she discusses her track record of non-activism and the pressing need for judges to follow the law, without regard to personal inclinations or external pressures.
Key Takeaways:
Judicial Philosophy Assurances: Judge Michelle Slaughter underscores her commitment to the originalist interpretation of the constitution and laws, refusing to be swayed by activism or political pressures.
Court Efficiency Strategies: As a former district judge, Slaughter explains the processes she implemented to transform the least efficient court in Galveston County into the most effective.
Confronting Voter Fraud: A complex discussion unfolds around the constitutionality of the attorney general's authority to prosecute voter fraud cases, emphasizing the need for judicial restraint and adherence to constitutional mandates.
Campaign Trails and Constitutions: Slaughter shares insights into the rigors of her campaign, traveling throughout Texas to engage with voters on her stance regarding constitutional conservatism.
Educating Voters: There is an educational aspect to the episode where Slaughter explains key components of the legal system, such as the Texas constitution and the distinction between judges and justices in this context.
Follow her on twitter at: https://twitter.com/judgeslaughter
For more information on Judge Slaughter, check out her website at: https://www.judgemichelleslaughter.com/