2025-29 -A Blank Canvas

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

The Inauguration Celebrations Underway!
President-elect DeSantis and Vice President-elect Haley have been busy with Inauguration Celebrations and as they prepare to assume the responsibilities at Noon on Monday, January 20. The Biden's hosted a White House private dinner for Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, along with the Blinkens. Biden is described to be in good spirits, despite the complete dominance by the Republican's over politics in Washington and across the nation.









President Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis at the Commander's-in-Chief Ball, January  20 2025.

The White House has released a statement
that President Biden's list of last minute pardons will be released tomorrow morning. As for the departure ceremony by the Biden's and Harris will not include will be absent Marine One, as they will both depart from the East Front by Limousine. The weather forecast is expected to be overcast, but still cold.
Already incoming White House Chief of Staff Byron Donalds has just resigned his house seat and the new Florida Governor, Jeanette Nunez will name the date of special elections as soon as Brian Mast (Incoming Veterans Affairs Secretary), Carlos Gimenez (Incoming Homeland Security Secretary) resign their own seat's.  The special elections will likely be scheduled for the same day. Despite attempts by Senate Democrats are attempting to engineer a push back against Incoming Attorney General Ted Cruz. However Senate majority leader, John Cornyn ,  a fellow Texan has signalled a willingness to bypass any attempt of mischief making by Democrats. For his part, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, Lindsey Graham has stated, "That there will be a speedy confirmation of Ted Cruz as our nation's Attorney General". Democrats have voiced concern that Cruz will spearhead the new administration's border policy, which likely include resumption of the border wall, a staple of the previous Trump Administration.

Next: A shortlived Honeymoon for a new administration!

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

@2016, thank you, for that reminder; however, thankfully you beat me to the punch, so don't need to do it now, apologies everyone for that oversight. On to matters concerning Florida, the recently installed Governor Jeanette Nuñez has announced that her new Lieutenant Governor, will be the current Secretary of Department of Economic Opportunity, Dane Eagle , who was appointed to the position of by President-elect and former Governor Ron DeSantis in September, 2020. Eagle sought the Republican nomination for Congress in Florida's 19th Congressional District in the 2020 election. There had been speculation that Mike Giallombardo was being considered for the position, but Nuñez has instead opted for Eagle who was viewed as a better choice.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

@PRESIDENT STANTON,

maybe you should put this into your Introduction Post

THE 59TH PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION (pending Confirmations)
President: Ronald D. "Ron" DeSantis of Florida

Vice President: Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina

Secretary of State: Robert O'Brien
Ambassador to the United Nations: Ric Grenell
Secretary of Defense: Kenneth Braithwaite
Director of National Intelligence: Utah Congressman Chris Stewart
Attorney General: Former Texas Senator Ted Cruz
Department of Homeland Security: Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez
Chair Council of Economic Advisors: Steve Moore
Secretary of Commerce: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
U. S. Trade Representative: C. J. Mahoney
Director Office Management & Budget: Pete Peterson
Director of the Office of Science and Tech Policy: Drew Baglino
Secretary of Transportation: Nicole Nason
Administrator of the Small Business Administration: Brad Close
Secretary of the Treasury: David McCormick
Secretary of Education: Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse
Secretary of Energy: Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.
Secretary of Agriculture: Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles
Secretary of the Interior: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem
Secretary of Labor: Blake Masters
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Florida Congressman Brian Mast
Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency: Eric Eikenberg
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: South Carolina Senator Tim Scott
Secretary of Health & Human Services: Former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson

Non-Cabinet Level Appointments

White House Chief of Staff: Byron Donalds
White House Press Secretary: Kayleigh McEnany
White House Communications Director: Christina Pushaw
White House Counsel: Chris Sprowls
Senior Advisor to the President: Brad Herold
Counselor to the President: Joe Gruters
Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality: Jon Niermann
NASA Administrator: Bill Nelson (Democrat) Holdover from the Biden Administration
CIA Director: Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe
FBI Director: TBD (To be determined)
Director of National Drug Control Policy: Kash Patel
Homeland Security Advisor: Ken Cuccinelli
National Security Advisor: Dina Powell


Incoming President DeSantis indicated when he introduced former Texas Senator Ted Cruz as his Pick for Attorney General that he would named a Replacement for outgoing FBI Director Christopher A. Wray after his Inauguration.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Welcome to this thread @SaintStan86 and @2016, and all those who helped make 2024-A Blank Canvas such a riveting TL. So looking forward to your contributions, comments, suggestions and yes even critiques 😊

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

A good point of reference to utilize, during the 2025-26 political cycle. The special elections for the vacancies created by the resignations of Mast(FL.,-21), Donalds(FL.,-19) and Gimenez (FL.,-28), Ratcliffe (TX.,-5) and Stewart (UT.,-2), might be a barometer of popularity for the relatively new DeSantis Administration. Hopefully Rinaldi the new Chairman of the RNC, will have enough game to recruit candidates good enough to retain the vacant seats.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

On the eve of Ron DeSantis's inauguration, I am thinking that since Gov. Phil Murphy, is term limited,  that Republicans will be considering who there strongest candidate could be, there is New Jersey GOP chairman, Bob Hugin or 2021 Gubernatorial nominee, Jack Ciatarelli  or maybe former Senator Jeff Chiesa; it will be noted that Chiesa was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2013 by then Gov. Chris Christie to replace the deceased Sen.Frank Lautenberg . On the Democratic side of the aisle, there's likely to be an even more competitive primary contest if it comes to it. One possibility being mooted to run is Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, but considering her age, she will be 73 years old by this coming November; however there is a possibility that Congressman Rob Menendez Jr., (N.J.-8) is considering a possible run, to avenge the defeat of his father, by Mehmet Öz last November. Other Democrats who might run could include another Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-1) and Mayor Steve Fulop of Jersey City; Fulop is a former Marine and served in Iraq and he would likely be the most appealing Democrat on the bench. Another state holding a Governorship race this November is Virginia, in which current Gov. Glenn Youngkin who would be term-limited, and has been tapped by incoming President Ron DeSantis to be Commerce Secretary; if and when Youngkin goes to Washington, his replacement as Governor will be current Lt. Governor, Winsome Sears .
She will have the advantage of incumbency, very rare in Virginia, considering the one-term rule. She also would be the first African American woman to hold the position. Democrats will be looking to recruit someone just as appealing to challenge  names on the radar include Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton , (Va.,-10) and Mayor of Richmond, Levar Stoney who's term expires on January 31st. It is not usual that the incumbent party, win or hold both the Governorship's of New Jersey and Virginia. The last time it occurred was in 1965, during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. The question remains can DeSantis see his party replicate this feat.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

While official Washington and the nation reacted to President DeSantis and the First Lady hosted a coffee morning for the many visitors who received invitations to meet the President. After which both DeSantis and Haley and members of the incoming attended a ecumenical service of thanksgiving at the National Cathedral. The president and Vice President attended and presided over swearing in ceremonies for White House staffers, including incoming White House Chief of Staff, Byron Lowell Donalds and the new National Security Advisor,  Dina Powell McCormick.  Those cabinet members who received quick, easy and unanimous confirmation included Secretary of State, Robert Charles O'Brien , Secretary of the Treasury, David Harold McCormick ,  who's wife happens to be the National Security Advisor, and finally Secretary of Defense, Kenneth Braithwaite,  they all were sworn into office in the Oval office, the oaths of office being administered by Vice President Haley . There was tense moments in the White House Press Room, as White House Press  Secretary  Kayleigh McEnany was confronted by the press regarding the fitness of Ted Cruz, to be Attorney General, in scenes reminiscent of when then White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer   was involved in a disagreement with the press corps over the size of the crowds of Former President Donald Trump's inauguration. The confirmation of Ted Cruz would proceed, "No matter what made up controversies of our opponent's!" It appeared the honeymoon was coming to an end!
Next: Democratic resistance to Ted Cruz increases!

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

@SaintStan86 no apologies necessary, you are welcome to engage in this TL if you feel so inclined, if anything your contribution as well as those of @2016 and the many others are welcome. Also as the 2024-A Blank Canvas may be in a way concluded, I think what that particular thread began, could continue; so if there is anything you believe that helps the TL to continue, please feel free to work away. I'm pleased by the contributions so far made, so keep up the work!

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Given the nature of this TL, I'm thinking the next time Democrats will gain seats will probably either coincide with Don Jr.'s re-election bid in 2036 or Laura Loomer's first midterms in 2042. Since obviously two-term Governor Doug Mastriano will sweep aside Casey in 2030.

Now now! Let's not be ridiculous! In this TL if Harris waa a bad fit as a Democratic candidate, perhaps because maybe that's she is viewed in those parts of America that see her for the phony she actually is. Maybe folks in flyover country, regard "woke" and elite Democrats to be nothing less than joke's and don't take them seriously as the celebrity class and the elite's who inhabit the salons of Democratic bastions do so. Also voter's in this TL or in real life are not expected to come with hat in hand to Democrats! It's the other way around. So if Democrats want to keep putting up candidate's like Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris, that's their right! DeSantis or any Republican who want to win, will be more than happy if they keep on doing so. If Doug Mastriano decides to challenge Casey in 2030, it will because his Governorship has been a success. Also Donald Trump Jr., will have to win an election to prove his electability. However if a Democrat like Jason Kander or Andy Beshear emerges as a credible candidate to run against Nikki Haley in 2032, then voter's will render that decision on who's the better candidate.
I believe there is liitle likelihood that Democrats will stray too far from their progressive ideology and strident wokeism, judging from the text of DeSantis's inaugural address, he doesn't believe so either.
This TL is basically trying to keep things as realistic as possible. If you think you can make a contribution that is realistic as possible and keeps within the guard-rails of how this storyline has been constructed, you're more than welcome to do so.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

If this were the case, then the TL should be just as interesting! Democrats will likely win 15 to 25 House seats in '26, probably 1, maybe 2 Senate seats. However the 2028 election will be a wash, DeSantis will be reelected by a bigger margin in both the popular and electoral vote, it will likely be a "lonely landslide". But who knows? The TL will play out depending on how the storyline develops.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

O'Brien,  McCormick and Braithwaite like all of DeSantis's other cabinet and Agency head nominee's likely had to go through Senate Confirmation's, but note how DeSantis probably and cleverly waited until he was certain that his less controversial nominee's had cleared the confirmation process, before announcing the nomination of Cruz. Plus Republicans had a veto proof majority and its unlikely that any Republican Senator will raise any objections and any objection that Democrats will raise, Cornyn will likely brush those objections aside and the voice votes will likely be proforma and made possible by agreement with the minority, and with this in mind,  DeSantis deliberately delayed the Cruz nomination announcement. His first act as President was to sign the nomination paper's in order to fulfil the legal necessities. That is an opinion.
With regards to the growing opposition by Democrats , to the nomination of Ted Cruz as Attorney General, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, raised the issue of Cruz's election denying activities regarding the 2020 election. Other Democrats were quick to pile on over the issue.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Cruz will be the most contentious hearing, but unlike someone like Ken Paxton, he's not going to be in any serious danger of being voted down. I could however, see enough Republican Senators vote against Cruz to the point where Nikki Haley is needed to break a tie, as Cruz is hated by pretty much everyone in the Senate that isn't Ted Cruz.

If that's the case then Cornyn will have his work cut out for him, because the Democrats led by Schumer will be games to keep peeling away enough Republicans to defeat Cruz's nomination; he probably hopes that such hatred doesn't deny him his chance to be Attorney General.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

I think, now all of us are beginning to appreciate why DeSantis purposely held off on the nomination of an Attorney General, especially if that person was going to be Cruz . It is likely a strategic decision, so it wouldn't be a distraction from his other cabinet nomination's. Democrats weren't going to be his problem, because after all, his party had a solid majority and he was pretty sure that Republican's weren't going to be a problem, right?

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Sunday, January 26, 2025: On Fox News Sunday, which is hosted by Sphannon Bream, the guest line-up included Sen. Chris Coons (D.-Del.) and  Thom Tillis (R.-N.C.) both members of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, and the issue of concern was the nomination of Ted Cruz to be Attorney General, Coons raised the issue of Cruz's objections in January of 2021, to the certification of Joe Biden as President. Coons who is a good friend of Biden and replaced the former President, in the Senate upon his elevation to the Vice Presidency in 2009, Coons was voicing the latest Democratic talking point, that any Attorney General, shouldn't be engaged in "partisan power plays, his actions in January of four years ago, tells us all we know about Senator Cruz, in which he is inclined to employ the law for political advantage...can someone who embraces partisan political interests, execute the responsibilities of Attorney General without prejudice?". It was noteworthy that Tillis , didn't rebuff Coons arguments and spoke of Democrats eagerness to engage "In Gotcha politics and we need an Attorney General who won't inflame political passions". There is speculation that Tillis  who is likely to seek re-election to his seat in 2026, was guided by political realities and isn't likely to offer any real support to Cruz . Bream asked Tillis , whether he will vote for Cruz's nomination? He deftly dodged the question, reiterating his previous point, that "We need an Attorney General who won't inflame political positions". The other Sunday News program's were dominated by the Cruz's nomination. Another noteworthy event occurred last Friday, as the President and First Lady left for Camp David for the weekend, reporter's yelled questions asking, if DeSantis still supported Cruz The President basically ignored those questions, and the brief frown, written on his face, suggested that he was not happy with the Cruz situation.
While there has been growing opposition to the Cruz nomination by Democrats and the lack of vocal Republican support suggests that Cruz's journey to the Attorney General's position will not be a smooth one. Democrats have lined up a new line of attack, regarding the campaign donations to his failed presidential campaign during last year's primaries.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Monday, January 27 2025:
                                                                                    
Bad news for Cruz as Republican opposition in the Senate is growing regarding to his nomination, with 10 Republicans Senator's already voicing opposition to Cruz and several more sitting on the fence, Senate majority leader John Cornyn is beginning to grasp a keen understanding how a large majority doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. Despite the furor growing over Cruz and White House silence on the matter, the DeSantis Administration saw the easy confirmation of both Brian Mast to be Veteran Affairs Secretary, there was largely universal bipartisan support for the Mast nomination, Carlos Gimenez likewise won easy confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. Both Gimenez and Mast tendered letters of resignations effective immediately, and within a few hours Florida Governor Jeanette Nunez set the dates for the special elections to fill the vacancies caused by the resignations of Donalds,  Gimenez and Mast, the date will be April 22, of this year. With party primaries likely to be held on or around March 18.

Next: Announcement of DeSantis date with a joint session of Congress. Also Cruz's disastrous interview on CBS 60 Minutes, cements his fate!

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

@President Stanton,
I've changed the Dates a bit for the Special Elections in FL because 3 Months between the Primary and the General is a little bit long, don't you think?

Actually that is a pretty good suggestion, so yep let's go April 22 it sounds more tangible when one thinks about it; actually I'm looking for possible contenders to run in those particular district's.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

👍

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

That is an inspiring idea, regarding the Joint session date! Was that the date of the first fatality? Frankly lost track of dates. With regards to the Senate contests during the 2026 election cycle,  I think Warner in Virginia, could face a stronger than expected challenge from Scott Taylor . However the Governorship contests could reveal a few surprises. I would think that actor Matthew McConaughey might throw his hat into the Governor's race in Texas. Greg Abbott could be vulnerable. Another Governor's contest that could prove to be interesting is Massachusetts, where Tagg Romney might run, following in his dad's footsteps. I am tempted to have either Stephanie Murphy  or Debbie Wasserman Shultz challenge Jeanette Nuñez in Florida.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

An Update on the Ted Cruz situation, he will be the guest for a full hour on CBS's 60 Minutes, scheduled for Sunday,  February 2, 2025. An anonymous source has suggested that "it's make or break time for the former Texas lawmaker, he has an awful lot of work to do, if he wants to get Confirmed". Already Senate Majority Leader, John Cornyn has delayed a confirmation vote on Cruz . Senior W.H. Advisor, Brad Herold , insists that "The President has full confidence in the process, and we are pleased with Senator Cornyn's efforts during the confirmation of all nominee's so far". It was noted by Kaitlin Collins of CNN, "Herold refused to be drawn on Senator Cruz's situation".

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

@2016, I appreciate your contributions so far and glad to see that you are involved in this TL; have to say I was more than happy to have contributed to the 2024-Blank Canvas TL. So again thank you.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

, Time Magazine decided to dedicate their Person of the Year (2024) edition to Ron DeSantis, on his achievement in winning the biggest landslide for any party in over forty year's. The magazine remarked how DeSantis's 43-state sweep, was one part of a political story, which not only had vanquished Democrat, Kamala Harris, but delivered the Republican party a veto proof majority in the Senate and the largest House majority in nearly 100 years. "DeSantis's message was not only a message that railed against the stifling regime of wokeism, but a return to a more sensible age, which also overlapped conservative values". The magazine even questioned " if the Democratic party would find any sort of relevance and had Kamala Harris, been the right kind of Democrat to be that party's standard bearer in the Presidential contest?"

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Cruz's journey to be AttorneyGeneral, ends in an epic meltdown! On CBS'S vaunted news program, "60 Minutes", on Sunday February 2, 2025. Ted Cruz ill advised decision to be interviewed. The host John Dickerson attempted to raise questions regarding Cruz's reluctance to certify Joe Biden's election, as well as the disposal of unused from his unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. John Dickerson gave a background to the Cruz nomination, "For the last four weeks since his nomination to be the nation's 87th Attorney General, Senator Cruz has been the subject of more questions over conduct, regarding his challenge of the certification of Joe Biden's election four year's ago, as well as the source and disposal of funds, during last year's Republican presidential campaign".
(Introduction fade out).
Live Program
"Senator, what was your justification for challenging,  President Biden's certification four year's ago?"
Cruz:, "John, my concerns as a legal scholar, and due to an abundance of caution, required me to offer a challenge to Biden's certification, there in my view numerous issues concerning the handling and counting of ballots on election night, as well as this, there was no proper oversight in the collection and actual counting of the ballots. Plus there were numerous legal challenges underway, and my objections were anchored how many legal norms were either discarded or ignored!"
Dickerson: "Oh now Senator, the legal challenges were frivolous at worst, at best completely spurious, these challenges launched by Trump and his lawyer's had no proper standing in law, So Senator what was your real motive for raising your objections? Were they more motivated by a need to further ingratiate yourself to both the former President and the larger MAGA base?"
Cruz: "John, what's your motivation to question my motivations? Whatever need there was,
it certainly wasn't to satisfy the former President or his supporters?"
Before allowing Dickerson to offer his own response, Cruz snappishly stated, "Maybe Democrats feel entitled to be unchallenged for anything they do. Perhaps they secretly believe that Biden didn't win the election and perpetrated a fraud on the American people!"
The expression on Dickerson's face was one of incredulity.
Dickerson: "So Senator, are you one those, who believe that the former President didn't win?"
Cruz: "I have serious doubts!"
After an awkward moment of silence, Dickerson focused his questions on a new area of public concern.
Fade Into a video of Cruz's own campaign: The video  focused  on  his 2024 Republican presidential, particularly the fundraising  aspect: Video fade out.
Dickerson: "Senator, regarding the source and the disposal of unused funds from your campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. There is public disquiet over the identity of who some of these donors actually were, could there be now a conflict of interest, should you end up serving as this nation's next Attorney General".
Cruz nervously laughed.
Cruz: "I noticed that not once were these questions raised during the many hearings I attended, and Democrats insist that my fundraising activities are of profound public interest. Let me ask you this, John, why didn't this network or any other mouthpiece for the Democratic party, never once attempted to raise questions over the fundraising practices of either Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris during their campaign's? Talk about Double Standard's!
Dickerson's response was delivered pithily.
Dickerson: "Senator, both Vice president Harris and Secretary Clinton, weren't elected, nor were they subsequently in a position where there would be questions over conflicts of interest raised"
There was more awkward silence, before Dickerson stated.
Dickerson: "Senator, the question still remains and I will ask you, how come you are unable to give the American people an explanation on your campaign fund's and their disposal, it's a matter of public concern and don't you owe the public a explanation!"
The tone of Cruz's next response, probably killed his chances of confirmation.
Cruz: "I don't think I do nor do I think the matter should be aired on a forum like this!"
After the interview concluded, Dickerson made a few observations of his own and they clearly suggested that questions still remained.
The Cruz interview, was nothing short of a disaster!" opined Chuck Todd of NBC's Meet The Press.
Other media figures including Scott Jennings,  remarked Ted Cruz's, hopes of becoming Attorney General, have not been good in recent day's,  particularly when we consider that already 10 Republican Senators have categorically made it clear that they won't vote for Cruz's nomination,  I imagine that this number will grow, in light of what we witnessed tonight! He failed to offer an adequate answer on the campaign fundraising and expenditure's issue!".
Chris Wallace on CNN, offered his own thoughts  and intoned what was likely on everyone's mind, "I think if Ted Cruz,  has not considered his position,
he may have to do it now, and perhaps he now has to entertain the only option available to him right now!
Kaitlin Collins who had been at the White House, broadcast her reaction to the Cruz interview, beyond that, the White House remained silent.
The following day, after a meeting with his caucus, Senate majority leader, John Cornyn,  knew that the Cruz nomination was DOA, and had his assistant call the White House to arrange a meeting with the President, after which, with a heavy heart, he travelled from the Capitol for a meeting with the President, and informed the president in an Oval office meeting, "The votes are not there, and the nomination will most certainly be defeated!".
Later that evening, Cruz was summoned to the White House for a meeting with both White House Counsel, Chris Sprowls and White House Chief of Staff, Byron Donalds who informed Cruz that he "Needed to the right thing".
The following day, before a congregation of reporter's, Ted Cruz flanked by his wife and two daughters,  announced  "... After some thought,  I am hereby withdrawing my nomination to be America's eighty-seventh Attorney General..." With that Cruz and the controversy surrounding his nomination disappeared.
Next Up: The search for a new Attorney Gene
P.S. I am thinking that Barbara Lagoa will be the choice.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Note on my reason for the failure of Cruz's nomination.
Was likely due to the following factors.
1 DeSantis's delay on nomination of Ted Cruz, suggested to me, that in such a situation and considering how political DeSantis is, he would probably conclude Cruz's nomination would be controversial at best and politically damaging at worst.
2. Growing resistance was due to the bipartisan animus towards Cruz, he hasn't engendered universal popularity within that body.
3. The fact that 10 Senator's from the Republican caucus, suggested to me, that number would have only grown.
4. If I am correct no, former presidential candidate (twice in Cruz's  case, 2016 was the other occasion) has been Attorney General nor nominated to that position, and Democrats would have raised such issues as fundraising practices identity of donors, due to "conflict of interest factors. They raised similar concerns over Trump, his hotel in Washington and his fundraising as well. So I recognized this was a plausible line of attack.
5. Democrats are hypertensive over the matter of Joe Biden's certification, and considering Cruz's own objections during the certification period. I imagine that Cruz would offer legalistic justifications on those objections, and Democrats, therefore would make much of this fact. Considering also he was running for the Republican presidential, he would be using opportunity to ingratiate himself with Trump and his MAGA supporters.
6. Considering that Cruz can tend to be prickly, he likely would have been overly defensive in the responses he gave on a program such as "60 minutes".
One final word: Frankly whatever my personal bias about Cruz, I have revised my opinion of him and I had taken the pragmatic view, that Cruz would be a good Attorney General, his credentials as a legal scholar cannot be disputed.
Even Alan Dershowitz, a legal scholar from the liberal side of the equation, concedes Cruz's credentals as a legal mind are impeccable and it's highly unlikely that Democrats would question Cruz's qualifications, hence the political line of attack.
He was once Editor of the Harvard Law Review, so therefore there's good reason he could be the perfect choice. But the 6 reasons I already highlighted, as to why Cruz would have failed, stand.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

Anonymous source from within White House: Former Solicitor General under Trump, Noel Francisco said to be under consideration for Attorney General.
An unidentified source, has indicated that Noel Francisco is being considered for position of Attorney General.
Media sources reached out to the White House for comment on the possibility that Noel Francisco was under consideration for the position in which Ted Cruz had once been considered for, however the now infamous "60 minutes" interview precipitated the derailment of Ted Cruz's nomination.

[PRESIDENT STANTON]

I have an idea that DeSantis is probably torn between Francisco and Lagoa, but probably he probably see's the latter as the latter as his choice to fill the next Supreme Court vacancy that becomes available. Putting Lagoa at DOJ makes her lightening rod for every controversial decision that comes down the pike. She would be a perfect choice if either Roberts or Thomas decide to step down. I have a suspicion that either one of them are going to call it quits sometime in 2026, or perhaps earlier.