Ted Cruz Unfiltered + Why Harry & Meghan Are Running Back to the Royals

Citizen McCain is BACK, and there is a lot to catch up on. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins return from summer break with an emotional tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, reflecting on her extraordinary life, generosity, music, and rare ability to bring people from every corner of American culture together. Then, Meghan responds to the backlash over her comments about 13-year-old North West and asks a bigger parenting question: when does self-expression cross the line into adults failing to protect a child's childhood? Senator Ted Cruz joins Meghan and Miranda for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, Going Further: The Incomparable Clarence Thomas. Cruz shares stories from his decades-long friendship with Justice Thomas, his remarkable political evolution, and the experiences that shaped one of the most influential conservative figures in America. Cruz also gets personal about sending his daughter off to college and becoming an almost empty nester. Then, Citizen McCain's resident royal expert Lady Sarah Elliott breaks down why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may suddenly be looking back toward Britain. Have the Sussexes run out of cultural capital in America? Do their titles simply mean more in the UK? Could money, status, and their children's royal connections be pulling them back into the fold? And what happens to Harry and Meghan when Prince William eventually becomes king? Plus, Meghan and Miranda react to South Carolina's wild Senate race, Darline Graham's viral national security stumble, and plenty more after nearly three weeks away. Politics, pop culture, parenting, royals, and a little vacation oversharing. Citizen McCain is officially back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices