• Accusations of Democratic Extremism

  • Ben and Sen Cruz call out Democrats for using inflammatory language (e.g., calling Republicans “fascists,” ICE “Gestapo,” or U.S. politics a “supervillain convention”).

  • They argue this rhetoric contributes to real-world violence, citing examples like the assassination of Charlie Kirk, attacks on ICE facilities, and other incidents.

• ICE and Law Enforcement

  • The segment focuses on how Democrats describe ICE in terms linked to Nazi Germany, slavery, and authoritarian regimes.

  • The commentary frames these descriptions as dangerous because they demonize law enforcement and allegedly inspire violence against officers.

• Government Shutdown Hypocrisy

  • The discussion highlights Democrats’ past opposition to government shutdowns (using 2018 quotes) and contrasts it with their alleged role in a current shutdown.

  • The speakers accuse Democrats of hypocrisy, noting they once said shutdowns hurt “everyday Americans” but are now engaged in one themselves.

• Violence and Ideological Conflict

  • Ben and Sen Cruz emphasize left-wing violence, referencing BLM protests, campus antisemitism, riots in Los Angeles, and assassination attempts.

  • They contrast this with what they describe as conservative restraint, claiming the right condemns violence universally while the left often encourages or celebrates it.

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• Government Shutdown Narrative

  • Democrats blamed for deliberately causing the shutdown for political reasons.

  • Framed as Chuck Schumer’s attempt to appeal to progressive factions like AOC.

  • House Republicans passed a “clean CR” (continuing resolution) to keep government funding stable, but Democrats rejected it.

• Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants

  • Democrats WANT taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

  • Cited past Democratic presidential debate where all candidates raised hands in support of coverage for undocumented immigrants.

  • References to California and New York already providing state-level healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

  • Argument that Democrats are gaslighting the public by denying this stance.

• Crime in “Blue Cities”

  • Senate Judiciary Committee hearing highlighted as focusing on rising crime rates in Democrat-led cities.

  • Claims that progressive DAs, often linked to George Soros funding, refuse to prosecute violent criminals.

  • Examples cited: New York, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee DA cases.

  • Pattern described of criminals repeatedly being released and reoffending.

• Defund the Police & Bail Reform

  • Criticism of Democratic-led efforts to defund or reduce police funding (examples: Minneapolis, New York, Austin).

  • Soros-backed DAs accused of eliminating cash bail, downgrading felonies, and prioritizing criminals over victims.

• Proposed Solutions

  • Sen. Cruz mentions his “Clean DC Act,” aimed at reversing soft-on-crime laws in Washington, D.C.

  • Advocates stronger penalties and more police support.

  • Credits Trump with using the National Guard to reduce crime in DC.

• Left-Wing Violence

  • Democratic rhetoric is causing violent outcomes (e.g., BLM riots, anti-Semitic incidents, ICE facility attacks).

  • Claims left-wing activists celebrate violence while conservatives condemn it.

  • Mentions assassination attempts (Trump, Justice Kavanaugh) and murder of Charlie Kirk as examples of left-inspired violence.

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

Here’s a sample episode recapping four Thursday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Who Do You Trust?

 

Clay Travis outlines a Gallup poll that reveals trust in the media has plummeted to a record low of just 28%, compared to over 70% in 1980. Clay explores why Americans no longer trust legacy media, citing misinformation during COVID-19 and the Russia collusion narrative. He challenges listeners to share which media figures they still trust, emphasizing the difference between agreeing with someone’s opinion and trusting their factual accuracy.

 

Make it Make Sense

 

Clay also breaks down the controversy over illegal immigrants receiving healthcare benefits in the Democrats’ continuing resolution. While Democrats claim federal funds aren’t directly paying for undocumented healthcare, Clay explains how federal dollars flow to states like California, New York, and Illinois, which then allocate funds for these services. He ties this to COVID-era spending that Democrats want to make permanent, warning that these embedded costs are fueling the shutdown fight.

 

Practicing Gratitude

 

Clay continues the conversation on the collapse of trust in media, sparked by a Gallup poll showing confidence at historic lows. Clay shares listener reactions and humorously calls out fellow radio host Jesse Kelly for ordering $75 tequila shots, tying it into a broader discussion about gratitude and humility in media. Clay argues that many in mainstream media lack appreciation for their privileged positions, contrasting that with his own daily practice of gratitude and the conservative ethos of thankfulness for living in America.

 

The American Dream

 

An in-depth interview with Congressman John James, who is running for governor of Michigan. James responds to Al Sharpton’s false claim that Michigan lacks Black congressional representation, calling out identity politics and emphasizing policy over race. He outlines why Michigan will be the epicenter of U.S. politics in 2026 and 2028, citing open gubernatorial and Senate seats, competitive House races, and the state’s pivotal role in presidential elections. James stresses the need for strong Republican leadership to restore trust, improve education, strengthen the economy, and secure election integrity. He also shares his inspiring personal story—from growing up in Detroit to graduating West Point, serving as an Apache pilot in Iraq, and building a successful business—underscoring his commitment to faith, family, and service.

 

Clay's Got Balls!

 

Clay promotes his upcoming book “Balls”, which argues why young men and sports fans should vote Republican, and says he's going to donate all proceeds to charity and asks the audience which charity he should support.  

 

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

 

For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/

 

Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: 

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• Main Themes

  • Blame Assignment: the government shutdown is caused by Democrats, specifically Chuck Schumer, to avoid pressure from progressive figures like AOC.

  • Media Criticism: Mainstream media portrays shutdowns emotionally (e.g., TSA officers, families struggling) to support Democrats’ narrative.

  • Lawmakers & Paychecks: Criticizes Democratic lawmakers who refuse to withhold their pay during the shutdown while ordinary federal workers face delays.

  • Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants: Argues Democrats shut down the government over demands to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants, citing state-level programs (Rhode Island, New York).

  • Public Opinion: References polls showing most Americans (including Democrats and independents) oppose a shutdown over such demands.

  • Contradictions Among Democrats: Notes conflicting statements from different Democratic representatives and senators—some denying responsibility, others admitting to supporting a shutdown.

  • Republican Framing: Republicans upport a “clean” continuing resolution to keep government open, while Democrats are inserting expensive demands ($1.5 trillion, healthcare for illegals, social programs).

• Polls & Data Used

  • New York Times poll cited: 65% of Americans against shutdowns tied to Democrats’ demands.

  • Breakdown by party: Republicans (92% opposed), Independents (59% opposed), Democrats (43% opposed).

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

Here’s a sample episode recapping four Tuesday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

 

The Kick Ass Standard 

 

President Trump’s announcement on prescription drug pricing, revealing that Pfizer will now offer medications at “most favored nation” prices, a move aimed at reducing costs for American consumers.  Clay then shifts to a fiery cultural debate sparked by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s speech to military leaders, emphasizing a return to strict physical standards and meritocracy in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

 

Hegseth rejects DEI mandates and insists on combat readiness over diversity quotas, sparking a broader conversation about whether elite positions in the military—or any field—should reflect demographics or prioritize performance. Clay uses examples from Olympic basketball and the National Spelling Bee to argue that excellence rarely mirrors population diversity and that merit should always come first.

 

Golden Handcuffs

 

An in-depth discussion on JK Rowling’s viral takedown of Emma Watson and the gender ideology debate. Clay praises Rowling’s courage in standing against what she calls “gender insanity,” reading excerpts from her powerful statement that has garnered tens of millions of views. He challenges wealthy and influential Americans to show similar bravery in defending truth and common sense.

 

OK Sen. Markwayne Mullin 

 

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin does a deep dive into the budget impasse, blaming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for obstructing a “clean CR” (Continuing Resolution) due to pressure from progressive challengers like AOC. Mullin outlines the shutdown’s impact on military pay, federal employees, and mandatory vs. discretionary spending, while criticizing continued COVID-era healthcare subsidies and Obamacare enrollment for undocumented immigrants—a $350 billion taxpayer burden, he claims.

 

Mullin and Travis assert that Donald Trump’s 2024 landslide victory was a rejection of socialism and far-left policies. They argue the Democratic Party is now led by figures like Bernie Sanders, Ilhan Omar, and Jasmine Crockett, and suffering an identity crisis. Mullin also praises military fitness standards, referencing Pete Seth’s call for accountability among generals, and shares his own leadership philosophy rooted in discipline and example-setting.

 

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise 

 

Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise joins the show to reflect on the Charlie Kirk shooting, drawing parallels to his own experience as a victim of political violence in 2017. Scalise emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, condemns cancel culture, and highlights the resilience of Turning Point USA, which has seen over 50,000 students express interest in launching chapters. He praises Erica Kirk’s commitment to continuing Charlie’s legacy and notes a religious revival among youth inspired by Kirk’s faith.

 

Scalise also discusses the House-passed funding bill, warning that Schumer and the far-left are pushing a shutdown out of political spite. He urges Democrats to prioritize governance over ideological battles. The hour closes with Scalise’s thoughts on LSU football, NIL funding, and the electrifying experience of Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium, complete with Cajun tailgating and Garth Brooks anthems. 

 

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

 

For the latest updates from Clay and Buck:

• Cause of Shutdown:

  • Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.

  • Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.

• Senate Dynamics:

  • A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.

  • Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.

• Partisan Framing:

  • Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.

  • Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.

• Policy Disputes:

  • Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.

  • The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.

• Impact of Shutdown:

  • Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.

  • Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.

• Political Messaging:

  • Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.

  • They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.

  • WATCH WH Hakeem Jeffries VIDEO HERE

• Strategic Angle:

  • The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.

  • This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.

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• Impending Shutdown: The country is only “hours away” from a government shutdown,

• Partisan Blame: The responsibility for the shutdown is Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

• Republican Positioning: Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, JD Vance, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, are portrayed as wanting a “clean funding extension” (a short-term budget measure) to keep the government open.

• Democratic Hypocrisy: The commentary highlights past Democratic statements opposing shutdowns, contrasting them with current positions to claim inconsistency.

• Accusations of Radicalism: Democrats are described as pushing a $1.5 trillion spending package that allegedly includes:

  • Free healthcare for undocumented immigrants

  • Funding for gender-affirming surgeries

  • Open borders and Medicaid fraud

  • Other “radical left” priorities

• Political Motivation: A recurring argument is that Schumer is resisting compromise to protect himself from a potential primary challenge by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Consequences of Shutdown

The episode also notes practical impacts of a shutdown, such as:

• Federal employees furloughed or unpaid

• Disruptions for TSA officers, military families, firefighters, veterans, and prison guards

• Delays in Social Security, SNAP, and WIC benefits

• Risks to disaster relief and FEMA funding

• Potential harm to the economy, including billions in costs and possible credit rating downgrades

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• Michigan Church Attack

  • The discussion opens with news of a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, where a man drove a truck into the building, opened fire, killed four people, injured ten, and set the church on fire.

  • The speakers frame the attack as part of a wider trend of violence against religious institutions, emphasizing hostility toward people of faith.

  • They highlight the quick response of law enforcement, using it to argue against what they see as Democratic “demonization” of police and ICE agents.

• The “Schumer Shutdown”

  • Cruz and Ferguson repeatedly call it a “Schumer Shutdown,” arguing Democrats are deliberately causing it to appease their progressive base and avoid criticism from figures like AOC.

  • They claim Republicans offered a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep government open, but Democrats opposed it for political reasons.

  • They warn of shutdown consequences, such as furloughed workers, closed national parks, and delayed paychecks, while also suggesting it could be an opportunity for Trump’s administration to terminate “deep state” bureaucrats in agencies like the EPA, IRS, and Labor Department.

  • The commentary portrays Democrats as inconsistent, citing their past statements opposing shutdowns.

   

• Escalating Democratic Rhetoric and Its Effects

  • The episode then devotes significant time to Democratic leaders’ rhetoric about Republicans, ICE, and law enforcement.

  • It cites examples: Gavin Newsom calling Stephen Miller a fascist, Hakeem Jeffries describing Trump’s inauguration as a “supervillain convention,” and others comparing ICE to the Gestapo or slave patrols.

  • The speakers argue this rhetoric incites violence against conservatives and law enforcement, linking it to incidents like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and attacks on ICE facilities.

  • They present this as part of a broader Democratic strategy to delegitimize institutions like ICE, police, and the Supreme Court.

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• Faith and Legacy of Charlie Kirk

  • The conversation opens with reflections on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death (presented here as a political assassination).

  • Speakers emphasize how his passing led to a surge in open conversations about faith, particularly Christianity, in political circles.

  • They describe memorial events where political leaders, including Donald Trump, focused more on God, unity, and faith than on politics.

  • Testimonies highlight Kirk’s role in conservative politics and his attempts to foster dialogue, even with opponents like Van Jones.

• Unity and Political Dialogue

  • Several anecdotes stress how Kirk worked to bring together people from different camps (e.g., Trump and Elon Musk, Van Jones).

  • His death is framed as a catalyst for renewed hope, encouraging more civil discourse across political divides.

• Criticism of Media (Jimmy Kimmel/ABC)

  • A significant section critiques Jimmy Kimmel and ABC News for misrepresenting Kirk’s assassin as a right-wing extremist.

  • The speakers argue law enforcement confirmed the shooter was a leftist with Antifa and pro-transgender affiliations.

  • They accuse Kimmel of spreading lies with serious consequences, though they oppose government censorship (via FCC), advocating instead for market accountability.

• Comedy, Free Speech, and Bias

  • The transcript contrasts Jimmy Kimmel’s humor (labeled partisan and unfunny) with Jon Stewart’s satire, which they describe as genuine comedy—even when mocking conservatives.

  • They argue comedy should target all sides, not just serve as partisan attacks.

• Dallas ICE Shooting

  • The conversation pivots to another violent attack: a gunman opened fire on an ICE facility in Dallas, killing and injuring multiple people before committing suicide.

  • This attack is linked to rhetoric from left-leaning politicians and activists who have demonized ICE agents.

  • Speakers argue that inflammatory political rhetoric has “real consequences,” drawing parallels to Kirk’s assassination.

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