The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness

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Best of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

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  1. Number 1: It's a Numbers Game: New 2026 Polls Reveal GOP Bright Spots Despite Democrats’ National Lead

    The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and Ryan Girdusky breaks down the latest polling to examine where Republicans are showing potential bright spots despite Democrats holding a sizable advantage in national generic-ballot polling. Ryan digs into Senate, gubernatorial and congressional polling in Minnesota, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, New York, Alaska, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas, examining why individual races can diverge sharply from the national political environment. He also looks at what current polling says is motivating Democratic and Republican voters heading into November. Plus, Ryan examines the latest economic warning signs after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a 3.75%–4.00% target range, its first increase since 2023, as inflation remains elevated. He discusses how dramatically the cost of food, vehicles, rent, insurance and other everyday expenses has changed—and why affordability could remain a major concern for voters. Ryan also discusses demographic tensions in Los Angeles and closes the show with Ask Me Anything, answering listener questions about rural voters, Texas campaign spending and Utah politics. EMAIL RYAN Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30min
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  2. Number 2: Hour 3 - Iran is Playing Us

    Protect College Sports Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses heavily on the rapidly evolving debate surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), government regulation, technology policy, economic news, college sports reform, Senate politics, media industry relocation, and the 2026 midterm elections. The hour also features an extended interview with Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt, listener reactions, and lighter discussions tied to prior conversations from the program. The hour opens with Clay and Buck examining growing calls for AI regulation, particularly comments from Bernie Sanders, who announces plans to introduce legislation aimed at permanently banning what he describes as “artificial superintelligence.” The hosts question both the practicality and the definition of such a proposal, arguing that lawmakers who do not fully understand artificial intelligence are ill-equipped to regulate it effectively. The discussion explores the broader challenges of technology policy, with Clay and Buck debating whether government can realistically establish guardrails around a rapidly changing industry. They suggest that many politicians are attempting to regulate future technological breakthroughs before fully understanding existing AI capabilities, creating what they view as a fundamentally flawed policymaking approach. The conversation expands to include remarks from Steve Bannon and Bill Gates, both of whom have expressed concerns about the long-term impact of AI. Clay and Buck find it notable that figures from very different ideological backgrounds are warning about potential risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence. While Buck remains skeptical of sweeping regulatory efforts, Clay acknowledges that many highly intelligent people genuinely believe AI could pose significant risks to humanity. This leads to a broad discussion of concepts often associated with AI debates, including artificial superintelligence, machine learning, technological disruption, automation, recursive intelligence growth, existential risk, and comparisons to nuclear weapons development. A particularly notable segment centers on the challenge of controlling future AI systems once they become sufficiently advanced. Clay references ongoing arguments with his son, who believes AI poses a substantial threat, while Buck compares proposed AI controls to science fiction scenarios such as Terminator and “Skynet.” Clay argues that the most important but often overlooked factor in the AI conversation is energy production, contending that the future growth of artificial intelligence ultimately depends on access to massive amounts of electricity and computing infrastructure. The hosts discuss how energy policy, data centers, and computing power may shape the future of the industry more than regulatory frameworks. The hour also touches on several breaking developments in business and economics. Clay notes reports that Paramount plans to leave California, leading to an extended conversation about corporate relocation trends, business-friendly states, and the migration of major companies away from high-tax states. The hosts speculate about potential destinations, with Tennessee and Texas emerging as leading contenders. This sparks a broader discussion of the rise of Nashville as a media hub, the growth of conservative media companies outside traditional centers such as New York and Los Angeles, and changing geographic trends in American business and entertainment. Clay and Buck also discuss recent economic news involving the Federal Reserve, rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and their potential impact on consumers and markets. Another significant segment examines higher education, demographic shifts, and university competitiveness. The hosts discuss how schools such as Vanderbilt University have become increasingly selective, arguing that many students and families are reevaluating traditional academic prestige in favor of locations they perceive as safer, more stable, and more culturally appealing. The conversation broadens into a discussion of migration patterns, educational trends, quality of life considerations, and changing perceptions of elite institutions. A major portion of Hour 3 features an interview with Senator Eric Schmidt, who joins the program to discuss the progress of the Protect College Sports Act, legislation designed to address the ongoing chaos surrounding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation, college football, the transfer portal, athlete eligibility, NCAA governance, and revenue sharing. Schmidt explains that the bill has already received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate, earning more than 70 votes and positioning itself for additional procedural steps. During the interview, Schmidt outlines the legislation’s core provisions. He describes efforts to restore clearer eligibility rules by establishing a five-year playing window, limiting repeated transfers, and providing governing bodies with legal authority to enforce those standards. The discussion addresses the unintended consequences of recent court rulings and NCAA policy changes, including situations in which much older athletes can continue competing for extended periods. Clay and Buck emphasize that many college sports fans have become frustrated by what they view as an increasingly chaotic system and praise Schmidt’s efforts to create more stability and predictability for programs, athletes, and fans. The interview also explores broader NCAA reform topics, including college football economics, recruiting, roster retention, athlete compensation, revenue caps, women’s sports funding, transfer portal reform, and conference stability. Schmidt explains how the legislation attempts to balance athlete freedoms with competitive fairness while preserving the traditional structure of college athletics. The hosts repeatedly emphasize the overwhelming Senate support for the proposal and discuss possible next steps in the House of Representatives. Toward the end of the hour, Schmidt shares his assessment of the 2026 Senate map and Republican prospects in key races, discussing contests in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. He argues that Republican candidates remain competitive across multiple battleground states and suggests that voter turnout and late campaign momentum will be crucial factors in determining the outcome. The hosts examine polling trends, campaign spending, political messaging, and the broader battle for Senate control. The final portion of Hour 3 turns to listener calls and lighter topics. Clay and Buck revisit reactions to the ongoing Sydney Sweeney controversy, joke about hypothetical advertising campaigns, respond to comments from listeners, and continue a spirited debate about the longstanding rivalry between Houston and Dallas. They also revisit a memorable listener from the previous hour, sparking humorous commentary about family dynamics, marriage, and generational perspectives. 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, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38min
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  3. Number 3: It's a Numbers Game: Is JD Vance already the Republican frontrunner for 2028—and is Ted Cruz positioning himself as the alternative?

    Ryan Girdusky breaks down the biggest moments from the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and what they reveal about the future of the GOP. Ryan argues that Vance’s convention performance looked increasingly like an introduction to the party’s next leader, while Marco Rubio again indicated he has no plans to run for president in 2028. But Ryan sees one potential major challenger: Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz is beginning to separate himself from Vance and Trump on one of the biggest emerging political issues—artificial intelligence regulation. Ryan explains why Cruz’s call for greater AI safeguards could become a defining issue in a future Republican presidential primary. Plus, Ryan reacts to President Trump’s proposal to give American adults $5,000 if Republicans retain Congress, including the potential trillion-dollar price tag and inflation implications. And who was the convention’s breakout star? Ryan makes the case for Rep. Brandon Gill, whose opening speech contrasted the Trump and Biden eras and generated one of the convention’s standout moments. EMAIL RYAN Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16min
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  4. Number 4: The Karol Markowicz Show: The AI Power Grab? Jordan Schachtel on Doomerism, Regulation & the Future of Work

    Karol Markowicz is joined by Jordan Schachtel, publisher of The Dossier, to break down the growing debate over artificial intelligence, AI “doomerism,” and the push for greater government regulation of the technology. Schachtel explains the concept of regulatory capture and why major AI companies could benefit from rules that make it harder for competitors to catch up. Karol and Jordan also discuss Mark Zuckerberg’s approach to AI safety, concerns that artificial intelligence could eliminate jobs, and why learning how to use AI may become essential for workers trying to stay competitive. Plus, they examine the push to slow AI development, whether schools should embrace or restrict AI tools, the future of humanoid robots, and Jordan’s prediction for what the AI-powered world could look like five years from now. The conversation closes on family, parenthood, and why avoiding envy and comparison can lead to a happier life. EMAIL RYAN Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21min
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  5. Number 5: Hour 3 - What Would Make You Move?

    Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show wraps up the Friday program with a wide-ranging discussion of President Donald Trump, gas and diesel prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, state and local taxes, cost of living, migration from high-tax states, artificial intelligence, China, data centers, Florida politics, the 2026 midterm elections and college football. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton open the third hour by discussing President Trump’s comments on energy costs and the effect of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on diesel prices. They lament the enormous casualties and continued destruction from the conflict and the lack of a diplomatic breakthrough. The hosts also note Vice President JD Vance’s focus on financially strained American communities as Republicans seek to return attention to domestic affordability and economic issues ahead of the midterm elections. A major portion of Hour 3 examines state income taxes, cost of living and the financial differences between red states and blue states. Using NFL quarterbacks as high-profile examples, Clay cites comparisons involving Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott to illustrate how dramatically state and local tax burdens can vary depending on where someone lives and works. The hosts contrast high-tax jurisdictions such as California, New York, Illinois and Maryland with states including Florida, Tennessee and Texas, which have no individual state income tax. They debate whether multimillion-dollar tax differences significantly affect the lifestyles of athletes earning roughly $50 million annually, with Buck arguing that the impact may actually be more meaningful for upper-middle-income professionals and small-business owners earning between roughly $150,000 and $500,000 a year. Clay counters that even very wealthy taxpayers can eventually become unwilling to surrender millions of dollars annually when they have the ability to relocate. Clay and Buck broaden the tax discussion into the post-COVID migration from New York, California and other high-cost states to Florida, Tennessee and Texas. They argue that remote work demonstrated to executives, entrepreneurs and other highly mobile earners that living in New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago is no longer essential for many careers. Clay predicts that high earners will increasingly move toward lower-tax states, potentially putting additional pressure on the tax bases and government budgets of high-tax jurisdictions. Buck emphasizes that taxes are only one component of the equation, noting that housing, gasoline and other everyday expenses also vary substantially by state. The hosts discuss whether residents receive sufficient value for high taxes, specifically criticizing New York City public schools and pointing to the additional financial burden faced by families who pay high taxes but still choose private, religious or parochial schools. Family ties and jobs, they agree, remain two of the strongest reasons people stay in expensive states even when they are dissatisfied with taxes or government services. The centerpiece interview in Hour 3 of Clay and Buck is with Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida, who joins the show to discuss artificial intelligence, AI regulation, China, Congress and data centers. Cammack argues that fears of an imminent AI apocalypse resemble Hollywood science fiction more than a serious assessment of emerging technology. She criticizes members of Congress whom she believes lack even a basic understanding of artificial intelligence while nevertheless seeking to regulate it. Clay compares the current AI moment with the early development of the internet, arguing that government restraint allowed that technology to evolve before lawmakers attempted to impose extensive rules. The conversation also references Elon Musk’s optimistic assessment of AI’s potential impact on U.S. economic growth and explores whether premature federal regulation could suppress innovation, investment and American competitiveness. Cammack argues that Congress should avoid knee-jerk responses to political pressure and instead develop a deeper technical understanding of AI policy and regulation. She says regulatory consistency is essential if companies are expected to make enormous long-term capital investments and discusses the REINS Act as part of a broader effort to restrain federal regulation. The larger debate centers on the trade-off between legitimate rules that establish a competitive playing field and excessive government intervention that could undermine one of the most important technologies shaping the American economy and national security. The interview then turns specifically to AI data centers, electricity rates, water use and local zoning. Clay and Buck raise the growing public backlash to data-center development and discuss Florida policies designed to prevent large data centers from shifting their electricity costs onto ordinary ratepayers, encourage the use of reclaimed water and allow communities to exercise zoning authority. Cammack supports those principles and emphasizes local control, arguing that communities should be able to welcome data centers or prohibit them according to local preferences. She also discusses federal efforts aimed at making large developments responsible for their own energy costs rather than transferring those expenses to consumers. Cammack adds a national-security dimension to the data-center debate by arguing that some online opposition to American AI infrastructure is being amplified by China and the Chinese Communist Party. She warns about what she describes as Chinese information operations and cognitive warfare designed to influence Americans on technology policy. Cammack also stresses that data centers do not exist exclusively for generative AI, explaining that cloud computing encompasses services ranging from email to video streaming. Her overarching argument is that the United States must balance local concerns surrounding electricity, water and zoning with the strategic imperative of maintaining technological leadership over China. Hour 3 then moves into Florida politics and the 2026 midterm elections. Asked about Florida’s newly redrawn congressional map, potential Republican gains, the Senate race, the governor’s race and voter enthusiasm, Cammack offers a cautious assessment rather than predicting an easy Republican victory. She says Republicans have accomplished important goals, including lower taxes and investment in rural health care, but argues that they have not done enough to advance the America First agenda or reverse the long-term growth of government. She identifies high diesel and gasoline prices, housing affordability, interest rates, grocery bills and prescription drug costs as major voter concerns and warns that frustrated voters could simply stay home. Cammack says Republicans need to acknowledge economic pain directly and make the case for what they intend to accomplish next. The political conversation closes on a lighter note with discussion of her Florida Gators and their matchup against Auburn. In the final stretch of Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Clay previews a separate conversation with former college basketball coach Bruce Pearl, including Pearl’s reflections on career decisions, coaching and the emotional difficulty of leaving a team. That leads into a broader sports discussion about Florida Gators football, Auburn, the Miami Hurricanes, Tennessee football and the college football weekend. Clay and Buck debate Florida’s prospects, joke about the increasingly advanced ages of some college quarterbacks and preview their weekend plans, with Clay preparing for a full slate of college and NFL football as well as his son’s high-school homecoming football game, while Buck plans to continue watching Young Washington 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 & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37min
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