The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Wisconsin’s race for governor is shaping up to be one of the most consequential—and ideologically divided—contests of the 2026 election.
Lisa Boothe is joined by veteran Wisconsin political strategist Keith Gilkes, former chief of staff and campaign manager for Gov. Scott Walker, to break down the potential general election battle between Republican Tom Tiffany and Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong.
Gilkes explains why Hong’s rise has upended the Democratic primary, how her progressive record and past comments could play with Wisconsin’s independent and moderate voters, and why Tiffany may have an opportunity to overcome a difficult national political environment for Republicans.
They also examine Tiffany’s path to victory, the importance of campaign fundraising and paid media, Wisconsin’s notoriously tough political press corps, and lessons Gilkes learned from managing major statewide campaigns—including Tommy Thompson’s 2012 Senate race against Tammy Baldwin.
Plus, Lisa and Keith look back at working together on the Thompson campaign, how Wisconsin politics helped launch Lisa’s television career, and what Republicans must do between now and November to win one of the country’s most important gubernatorial races.
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The assumptions that shaped U.S. Middle East policy for decades are no longer the same. Steve Yates explains how American energy production, the Abraham Accords, the rise of Iran as the region’s primary threat, and China's growing influence have fundamentally changed the strategic landscape. He outlines why old foreign policy frameworks are losing relevance and what the new realities mean for American interests, military commitments, energy security, and regional stability. Listen as Steve connects these long-term shifts to the practical questions voters should be asking policymakers today. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at NationStatesYates@Gmail.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.
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Clay Travis and Buck Sexton focus on the increasingly consequential 2026 midterm elections, particularly the Wisconsin governor’s race and Michigan’s Senate contest. Clay and Buck analyze Democratic candidate Francesca Hong, highlighting past controversial statements including comments about abolishing prisons, defunding police, and “canceling Thanksgiving.” They argue that such positions may be politically damaging in a statewide election and discuss why prominent progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have reportedly avoided endorsing her. The conversation expands into a broader examination of whether progressive Democrats are overreaching politically and whether moderate voters will reject far-left candidates in key battleground states.

They also debate Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections, with Buck expressing concern that Republicans face difficult political terrain while Clay remains optimistic about GOP chances. Their analysis includes discussion of voter turnout, demographic shifts, and the importance of candidate quality in closely contested races. Particular attention is paid to Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the role of Muslim-American voters, and the influence of outside political spending from organizations attempting to shape the race.

Clay and Buck discuss American regional identity, geography, and history. Clay and Buck discuss differences between Southern, Northeastern, and Midwestern cultural traditions, including varying levels of connection to ancestral European heritage. The hosts examine how American cities and states received their names, touching on English, Dutch, Spanish, French, biblical, and Native American influences. The discussion becomes part of a larger conversation about historical literacy and how much Americans understand about the origins of their communities and institutions.

Drawing on Buck’s CIA background, the hosts discuss intelligence tradecraft, including the concept of a “canary trap,” in which sensitive information is strategically distributed to uncover leakers. They analyze whether the revelation about Trump’s travel arrangements could have been part of such an operation or whether it reflects genuine concerns about foreign threats. The discussion broadens into a conversation about Iranian assassination plots, presidential security, Air Force One protections, counterterrorism protocols, NATO allies, Turkey’s security environment, and the challenges of safeguarding the President of the United States during international travel.
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In Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Clay and Buck cover a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues dominating the national conversation, with a particular focus on the intersection of politics, elections, gender debates, socialism, and voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms. The hour opens with discussion of the growing public fascination with the WNBA controversy involving gender identity and transgender athletes, as the hosts note increasing media coverage and audience engagement surrounding reports that biological males have declared for the WNBA draft. They argue that the issue has become one of the most talked-about topics in sports and politics, touching on broader debates involving women’s sports, fairness, race, and gender.

The hosts then shift to ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and Anthony Fauci-era public health policies, revisiting concerns about COVID vaccine recommendations for pregnant women. Clay and Buck argue that critics of official pandemic guidance were often dismissed despite what they describe as legitimate questions and uncertainties that existed at the time. The discussion ties into broader themes of institutional trust, government transparency, and public skepticism toward health authorities.

A major portion of Hour 1 focuses on the increasingly consequential 2026 midterm elections, particularly the Wisconsin governor’s race and Michigan’s Senate contest. Clay and Buck analyze Democratic candidate Francesca Hong, highlighting past controversial statements including comments about abolishing prisons, defunding police, and “canceling Thanksgiving.” They argue that such positions may be politically damaging in a statewide election and discuss why prominent progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have reportedly avoided endorsing her. The conversation expands into a broader examination of whether progressive Democrats are overreaching politically and whether moderate voters will reject far-left candidates in key battleground states.

The hosts also debate Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections, with Buck expressing concern that Republicans face difficult political terrain while Clay remains optimistic about GOP chances. Their analysis includes discussion of voter turnout, demographic shifts, and the importance of candidate quality in closely contested races. Particular attention is paid to Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the role of Muslim-American voters, and the influence of outside political spending from organizations attempting to shape the race.

Another central topic in Hour 1 is the rise of democratic socialism and anti-capitalist rhetoric among younger voters. Clay and Buck discuss the popularity of progressive figures such as Zohran Mamdani, AOC, and other left-wing politicians, arguing that economic frustration, high housing costs, student debt burdens, and dissatisfaction with the modern economy are fueling support for socialist policies. They examine why younger Americans, especially those living in expensive cities such as New York, may feel disconnected from traditional free-market arguments. The hosts contend that a lack of historical knowledge about socialism, communism, and the Cold War contributes to growing support for policies they view as economically dangerous.

The discussion continues with criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who they accuse of attacking capitalism despite having personally benefited from it. Clay and Buck argue that modern Democratic messaging increasingly appeals to emotions and economic frustration rather than promoting policies grounded in economic realities. They also compare Newsom’s rhetoric to statements from Francesca Hong, contending that progressive leaders downplay concerns about socialism by focusing on issues like minimum wage increases and worker protections.

The hour includes listener interactions and call-ins, with audience members weighing in on Democratic Party divisions, socialism, transgender issues, and political communication. One exchange addresses the distinction between “democratic socialism” and socialism more broadly, leading to a discussion of historical examples from communist movements and the importance of civic and historical literacy.

The program also briefly turns to crime and public safety, previewing discussion of improving murder-rate statistics and touching on the devastating Washington state wildfires near Spokane. The hosts discuss reports of widespread property destruction, evacuations, and concerns about insurance disputes following natural disasters, emphasizing the challenges homeowners face when dealing with insurance claims.

The final segment of Hour 1 becomes more lighthearted, featuring Buck’s son “Speed Sexton” making a brief appearance during the broadcast. The hosts also respond humorously to listener comments about AOC, discussing her political influence, communication style, and public profile while joking about whether Buck is overly complimentary of the New York congresswoman.

Overall, Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centers on the biggest topics driving conservative political conversation: WNBA transgender athlete controversies, COVID policy debates, the 2026 midterm elections, Wisconsin and Michigan politics, progressive Democrats, democratic socialism, Gavin Newsom, AOC, voter behavior, economic anxiety, historical literacy, public safety, and wildfire recovery efforts. The discussion combines political analysis, cultural commentary, listener feedback, and campaign strategy as the hosts assess the evolving political landscape heading into the election season.
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Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses heavily on politics, crime trends, public policy, American culture, and the ongoing debate over capitalism versus socialism as the hosts analyze several developing stories shaping the national conversation. The hour opens with discussion of political image and public perception, sparked by listener reactions to comments about Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Clay and Buck examine the role appearance, charisma, and media presentation play in electoral politics, arguing that voters often respond to public figures based on factors beyond policy positions. The conversation expands into broader observations about modern political branding, television-era leadership, and the advantages enjoyed by highly visible public figures.

A major news development discussed during Hour 2 is the reported release of American citizen Robert Gilman from Russian detention after more than four years in prison. The hosts highlight efforts by the Trump administration and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to secure the release and frame the development as another example of Americans being returned home from overseas detention. The story leads into a wider discussion about foreign policy, diplomacy, and American citizens held abroad.

The program then turns to the rapidly approaching 2026 midterm elections, with analysis of primary contests taking place in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, and other states. Clay and Buck discuss the race to replace longtime South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, focusing on candidate Darlene Graham, the senator’s sister, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement. The hosts debate the question of political dynasties and family succession in American politics, examining whether voters are comfortable supporting relatives of well-known elected officials. They compare the situation to historical examples where spouses or other family members have inherited political influence and discuss the impact of presidential endorsements on Republican primary voters.

The South Carolina conversation also revisits former Governor Mark Sanford, whose infamous disappearance while claiming to be hiking the Appalachian Trail became a national story years ago. Listener calls add local perspective, leading to a humorous exchange about Sanford’s political comeback attempt and the lasting public memory of political scandals.

A broader cultural segment explores American regional identity, geography, and history. Clay and Buck discuss differences between Southern, Northeastern, and Midwestern cultural traditions, including varying levels of connection to ancestral European heritage. The hosts examine how American cities and states received their names, touching on English, Dutch, Spanish, French, biblical, and Native American influences. The discussion becomes part of a larger conversation about historical literacy and how much Americans understand about the origins of their communities and institutions.

One of the most significant topics in Hour 2 centers on a new report showing dramatic declines in murder rates and violent crime across much of the United States during 2026. Clay highlights statistics indicating that murders are down significantly compared to an already historically low year in 2025. The hosts emphasize data from Florida, noting exceptionally low homicide totals in major cities including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. They contrast these numbers with much higher murder totals in places such as Chicago, arguing that states and cities emphasizing law enforcement and public safety policies are experiencing stronger results.

The discussion expands into a broader examination of crime policy, policing, criminal justice reform, and the legacy of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Clay and Buck contend that support for law enforcement, stricter prosecution of violent offenders, and tougher public safety policies have contributed to falling crime rates in many jurisdictions. They point to improvements in cities such as Baltimore, Memphis, Washington, D.C., Newark, Raleigh, and Boston while noting that some locations, including Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Charlotte, San Francisco, Oklahoma City, and San Diego, are experiencing increases. Chicago receives particular attention as the hosts debate why local leaders have resisted policy changes they believe could significantly reduce violence.

The hosts repeatedly return to the theme that local governance matters, arguing that decisions made by governors, mayors, prosecutors, and police departments often have a greater impact on daily quality of life than actions taken by the federal government. This leads to discussion of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, President Donald Trump’s law-and-order messaging, and the role of elected officials in shaping public safety outcomes.

Toward the end of Hour 2, listeners weigh in on economic issues and the ongoing debate about capitalism, socialism, government regulation, and free markets. A caller argues that modern America operates under a mixed economic system rather than pure capitalism, prompting Clay and Buck to discuss government intervention in markets, taxes, regulation, and the power of entrepreneurship. They reference examples such as IBM, Apple, Amazon, and other major American business success stories while arguing that innovation and competition remain central strengths of the U.S. economy.

Overall, Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centers on breaking news involving an American released from Russia, 2026 midterm election analysis, South Carolina politics, Trump endorsements, political dynasties, American history and cultural identity, crime statistics, murder rate declines, law enforcement policy, Chicago violence, Florida public safety success stories, capitalism versus socialism, government regulation, and economic opportunity in America. The hour combines political commentary, policy analysis, historical discussion, listener participation, and debate over the factors shaping the nation’s future.

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