The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton examine Iran and U.S. foreign policy after discussion of a report that the Pentagon had instructed CENTCOM to prepare for the possibility of renewed strikes. Clay and Buck initially argue that major military action before the midterm elections would be unlikely and politically counterproductive, particularly among voters resistant to further U.S. involvement in war. During the hour, they react to a new statement from President Trump saying the United States is engaged in productive discussions with Iran and will not attack Iran before the midterm elections, while maintaining pressure designed to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Buck argues that Iran has an incentive to stall negotiations until after Election Day and says any escalation beforehand could damage Republican turnout.
Clay congratulates iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman on his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. Clay notes Pittman's long career, while Buck points to his role in the creation of MTV. Their conversation briefly turns to Chicago restaurants, sports media and audience analytics, including Clay's discussion of Chicago as a major market for his Sport and State media venture. Clay and Buck react to a Bezos interview, Clay argues that the Amazon founder appears increasingly willing to challenge progressive economic assumptions. The hosts highlight Bezos' defense of successful entrepreneurs and his rejection of the idea that accumulating wealth through building a popular business is inherently immoral, using Raising Cane's as an example of how business growth can create both wealth and jobs. Clay connects Bezos' comments to a larger political argument over capitalism, success and the Democratic Party's treatment of wealthy Americans.
Clay and Buck focus on the closing stretch of the 2026 midterm elections, with particular attention to the highly competitive Texas and Alaska Senate races, President Donald Trump’s Iran policy, media coverage of Trump, the political vulnerabilities of Democratic candidates James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed, and the battle for control of the U.S. Senate. Clay and Buck open Hour 3 by returning to the increasingly unusual absence of Talarico from the Texas campaign trail. With Talarico reportedly sidelined by the flu for nearly two weeks, the hosts question why a young Senate candidate would disappear during one of the most important periods of his campaign. They consider whether his campaign could deliberately be limiting his public exposure, comparing the strategy to Joe Biden’s 2020 “basement” campaign and Kamala Harris’s limited media appearances, while emphasizing that they do not know the actual explanation for Talarico’s absence. The discussion intensifies when they report that Ken Paxton’s campaign is calling for “proof of life” and documentation supporting the explanation for Talarico’s disappearance, including a current video and information about his reported illness. Clay and Buck compare the mystery to questions that emerged around John Fetterman’s health during his Senate campaign and repeatedly argue that a 12-day absence at this stage of a competitive statewide race is politically extraordinary. Listener reactions later in the hour largely echo the theory that the Talarico campaign could be intentionally keeping its candidate away from cameras, while the hosts close the program still asking when he will return to the campaign trail.
An interview with Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan about his reelection battle against Mary Peltola and the stakes for Republican control of the U.S. Senate. Sullivan describes the contest as neck and neck and says turnout among Republicans, independents and undeclared Alaska voters will determine the outcome. He attacks Peltola's congressional record, accusing her of supporting the Biden administration on major Alaska issues involving energy development, natural resources, the military, immigration and transgender athletes in women's sports. Sullivan also discusses reporting about Peltola's treatment of congressional staff and argues that her record raises questions about her fitness for office. He contrasts what he says are Peltola's legislative accomplishments and attendance record with his own Senate record, while warning that electing Peltola could empower Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats. Clay and Buck frame the Alaska contest as one of the races that could determine the balance of power in 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.

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into the rapidly tightening 2026 midterm elections, with Clay and Buck assessing the political landscape just weeks before Election Day and examining whether President Donald Trump can mobilize his 2024 coalition when his own name is not on the ballot. They focus heavily on Texas, where Trump campaigned in San Antonio for Ken Paxton and urged supporters to vote as if he personally were on the ballot. Clay argues that traditionally Democratic states including Michigan, Minnesota, Maine and New Hampshire appearing competitive is difficult to reconcile with suggestions that Republicans are simultaneously in serious danger in traditionally red states such as Texas, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.
The hosts discuss the central Republican challenge of turning out millions of Trump voters who may be less inclined to participate in a midterm election, while also examining the potentially decisive role of politically dissatisfied "double haters." Buck highlights Harry Enten's analysis showing an improved GOP voter-registration position relative to Democrats in battleground states including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona. The conversation turns to the Texas Senate race and Democrat James Talarico, including Trump's jokes about Talarico being vegan and Clay's questions about the candidate's extended absence from campaigning because of the flu. Clay and Buck caution that Republican confidence about Texas could itself become a liability if GOP voters assume victory is inevitable and fail to turn out. More broadly, they argue that Republican midterm messaging should remain focused on cost of living, grocery prices, gasoline prices, energy and the economy, while stressing that current election forecasts are only snapshots and that close races can still change substantially before votes are counted.
Hour 1 also examines Iran and U.S. foreign policy after discussion of a report that the Pentagon had instructed CENTCOM to prepare for the possibility of renewed strikes. Clay and Buck initially argue that major military action before the midterm elections would be unlikely and politically counterproductive, particularly among voters resistant to further U.S. involvement in war. During the hour, they react to a new statement from President Trump saying the United States is engaged in productive discussions with Iran and will not attack Iran before the midterm elections, while maintaining pressure designed to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Buck argues that Iran has an incentive to stall negotiations until after Election Day and says any escalation beforehand could damage Republican turnout.
The program tracks the developing Gulf Coast hurricane threat, with Clay and Buck discussing Hurricane Isaias as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast and threatens parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana with strengthening winds and storm surge. Later in Hour 1, Clay reports receiving notice of a mandatory evacuation for the Florida Panhandle community where his family has a home, underscoring growing concern about the storm's trajectory and potential coastal impact. The hosts promise continuing updates for their large audience across the Gulf Coast as conditions develop.
Finally, Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show expands into a wider conversation about crime, public safety, quality of life, homelessness, drug use, graffiti, litter and local government accountability. Reacting to comments from President Trump about dirty streets and Democratic governance, Buck argues that the physical cleanliness of a city can serve as a visible measure of government effectiveness and civic culture. Clay adds parking enforcement, graffiti removal and neighborhood safety to the discussion, pointing to experiences in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, New York City, Paris and Washington, D.C. The hosts discuss San Francisco's street drug crisis and Mayor Daniel Lurie, the prevalence of fentanyl and discarded needles, the legacy of New York City's anti-graffiti enforcement, and whether progressive policies adequately address quality-of-life offenses. They also discuss pollution affecting Southern California beaches near the Mexican border and debate the relationship between enforcement, civic standards and clean public spaces. Hour 1 closes by previewing a coming discussion about Michigan politics, Detroit voters, Abdul El-Sayed and Barack Obama, setting up another consequential midterm-election battleground.
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.

Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show focuses on the battle for Michigan in the 2026 midterm elections, the politics surrounding Israel and Iran, the culture on American college campuses, Jeff Bezos on capitalism and housing affordability, and the escalating cost of buying and building homes across the United States. Clay and Buck begin Hour 2 by arguing that Michigan could be a major 2026 battleground, examining both the Senate and governor's races. They discuss Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, his performance among Black voters during the primary, reports about his relationship with Black political leaders in the Detroit area, and Republican Mike Rogers' efforts to broaden his coalition. They also highlight Republican gubernatorial candidate John James and his potential appeal to Black voters. The hosts revisit past comments in which El-Sayed argued that the country was not better off after eight years of the Barack Obama presidency, interpreting the remarks as criticism that Obama did not bring sufficiently sweeping political and economic change. With Obama campaigning for El-Sayed, Clay and Buck consider whether those comments could become a liability with traditional Democratic voters in Detroit, Flint and elsewhere in Michigan.
The Michigan conversation expands into Middle East foreign policy, Israel, Iran and the Jewish vote after Clay and Buck play an exchange between El-Sayed and NewsNation's Leland Vittert. Asked whether Israel or Iran represents the greater threat to the United States, El-Sayed declines to make the choice and instead criticizes American spending on overseas wars and foreign militaries. Clay argues that Iran clearly poses the greater danger to the United States and believes El-Sayed's refusal to answer the question directly deserves greater scrutiny. Buck discusses Iran's history as a state sponsor of terrorism, its relationships with terrorist organizations and Iranian support for Shia militias that targeted American troops in Iraq. The hosts then debate attitudes toward Israel on the American left, the influence of Israel on U.S. Middle East policy, disagreements that can exist even between close allies, and how El-Sayed's position could affect Jewish voters in Michigan. Clay argues that a combination of dissatisfaction among some Black and Jewish voters could create an opening for Mike Rogers in a competitive Michigan Senate race.
Hour 2 then moves to the culture of American colleges and universities, prompted by criticism from Princeton professor Robert George of sexual-health materials reportedly made available by Cornell University. Buck recalls his own experiences as a resident counselor at Amherst and contrasts campus attitudes toward underage drinking and sexual-health education at different universities. Clay broadens the discussion to the cultural impact of internet pornography, arguing that its mainstream availability has distorted perceptions of normal sexual behavior compared with the media environment experienced by earlier generations. The hosts connect the issue to their broader criticism of contemporary university culture and administrative policies on college campuses.
The hour also includes a brief discussion of the media industry as Clay congratulates iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman on his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. Clay notes Pittman's long career, while Buck points to his role in the creation of MTV. Their conversation briefly turns to Chicago restaurants, sports media and audience analytics, including Clay's discussion of Chicago as a major market for his Sport and State media venture.
A substantial portion of Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show centers on Jeff Bezos, capitalism, meritocracy and the American affordability crisis. Reacting to a Bezos interview, Clay argues that the Amazon founder appears increasingly willing to challenge progressive economic assumptions. The hosts highlight Bezos' defense of successful entrepreneurs and his rejection of the idea that accumulating wealth through building a popular business is inherently immoral, using Raising Cane's as an example of how business growth can create both wealth and jobs. Clay connects Bezos' comments to a larger political argument over capitalism, success and the Democratic Party's treatment of wealthy Americans.
That discussion develops into an extended examination of housing affordability, home prices, zoning, regulation and the cost of new construction. Bezos argues that housing costs are fundamentally driven by supply and demand and points to Austin, Texas, as an example of a city where policies encouraging construction have helped ease housing prices. Clay and Buck agree that restrictive zoning, permitting requirements, taxes and land-use regulations prevent developers from adding enough housing in cities where demand is strongest. They contrast expensive markets such as San Francisco and New York City with places including Austin, Nashville, Charlotte and Tulsa, arguing that communities allowing greater housing construction are better positioned to restrain price increases. Buck cites estimates discussed on the program suggesting that regulatory and zoning constraints dramatically increase construction costs in San Francisco and other coastal metropolitan areas. Clay adds that homeowners themselves can become opponents of new development because restricting supply helps preserve the value of existing properties.
Clay and Buck also discuss the difficulty of rebuilding homes after the Los Angeles wildfires, arguing that permitting and regulatory obstacles have prevented some property owners from rebuilding even on existing residential lots. The conversation brings in listener experiences with construction costs, including a North Carolina caller who says he was quoted $475,000 to build a house of less than 1,000 square feet on land he already owned. Buck recounts hearing that even a roughly 600-square-foot guest cabin in North Carolina could cost at least $150,000 to construct. The hosts use these examples to illustrate how construction expenses, inflation and regulatory costs are contributing to the broader housing affordability problem.
Finally, Hour 2 examines the relationship between illegal immigration and housing prices. A Florida caller argues that the influx of millions of migrants has increased demand for limited housing, while Clay and Buck contend that additional population pressure inevitably affects rental supply and prices. Buck notes that inflation accounts for a significant portion of rising housing costs but argues that immigration, zoning restrictions, taxes and regulations can all add further pressure. The hosts close the hour by comparing American housing problems with similarly high housing and construction costs in Canada, framing affordability as the result of a combination of supply constraints, government policy, inflation and population growth.
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.

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show focuses on the closing stretch of the 2026 midterm elections, with particular attention to the highly competitive Texas and Alaska Senate races, President Donald Trump’s Iran policy, media coverage of Trump, the political vulnerabilities of Democratic candidates James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed, and the battle for control of the U.S. Senate. Clay and Buck open Hour 3 by returning to the increasingly unusual absence of Talarico from the Texas campaign trail. With Talarico reportedly sidelined by the flu for nearly two weeks, the hosts question why a young Senate candidate would disappear during one of the most important periods of his campaign. They consider whether his campaign could deliberately be limiting his public exposure, comparing the strategy to Joe Biden’s 2020 “basement” campaign and Kamala Harris’s limited media appearances, while emphasizing that they do not know the actual explanation for Talarico’s absence. The discussion intensifies when they report that Ken Paxton’s campaign is calling for “proof of life” and documentation supporting the explanation for Talarico’s disappearance, including a current video and information about his reported illness. Clay and Buck compare the mystery to questions that emerged around John Fetterman’s health during his Senate campaign and repeatedly argue that a 12-day absence at this stage of a competitive statewide race is politically extraordinary. Listener reactions later in the hour largely echo the theory that the Talarico campaign could be intentionally keeping its candidate away from cameras, while the hosts close the program still asking when he will return to the campaign trail.
Hour 3 also examines President Trump, Iran, nuclear weapons and media coverage, as Clay and Buck play Trump's full remarks about the consequences of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and potentially gaining the ability to threaten American cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles. The hosts argue that Trump's comments have been misleadingly portrayed by critics as though he were advocating an attack on those cities, when, in their interpretation, he was describing the catastrophic scenario his Iran policy is intended to prevent. Buck compares the controversy to previous disputes over edited or decontextualized Trump comments, while Clay argues that repeated attacks of this kind have lost political effectiveness because many voters have become skeptical of how Trump's statements are characterized. They revisit the reaction to Trump's Madison Square Garden rally during the 2024 presidential campaign, the controversy involving a comedian's Puerto Rico joke, Joe Biden’s “garbage” comment, and Trump's subsequent appearance in a garbage truck and sanitation-worker vest as examples of political controversies they believe failed to damage Trump as his critics expected.
The political spotlight then shifts to Michigan’s 2026 Senate race and Abdul El-Sayed. Clay and Buck react to resurfaced 2024 audio in which El-Sayed used the phrase “birthing people” and criticized Ohio restrictions on gender-transition-related medical treatment for minors and transgender participation in girls' and women's sports. Clay portrays the remarks as evidence that El-Sayed is substantially further to the progressive left than a conventional battleground-state Democrat, particularly on transgender policy, parental rights, gender-transition treatment for minors and women’s sports. The hosts debate whether these kinds of cultural issues can break through to persuadable Michigan voters. Clay believes the terminology and positions could resonate negatively with swing voters in places such as Oakland County and Wayne County, while Buck argues that many voters who strongly object to El-Sayed's views may already be committed to voting against him. Buck contends that the remaining undecided electorate may be more concerned with gas prices, rent, healthcare premiums and household affordability than ideological controversies. The hosts also discuss El-Sayed's response to questions about October 7 and Israel, with Clay noting that El-Sayed reportedly declined to explain why he had not issued a statement on October 7. Their exchange becomes part of a broader strategic debate over which issues are most capable of moving genuinely undecided voters in the final weeks of the midterms.
A major segment of Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show features an interview with Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan about his reelection battle against Mary Peltola and the stakes for Republican control of the U.S. Senate. Sullivan describes the contest as neck and neck and says turnout among Republicans, independents and undeclared Alaska voters will determine the outcome. He attacks Peltola's congressional record, accusing her of supporting the Biden administration on major Alaska issues involving energy development, natural resources, the military, immigration and transgender athletes in women's sports. Sullivan also discusses reporting about Peltola's treatment of congressional staff and argues that her record raises questions about her fitness for office. He contrasts what he says are Peltola's legislative accomplishments and attendance record with his own Senate record, while warning that electing Peltola could empower Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats. Clay and Buck frame the Alaska contest as one of the races that could determine the balance of power in Washington.
The Sullivan interview also explores one of the most unusual elements of the 2026 Alaska Senate election, the presence of another candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot. Senator Sullivan describes the candidate as “decoy Dan” and alleges that Democrats recruited him to exploit Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, confuse voters and siphon votes away from the incumbent senator. He claims that the other candidate attempted to use his middle initial and campaign branding, and alleges connections between people involved in the candidacy and Peltola or Democratic political interests. Sullivan also points to Marc Elias and Democratic-linked litigation surrounding the candidate's ballot status, arguing that the entire episode demonstrates the potential for voter manipulation under ranked-choice voting. He predicts the strategy could backfire by motivating Alaskans who resent attempts to confuse the electorate. Clay and Buck stress the distinction between the incumbent senator and the similarly named candidate as Sullivan urges supporters to carefully identify him on the ballot.
The conversation expands into Alaska energy policy, jobs, national security and voter turnout. Sullivan describes Alaska as politically independent and libertarian rather than automatically Republican, making turnout especially important in a close election. He discusses a recent Vice President JD Vance rally in Fairbanks and says President Trump is scheduled to campaign in Alaska on October 13, particularly targeting turnout in the Republican-friendly Mat-Su Valley. Sullivan argues that Republican energy policies would unleash Alaska's oil, gas and natural-resource potential, create jobs and strengthen American national security, while criticizing restrictions imposed during the Biden administration. He praises Trump's second-term executive action aimed at expanding Alaska resource development and presents the election as a stark choice between the Trump administration's energy agenda and policies favored by national Democrats. Clay even considers traveling to Alaska as the hosts underscore the state's potential importance in deciding control of the Senate.
Finally, Hour 3 mixes the high-stakes midterm coverage with lighter listener interaction and humor. Clay and Buck debate whether drinking hard cider is an acceptable choice while watching an SEC football game, resulting in listener pushback from cider enthusiasts and jokes about potential cider sponsorships. The running cider gag becomes intertwined with their continuing speculation about Talarico's absence before the show returns to the central political question of where the Texas candidate has been and when he will reappear.
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.

Clay Travis reacts to President Donald Trump’s surprising shoutout to Lamar Jackson and his mother and explains why he believes politics and identity have distorted the way fans talk about sports. Clay also breaks down his biggest college football and NFL picks, including Georgia-Alabama, and weighs in on the continued backlash against Sophie Cunningham over her stance on men competing in women’s sports.
Plus, Clay looks back at the insanity of the 2020 “woke sports” era and marks the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks with his perspective after visiting the Israeli communities attacked that day.
Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.