• 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. 

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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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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 takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Radical Leftwing Violence

President Donald Trump meets with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and addresses the press on multiple issues. The hosts analyze Trump’s remarks, including his blunt assessment of rising left-wing violence and his warning that radical rhetoric from Democrats is fueling domestic terrorism.  The discussion shifts to the U.S. economy, highlighting a surprising 3.8% GDP growth in Q2, record-high stock prices, and falling interest rates. Clay and Buck break down how lower mortgage rates could unlock the housing market and why economic growth—not spending cuts—may be the only path to balancing the federal budget. They also touch on Elon Musk’s prediction that AI-driven innovation could help offset ballooning deficits.

Phony Comey

The conversation zeroes in on James Comey, the former FBI Director, as reports suggest possible criminal charges for lying under oath before the statute of limitations expires. Clay and Buck revisit Comey’s controversial role in targeting General Michael Flynn and his history of aggressive prosecutions, including the Martha Stewart case. They stress the importance of accountability to prevent the U.S. from descending into “banana republic” politics.

Autism and Tylenol

Dr. Mehmet Oz, now serving as CMS Administrator under President Trump and HHS Secretary RFK Jr., joins the show to discuss groundbreaking developments in autism research, including promising results from leucovorin therapy for children and emerging concerns about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy. He emphasizes transparency in government health data and warns against overusing medications during pregnancy. 

The conversation explores the alarming rise in autism rates—now estimated at 1 in 31 children—and potential environmental and lifestyle factors, including allergies, chemical exposure, and older parental age. Dr. Oz underscores the need for urgent research and public awareness, noting that autism prevalence has increased fivefold in 25 years.

Nerding Out with Ryan

In-depth political analysis with guest Ryan Girdusky, host of It’s a Numbers Game. The discussion kicks off with the New Jersey governor’s race, where New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli is gaining momentum against Democrat Mikie Sherrill. Despite Democrats’ historic voter advantage, recent polls show a tightening race, fueled by Sherrill’s controversies—including a viral debate stumble and a resurfaced Naval Academy cheating scandal from 1994. Girdusky explains how skyrocketing electricity costs, driven by data center energy demands, have become a top voter concern in both New Jersey and Virginia, shaping campaign strategies.

The conversation shifts to Virginia’s gubernatorial showdown between Republican Winsome Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger. Sears is focusing on cultural issues like transgender participation in women’s sports and locker rooms, while Spanberger avoids clear answers, offering vague responses that Clay and Buck criticize as political double-speak. The hosts argue that Democrats in purple states often run as moderates but govern as progressives, warning voters about the stakes in these off-year elections.

Next, attention turns to the New York City mayoral race, where progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani is the overwhelming favorite according to betting markets, despite a crowded field including Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Curtis Sliwa. Girdusky predicts Mamdani’s win could have national implications for Democrats in the 2026 midterms, as his far-left policies on policing and immigration could become a liability for the party’s brand. 

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!

• James Comey Indictment

  • The episode centers on the claim that former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two counts of lying under oath to Congress.

  • Cruz and Ferguson argue that Comey falsely denied authorizing leaks to the press, while Andrew McCabe’s testimony and evidence suggest otherwise.

  • They frame this as proof that Comey politicized and weaponized the FBI against Donald Trump.

  • Comey’s public response is portrayed as political and deflective rather than factual.

  • The discussion also touches on the statute of limitations, prosecutorial strategy, and the likelihood of conviction.

  • Comey indictment sparks fierce political reactions nationwide

• Sniper Attack on Dallas ICE Facility (WATCH)

  • The podcast also covers a violent shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, described as politically motivated.

  • Cruz personally recounts being on the scene shortly after the attack.

  • The shooter is linked rhetorically to left-wing ideology and anti-ICE sentiment, with parallels drawn to other recent politically motivated shootings.

  • The hosts criticize Democratic leaders for “demonizing” ICE and argue that their rhetoric fuels such violence.

• Political Framing

  • The episode repeatedly frames these events within a broader narrative of political weaponization, left-wing hypocrisy, and anti-Trump bias.

  • Cruz portrays Comey as a partisan actor, contrasting his own questioning of Comey with McCabe’s admissions.

  • Violence against law enforcement is positioned as a consequence of inflammatory rhetoric by Democrats.

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   Dallas ICE Facility Shooting

• A gunman attacked an ICE detention center in Dallas, leaving one detainee dead and two critically injured.

• Authorities found bullet casings with anti-ICE messages, suggesting a political/ideological motive.

• Commentary links the attack to months of Democratic criticism of ICE, claiming that political rhetoric fueled hostility toward agents.

• Statements from Gavin Newsom, Jasmine Crockett, Michelle Wu, and others are highlighted as comparing ICE to authoritarian forces, slave patrols, Gestapo, or neo-Nazis.

• ICE officials argue this rhetoric endangers agents, while critics on MSNBC suggest ICE’s own tactics provoke backlash.

• Figures like Ted Cruz and JD Vance call for toning down rhetoric and condemn politically motivated violence.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.