Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country.

Government Opens Today-Sparks Democrat Civil War

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Nov 11 2025

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

 

Hubris, the Fatal Flaw

 

A major theme throughout the hour is the fallout from the recent government shutdown, which lasted 40 days and ended with bipartisan Senate action. Clay and Buck dissect the political consequences, particularly the backlash against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. They explore Schumer’s declining popularity, citing polling data and commentary from CNN and David Axelrod, and speculate on the possibility of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenging him in 2028. The hosts also discuss the broader implications of internal Democratic Party tensions, including potential challenges to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

 

Incredible Veterans Day Stories

 

Clay and Buck hear stories from the audience about Veterans.  David “Rut” Rutherford, Former Navy SEAL and host of The David Rutherford Show, calls in to share his thoughts on this particular Veterans Day, including the uptick in enlistment under President Trump and Secretary of War Hegseth.  The hour also includes a fascinating listener call from a man whose father was reportedly driving the car during General George Patton’s fatal accident, offering a firsthand rebuttal to conspiracy theories surrounding Patton’s death. This leads into a teaser for an upcoming conversation with Bill O’Reilly about the topic. 

 

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BONUS POD: Dem Party Rift Deepens Over Shutdown Strategy as Air Travel Nightmare Continues

  • Shutdown Status & Deal Progress

    • The shutdown began on October 1 and is now at day 41.
    • A bipartisan deal involving Republicans, President Trump, and eight moderate Democrats is close to passing.
    • The deal would:
      • Reopen the government until January 30.
      • Fund programs like SNAP (food stamps), veterans benefits, and other federal services.
      • Reverse layoffs of federal workers and block further firings until January 30.
      • Commit to a future vote on extending Obamacare subsidies.
  • Impact on Air Travel

    • there are severe flight cancellations and delays due to air traffic controller shortages.
    • FAA ordered airlines to cut flights by 4%, with Delta canceling nearly 500 flights and United following similar measures.
    • President Trump ordered all air traffic controllers back to work and threatened pay docking for absentees, while promising $10,000 bonuses for those who worked through the shutdown.
  • Political Dynamics

    • Democrats are deliberately prolonging the shutdown for leverage.
    • Internal Democratic Party civil war:
      • Criticism of Chuck Schumer’s leadership.
      • Calls from Democrats and media figures for Schumer to step down.
      • Growing influence of progressive wing (e.g., Bernie Sanders, AOC faction).
    • Republicans argue Democrats used Americans as “leverage” in a political game.

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Daily Review With Clay and Buck - Nov 10 2025

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.

 

Clay's New Studio!

 

Clay debuts his new studio, complete with a treadmill that he'll be walking on during the show to try stay in shape.  He jokes that he might have to change his background though because it resembles a penis.  

 

Clay and Buck argue that the shutdown was a strategic move by Democrats to sow chaos and emotional unrest ahead of the elections but ultimately backfired. The hosts emphasize that the disruption to air travel—delayed flights, unpaid air traffic controllers, and public frustration—was a tipping point that forced Democrats to retreat. President Donald Trump’s response to the shutdown is spotlighted, including his call for bonuses for air traffic controllers who continued working and criticism of those who took time off. The show frames this as a leadership moment, contrasting Trump’s decisive stance with what they describe as Democrat disarray.

 

Clay and Buck also dive into the internal conflict within the Democratic Party, noting that eight Democrat senators broke ranks, leading to what they call a “civil war” within the party. Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders are both criticized, with Sanders accused of using emotional manipulation and class warfare rhetoric to rally support. The show mocks the Democrats’ messaging around “Trumpism” and their failure to deliver tangible results from the shutdown.

 

Most Hated Industry in America

 

Clay and Buck argue that the Affordable Care Act has led to skyrocketing premiums, reduced quality of care, and a broken system that benefits insurance companies more than patients. The discussion includes commentary on SNAP benefits, obesity-related healthcare costs, and the lack of price transparency in medical services. The hosts call for market-driven reforms and accuse Democrats of subsidizing the most hated industry in America—health insurance.

 

Healthcare Realities

 

A major segment focuses on healthcare policy and the future of Obamacare, with in-depth criticism of how Democrats have handled healthcare reform. The hosts argue that the Affordable Care Act has empowered insurance companies and failed to deliver meaningful improvements, potentially setting the stage for a push toward a single-payer system. A retired healthcare executive calls in to offer a free-market solution, emphasizing the need to reduce government control and restore physician autonomy.

In a cultural pivot, the show covers President Trump’s surprise appearance at an NFL game, where he flew over in Air Force One and joined the Fox Sports broadcast booth. Trump’s commentary on football, his high school playing days, and interactions with players like Drew Brees are discussed as emblematic of his growing cultural acceptance. The hosts highlight how athletes, including the Detroit Lions, celebrated Trump with the now-viral “Trump dance,” signaling a shift in how young men and sports figures view the president.

 

Leftwing Bitchiness

 

Reflections on the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with Clay and Buck criticizing Democrats for what they describe as a performative and damaging political stunt. The hosts argue that the shutdown achieved little beyond public frustration and economic disruption.  The conversation shifts to pop culture as Kim Kardashian’s repeated attempts to pass the California bar exam are discussed. While acknowledging her billionaire status, the hosts commend her persistence and ambition, contrasting it with what they perceive as a lack of humility and gratitude from former First Lady Michelle Obama. A significant portion of the hour is dedicated to a critical examination of Michelle Obama’s public statements, her Princeton thesis, and her perceived victimhood narrative. The hosts argue that the Obama family received unprecedented media grace and support, especially compared to other presidential families, including the Bushes, Clintons, and the current First Family under President Donald Trump. 

 

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!

Government Shutdown ENDING! We Explain When & How

1. 🏛️ Government Shutdown Status

  • The government had been shut down for 40 days, the longest in U.S. history.
  • A Senate vote secured 60 votes (including 8 Democrats) to begin the reopening process.
  • The continuing resolution (CR) will fund the government through January 30, avoiding a holiday-season funding crisis.

2. ⚙️ Reopening Process

  • Despite the vote, procedural delays (e.g., Senate rules requiring 60 votes and time gaps between votes) mean the government may not fully reopen until Tuesday or Wednesday.
  • Unanimous consent could have expedited the process, but some Democrats (e.g., Bernie Sanders) were accused of obstructing.

3. ✈️ Impact on Travel and Public Services

  • TSA agents and air traffic controllers were working without pay, leading to sick-outs and flight delays.
  • Even after reopening, normal operations may take several days to resume.

4. 📜 Legislation Introduced

  • Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025:

    • Would make welfare fraud by illegal immigrants a deportable offense.
    • Cites statistics on non-citizens receiving SNAP and WIC benefits.
    • Claims a 10-year cost of $15 billion due to illegal immigrant access to benefits.
  • Obamacare Subsidies Debate:

    • Discussion on expiring subsidies for health insurance companies.
    • Republicans agreed to a vote in early December on whether to extend these subsidies.
    • Cruz and Trump oppose the subsidies, calling them corporate welfare, and advocate for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) instead.

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Who Elected Comrade Mamdani, How to Test Negative for Stupid & a Pilgrimage to Israel Week In Review

🗳️ U.S. Election Analysis

  • The speakers describe the recent election as a “disaster” for conservatives, with high turnout among left-wing voters, particularly young women.
  • Zohran Mamdani, referred to repeatedly as “Comrade Mandani,” is portrayed as a symbol of far-left politics, with accusations of communism and ties to wealthy donors like Alex Soros.
  • Detailed demographic breakdowns are given for voter support in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, highlighting gender gaps and educational differences.
  • Young women (ages 18–29) overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates.
  • Voters with advanced or bachelor’s degrees leaned toward Mamdani, while those with less education favored Cuomo.
  • Newer residents of NYC (less than 5 years) were more likely to vote for Mamdani than native New Yorkers.

📚 Book Promotion & Personal Stories

  • Senator John Kennedy promotes his book “How to Test Negative for Stupid and Why Washington Never Will.”
  • He shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, legal career, and entry into politics.
  • The tone is humorous and self-deprecating, with jokes about Washington, Chuck Schumer, and political bumper stickers.

🇮🇱 Trip to Israel & War Commentary

  • Ben recounts a visit to Israel, including meetings with victims of Hezbollah rocket attacks and families of children killed while playing soccer.
  • Descriptions of psychological warfare, hostage situations, and military operations (like the “pager attack” targeting Hezbollah leaders) are included.
  • The trip is framed as both a spiritual pilgrimage and a political mission, with references to Christian faith and biblical sites.

 

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When the Shutdown Ends, Why the FAA is Cancelling 5000 Flights per Day & Inside the Numbers behind Mamdani's Election

1. Government Shutdown and FAA Flight Cancellations

  • Cruz and Ferguson argue that Democrats are intentionally prolonging the shutdown for political gain, particularly to hurt Donald Trump.
  • Essential federal workers like TSA agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages and safety concerns.
  • The FAA has announced a mandatory 10% reduction in air traffic at the 40 largest U.S. airports due to understaffing.
  • This could result in up to 5,000 flight cancellations per day, affecting potentially 500,000 passengers daily.
  • Cruz says Democrats blocked a bill to pay essential workers during the shutdown, including air traffic controllers.

2. Analysis of Election Results

  • The podcast dives into the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist/communist, in New York City.
  • Cruz and Ferguson portray Mamdani as emblematic of the radical left’s growing influence in the Democratic Party.
  • They analyze exit poll data and voter demographics, highlighting:
    • Young women (18–29) were the most supportive group, with 81% voting for Mamdani.
    • Educational attainment correlated with support: those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees leaned heavily toward Mamdani.
    • Income brackets between $30,000 and $300,000 favored Mamdani, while the very poor (<$30k) and very rich (>$300k) leaned toward Cuomo.
    • Religious affiliation showed that Protestants, Catholics, and Jews leaned toward Cuomo, while Muslims and non-religious voters favored Mamdani.
    • LGBTQ+ voters supported Mamdani by 81%, despite the podcast hosts expressing disbelief due to Mamdani’s alleged Islamist sympathies.

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Shutdown Showdown: Will Friday Bring a Government Reboot?

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BONUS POD: Burned Alive, Shot, Raped: The Brutality of Oct 7th as seen from Ben's Pilgrimage to Israel

1. Setting and Context

  • Ben is reporting live from Israel, specifically Jerusalem.
  • He describes his visit to multiple sites affected by the Hamas attacks, including:
    • Northern border areas near Syria and Lebanon.
    • Kibbutzim (rural communities) attacked by Hamas.
    • A music festival where mass killings occurred.
    • A military base overrun by terrorists.

2. Eyewitness Accounts and Graphic Details

  • Ferguson recounts firsthand stories from survivors and victims’ families.
  • He describes:
    • Families slaughtered in their homes.
    • Children and elderly burned alive.
    • Soldiers, especially young women, raped and executed.
    • Civilians at a music festival massacred while seeking shelter.
  • The narrative includes vivid imagery of bullet-riddled safe rooms, abandoned toys, and homes left untouched since the attacks.

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Election Disaster: Wipeouts in VA, NJ & NYC plus Ben on the ground in Israel

🗳️ U.S. Election Analysis

The hosts express deep concern and disappointment over recent election results in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, which they characterize as a “disaster” for Republicans and conservatives.

Key Points:

  • Virginia: Republicans suffered major losses, including the defeat of Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares. The hosts cite massive Democrat spending and controversial candidates like J. Jones, who allegedly made violent remarks.
  • New Jersey: Jack Ciattarelli lost to Mikie Sherrill by a wide margin, surprising the hosts who expected a stronger Republican showing.
  • New York City: The election of Zohran Mamdani (referred to as a “communist jihadist” by Cruz) is described as alarming. Cruz accuses Mamdani of supporting Hamas and promoting radical ideologies.
  • California Proposition 50: Passed to redistrict and create five new Democrat seats, which Cruz claims is a power grab and anti-democratic.

The tone is highly critical of Democratic strategies, voter behavior, and what the hosts see as a growing radicalism within the party.


🇮🇱 Ben Ferguson’s Visit to Israel

Ben Ferguson shares emotional and spiritual experiences from his first trip to Israel, including:

Highlights:

  • Spiritual Pilgrimage: Visits to the Sea of Galilee, the Whaling Wall, and the tomb believed to be where Jesus was buried and resurrected.
  • War Zone Encounters:
    • Met families of children killed by Hezbollah rockets while playing soccer.
    • Visited northern Israel near the Lebanon border, witnessing destruction and meeting displaced farmers.
    • Described the “Pager Attack” — a covert Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah leadership using explosive-laden pagers.
    • Met with Holocaust survivors and families of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack.
  • Psychological Warfare: Ferguson recounts stories of hostages being mentally tortured, lied to, and starved.

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