What Special Elections Signal for 2026

Hour 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show dives into a packed lineup of political and cultural topics, starting with the Thanksgiving travel surge and moving into major geopolitical developments. Clay highlights breaking news that Ukraine is seeking a peace deal and a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Zelensky, signaling a potential historic diplomatic win for Trump following his efforts to end the Gaza conflict. The hour then shifts to a high-stakes congressional race in Tennessee’s 7th District, where Republican candidate Matt Van Epps faces Democrat Afton Bain. Clay warns listeners about Bain’s controversial past statements, including her disdain for Nashville, country music, and traditional family values, as well as her radical positions on gender and policing. He urges voters in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and Clarksville to turn out for the December 2 special election, emphasizing that Democrats are pouring money into the race to flip a district Trump won by 20 points in 2024. Clay also tackles cultural flashpoints, criticizing Bain’s remarks about marriage and motherhood while advocating for expanded IVF support—a stance he credits President Trump for championing. The conversation explores broader cultural battles over family, ambition, and societal values, with listener calls adding personal perspectives. Later in the hour, data analyst Ryan Girdusky (host of It's a Numbers Game in the Clay and Buck podcast network) joins to break down early voting trends, turnout patterns, and what these signals might mean for the 2026 midterms. Ryan notes strong Democratic enthusiasm in special elections and shifting issue priorities, including healthcare, cost of living, and even AI policy, while reaffirming that immigration remains a strength for Trump despite media narratives. The segment closes on a lighter note with entertainment news: President Trump reportedly pushed for “Rush Hour 4” to be greenlit, sparking a fun discussion on movie sequels and Broadway adaptations like The Lost Boys. Clay and Ryan wrap up with Thanksgiving talk, including favorite holiday dishes. 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 - @clayandbuck

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