Absent Fathers and Crime: A Deep Dive

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

Make America Safe Again

violent crime in American cities, with Clay spotlighting disturbing incidents in Cincinnati and Memphis. He shares the story of Holly, a mother who was brutally attacked, and critiques the justice system’s failure to keep repeat offenders off the streets. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno invited Holly to speak out about the crime. Clay praises Judge Jeanine Pirro and President Donald Trump for taking strong stances on law and order, including Trump’s proposal to federalize the D.C. police force and demand a new U.S. census to correct errors from 2020 and prepare for 2030.

The show also explores the political debate over crime statistics, contrasting claims of declining crime rates with real-life safety concerns. Clay argues for empowering police, holding judges accountable, and ensuring cities like Washington D.C. and Memphis become safe again for families.

American Dads are Failing

A deep dive into the rising violent crime in Washington, D.C., spotlighting President Donald Trump's efforts to restore law and order in the capital. Drawing on historical symbolism, Clay reflects on the importance of capital cities, referencing Abraham Lincoln’s commitment to completing the Capitol dome during the Civil War and the newly announced reconciliation monument at Arlington Cemetery.

The episode features a striking comparison of homicide rates in global capital cities, revealing Washington, D.C.’s alarming rate of 41 per 100,000—far higher than cities like Lima, Nairobi, and Mexico City. Clay argues that a safe and vibrant capital is essential to American exceptionalism and global leadership.

The crisis of fatherlessness in America. Clay explores how the absence of fathers in households correlates with youth violence, poverty, and societal breakdown. He responds to listener feedback, emphasizing that while individual cases vary, the data overwhelmingly shows that intact families—especially with present fathers—lead to better outcomes. The discussion includes racial disparities, with Clay citing historical data showing stronger black family units prior to the Great Society programs and questioning the long-term impact of government dependency.

Talking Left and Living Right

The decline of fatherhood in American homes. Clay and listeners explore how absent fathers—across racial and socioeconomic lines—correlate with rising violent crime, poverty, and social instability. The discussion includes listener emails and calls, including one from Ralph in Cincinnati, who shares his personal struggle for equal custody and critiques the family court system’s bias toward mothers. Clay argues for 50/50 parenting time and criticizes the financial incentives that perpetuate divorce litigation.

Clay promotes YouTube bonus content book reviews, including The Fate of the Day, a volume in the American Revolution trilogy, and thrillers by Mick Herron, Sue Grafton, and Robert Parker.  Clay emphasizes the importance of reading and historical literacy for conservative audiences.

SC Sen. Tim Scott on Faith

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, author of One Nation Always Under God: Profiles in Christian Courage, and dives deep into the crisis of fatherlessness in America, the role of faith in family life, and the impact of government policy on household dynamics. Senator Scott joins the program to discuss his book and personal journey growing up in a single-parent household. He highlights the importance of faith, family, and male role models in shaping strong communities. Scott shares statistics on fatherless homes—over 70% among African-American boys and 40% among white working-class families—and calls for a cultural and spiritual revival to restore family values.

The hour also touches on President Trump’s call for a new census, which could shift congressional representation and electoral college influence toward red states. Clay explains how a corrected census could add seats in Florida and Texas while reducing representation in California and New York.  In a lighter moment, Clay and Senator Scott discuss college football rivalries, with Scott predicting a strong season for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The conversation showcases Scott’s loyalty and enthusiasm for sports, adding a relatable and entertaining dimension to the hour. 

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