Angus King: Shutdown Failed Its Goals

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. 

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