Public reaction and political opportunism

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show closes the week with a mix of breaking news, historical reflection, and fiery political commentary. The hour begins with an update on the Minneapolis ICE shooting, as Fox News airs the bodycam footage showing the ICE officer firing in self-defense when an activist accelerated her vehicle toward him. Clay and Buck argue this video dismantles claims by Mayor Jacob Frey, Governor Tim Walz, and progressive media that the shooting was “murder.” They emphasize that left-wing activists are deliberately creating confrontational scenarios—blocking ICE operations, filming for social media, and provoking officers—to manufacture viral moments for political gain. The hosts warn that this tactic is dangerous, illegal, and incentivized by Democrat rhetoric, which they say undermines law enforcement and public safety.

The discussion expands to a similar incident in Portland, where two suspected Venezuelan gang members allegedly weaponized their vehicle against Customs and Border Protection agents. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek condemned the shooting as “unnecessary violence” and blamed the Trump administration, a stance Clay and Buck call reckless and politically motivated. They highlight the media’s selective skepticism, noting that critical details—such as the suspects’ gang ties and illegal status—are buried deep in coverage. The hosts argue that Democrats and activist networks want these flashpoints to escalate, comparing the obstruction of ICE raids to federal laws that harshly penalize blocking abortion clinics, underscoring what they see as hypocrisy in enforcement priorities.

In a historical pivot, Brianna Lyman of The Federalist joins to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the revolutionary pamphlet that galvanized colonial support for independence. Lyman explains Paine’s unique ability to translate Enlightenment ideals into language accessible to everyday colonists, making Common Sense the best-selling publication of 1776 after the Bible. She also recommends resources for history enthusiasts, including primary documents from John Adams and Hamilton, Joseph Ellis’s The Cause, and films like The Patriot and Gettysburg. Her “Countdown to Freedom” series offers bite-sized historical insights leading up to America’s semi-quincentennial, reminding listeners of the intellectual depth and religious foundation that shaped the founding era—qualities she argues are absent in today’s political leadership.

The hour closes with listener talkbacks and cultural banter, featuring spirited debates over the worst liquor in America—Chicago’s infamous Malört tops the list—alongside Buck’s controversial critique of Philly cheesesteaks and Clay’s takedown of Cincinnati chili. These lighthearted exchanges provide comic relief after a week dominated by immigration enforcement controversies and political polarization.

Hour 3 delivers a powerful blend of law-and-order analysis, historical education, and cultural commentary, making it essential listening for those tracking immigration policy battles, media bias, and America’s enduring fight to preserve its founding principles.

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