Affordability: Will It Decide Midterms?

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: I'd be a Better SCOTUS Judge

Clay and Buck break down the case that could redefine the separation of powers by determining whether presidents can fire executive branch officials who lead independent regulatory agencies. They argue that this decision isn’t just about Donald Trump—it will impact every future president, from Obama to potential leaders like Gavin Newsom or JD Vance. The hosts criticize Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s comments during oral arguments, questioning her understanding of constitutional principles and highlighting what they see as her overtly political approach. Clay even raises the provocative argument that Biden’s pledge to appoint a Black woman to the Court may have violated federal law, sparking a broader discussion on merit, diversity, and judicial competence.

The hour then pivots to cultural commentary, featuring clips from The View and a spirited debate about Donald Trump’s legacy. Clay and Buck dismantle claims that Trump will be a mere “footnote,” asserting that he is the most influential political figure of the 21st century and second only to Ronald Reagan in the past 45 years. They compare Trump’s impact to other modern presidents, including Obama, Clinton, and George W. Bush, and explore how Trump reshaped American politics and global dynamics. This segment underscores the enduring influence of Trump’s policies and persona, regardless of media narratives.

Uncle Bill Stops By

Bill O’Reilly (aka Uncle Bill) shares candid insights from his recent conversations with President Trump. O’Reilly ranks Trump among the top ten U.S. presidents, praising his unmatched work ethic while noting that Abraham Lincoln will always hold the number one spot. He contrasts Trump’s accomplishments with what he calls Joe Biden’s catastrophic presidency, arguing Biden failed to solve a single major problem during his term. O’Reilly also warns that affordability concerns—particularly rising insurance costs—could become a defining issue in the 2026 midterms, even as Trump touts strong economic fundamentals like job growth and stock market gains.

Can You Afford Your Life?

The discussion pivots to Trump’s economic strategy and his push to address affordability through a Pennsylvania tour. Clay and Buck emphasize that inflation and high prices remain top-of-mind for voters, regardless of improving economic indicators. They spotlight Trump’s critique of Obamacare, playing audio where Trump blasts the law as a “disaster” that enriches insurance companies while leaving Americans with skyrocketing premiums and shrinking networks. The hosts argue that the entire healthcare system is broken, riddled with hidden costs and subsidies, and warn that demographic shifts—more retirees and fewer young workers—will strain programs like Social Security and Medicare for decades to come.

Over half of Americans pay no federal income tax, while government spending under Biden—$6.8 trillion in 2021 alone—fueled historic inflation. The hosts dismantle progressive proposals like tax exemptions as reparations, pointing out that many households already pay zero federal income tax. They end the hour by reaffirming that Biden’s reckless spending spree drove inflation from 1.7% to over 9%, cementing economic frustration as a key issue heading into the next election cycle.

Christmas Music and Gifts are Overrated

A spirited debate about holiday traditions, gift-giving, and the commercialization of Christmas. Clay admits he’s “going Grinch” over the nonstop barrage of Christmas music and argues that only children should receive gifts, while Buck shares his preference for practical contributions like college fund donations over material presents. Callers weigh in with creative solutions, including gift exchange apps and liquor swaps, adding humor and relatability to the discussion. The hour closes with a playful exchange about presidential rankings, as listeners challenge the hosts’ takes on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, sparking a lively historical debate. 

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