Politics and Perceptions of Crime

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.

Yes, DC is Dangerous

Trump’s declaration that crime is “out of control” and his plan to deploy federal resources in Washington, D.C. has sparked fierce debate, with Democrats downplaying the issue and conservative voices pushing back.  Clay and Buck dissect the Democratic response, particularly Chuck Schumer’s claim that Trump is using crime as a distraction from the Epstein case. They argue this narrative is politically desperate and disconnected from reality. Polling data from the Washington Post reveals that 91% of D.C. residents believe crime is a problem, with 51% calling it extremely serious, reinforcing Trump’s position and exposing a rift between political elites and everyday Americans.

Commentary from figures like Joe Scarborough and S.E. Cupp—typically aligned with the left—acknowledges the severity of urban crime and criticizes the Democratic strategy of relying on charts and statistics to dismiss public fear. The show highlights how Trump’s tough-on-crime stance resonates with voters, especially in lower-income and minority communities disproportionately affected by violence.

Subway Guy Gets Fired

A viral incident involving a Department of Justice employee assaulting a police officer with a Subway sandwich becomes symbolic of the broader cultural clash over law enforcement. The assailant was charged with felony assault, and Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated under the Trump administration. The hosts argue this marks a shift toward restoring respect for law enforcement and public safety.

The hour also explores urban crime disparities, comparing affluent areas like Northwest D.C. and Georgetown to high-crime zones like Southeast D.C. and parts of Houston. The discussion underscores how liberal elites, often shielded by private security, remain insulated from the violence impacting working-class neighborhoods.

Buck Gets "Served"

A spirited debate over Buck Sexton’s claim that he can serve a tennis ball at 100 mph. Professional tennis legends Andy Roddick and John Isner weigh in, casting doubt on the claim and sparking playful banter about technique, athleticism, and tennis attire. Lara Travis, Clay’s wife, joins the conversation via talkback, laying out the terms of the bet and rooting for Buck to defy the odds. The segment draws comparisons to amateur sports challenges and includes reflections on training for the NFL Combine, highlighting the difference between raw power and refined skill.

AK Gov. Mike Dunleavy

Clay and Buck discuss the geopolitical significance of Alaska, emphasizing its proximity to Russia and its strategic military assets, including missile intercepts and the largest Coast Guard presence in the U.S.  Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy joins the show to provide insight into the summit’s logistics, security measures, and the potential for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to join future peace talks. The governor praises Trump’s leadership and expresses optimism that the summit could mark a historic turning point in resolving the war in Ukraine. 

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