Media and Military: A Complex Relationship

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.

PC Pres Corps

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show dives into the explosive fallout from a leaked intelligence report questioning the effectiveness of a recent U.S. military strike on Teran. Hosts Clay and Buck, alongside commentary from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, launch a full-throated defense of the mission and President Donald Trump’s leadership, while sharply criticizing the mainstream media for what they describe as politically motivated reporting.

The hour opens with a breakdown of the CNN and New York Times leaks, which suggested the strike may have failed. Buck Sexton, drawing on his intelligence background, explains the complexities of identifying leakers and the dangers of politicizing classified information. The hosts argue that the leak was a deliberate attempt by the “deep state” to undermine President Trump’s credibility and military success.

Pete Hegseth’s fiery Pentagon press conference is a focal point, where he accuses the press corps of rooting against Trump and downplaying the bravery and precision of U.S. pilots. The segment includes a viral moment where Hegseth is questioned for not explicitly acknowledging female pilots, prompting a broader discussion on gender politics in the military and media. A former female military pilot calls in to express support for Hegseth, dismissing the controversy as media-driven nitpicking.

Why What Happens in NY Matters Everywhere

the political upheaval surrounding New York City's mayoral race, highlighting the rise of Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. Clay and Buck analyze the implications of Mamdani's nomination, emphasizing how his progressive platform—backed by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders—signals a broader shift within the Democratic Party. They explore the national ramifications of this political momentum, warning that what happens in New York could soon influence Democrat-led cities across the country.

The hosts critique Mamdani's proposals, including an 800% increase in funding for hate crime prevention and his assertion that the criminal justice system is inherently racist. They argue these initiatives are more about left-wing indoctrination than effective governance. The conversation also touches on Mamdani's savvy use of social media and his appeal to younger voters, many of whom are financially supported by their parents and drawn to socialism despite benefiting from capitalism.

Local Story with National Reach

Eric Adams, the current NYC mayor, is portrayed as a potential moderate counterweight, possibly running as an independent. The show discusses the strategic challenges Adams faces, especially if former Governor Andrew Cuomo enters the race, potentially splitting the anti-Mamdani vote. The hosts also examine the fractured state of the Democratic Party, debating whether it can still suppress far-left candidates or if it will continue to “double down on crazy.”

President Donald Trump is referenced as a stabilizing force, particularly in contrast to the chaos the hosts associate with progressive policies. They highlight the effectiveness of Trump-era immigration enforcement, with praise for figures like Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, and criticize sanctuary city policies that undermine federal law enforcement.

The hour concludes with a broader cultural critique, linking the rise of socialism to generational entitlement and a rejection of meritocracy. The hosts argue that capitalism’s success has ironically enabled the luxury of anti-capitalist sentiment, particularly among younger, affluent urban voters.

Do You Buy This Story?

Jamaal Bowman's questionable story about being yelled at by a white dude in Yonkers, NY. Media bias and the decline of CNN’s credibility. Jake Tapper lectures us on the purpose of journalism. Clay and Buck point out that CNN has become a partisan outlet, losing its former status as a trusted news source. They discuss whether the network is salvageable and propose that only a radical overhaul—possibly led by a figure like Megyn Kelly—could restore its relevance.

The show also explores internal divisions within the Democratic Party, sparked by Chris Cuomo’s criticism of the party’s far-left wing, including figures like AOC and Bernie Sanders. The hosts argue that the Democratic Party is increasingly dominated by anti-capitalist, radical progressive ideologies, which they claim alienate moderate voters and threaten national unity.

Further discussion includes the media’s treatment of conservatives, the legacy of Trumpism, and the broad coalition President Trump has built, including former Democrats like Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. The hosts highlight how Trump’s second term is marked by a more strategic and media-savvy administration. 

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