Political Tensions in New York City

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.

 Clay: Sorry, NY

The Senate’s landmark vote to defund PBS and NPR, a conservative goal that has been decades in the making. Clay and Buck frame this as a generational shift in media accountability, pending final approval from the House. The rise of Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate whose far-left platform includes abolishing private property and implementing socialist economic reforms. Clay and Buck debate whether Republicans should strategically allow Mamdani to win, arguing that his radicalism could serve as a wake-up call for voters and galvanize GOP turnout in the 2026 midterms. They suggest that Democrats embracing Mamdani could backfire nationally, especially in swing districts.

The Audience Weighs In

Calls and emails split between defending New York City and supporting Clay’s provocative idea of “sacrificing” NYC to expose Democratic extremism. The hosts also highlight Elizabeth Warren’s public distancing from Mamdani, interpreting it as a sign of internal Democratic discomfort with his ideology.

Alan Dershowitz on Epstein 

Alan Dershowitz joins the show to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein case, recent developments in the DOJ, and media misinformation. Dershowitz defends Trump against claims of involvement in Epstein’s crimes, asserting there is no credible evidence linking Trump to any wrongdoing. He also debunks conspiracy theories about Epstein’s ties to Israeli intelligence, calling them baseless and antisemitic. Dershowitz advocates for full transparency in the Epstein files, including both accusations and exculpatory evidence, to ensure fairness in public judgment.

TN Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, offering deep insights into the latest conservative legislative victories and political developments. The hour opens with Blackburn discussing the Senate’s advancement of a major rescission package, which includes efforts to defund NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—an initiative dating back to the Reagan era. She highlights the elimination of wasteful federal spending, such as funding for vegan food in Zambia and electric buses in Rwanda, projecting a potential $90 billion in savings over a decade.

The conversation shifts to President Trump’s early-term accomplishments, with Blackburn praising his swift action on the economy, border security, and crime. She emphasizes his commitment to promises made, including securing the southern border, reducing inflation, and rebuilding the military. The hosts and Blackburn also discuss the “No Tax on Tips” bill and a proposed $6,000 annual Social Security tax deduction for seniors, framing these as key components of the GOP’s 2024 platform.

Judicial appointments take center stage as Blackburn details the contentious confirmation of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Despite Democratic opposition due to Bove’s past legal defense of Trump, Republicans pushed the nomination through committee. Blackburn criticizes Democrats for obstructing judicial and law enforcement appointments, urging the GOP to push confirmations forward without delay.

The hour also explores Tennessee’s economic success, with Blackburn crediting the state’s constitutional ban on income tax and fiscally conservative governance for attracting businesses and residents. She contrasts this with the rise of far-left politics in cities like New York, referencing the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani and warning of the dangers of socialist policies.

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