The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Hour 3 - The Original Viral Content

Jan 9, 2026
Brianna Lyman, a contributor at The Federalist and a history commentator, joins to discuss the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense." She explains how Paine made Enlightenment ideas accessible to ordinary Americans. Lyman also reflects on Paine's later struggles and lasting legacy, alongside recommendations for historical readings and media. The conversation highlights the founders' education and religious influences, while Lyman shares her 'Countdown to Freedom' videos, making history engaging and concise.
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INSIGHT

Bodycam Video Changes Narrative

  • Clay and Buck argue bodycam video of the Minneapolis ICE shooting shows the officer acted in self-defense and undermines claims of murder.
  • They warn activist tactics of provoking officers for viral moments create dangerous, manufactured confrontations.
ANECDOTE

Common Sense Turned Sentiment Into Action

  • Brianna recounts how Common Sense, published anonymously, translated Enlightenment ideas into plain language and swayed fence-sitting colonists.
  • She notes it became the bestselling publication of 1776 after the Bible.
ADVICE

Study Founding Texts And Bite-Sized History

  • Brianna Lyman recommends reading primary documents like Common Sense and founders' letters to understand the Revolution.
  • She also suggests short, daily videos (Countdown to Freedom) to engage reluctant history learners.
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