Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Sep 30 2025

Oct 1, 2025

Senator Markwayne Mullin, known for his insights on budget issues, discusses the approaching government shutdown and its potential impact on federal employees and the military. Congressman Steve Scalise shares his perspective on political violence, reflecting on his own past experience and the recent Charlie Kirk incident. Both guests examine the divisive political landscape, touching on funding negotiations and the long-term effects on American lives amidst the shutdown chaos. Their candid conversation blends serious political analysis with touches of personal anecdotes.

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INSIGHT

Merit Over Optics In Military Standards

Pete Hegseth argues the military must prioritize physical fitness and lethality over diversity metrics.
Clay Travis frames this as a return to meritocracy where combat standards should be uniform and strict.

INSIGHT

Elite Performance Can Diverge From Demographics

Clay Travis uses sports examples to argue elite roles won't mirror population demographics.
He says prioritizing the best performers will sometimes produce nonrepresentative leadership or teams.

ANECDOTE

Rowling's Courage Against Golden Handcuffs

Clay Travis praises J.K. Rowling for speaking out despite billionaire 'golden handcuffs' that usually silence the wealthy.
He contrasts her bravery with other wealthy people who stay quiet to avoid backlash.

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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 Tuesday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Kick Ass Standard

President Trump’s announcement on prescription drug pricing, revealing that Pfizer will now offer medications at “most favored nation” prices, a move aimed at reducing costs for American consumers. Clay then shifts to a fiery cultural debate sparked by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s speech to military leaders, emphasizing a return to strict physical standards and meritocracy in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Hegseth rejects DEI mandates and insists on combat readiness over diversity quotas, sparking a broader conversation about whether elite positions in the military—or any field—should reflect demographics or prioritize performance. Clay uses examples from Olympic basketball and the National Spelling Bee to argue that excellence rarely mirrors population diversity and that merit should always come first.

Golden Handcuffs

An in-depth discussion on JK Rowling’s viral takedown of Emma Watson and the gender ideology debate. Clay praises Rowling’s courage in standing against what she calls “gender insanity,” reading excerpts from her powerful statement that has garnered tens of millions of views. He challenges wealthy and influential Americans to show similar bravery in defending truth and common sense.

OK Sen. Markwayne Mullin

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin does a deep dive into the budget impasse, blaming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for obstructing a “clean CR” (Continuing Resolution) due to pressure from progressive challengers like AOC. Mullin outlines the shutdown’s impact on military pay, federal employees, and mandatory vs. discretionary spending, while criticizing continued COVID-era healthcare subsidies and Obamacare enrollment for undocumented immigrants—a $350 billion taxpayer burden, he claims.

Mullin and Travis assert that Donald Trump’s 2024 landslide victory was a rejection of socialism and far-left policies. They argue the Democratic Party is now led by figures like Bernie Sanders, Ilhan Omar, and Jasmine Crockett, and suffering an identity crisis. Mullin also praises military fitness standards, referencing Pete Seth’s call for accountability among generals, and shares his own leadership philosophy rooted in discipline and example-setting.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise

Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise joins the show to reflect on the Charlie Kirk shooting, drawing parallels to his own experience as a victim of political violence in 2017. Scalise emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, condemns cancel culture, and highlights the resilience of Turning Point USA, which has seen over 50,000 students express interest in launching chapters. He praises Erica Kirk’s commitment to continuing Charlie’s legacy and notes a religious revival among youth inspired by Kirk’s faith.

Scalise also discusses the House-passed funding bill, warning that Schumer and the far-left are pushing a shutdown out of political spite. He urges Democrats to prioritize governance over ideological battles. The hour closes with Scalise’s thoughts on LSU football, NIL funding, and the electrifying experience of Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium, complete with Cajun tailgating and Garth Brooks anthems.

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