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Hour 2 - AI Will Stop Death Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centered on the 2026 political landscape, a key U.S. Senate race in Minnesota, cultural and education debates, the future of artificial intelligence, economic policy, sports, and listener reactions to the rapidly changing technology landscape. The hour opened with an extended interview featuring former NFL broadcaster and Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya, who discussed her campaign for Minnesota’s open Senate seat and argued that the race is becoming increasingly competitive. Tafoya described her opponent, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, as closely tied to Governor Tim Walz’s administration and blamed state leadership for rising concerns over fraud, education decline, crime, government spending, and economic challenges. She emphasized that her campaign is framing the election as a choice between common-sense governance and progressive policies, while pointing to growing support from independents and disaffected Democrats.

A major portion of the conversation focused on women’s sports, transgender athlete policies, parental rights, and cultural issues, topics that Tafoya argued are resonating strongly with voters. She criticized Minnesota Democrats for opposing measures that would restrict women’s sports and locker rooms to biological females and contended that voters increasingly view the issue as one of fairness and safety rather than partisan politics. Clay and Buck discussed how the debate has become a significant motivating factor for parents, particularly families with daughters involved in athletics, and they argued that the issue continues to drive voter engagement across Minnesota and nationally.

The discussion then turned to Minnesota politics, government accountability, and state spending. Tafoya tied Flanagan directly to the Walz administration’s record, arguing that she shares responsibility for controversies surrounding alleged fraud investigations, public education performance, state finances, and economic management. The hosts and Tafoya discussed voter frustration over government spending, budget deficits, rising property taxes, and regulatory policies affecting businesses and agriculture. Tafoya also promoted an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and criticized progressive environmental proposals she argued would increase costs for farmers, small businesses, and working families.

Economic issues featured heavily throughout the interview, particularly inflation, cost of living, tax policy, energy costs, and affordability concerns. Tafoya highlighted opposition to efforts that could reverse tax relief measures, including policies affecting tips, overtime pay, and Social Security taxation. She argued that reducing regulatory burdens, supporting domestic energy production, encouraging business growth, and improving fiscal management would help address the economic concerns she hears from Minnesota voters.

The interview also included a discussion of NFL football, college football, and sports culture. Tafoya offered analysis of the Minnesota Vikings’ season-opening victory and discussed quarterback play, team momentum, and fan enthusiasm across the state. The hosts connected the conversation to broader discussions about sports returning to a less politicized environment. They reflected on the tenth anniversary of Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protests and debated whether professional sports, college athletics, and American culture generally are moving back toward mainstream values and away from controversial social activism. Tafoya pointed to declining emphasis on performative political gestures and suggested many Americans are seeking a return to normalcy.

Education and historical curriculum debates also emerged as a topic when Tafoya expressed concern about reports regarding changes to Minnesota school instruction, particularly the removal of certain September 11 lessons from history coursework. The hosts discussed broader debates involving public education, historical literacy, civic awareness, and curriculum decisions, arguing that awareness of major historical events remains critical for future generations.

Later in the hour, Clay and Buck shifted back to one of the show’s dominant ongoing topics: artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and future economic growth. Listener talkbacks and caller comments fueled an extended conversation about declining reading habits, changing media consumption patterns, and the rapid transformation of society through technology. The hosts discussed how modern audiences face far more entertainment and information options than previous generations and examined how this has affected reading, newspapers, digital media, and information consumption.

The conversation expanded into a broader defense of AI adoption and technological advancement. Reacting to listener feedback, Clay and Buck argued that AI is already delivering significant productivity gains across industries. They highlighted examples of workers using AI for data analysis, research, business planning, information retrieval, troubleshooting, and decision-making. Several callers described how AI tools dramatically reduced the time required to complete workplace tasks, and the hosts compared the technology’s impact to the early growth of the internet. They argued that AI is poised to increase efficiency, create new opportunities, and improve outcomes across many professions.

The hosts also revisited concerns surrounding AI regulation, Congress, and government oversight. Buck argued that lawmakers generally lack the technical expertise necessary to create effective AI regulations, while Clay suggested that fears surrounding AI often overlook the considerable benefits the technology can provide. They maintained that productivity improvements, innovation, and economic growth are more likely outcomes than the dystopian scenarios often discussed by critics.

Another major theme was automation, self-driving vehicles, and the future of transportation. Clay passionately advocated for self-driving car technology, particularly Tesla’s autonomous driving systems, describing them as transformative innovations that could drastically reduce traffic fatalities and improve quality of life. He predicted that future generations may view today’s automobile death rates similarly to how modern Americans view historical diseases and other preventable causes of death. The hosts argued that advances in artificial intelligence and automation could significantly improve safety while simultaneously creating enormous societal benefits.

The hour concluded with additional listener feedback on AI adoption, workplace technology, engineering concerns, and corporate America’s growing embrace of AI training and development programs. Callers debated whether most Americans are actively using AI today, whether businesses are adequately preparing for the technology’s expansion, and whether management decisions rather than technology itself present the greater risk. Throughout the discussion, Clay and Buck remained firmly optimistic about AI’s future, arguing that innovation has historically improved society and that artificial intelligence represents the next major leap in productivity, economic growth, workplace efficiency, transportation safety, and technological progress.

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Hour 3 - Dude 44 Bravo Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focused on the continuing national debate over artificial intelligence, AI regulation, U.S.-China technological competition, federal spending, President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, the 2026 midterm elections, military heroism, and the ongoing public fallout from the Lindsay Clancy case. The hosts opened the hour by revisiting one of the show’s central themes of the day: whether government should regulate artificial intelligence and what role emerging technology will play in America’s future. They discussed comments from Vice President JD Vance, who expressed skepticism toward major AI companies publicly advocating for regulation, suggesting that some technology firms may support government oversight because it protects established industry leaders from future competitors. Clay and Buck argued that regulation often benefits large corporations by creating barriers to entry while also warning that excessive regulation could weaken America’s position in the global race against China for technological dominance.

The hosts spent considerable time examining the broader AI industry, Big Tech, government regulation, data centers, and economic competitiveness. Both argued that concerns over artificial intelligence are increasingly being amplified in political circles and that many of the fears surrounding the technology are being used to justify government intervention. Clay suggested that some large technology firms may actually welcome regulation because it locks in their current market advantages, while both hosts repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining American leadership in AI development. They argued that China remains the principal geopolitical competitor in this technological race and warned that policies slowing innovation could ultimately benefit Chinese interests more than American workers and businesses.

A related discussion focused on how politicians respond to public fear. Clay argued that many elected officials successfully gain support by validating anxiety and uncertainty, whereas he believes strong leadership requires guiding voters through complex issues rather than amplifying fears. Using examples from fiscal policy, healthcare, and technological innovation, the hosts contended that many modern political debates are driven by emotional reactions rather than practical analysis. They presented AI as an example of a transformative technology that deserves thoughtful discussion rather than panic-driven regulation.

The conversation then shifted to President Donald Trump’s proposal to issue $5,000 direct payments to Americans, a topic that generated substantial discussion. The hosts analyzed Trump’s comments aboard Air Force One, where he reiterated his belief that strong economic growth, tariffs, and increased revenue could make such payments possible. While both hosts acknowledged Trump’s confidence in the idea, Clay expressed substantial skepticism that Congress would approve such a proposal. He argued that regardless of which party controls the House or Senate after the midterm elections, legislative gridlock is likely to dominate Washington and make major new initiatives difficult to pass. The discussion evolved into a broader debate over federal spending, deficits, and fiscal responsibility.

A significant portion of Hour 3 centered on America’s national debt, federal budget growth, government spending, and economic sustainability. Clay delivered an extended critique of federal spending levels, arguing that the United States does not suffer from a revenue problem but rather from an expenditure problem. He highlighted the dramatic increase in federal spending since 2019 and warned that continued growth in the national debt presents a far greater threat than many of the technological fears dominating public discourse. The hosts debated whether economic growth driven by innovation, productivity gains, and artificial intelligence could eventually help reduce the burden of the national debt by expanding the overall economy faster than government liabilities grow.

Another segment highlighted a remarkable military rescue operation in Iran involving an American pilot, Dude 44 Bravo, whose story was recently featured on television. The hosts praised the pilot’s survival and the successful rescue effort, describing it as one of the most compelling military stories in recent memory. They discussed the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the operation, including the pilot’s injuries, survival in hostile territory, and eventual recovery by American forces. Clay and Buck praised the bravery of the troops involved and suggested that the story demonstrates the professionalism, courage, and effectiveness of the U.S. military. They also discussed public interest in military storytelling and the possibility that such events could eventually inspire future films or documentaries.

The hour also featured discussion of the highly publicized Lindsay Clancy murder case, which has generated significant media attention and public debate. The hosts examined President Trump’s response when asked about the case, noting that he declined to directly involve himself and emphasized that it is a state matter rather than a federal issue. Clay praised Trump’s restraint and contrasted it with widespread media commentary. The conversation then expanded into criticism of how jurors involved in the case have been treated by the media, particularly the lone juror who reportedly disagreed with other members of the panel. The hosts argued that civic participation through jury service should not expose private citizens to intense public scrutiny, personal attacks, or political targeting after a verdict is reached.

Clay and Buck also analyzed the broader cultural reaction to the Clancy case, arguing that the public response has revealed significant divisions regarding crime, mental health, accountability, and sympathy within the justice system. The hosts discussed media coverage, jury deliberations, and societal attitudes toward criminal responsibility, contending that differing reactions to the case expose deeper cultural and ideological disagreements.

A separate cultural discussion touched on debates surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney, advertising, beauty standards, marketing, and modern cultural criticism. The hosts argued that public backlash against attractive celebrities appearing in commercial advertising reflects broader tensions around societal standards, entertainment, and gender politics. They compared reactions to modern advertising campaigns with larger debates about culture, media narratives, and changing social expectations.

As the program entered its final segment, the discussion returned once again to technology, smartphones, artificial intelligence, media evolution, and the future of information consumption. Clay reflected on how dramatically research, broadcasting, and journalism have changed during his career. He described how smartphones, AI tools, instant fact-checking capabilities, and real-time access to information have fundamentally transformed live broadcasting. Both hosts argued that technology has improved their ability to verify facts, conduct research, and engage with current events more effectively than at any point in media history.

The hour concluded with an optimistic outlook on AI-driven economic growth, technological progress, and the upcoming midterm elections. While acknowledging legitimate concerns about government spending and political dysfunction, Clay and Buck maintained that advances in artificial intelligence and productivity have the potential to fuel future prosperity. They emphasized that innovation, investment, and economic expansion remain essential to America’s long-term success and previewed continued coverage of key Senate races, midterm campaign developments, and President Trump’s political efforts in the weeks ahead.

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It's a Numbers Game: GOP Money FLOODS Into 2026 Midterms — Is Texas Really in Danger? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of It’s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky, Ryan breaks down the massive wave of Republican money pouring into the 2026 midterm elections and what the spending reveals about the races the GOP believes it must win.

The battle for Texas takes center stage as Republican groups and Elon Musk's America PAC reportedly prepare major investments while Ken Paxton faces James Talarico in a crucial U.S. Senate contest. Ryan examines new polling in Texas, the enormous spending battle taking shape, and why Republicans appear determined to prevent the Lone Star State from becoming a major Democratic breakthrough.

Ryan then follows the money across the country, looking at Republican offensive and defensive investments in Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, Maine, Iowa, Florida and key House districts. He explains what these spending decisions may reveal about internal polling and which Senate and House races could ultimately determine control of Congress.

Plus, Ryan digs into the latest polling from Minnesota, Maine, North Carolina, Michigan and Iowa, along with troubling national generic-ballot numbers for Republicans. He explains where the GOP may still have opportunities, where Democrats currently hold the advantage, and whether an enormous influx of campaign cash can change the political environment before Election Day.

Finally, Ryan answers listener questions about the shift from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays,” voter-registration trends, the Texas Senate runoff, and whether political books like Regime Change can be trusted.

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Buck Brief - Black Male Juror in Lindsay Clancy Trial is a Hero Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

New details are emerging about the jury behind the Lindsay Clancy mistrial, including the lone holdout who refused to support a not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity verdict. Buck reacts to what we're learning about the jury room, the backlash against the holdout juror and the intense debate surrounding criminal responsibility in the case. Clancy admitted to killing her three young children, but the trial ended in a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Buck argues that the holdout juror deserves credit for refusing to back down under pressure and rejecting the argument that Clancy should be absolved of criminal culpability because of her mental state.

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David Rutherford Show: Charlie Kirk, Lindsay Clancy & Why America Is Numb to Death | Joseph Scott Morgan Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Death investigator Joseph Scott Morgan has spent 40 years in living rooms telling families their child is dead — and he's here to warn David Rutherford that death has become entertainment.

Twenty-five years after 9/11 unified a country, the Charlie Kirk assassination and the Lindsay Clancy trial are dividing one. Joe explains why the same public that once vomited at terrorist execution videos now scrolls past them, why "closure" is a lie he refuses to say to grieving families, and the disturbing pattern he's seeing in the murder cases crossing his desk.

David breaks down what Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's "killology" research found about desensitization, why he believes the men online begging for a civil war have never smelled what they're asking for, and how the hate he carried into Afghanistan almost killed him — and what actually saved him.

Joseph Scott Morgan is a veteran death investigator, Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University, host of the Body Bags podcast, a regular forensic analyst for Nancy Grace, and author of the memoir Blood Beneath My Feet. He is one of the most-cited forensic voices on the Charlie Kirk case.

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The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Daniel Di Martino Warns America: Don’t Repeat Venezuela’s Socialist Mistakes Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a country embraces socialism—and could America be heading down the same road?

Tudor Dixon is joined by Manhattan Institute fellow and Venezuela native Daniel Di Martino, who shares firsthand insight into how socialism transformed his homeland and why he sees warning signs emerging in the United States. Di Martino explains why he believes Americans still have time to avoid Venezuela’s mistakes, but warns about rising government spending, debt, nationalization, and politicians promising increasingly expensive government programs.

Tudor and Daniel also tackle the battle over AI and data centers, including fears over electricity and water usage, whether data centers could actually lower property taxes and revitalize struggling communities, and why moratoriums could drive billions of dollars in investment elsewhere. Di Martino argues that America’s competition with China makes winning the AI and energy race even more critical.

Plus, they discuss Venezuela’s oil industry, America’s energy future, Marco Rubio’s record on Venezuela, and why Di Martino believes JD Vance is likely to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2028—even though he personally sees strengths in Rubio’s experience and consistency.

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Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H1 - Would You Give Your Life for Another? Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses overwhelmingly on the aftermath of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial verdict, with Clay and Buck delivering an extensive discussion of juror comments, public reaction, media coverage, and broader cultural and political implications surrounding the case. Drawing on newly released interviews with jurors, the hosts sharply criticize the decision to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity and argue that she should have been held criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. They highlight statements from jurors who criticized the lone holdout favoring conviction, expressing disbelief that fellow jurors viewed his focus on the murders themselves as an obstacle to reaching a verdict. The conversation centers on questions of accountability, criminal justice, the insanity defense, jury deliberations, and whether mental illness should excuse acts of extreme violence.

Throughout the hour, Clay and Buck explore what they view as a significant divide in public opinion over the Lindsay Clancy case. They discuss reactions from listeners, social media users, and jurors, arguing that many supporters of the verdict are motivated more by identification with Clancy as a mother than by the facts of the case. The hosts repeatedly compare the Clancy verdict to the O.J. Simpson trial, suggesting that both cases reveal deeper societal divisions and identity-based reactions to criminal proceedings. They debate whether gender, ideology, and cultural attitudes toward motherhood influenced the outcome and analyze polling data showing stark differences in how Republicans and Democrats view Clancy's guilt.

A major theme of Hour 1 is the hosts' examination of the legal standards surrounding insanity defenses, reasonable doubt, and criminal culpability. Clay argues that the murder of children should be treated as a strict liability offense, eliminating mental-state defenses in such cases. Buck discusses historical uses of the insanity defense and questions whether Clancy's circumstances met the standards traditionally associated with legal insanity. Together, they explore broader questions about personal responsibility, criminal law, sentencing, and how juries evaluate mental health claims in high-profile murder trials.

The discussion also branches into cultural and political analysis as the hosts debate whether ideological beliefs influence how Americans interpret violent crimes. They examine polling data showing partisan differences in perceptions of the verdict and speculate about demographic trends related to gender, political affiliation, and attitudes toward criminal justice. The hosts argue that empathy, identity politics, and shifting views on accountability may be affecting public reactions to criminal cases, particularly those involving mothers and mental health issues.

Later in the hour, listeners call in to offer their perspectives. One caller with personal experience growing up around severe mental illness discusses the complexity of balancing mental health considerations with criminal responsibility and suggests manslaughter as a compromise verdict. Another caller references the classic film 12 Angry Men while discussing jury dynamics and the role of holdout jurors in deliberations. The hosts continue analyzing the composition of the Clancy jury, including the balance of men and women on the panel, and discuss how jury selection procedures may have influenced the trial's outcome.

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Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H2 - If We Don’t, China Will Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show shifts away from the Lindsay Clancy trial discussion that dominated the opening hour and focuses primarily on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), technology innovation, robotics, automation, national security, and the global AI race between the United States and China. The hosts briefly touch on Senator Ted Cruz’s appearance on The View, discuss upcoming midterm election activity and political advertising strategies, and then devote most of the hour to a wide-ranging conversation about the future of AI and its potential impact on society, the economy, warfare, and everyday life.

A central topic throughout Hour 2 is the emergence of advanced AI systems and humanoid robotics. Clay and Buck discuss the growing capabilities of Tesla’s Optimus robots and the possibility that consumers could soon have robots performing household tasks such as folding laundry and completing chores. The conversation expands into broader questions about automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence development, and the transformative impact AI may have on the workforce, productivity, and daily life. The hosts describe society as being in the midst of an AI revolution and compare the current technological moment to major historical technological breakthroughs.

The discussion intensifies after the hosts examine a viral statement from a former AI researcher who warned that the race toward artificial superintelligence could pose serious risks to humanity. Clay and Buck analyze claims that future AI systems could become capable of self-improvement, autonomous decision-making, advanced cyberattacks, scientific breakthroughs, and even acquiring real-world power. Referencing popular science fiction concepts such as Skynet from the Terminator franchise, they debate whether fears of AI-driven extinction are legitimate concerns or exaggerated predictions designed to attract attention. The hosts explore arguments from both AI skeptics and AI optimists, discussing concepts such as superintelligence, autonomous systems, artificial general intelligence (AGI), machine autonomy, and existential risk.

Another major focus of Hour 2 is the intersection of AI and modern warfare. Clay and Buck discuss reports of autonomous drone technology being utilized in combat zones, examining how AI-powered targeting systems could operate without direct human involvement. The conversation centers on the ethical and military implications of autonomous weapons, facial recognition technology, AI-controlled drones, battlefield automation, and the future of defense technology. They explore scenarios in which AI systems could independently identify and engage targets, raising questions about accountability, military strategy, and global security.

Clay and Buck also examine the critical role of energy production, data centers, and computing power in the future of artificial intelligence. Clay argues that the ultimate limits of AI may be tied to access to affordable and abundant energy, while Buck emphasizes the enormous computing requirements needed to develop and operate advanced AI systems. Together, they discuss whether future AI breakthroughs could unlock new energy technologies and how energy infrastructure may become one of the most important factors shaping the next generation of technological innovation. Themes of energy security, computational power, technological scalability, and infrastructure investment are recurring throughout the hour.

China's technological rise becomes another significant topic. Multiple callers and the hosts discuss concerns that China may be rapidly advancing in AI, technology, and strategic innovation. Clay and Buck argue that the United States cannot simply halt AI development because geopolitical rivals would continue pursuing breakthroughs. They compare the AI competition to historical military and nuclear technology races, suggesting that leadership in artificial intelligence may become one of the defining strategic advantages of the twenty-first century. The conversation frequently returns to themes of global competition, innovation policy, national security, technological leadership, and the future balance of power between the United States and China.

Listener calls add further depth to the discussion. One caller working in AI argues that many apocalyptic warnings are being overstated by major AI companies seeking greater regulatory influence. Another discusses concerns about censorship, centralized control of information, and the possibility that government regulation could limit the development of open AI platforms. Additional callers examine the impact of AI on software development careers, workplace automation, and changing labor markets. A software developer explains how AI tools are already reshaping hiring practices and reducing demand for entry-level programming work, while also arguing that current AI systems remain pattern-recognition tools rather than truly conscious thinkers. Conversations surrounding job displacement, workforce disruption, AI governance, open-source technology, and technological freedom feature prominently throughout the hour.

The hosts also debate the reliability of modern AI platforms and search tools, contrasting traditional search engines with emerging AI-powered assistants. They discuss issues related to information quality, algorithmic bias, censorship concerns, truth-seeking AI systems, and how AI-generated answers may increasingly replace conventional internet searches. The broader conversation explores whether AI can become a trusted information source and how the quality of AI output depends on the underlying data and programming parameters used to train the models.

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Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H3 - The RNC vs. Football Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show blends political analysis, election strategy, media commentary, sports, artificial intelligence follow-up, and an extended interview with Ben Shapiro while continuing the show's ongoing discussion of the Lindsay Clancy case. The hour begins with analysis of newly released polling data in key midterm battlegrounds, discussion of President Donald Trump's trip to Dallas for the Republican midterm convention, and debate over the strategic timing of the event as it competes directly with the opening week of the NFL season.

A major topic throughout Hour 3 is the Republican Party's decision to hold its first-ever midterm convention during the same nights as high-profile NFL games. Clay strongly criticizes the scheduling decision, arguing that NFL opening week dominates American media consumption and will significantly reduce public attention on Republican messaging. The hosts discuss voter outreach, political communication, media strategy, election-year engagement, conservative messaging, and the challenge of attracting attention in a crowded media landscape. They question whether the convention can achieve its intended impact when competing against one of the most-watched entertainment properties in America.

The Lindsay Clancy case remains a recurring theme as listeners continue calling in with reactions to the verdict and the insanity defense. One caller shares personal experiences involving severe postpartum mental health struggles within his own family, prompting a broader discussion of mental illness, criminal responsibility, and how the legal system handles defendants who commit violent crimes while experiencing psychological disorders. Clay reiterates his position that the murder of children should trigger strict criminal liability regardless of mental state, while Buck explores larger philosophical and legal questions about accountability, mental illness, evil, and personal choice. Topics including criminal justice reform, insanity defenses, homicide law, forensic psychiatry, and sentencing standards are discussed at length.

The hosts also revisit themes from their earlier artificial intelligence conversation after playing listener feedback supporting continued American leadership in AI development. The discussion reinforces arguments that technological innovation should be embraced rather than feared and suggests that the United States must continue competing aggressively in emerging technologies. Listener commentary highlights concerns about global competition, innovation policy, and the importance of maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

A significant portion of Hour 3 features an extensive interview with Ben Shapiro, covering politics, culture, social media, media partnerships, and the 2028 political landscape. During the conversation, Shapiro joins Clay and Buck in examining public reactions to the Lindsay Clancy case and argues that social media has amplified performative empathy and emotional identification among some online communities. The discussion explores how social media incentives, internet culture, true crime fascination, and identity-driven narratives can shape public responses to criminal cases.

The interview also explores Democratic Party politics and future presidential election dynamics. Clay asks Shapiro about the possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028. Shapiro argues that Harris remains a serious contender due to her support among Black voters and the structure of the Democratic primary calendar, particularly in states like South Carolina. The hosts discuss electoral strategy, demographic trends, primary elections, candidate viability, and the evolving political landscape leading toward the next presidential race.
[9/9/2026 3:03 PM] Mark Weiner: Another important segment centers on a newly announced partnership between Sport and State and The Daily Wire. Clay and Ben discuss the expansion of conservative media, digital content creation, podcasting, video programming, audience growth, and collaborative opportunities between the two organizations. The conversation highlights efforts to broaden conservative media offerings while reaching new audiences through sports, politics, and cultural commentary.

The political discussion continues with forecasts for the upcoming midterm elections. Shapiro provides his outlook on several key Senate and House races, expressing concern about certain Democratic candidates while predicting Republicans may narrowly retain the Senate but face difficulty holding the House. The hosts review battleground states, campaign strategy, congressional elections, voter turnout, polling trends, and broader implications for the 2028 election cycle.

The interview concludes with a lighter discussion about parenting, family life, and raising children. Shapiro shares lessons learned from being a father of five, emphasizing the importance of consistent rules, parental involvement, and developing genuine interest in children's individual interests. Clay and Buck discuss fatherhood, family values, child development, parenting philosophies, and balancing family responsibilities with professional life.

The closing portion of Hour 3 returns once more to audience reactions regarding the Lindsay Clancy verdict. A listener suggests creating a legal framework similar to "guilty by reason of insanity" rather than "not guilty by reason of insanity," prompting additional debate about mental health treatment, incarceration, public safety, criminal culpability, and whether society should ever fully trust offenders who commit severe acts of violence. Clay ends the hour emphasizing what he sees as the need for accountability in cases involving the murder of children while questioning broader societal trends toward excusing criminal behavior on mental health grounds.

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It's a Numbers Game: Is JD Vance already the Republican frontrunner for 2028—and is Ted Cruz positioning himself as the alternative? Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Ryan Girdusky breaks down the biggest moments from the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and what they reveal about the future of the GOP. Ryan argues that Vance’s convention performance looked increasingly like an introduction to the party’s next leader, while Marco Rubio again indicated he has no plans to run for president in 2028.

But Ryan sees one potential major challenger: Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz is beginning to separate himself from Vance and Trump on one of the biggest emerging political issues—artificial intelligence regulation. Ryan explains why Cruz’s call for greater AI safeguards could become a defining issue in a future Republican presidential primary.

Plus, Ryan reacts to President Trump’s proposal to give American adults $5,000 if Republicans retain Congress, including the potential trillion-dollar price tag and inflation implications.

And who was the convention’s breakout star? Ryan makes the case for Rep. Brandon Gill, whose opening speech contrasted the Trump and Biden eras and generated one of the convention’s standout moments.

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