Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. Tribute to Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall passed away at 95 years old.
Hosts discuss his most iconic roles, including: To Kill a Mockingbird (as Boo Radley)
The Godfather (as Tom Hagen)
Lonesome Dove
Apocalypse Now
Gone in 60 Seconds
Secondhand Lions

Emphasis on Duvall’s legacy as one of the greatest American actors.
Noted that Duvall chose not to have a funeral, instead asking people to enjoy a good movie.
2. Gavin Newsom Controversy
A previous podcast episode involving Gavin Newsom.
Newsom responded on social media, accusing Ted Cruz of attacking his dyslexia.
Ted Cruz replied stating he called Newsom “historically illiterate,” not unable to read.
Cruz references President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard in 1957 as historical evidence contradicting Newsom's claim.
We poke fun at Newsom’s reaction and discuss how social media posts performed online.
Referenced AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom attending a meeting in Munich
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Buck's Book Launch!
Clay Travis & Buck Sexton give a reflective and emotional acknowledgment of the five‑year anniversary of Rush Limbaugh’s passing, honoring the legacy of the man whose influence built the foundation of the show’s audience. Clay and Buck describe the day as meaningful for longtime listeners and express gratitude for the community that followed Rush and now follows them. Producers Ali and Greg created a podcast honoring Rush in the Clay and Buck feed that features clips going back to the 90s and highlights many callers to the program.
From there, the hour transitions into a major milestone: the release of Buck Sexton’s first book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck explains the book’s themes—how the political left uses indoctrination, psychological manipulation, and propaganda to reshape public thinking—and shares insight into his CIA‑related experiences that informed several chapters. Clay encourages listeners to buy the book, noting its relevance to current political and cultural battles, especially surrounding issues of mental health, identity, and media manipulation.
The conversation pivots sharply into breaking national news: yet another mass shooting carried out by a transgender‑identifying individual. Clay details the disturbing pattern of recent trans‑identified shooters—in Nashville, Minneapolis, British Columbia, and now Rhode Island—and highlights what he calls alarming media dishonesty, such as outlets refusing to identify perpetrators by biological sex. The hosts describe the Rhode Island shooter, a biological male who transitioned late in life, abandoned his family, and ultimately murdered relatives at a public hockey event before killing others. Clay and Buck argue that cultural messaging about “affirmation” has normalized delusion rather than treating mental illness, and they question whether hormone‑related medications, untreated psychological disorders, or ideological extremism contribute to the rising violence. They emphasize that society would never affirm the hallucinations of someone with schizophrenia, so affirming gender‑identity delusions is not compassionate—it’s dangerous.
The Crazy Left
Congressman Jim Jordan, who joins to discuss the latest on Capitol Hill. Jordan outlines ongoing border‑security battles, sanctuary‑city policies, and potential legislation that would allow local law‑enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when state governments attempt to block them. He highlights the staggering number of criminal migrants released by sanctuary jurisdictions and the urgent need for federal preemption in immigration enforcement. Jordan also offers a broad strategic look at the upcoming midterms, arguing that Republicans must contrast their record of border security, economic growth, and school‑choice initiatives with what he calls the Democratic Party’s “normal versus crazy” policy agenda.
Before closing the interview, Clay and Buck ask Jordan about other trending issues, including the Winter Olympics and the viral curling controversy, which he humorously weighs in on. The hosts then return to a high‑profile national mystery: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. They discuss the latest update—that a glove found near her home did not match DNA inside the house—and reflect on the outsized media attention the case continues to attract despite minimal new information. Clay suggests that America’s fascination with true‑crime storytelling, especially among female viewers, is driving the intense coverage even as actionable developments remain scarce.
It's Hard to Hate the Guy
Clay and Buck preview their upcoming trip to Texas for the first major primary of the 2026 cycle. They examine the high‑stakes Texas Senate race, noting the competitive three‑way Republican contest among John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt, as well as a brewing controversy on the Democratic side. The hosts break down the explosive dispute surrounding Democratic candidate James Talarico’s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—an interview CBS declined to air over equal‑time concerns. Colbert publicly blasted CBS executives on his show, turning the incident into a political moment. Clay argues that this conveniently boosts Talarico’s visibility while sidelining rival Jasmine Crockett, suggesting Democratic power players may be orchestrating a soft‑landing for their preferred candidate just as Texans begin early voting.
Honoring Rush Limbaugh
Clay and Buck give Rush Limbaugh a hat tip and honor him on the five-year anniversary of his passing. They also discuss the FCC’s scrutiny of political favoritism in late‑night TV, referencing FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s challenges to the idea that partisan talk shows should remain exempt from equal‑time rules. Buck notes that corporate media dominance by left‑leaning networks is finally being openly acknowledged after decades of pretending neutrality. The hosts compare the current era to the “Daily Show effect,” where comedy was long used as a shield to disguise political messaging. They argue that Colbert’s outrage reflects the media’s desire to maintain partisan influence without regulatory scrutiny.
The hour expands into a wider election-season conversation—including the national implications of control of the House and Senate in 2026. Clay emphasizes that the Senate may hold greater long‑term stakes than the House due to aging Supreme Court justices and the potential for major judicial vacancies. They discuss prior examples, such as Justice Anthony Kennedy’s strategically timed retirement versus Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to stay on the bench, underscoring how elections shape the judiciary for generations.
Clay and Buck also take VIP listener emails and talkback messages, fielding questions about potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders—including Mark Kelly, Josh Shapiro, and Gretchen Whitmer—and the role of intelligence, competence, and electability within the field. This segues into broader reflections on generational language (“back in the day”), the cultural reference points of the 1980s and 1990s, and how political memory shifts across age groups.
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1. Claims about U.S. immigration and corruption
The U.S. has historically admitted immigrants from countries labeled as “highly corrupt” by Transparency International.
Examples mentioned include South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, among others.
Vetting immigrants from these countries is “nearly impossible” due to poor record‑keeping, bribery, and document fraud.
2. Reference to Trump administration policies
Donald Trump previously restricted immigration from certain nations via executive orders.
These restrictions were due to corruption concerns and an inability to verify documents from those regions.
3. Criticism of the Biden administration
The Biden administration continued issuing visas to individuals from these “corrupt” nations, citing specific visa numbers (e.g., Venezuelan admissions).
Allowing potentially unvetted migrants into the U.S.
4. Concerns about fraudulent documents
Applicants in corrupt nations can obtain fake documents—birth certificates, police records, passports, diplomas—via bribes.
This is presented as a major risk to U.S. vetting systems.
5. Political commentary on Democratic leaders
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Gavin Newsom are criticized for acknowledging migration problems while also condemning Trump’s approach.
Democrats are both: admitting migration has become “destabilizing”
and simultaneously criticizing U.S. border enforcement agencies.

6. Claims of “chaos” caused by Democratic policies
The narrative argues that Democrats created disorder at the border and in U.S. cities.
The author asserts Trump is “cleaning up the mess” and that this angers political opponents.
7. Accusations of unfair comparisons to authoritarian regimes
Democrats comparing U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to authoritarian “secret police” or Nazi‑like forces.
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1. Democratic Candidates Struggle on Foreign Policy
At the Munich Security Conference, AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom are portrayed as unprepared on major foreign‑policy questions.
AOC gives vague and confused answers regarding whether the U.S. should defend Taiwan against China.
Whitmer appears unsure when asked what “victory” in Ukraine looks like, deflecting the question to an ambassador.
Commentary suggests this reflects a broader weakness in foreign‑policy understanding among potential 2028 Democratic contenders.
2. Criticism of Far‑Left Ideology
The intellectual foundation of the far left is hollow compared to past decades.
They claim AOC’s comments reflect ideological simplicity, reliance on identity politics, and lack of deep geopolitical knowledge.
Suggestion that cultural Marxism and DEI-style frameworks have replaced rigorous foreign‑policy thought.
3. AOC’s Israel Comments
AOC is criticized for saying U.S. aid to Israel should be conditioned and alleging Israel committed “genocide” in Gaza.
The hosts argue her position is ideologically driven and historically insensitive, especially when stated in Germany.
They also claim Hamas statements contradict the genocide narrative.
4. Predictions About 2028 Politics:
AOC will likely run for president.
Chuck Schumer may encourage her to do so to avoid competing with her for Senate.
If AOC runs, Mondaire Jones / Mondami (context suggests a progressive challenger) could run for Schumer’s Senate seat.

5. Obama’s Recent Commentary
Barack Obama is criticized for: Calling certain ICE actions “rogue behavior.”
Comparing Republican messaging to demagoguery while presenting Democrats as unifying.

Hosts claim Obama is historically partisan and argue many current Democratic positions stem from his ideological influence.
6. Claims That Democrats Are Anti‑Law‑Enforcement
Gavin Newsom is accused of comparing American law enforcement to “secret police.”
The hosts argue Democrats are reviving rhetoric similar to segregation‑era resistance to federal authority.
7. U.S. Foreign Policy Under Obama and Biden
Allegations that Obama and Biden’s foreign policy empowered Iran and weakened global deterrence.
Claim that U.S. ambiguity over Taiwan is mishandled by the left.
8. Potomac River Sewage Issue
Over 1 billion gallons of wastewater spilled into the Potomac.
Washington, DC officials say repairs will take up to nine months, criticized as incompetence in government management.
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1. Virginia Politics & Redistricting
Democrats in Virginia are moving quickly to enact policy changes after recent elections.
The new Virginia congressional map heavily favors Democrats (projected 10D–1R), despite the state split being closer to 53% Democrat / 47% Republican.
Comparisons to redistricting in Texas, California, and New England, arguing that both parties gerrymander but Virginia’s map is described as especially extreme.
2. Immigration Enforcement
Virginia’s governor (referred to as Abigail Spanberger) cut cooperation with ICE.
This policy could result in criminal undocumented immigrants being released into communities.
3. Discussion of Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Tariffs
Detailed recounting of a Supreme Court case involving presidential authority to impose tariffs.
Highlights: Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett expressed skepticism toward the administration’s position.
Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito appeared more open to upholding the tariff authority.

Predicts that Chief Justice Roberts may write a majority opinion to uphold tariff powers on institutional grounds.
4. The “Save America Act”
House of Representatives passed the act with only one Democrat voting in favor.
The act requires: Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
Photo ID to vote.

Presented as “common-sense” election integrity legislation.
Describes a procedural strategy within existing Senate rules, not abolishing the filibuster.
Would force Democrats to perform a talking filibuster (continuous floor speeches).
Requires Republicans to maintain 50 senators physically present, possibly for days or weeks.
Democrats aim to: Eliminate photo ID laws.
Grant statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Offer citizenship and voting rights to undocumented immigrants.
Pack the Supreme Court.

Voter ID and citizenship proof are extremely popular nationwide with broad bipartisan support.
Republicans should force Democrats to publicly defend opposition during a talking filibuster.
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