Hour 1 - The Smoke Monster 


Author: iHeartPodcasts November 11, 2025 Duration: 36:53
Podcast episode
Hour 1 - The Smoke Monster 

Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers a dynamic and wide-ranging discussion centered around Veterans Day, current political upheaval, and national defense, making it a must-listen for conservative talk radio fans and political news followers. The hour opens with a tribute to America’s veterans, featuring upcoming interviews with decorated military heroes David "Rut" Rutherford, a former Navy SEAL, and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer. The hosts also highlight President Donald Trump's live remarks from Arlington National Cemetery, where he honored the U.S. military and announced the symbolic renaming of the Department of Defense back to the “Department of War,” emphasizing a renewed focus on military strength and victory.

A major theme throughout the hour is the fallout from the recent government shutdown, which lasted 40 days and ended with bipartisan Senate action. Clay and Buck dissect the political consequences, particularly the backlash against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. They explore Schumer’s declining popularity, citing polling data and commentary from CNN and David Axelrod, and speculate on the possibility of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenging him in 2028. The hosts also discuss the broader implications of internal Democratic Party tensions, including potential challenges to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The show pivots to international affairs with a segment on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant defending U.S. financial support for Argentina’s economic stabilization under President Javier Milei. Buck praises Bessant’s clarity and effectiveness in countering media narratives, framing the move as a strategic investment rather than a bailout.
Military recruitment trends are also discussed, with Clay noting a surge in enlistment under the Trump administration, attributing it to a shift away from “woke” policies and toward a warrior ethos. The hosts reflect on the importance of morale, historical military hardships like Valley Forge and the Battle of the Bulge, and the enduring legacy of American service members. They recommend war novels like Killer Angels and Gates of Fire to deepen appreciation for military history.

Listeners are invited to share personal stories, including a compelling call from a North Carolina man recounting his high school teacher’s role as General Patton’s Jeep driver during WWII.

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

 

For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/

 

Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: 

X - https://x.com/clayandbuck

FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


More episodes

Duration: 1:52:11
Buck highlights his interview with President Trump at The White House. Kavanaugh accuser refuses to respond to a invitation to participate in the bipartisan process. President Trump orders the declassification of key FIS…

Duration: 1:50:09
Democrats deploy another dirty trick against Judge Brett Kavanaugh and President Trump. Abuse of power at the DOJ and FBI. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on You…

Duration: 1:51:17
Democrats continuing effort to throw a presidential election. Buck interviews U.S. Assistant Attorney General Beth Williams for the Office of Legal Policy, and Aaron & McKayla Hale. Learn more about your ad-choices at ht…

Duration: 1:49:28
How the media is politicizing Hurricane Florence. Goggle's top execs have a meltdown over the Trump beating Hillary. The Democrats latest stunt to bench Judge Kavanaugh. The 'honorable' Clarence Thomas. Learn more about…

Duration: 1:50:50
The media blames Trump for Hurricane Florence before it even hits land. Norm Macdonald gets banished. Buck interviews Lee Smith and Joe Bastardi. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFo…

Duration: 1:50:51
Reflecting on the 17th anniversary of 9/11. Buck interviews Sean Parnell, author of Man of War. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.c…

Duration: 53:56
The anonymous Deep State manifesto. Serena Williams freaks out and social justice warriors come to her aid. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://w…

Duration: 1:54:11
Obama is out on the campaign trail to help the Democrats but Trump is there to neutralize him Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com…

Duration: 1:54:19
Anonymous New York Times editorial backfires on the media. Corey Booker makes a mockery of himself at the Kavanaugh hearing. Transgender desistance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.co…

Duration: 1:51:34
The Deep State marches on with their silent coup as The New York Times publishes an anonymous editorial blasting President Trump. Day two of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing is more of the same. Buck interviews Raheem…

Duration: 1:51:24
Pandemonium on Capitol Hill at the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing. Impeachment will happen if Democrats take the House. The political weaponization of a funeral. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodc…

Duration: 1:47:46
Happy Labor Day! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration: 1:51:05
Bloomberg breaks a cardinal rule of journalism. Buck predicts who democrats will run in 2020. Buck interviews Sean Spicer. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on You…

Duration: 1:55:03
Once again the left employs racist smear tactics to try and beat conservatives. How the left normalizes socialism. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: ht…

Logo
Select station
VOL