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: 1:48:07
A Dem official gets the boot after saying he wished that GOP Rep. Steve Scalise ‘was dead.’ Plus, Hollywood Z-Lister Johnny Depp is forced to apologize after joking about assassinating Trump. Learn more about your ad-cho…

Duration: 1:53:14
Republicans now have a perfect record, sweeping a series of special elections, and sending Democrats into a frenzy. Will this momentum help propel Trump's policy agenda forward? Learn more about your ad-choices at https:…

Duration: 1:53:36
Democrats stare down yet another major defeat, this time in the Georgia special election. What this means for the Democratic Party in 2018 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Cl…

Duration: 1:53:56
Voters head to the polls in Georgia in what has become the most hyped special election in years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.…

Duration: 1:55:41
When Republicans ‘go low’, Dems go even lower! Buck blasts Liberal hosts who have the gall to attack Rep. Scalise despite being hospitalized and in serious condition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihear…

Duration: 1:55:01
Buck talks about Trump new Executive Order on Cuba and DACA. He also speaks with Vince Coglianese of the Daily Caller about how man who shot the GOP baseball practice had a hit list. Learn more about your ad-choices at h…

Duration: 1:56:00
The New York Times is forced to issue a correction after its editorial board blamed Sarah Palin for the 2011 shooting of Rep. Gabby Giffords. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow…

Duration: 1:53:16
A gunman opens fire at a GOP baseball practice in Virginia. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/l…

Duration: 1:54:19
Attorney General Jeff Sessions slammed Democrats’ suggestion that he colluded with the Russians in dramatic testimony to Congress Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck…

Duration: 1:53:21
Desperate Dems are trying to take down this administration by any means necessary. Buck blasts their latest attempts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube:…

Duration: 1:54:48
Trump comes out swinging a day after James Comey’s blockbuster testimony. Plus, Buck breaks down the essential party tips everyone needs to know heading into the weekend! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.i…

Duration: 1:54:26
The Left’s long-running narrative that Trump colluded with Russia gets destroyed on the national stage. Buck highlights the damning new testimony from James Comey today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ih…

Duration: 1:54:14
The media is salivating over James Comey’s upcoming testimony. Buck cuts through the noise, and breaks down what you need to know about the Russia investigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodc…

Logo
Select station
VOL