Hour 3 - Ranking Our Presidents 


Author: iHeartPodcasts February 16, 2026 Duration: 36:49
Podcast episode
Hour 3 - Ranking Our Presidents 

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a lively, far‑reaching conversation shaped by President’s Day, presidential rankings, cultural criticism, and listener reactions. The hour opens with Clay and Buck joking about the true purpose of President’s Day—mattress sales and retail promotions—before diving into new YouGov polling that ranks America’s presidents. The hosts express amazement that John F. Kennedy ranks second despite his short tenure, while foundational figures like George Washington are pushed down the list. They mock what they view as historically illiterate shifts driven by modern political narratives, highlighting how Andrew Jackson’s reputation has collapsed after decades of being taught as a top‑tier president. They argue that historical revisionism is a deliberate tool used to influence contemporary politics and policy debates.

The discussion transitions into a broader conversation about how history is politicized today, with Clay pointing out how cultural phenomena like the Hamilton musical distorted public perception of Alexander Hamilton. They emphasize that these battles over historical memory shape how Americans understand leadership, values, and government today. From there, Clay and Buck turn to former President Obama’s latest podcast interview, where Obama claims Democrats “have a harder job” because they refuse to be as “mean” as Republicans. Clay and Buck lambaste the comments as delusional, arguing that Obama is both out of touch and historically revisionist—ignoring events like his administration’s heavy‑handed approach to culture‑war issues, including federal pressure on states over gender‑bathroom legislation. They contrast Obama’s commentary with real‑world metrics like the dramatic drop in the national murder rate and the strengthened U.S. border under President Trump, asking whether any Democrat would ever acknowledge that Trump policies saved lives in heavily Democratic cities.

Next, the show turns to listener talkback messages responding to earlier conversations about AOC, identity politics, and “whiteness.” Callers raise satirical and thoughtful questions about the logical contradictions in AOC’s statements, including whether “white privilege” can exist if whiteness is “imaginary.” The hour then moves into humorous territory as listeners critique Clay’s mustache, suggest alternatives like an “Amish beard,” and joke about iconic facial‑hair styles. The hosts comment on the unexpected intensity of the mustache debate, which becomes an amusing running theme.

The conversation then returns to cultural topics when a caller expresses outrage that Clay and Buck praised The Godfather films, objecting to any positive reference to movies depicting organized crime. This launches a spirited debate about pop‑culture portrayals of the mafia and how Hollywood historically romanticized criminal organizations. Clay and Buck emphasize that discussing classic cinema does not equate to endorsing violence, adding that the modern anti‑hero trend has shaped decades of television—from Tony Soprano to drug‑dealer protagonists—while wholesome father figures have all but vanished. They contrast today’s entertainment landscape with the family‑centric shows of the 1980s and 90s, reminiscing about series like Full House, Family Matters, Growing Pains, Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, and The Cosby Show. They argue that television once portrayed strong, competent, caring fathers across races and backgrounds, and that there is a massive unmet demand for content showcasing traditional family dynamics in a positive light.

From there, Clay and Buck expand into a cultural analysis of Hollywood, arguing that creative industries have increasingly sidelined strong father figures in favor of morally ambiguous anti‑heroes. They discuss how shows like Friday Night Lights offered one of the last great modern TV dads, Coach Eric Taylor, and highlight how casting trends once featured 30‑year‑olds playing teenagers—something TV audiences largely accepted for decades. This leads into a wide‑ranging conversation about movies that “don’t hold up” when viewed with modern sensibilities, including Pretty Woman and Big, as well as bizarre award‑winning films like The Shape of Water. Buck critiques what he sees as Hollywood’s decline into degeneracy, contrasting older classics with today’s prestige films. The hosts also nod to recent standout movies such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Netflix’s newest Frankenstein adaptation, praising them as rare modern exceptions.

The final segment of Hour 3 returns to listener engagement, book recommendations, and cultural traditions. Clay shares his enthusiasm for historical books—particularly Rick Atkinson’s World War II and Revolutionary War trilogies—while Buck talks about recent reading picks. The hour closes with a festive call from a New Orleans listener celebrating Mardi Gras, with Clay and Buck wishing listeners well on “Fat Tuesday” and wrapping up the program by encouraging everyone to check out Buck’s new book.

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