Hour 3 - Saving CA from Itself

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show focuses on government overreach, media power, election integrity, immigration policy, and California’s political breakdown, featuring in depth conversations with Sen. Bill Hagerty and California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. The hour begins with Sen. Hagerty explaining the FCC’s probe into Verizon, following reports that the company provided his phone records—and those of other Republican senators—to investigators without notification. Hagerty ties this to what he calls the Biden administration’s 2023 effort to weaponize federal agencies, referencing Jack Smith’s “Arctic Frost” initiative, the Mar a Lago search, and efforts targeting President Donald Trump and his allies. He warns that if a major telecom provider will surrender confidential data on sitting senators, it could easily happen to everyday citizens. The conversation shifts to the growing influence of major entertainment companies. The hosts and Hagerty discuss the proposed Netflix–Warner Bros. merger, competition from Paramount, and the increasing concentration of power within the streaming ecosystem. Hagerty argues that media consolidation—paired with entrenched mainstream media bias—poses a threat to fair political coverage and public understanding. Hagerty then outlines the Republican outlook heading into the next Senate cycle, highlighting potential GOP opportunities in states such as Michigan, New Hampshire, Georgia, North Carolina, and Iowa. He emphasizes the importance of turnout and strategic campaigning. This leads into a broader discussion about voter ID, noting strong bipartisan support and criticizing Democratic efforts to loosen voting rules through proposals like HR1 and S1. A major theme is the impact of immigration on congressional representation. Hagerty explains how counting illegal immigrants in the Census boosts representation for states like California while depriving states such as Tennessee—costing them potential congressional seats and electoral influence. He expresses confidence that the Supreme Court will eventually need to address these imbalances. The hosts also provide a significant update on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, announcing that the FBI recovered and released surveillance footage of the suspect despite the damaged camera, and urging the public to assist in identifying him. The second half of the hour features Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of CA. He breaks down what he sees as California’s worsening structural problems: severe tax burdens, soaring electricity and gas prices, homelessness, climate policy extremism, and a proposed “billionaires’ tax” that he argues amounts to an unconstitutional asset seizure scheme. Hilton says the mere threat of this proposal has already driven $1 trillion in wealth out of the state, while California continues to spend billions annually on healthcare for illegal immigrants. Hilton also warns that California’s top two primary system could result in two Democrats advancing if Republicans split their vote. He urges GOP voters to consolidate behind a single candidate and argues that he is best positioned to win, citing his business background, government reform experience, and a strong performance in the recent televised debate. As the conversation continues, Hilton addresses California’s massive budget deficits, alleged widespread fraud, and his proposals for reform—including eliminating the state’s “jock tax,” offering tax relief to the middle class, and establishing an AI driven agency to root out government waste. The hosts close the hour by previewing upcoming coverage on the Olympics and new Epstein related revelations.

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