David Rutherford Show: The Insurgency Is Inside America Now: A SEAL's 9/11 Warning

The 2026 midterms are just weeks away—and Ryan Girdusky says the latest polling contains major warning signs for Republicans. On this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan breaks down new polling on the generic congressional ballot, President Donald Trump’s approval rating, the economy, immigration, and the issues shaping the battle for control of Congress. He also examines the impact of soaring oil and gas prices and why the cost of living could become one of the defining issues of the midterm elections. Plus, Ryan discusses Gavin Newsom’s surprising comments about Kamala Harris and the 2028 presidential race, the legal fight over the Trump administration’s public-charge immigration policy, and why India’s growing relationships with Iran, Russia, and the BRICS nations deserve more attention in Washington. Ryan also weighs in on the controversy surrounding Texas Republican Bo French before answering listener questions about political betting markets, Alberta’s separatist movement, and the political differences between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. John Fetterman. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harvard Law professor and renowned attorney Alan Dershowitz joins Tudor Dixon to discuss his new book, “Why I Quit the Dems, and So Should You: The Confessions of a Reluctant Republican,” and explain why he decided to leave the Democratic Party. Dershowitz discusses his concerns about antisemitism, the Democratic Party’s relationship with Israel, and the political influence of the party’s progressive wing. He and Tudor also examine the political landscape in Michigan, including Abdul El-Sayed, Hassan Piker, Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Jocelyn Benson. The conversation turns to Sen. John Fetterman, whom Dershowitz praises for breaking with members of his own party, as well as Hillary Clinton’s recent comments about Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel. Plus, Dershowitz looks ahead to the future of American politics, the 2028 presidential field, Josh Shapiro, JD Vance and Marco Rubio, and explains why he believes the upcoming elections could determine whether the Democratic Party changes direction. Dershowitz’s new book, “Why I Quit the Dems, and So Should You,” is scheduled for release September 29.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-five years after 9/11 and I can't escape the same question I've been asking for thirty years: what are we actually fighting? I spent two decades going after insurgencies overseas, and I'm here to tell you the same insurgency is operating inside America right now — in our institutions, our communities, our families, and our own heads. This one's a solo. It's part briefing, part confession, and by the end, I'll admit it, part sermon. What you'll hear: • David breaks down what he's called "the negative insurgency" for twenty years, and why it works exactly like the ones he fought in Afghanistan and Iraq • Why "it's always been like this" is a lie — and what 150 million dead in the last century should tell you about this one • Why the war that was supposed to end with bin Laden never ended, and why Joe Kent isn't lying to you • What actually happens to 300 million people when you kill their religious leader in a strike • The tell that gives the insurgency away: everybody, on every side, is trying to convince you to hate somebody   ✅ Sponsors: ☕️ Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ • "Satan rules this world," "you are the steward of God's creation," and the one reason David can't quit — and you can't eitherFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Boothe sits down with Crime Prevention Research Center President John Lott for a wide-ranging discussion about illegal immigration, crime, deportations, and the financial cost of prosecuting and incarcerating noncitizens accused of crimes. Lott breaks down his recent research estimating the taxpayer costs associated with criminal prosecutions, using a Virginia fentanyl case to illustrate how legal proceedings, jail time, public defenders, prosecutors, and eventual incarceration can add up. He argues that a relatively straightforward case can cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and that violent-crime prosecutions can be substantially more expensive. His published analysis estimates that prosecuting 248,000 people at $150,000 per case would total $37.2 billion, while a $600,000-per-case scenario would approach $149 billion. Those figures are Lott's estimates and depend on the assumptions used in his analysis. Lisa and Lott also discuss the distinction between being charged with and convicted of a crime, sanctuary policies, ICE enforcement, deportation proceedings, and the challenges of identifying criminal histories from other countries. Later, the conversation turns to recent U.S. crime trends and Lott's argument that tougher enforcement and increased legal concealed carry can help deter crime.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Lai's imprisonment has become a measure of far more than one man's fate. Steve Yates examines how the jailed Hong Kong publisher's story challenges decades of U.S. assumptions about China's political future, Hong Kong's promised autonomy, and whether Beijing still has room for voices outside Communist Party control. As President Trump prepares for another meeting with Xi Jinping, the case raises difficult questions about leadership, freedom, faith, and the future of U.S.-China relations. Listen and share this episode as Congress revisits Jimmy Lai's case and policymakers weigh what comes next. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton debated whether Newsom was effectively acknowledging Harris’s strength, stepping aside strategically for a future campaign, or attempting to avoid political vulnerabilities that could emerge over the next several years. They also analyzed how Democratic donors, party leadership, identity politics, and potential Republican candidates such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could shape the 2028 electoral landscape. The conversation expanded into broader discussions about the future of the Democratic Party, the durability of DEI and progressive policies, and the possibility of a political comeback by Harris following her previous presidential campaigns. Clay and Buck with an examination of artificial intelligence, technological progress, and American innovation, with Buck reflecting on comments previously made by Rush Limbaugh about the revolutionary impact of smartphones and computing power. The hosts argued that many technological breakthroughs initially face skepticism but ultimately become indispensable parts of everyday life. Drawing comparisons between smartphones, e-commerce platforms, AI development, and autonomous vehicles, they maintained an optimistic perspective about technology’s potential to improve productivity, convenience, and quality of life despite legitimate concerns about privacy, security, and societal disruption. They emphasized that innovation often generates fear before widespread adoption and suggested that the United States must remain a leader in AI and emerging technologies to remain globally competitive. Clay and Buck have a discussion surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney, whose latest sports betting advertising campaign sparked criticism from some female athletes and progressive commentators. Clay and Buck analyzed the backlash, focusing on complaints from British sprinter Amy Hunt and other critics who argued that Sweeney’s marketing relies heavily on physical attractiveness rather than athletic achievement. The hosts pushed back against those criticisms, arguing that Sweeney’s business decisions represent entrepreneurship, personal branding, and female financial empowerment. The discussion expanded into a broader debate over modern feminism, beauty standards, celebrity culture, advertising, and the perceived double standards applied to attractive women in media. They contended that many critics object less to the concept of self-promotion and more to the fact that Sweeney’s success is connected to traditional standards of attractiveness. The conversation also touched on how entertainment, sports, and social media increasingly intersect in shaping celebrity influence and public perception. An extensive interview with Katie Hopkins, the British commentator and comedian currently touring the United States. Hopkins discussed her experiences being banned from South Africa, deported from Australia during the COVID era, and the controversies that have followed her public commentary over the years. She recounted being removed from Australia after publicly criticizing pandemic lockdown policies and encouraging Australians to oppose government restrictions. The conversation expanded into a discussion of free speech, censorship, political correctness, and the changing nature of comedy in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Hopkins argued that increasingly restrictive speech environments have made political comedy more important and more popular, while Clay and Buck suggested that many of today’s most successful comedians thrive by challenging accepted narratives and establishment viewpoints. 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/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centered on the emerging battle for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, sparked by comments from California Governor Gavin Newsom during a recently released interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. The hosts focused extensively on Newsom’s statement that he would not run for president if Kamala Harris enters the race, treating the remark as a major development in Democratic Party politics. Clay argued that Harris remains the overwhelming favorite for the Democratic nomination, citing her support among key Democratic constituencies and the Democratic National Committee’s decision to place South Carolina first on the primary calendar. The hosts debated whether Newsom was effectively acknowledging Harris’s strength, stepping aside strategically for a future campaign, or attempting to avoid political vulnerabilities that could emerge over the next several years. They also analyzed how Democratic donors, party leadership, identity politics, and potential Republican candidates such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could shape the 2028 electoral landscape. The conversation expanded into broader discussions about the future of the Democratic Party, the durability of DEI and progressive policies, and the possibility of a political comeback by Harris following her previous presidential campaigns. The program also featured a lighter but recurring segment examining the authenticity of the Newsom-Tapper interview setting, which was filmed during an apparent fly-fishing excursion. Clay and Buck questioned whether the pair were genuine fly fishermen or whether the outdoor setting was a carefully staged political media event. Listener calls quickly transformed the discussion into an impromptu fly-fishing masterclass, with experienced anglers from around the country critiquing the casting techniques, equipment setup, rod positioning, and overall presentation shown in the video. Several callers argued that both Newsom and Tapper appeared unfamiliar with proper fly-fishing practices, while the hosts joked about the increasingly detailed analysis from their audience. The segment highlighted the show's interactive style and showcased passionate listener expertise on outdoor recreation and sporting traditions. In a related political discussion, the hosts revisited the long-running rivalry and relationship between Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, referencing previous political anecdotes and public interactions between the two California Democrats. They explored the possibility that Newsom may be calculating his long-term political future by sitting out the 2028 race, preserving opportunities for a later presidential campaign, and avoiding a difficult primary battle against Harris. The hosts also evaluated how Democratic primary dynamics, donor influence, and shifting voter coalitions could impact the contest before votes are cast. Later in Hour 1, listener calls prompted a broader debate over fishing licenses, outdoor conservation, and government regulation. Clay questioned whether recreational anglers, particularly families fishing together for leisure, should be required to purchase licenses, arguing that such requirements function as another form of taxation. Buck offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the need for conservation measures while expressing sympathy for casual anglers. Callers weighed in from multiple states, explaining how fishing-license revenue supports fisheries management, public-access facilities, conservation programs, and wildlife resources. The discussion evolved into a wider conversation about taxes, public resources, government oversight, and balancing personal freedoms with environmental stewardship. 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/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focused heavily on technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, self-driving vehicles, privacy concerns, and the future of transportation in America. The hour opened with Buck Sexton sharing his experience purchasing a Tesla entirely online, praising the streamlined process and comparing it to transformative consumer technology experiences that have reshaped modern life. Clay Travis and Buck discussed Tesla’s growth, Elon Musk’s influence on innovation, and the rapid adoption of autonomous driving technology, arguing that self-driving vehicles represent one of the most significant technological breakthroughs of the 21st century. The hosts also shared personal stories about their first cars, with Clay recounting how he won his first vehicle and boat during a Tennessee Titans halftime contest, sparking a conversation about how dramatically the automotive industry has changed over the past two decades. The conversation expanded into a broader examination of artificial intelligence, technological progress, and American innovation, with Buck reflecting on comments previously made by Rush Limbaugh about the revolutionary impact of smartphones and computing power. The hosts argued that many technological breakthroughs initially face skepticism but ultimately become indispensable parts of everyday life. Drawing comparisons between smartphones, e-commerce platforms, AI development, and autonomous vehicles, they maintained an optimistic perspective about technology’s potential to improve productivity, convenience, and quality of life despite legitimate concerns about privacy, security, and societal disruption. They emphasized that innovation often generates fear before widespread adoption and suggested that the United States must remain a leader in AI and emerging technologies to remain globally competitive. A major segment of Hour 2 centered on Tesla self-driving technology, with both hosts enthusiastically discussing its real-world applications. Clay argued that autonomous driving has the potential to significantly reduce traffic fatalities, especially among inexperienced teenage drivers, while also helping older Americans remain independent longer by safely transporting themselves to stores, churches, family events, and community activities. The hosts described self-driving vehicles as a transformative advancement comparable to the arrival of the smartphone and suggested that autonomous transportation could fundamentally change mobility, safety, and daily life. Listener reactions included support from Tesla owners and debate from automotive enthusiasts skeptical of the shift away from traditional driving culture. The program also revisited the growing debate surrounding AI infrastructure, data centers, and Flock surveillance cameras, topics that have become recurring themes on the show. Clay highlighted comments from President Donald Trump supporting expanded AI development, additional data center construction, and the use of Flock cameras by law enforcement. The hosts discussed the balance between public safety and privacy rights, noting that supporters argue the camera systems help solve crimes and apprehend dangerous suspects, while critics worry about surveillance overreach and civil liberties. Buck emphasized that these issues represent legitimate policy debates rather than simple right-versus-wrong questions, while both hosts acknowledged the importance of weighing technological benefits against privacy concerns. Another recurring theme involved the broader economic and social impact of technology. The hosts praised the convenience of online commerce and modern digital services, arguing that innovations from companies such as Amazon have saved consumers enormous amounts of time. They discussed how technological efficiency allows people to spend more time with family, engage in leisure activities, and avoid many of the inconveniences associated with traditional retail and transportation systems. The conversation repeatedly returned to the idea that innovation generally creates more opportunities than problems when implemented responsibly. Later in the hour, Clay and Buck explored how autonomous vehicles could reshape urban planning, real estate, and housing affordability. Clay argued that widespread adoption of self-driving fleets could dramatically reduce the need for parking lots, parking garages, and vehicle storage areas in densely populated cities. The hosts suggested that reclaiming land currently dedicated to parking could increase housing supply, create new development opportunities, and help address affordability challenges in major metropolitan areas such as New York City and San Francisco. They also discussed how autonomous ride-sharing networks could eventually eliminate many of the inefficiencies associated with personal vehicle ownership. The discussion then shifted toward future transportation technologies, including VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, sometimes described as flying-car or airborne taxi concepts. Clay and Buck examined how personal aerial transportation could revolutionize travel, especially in rural and suburban communities, by allowing people to bypass traffic and travel directly to destinations without traditional airport infrastructure. The hosts viewed these developments as part of a larger wave of technological transformation that could redefine transportation, mobility, and land use over the coming decades. The hour concluded with listener calls expressing concerns about privacy, government oversight, AI surveillance, electric vehicles, and the possibility of excessive technological control by governments or corporations. Referencing themes reminiscent of 1984 and other dystopian works, callers questioned whether advancing technology could someday be used to restrict personal freedom. Clay responded by emphasizing consumer choice and market competition, arguing that Americans should retain the ability to choose between traditional and emerging technologies rather than having mandates imposed upon them.   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/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show featured a mix of politics, culture, media criticism, technology discussion, and an extended interview with British commentator and comedian Katie Hopkins. The hour opened with Clay and Buck previewing several major news developments, including Attorney General Todd Blanche’s upcoming White House briefing, FBI Director Kash Patel’s congressional testimony, a Supreme Court decision affecting mail-in ballot procedures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, and continuing debates over artificial intelligence and emerging technology. The hosts briefly revisited the growing role of AI in everyday life, including Tesla’s self-driving technology, before transitioning into the cultural controversy dominating much of the hour. The centerpiece of Hour 3 was a discussion surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney, whose latest sports betting advertising campaign sparked criticism from some female athletes and progressive commentators. Clay and Buck analyzed the backlash, focusing on complaints from British sprinter Amy Hunt and other critics who argued that Sweeney’s marketing relies heavily on physical attractiveness rather than athletic achievement. The hosts pushed back against those criticisms, arguing that Sweeney’s business decisions represent entrepreneurship, personal branding, and female financial empowerment. The discussion expanded into a broader debate over modern feminism, beauty standards, celebrity culture, advertising, and the perceived double standards applied to attractive women in media. They contended that many critics object less to the concept of self-promotion and more to the fact that Sweeney’s success is connected to traditional standards of attractiveness. The conversation also touched on how entertainment, sports, and social media increasingly intersect in shaping celebrity influence and public perception. Clay and Buck also examined what they view as contradictions within contemporary activist culture, discussing examples where public figures and media personalities support body positivity campaigns while simultaneously criticizing certain forms of self-presentation by conventionally attractive women. The hosts referenced broader culture-war debates involving gender, athletics, marketing, and celebrity branding, arguing that many of today’s public controversies are connected by larger ideological disputes over identity, empowerment, and social values. Another major segment featured an extensive interview with Katie Hopkins, the British commentator and comedian currently touring the United States. Hopkins discussed her experiences being banned from South Africa, deported from Australia during the COVID era, and the controversies that have followed her public commentary over the years. She recounted being removed from Australia after publicly criticizing pandemic lockdown policies and encouraging Australians to oppose government restrictions. The conversation expanded into a discussion of free speech, censorship, political correctness, and the changing nature of comedy in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Hopkins argued that increasingly restrictive speech environments have made political comedy more important and more popular, while Clay and Buck suggested that many of today’s most successful comedians thrive by challenging accepted narratives and establishment viewpoints. The interview also explored broader international political issues, including immigration, demographic change, free expression, Islamism, and the political trajectory of the United Kingdom. Hopkins described her concerns about the future of Britain and praised what she viewed as a more optimistic direction in American politics. Clay and Buck used the discussion to compare political and cultural developments in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other Western countries, framing the conversation around the future of individual liberty, national identity, and democratic institutions. Later in the hour, the hosts revisited a recurring show topic involving the Lindsay Clancy case and broader questions about public reactions to crime, accountability, and media narratives. Clay asked Hopkins whether shifting public opinion could eventually produce backlash against what he described as a pattern of ideological or emotional responses overriding basic moral judgments. The discussion broadened into an examination of cultural values, family, personal responsibility, and political tribalism. The final portion of Hour 3 returned to the subject of Tesla, electric vehicles, and self-driving technology after listeners called in with both skepticism and enthusiasm. The hosts responded to concerns about EV battery life, charging infrastructure, range limitations, and reliability while continuing to praise Tesla’s autonomous driving capabilities. Clay shared his own experience using Tesla charging stations during longer road trips and argued that many concerns disappear once drivers experience the technology firsthand. Listener calls highlighted how older Americans are increasingly using self-driving features to maintain independence, including Tesla’s vehicle summoning technology, which allows cars to navigate parking lots and pick up drivers automatically. The hour concluded with a broader reflection on technological progress and optimism. Clay and Buck argued that autonomous driving may become one of the most transformative innovations of the modern era, particularly for senior citizens and individuals seeking greater mobility and independence. They compared Tesla’s impact on transportation to the revolutionary effect smartphones had on communication and daily life, reinforcing a recurring theme from the show that innovation often creates more opportunities than critics initially recognize. 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/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back with Normalish takes as Washington’s artificial intelligence panic reaches a new level. They break down the growing calls to slow AI development, concerns raised by former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, and the unlikely convergence of Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon around tougher AI restrictions. Mary Katharine and Karol debate the genuine risks of advanced AI, whether government regulators are equipped to handle them, and whether some of the push for regulation could benefit the biggest players already dominating the industry. Then, the conversation turns to a series of Republican controversies — including the backlash surrounding Texas candidate Bo French, the debate over presidential pardons, and President Donald Trump’s proposal for $5,000 dividend checks. The hosts discuss the potential cost, inflation concerns, the national debt, and whether sending Americans another round of government checks would ultimately make affordability problems worse. Trump has publicly proposed a $5,000 payment to adult Americans contingent on Republicans retaining congressional control; the proposal would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion. Plus, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the fight over green cards and public benefits before examining Mississippi’s literacy gains and the debate over whether powerful teachers’ unions are standing in the way of education reform.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.