Hour 1 - What’s Next In Iran?

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with constitutional law professor and former Chicago prosecutor Randy Barnett to discuss his gripping new book, Felony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption in Chicago. Barnett shares firsthand stories from his time in Cook County’s felony review unit—where prosecutors determined whether criminal charges should be filed. From shocking murders to wrongful arrests, he reveals the reality of the criminal justice system and the surprising reasons why suspects confess—even without coercion. The conversation dives into: The psychology behind confessions and why people talk to police Inside Chicago’s unique felony review system and how it prevented wrongful charges The transition from prosecutor to leading constitutional law scholar Lessons about justice, ethics, and the legal system Why real-life crime is often more complex—and stranger—than fiction Barnett also reflects on his career, offers insight into the pursuit of justice, and shares a powerful piece of life advice: live your life as if you’ll one day write a memoir.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran Won’t Get Nukes Hour 1 of the Friday edition of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show opens with Clay hosting solo and diving immediately into the latest updates on the rapidly evolving conflict in Iran. Clay emphasizes that despite negative media framing, developments on the ground continue to trend in favor of the United States and its allies. He breaks down President Donald Trump’s newest remarks, highlighting Trump’s assertion that the Iranian navy has been effectively destroyed and that the U.S. will not permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. The conversation turns to American public opinion, referencing new Politico polling showing strong voter support for Trump’s strikes in Iran, including overwhelming approval among Trump supporters. Clay also notes that a sizable percentage of Americans overall either support the operation or have no opinion—an unusual level of positivity for any major foreign‑policy action. Clay then explores the strategic debate over what comes next in Iran, examining the possibility of the U.S. seizing Karg Island, Iran’s critical oil‑export hub. He explains how U.S. strikes have been so precise that Iran has continued selling oil uninterrupted, even as its military leadership structure collapses. Clay notes that global oil prices have risen but remain far lower domestically than many experts predicted, undercutting fear‑based narratives about massive price spikes. The hour also addresses claims circulating in the media that Trump is being “controlled” by Israel. Clay dismantles the argument by replaying extensive historical audio clips from the 1980s showing Trump advocating nearly identical Iran policies decades before entering politics. Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest comments reinforce this point, dismissing as “fake news” the idea that Israel is dictating Trump’s decisions. What’s next in Iran? Clay widens the lens to discuss Iran’s internal repression, the morality of U.S. action, and the global stakes. He highlights the execution of a 19‑year‑old Iranian wrestling champion, the coercion of Iranian women’s soccer players whose families face hostage‑like retaliation, and the growing evidence of grassroots resistance within Iran. He underscores the moral clarity offered by Netanyahu’s reminder that “good and evil still exist,” pushing back against modern narratives portraying the U.S. as morally equivalent to its adversaries. The hour also delves into military strategy in the drone era, with Clay pondering whether modern precision‑strike capabilities could enable internal revolution without large-scale U.S. troop deployments—a stark contrast to the cost and casualties of Iraq and Afghanistan. He raises the possibility that Iran’s leadership ranks are being depleted so rapidly that only officials with secret ties to Western intelligence may eventually remain viable. Toward the end of the hour, Clay highlights Middle Eastern geopolitical shifts, noting how Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other regional powers are condemning Iran rather than supporting it, signaling Iran’s growing isolation. Clay also reads new posts from President Trump criticizing NATO nations for complaining about oil prices while refusing to help escort energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Katie Miller Katie Miller, host of The Katie Miller Show, former Trump White House official, and proud Florida Gator,  joins Clay to discuss several major stories shaping the political landscape, beginning with the nationwide TSA crisis, where unpaid TSA agents in major cities—including New York, Atlanta, and Houston—are calling out sick and causing multi‑hour airport lines. Miller sharply criticizes Democrats for refusing to fund DHS, arguing that the shutdown is driven by anti‑Trump “derangement” and harms front‑line federal workers such as TSA officers, customs agents, and even Secret Service personnel. The discussion shifts into a deep dive on AI bias, as Miller outlines the ideological leanings she sees embedded within AI platforms like Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT. She highlights how political and cultural bias can influence search results and factual outputs due to training data and developer worldviews, urging parents especially to understand how AI tools shape the information their kids consume. Both Clay and Miller praise Elon Musk’s Grok as a more “truth‑seeking” alternative in an AI market they characterize as dominated by left‑wing programmers. The conversation then pivots to Tesla Full Self-Driving, with both Clay and Miller enthusiastically describing how dramatic improvements in autonomous driving have transformed their daily routines—especially for parents juggling young kids in the car. Miller emphasizes safety statistics and explains how Tesla’s system learns from millions of real‑world driving scenarios, making it increasingly effective at navigating hazards, unpredictable drivers, and even malfunctioning traffic lights. Caller questions later in the hour prompt Clay to discuss how self‑driving handles sudden road obstacles, including animals, and why the vehicle’s real‑time camera system often reacts faster than human drivers. Remembering Chuck Norris Clay breaks the new of Chuck Norris’s passing at age 86. He honors the martial‑arts icon with audio clips reflecting his political evolution from Democrat to Republican, along with a montage of the legendary “Chuck Norris facts” that became one of the internet’s earliest viral meme phenomena. The remembrance blends humor and nostalgia, spotlighting Norris’s enduring influence on American pop culture. 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 Friday edition of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show opens with Clay hosting solo and diving immediately into the latest updates on the rapidly evolving conflict in Iran. Clay emphasizes that despite negative media framing, developments on the ground continue to trend in favor of the United States and its allies. He breaks down President Donald Trump’s newest remarks, highlighting Trump’s assertion that the Iranian navy has been effectively destroyed and that the U.S. will not permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. The conversation turns to American public opinion, referencing new Politico polling showing strong voter support for Trump’s strikes in Iran, including overwhelming approval among Trump supporters. Clay also notes that a sizable percentage of Americans overall either support the operation or have no opinion—an unusual level of positivity for any major foreign‑policy action. Clay then explores the strategic debate over what comes next in Iran, examining the possibility of the U.S. seizing Karg Island, Iran’s critical oil‑export hub. He explains how U.S. strikes have been so precise that Iran has continued selling oil uninterrupted, even as its military leadership structure collapses. Clay notes that global oil prices have risen but remain far lower domestically than many experts predicted, undercutting fear‑based narratives about massive price spikes. The hour also addresses claims circulating in the media that Trump is being “controlled” by Israel. Clay dismantles the argument by replaying extensive historical audio clips from the 1980s showing Trump advocating nearly identical Iran policies decades before entering politics. Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest comments reinforce this point, dismissing as “fake news” the idea that Israel is dictating Trump’s decisions. Clay widens the lens to discuss Iran’s internal repression, the morality of U.S. action, and the global stakes. He highlights the execution of a 19‑year‑old Iranian wrestling champion, the coercion of Iranian women’s soccer players whose families face hostage‑like retaliation, and the growing evidence of grassroots resistance within Iran. He underscores the moral clarity offered by Netanyahu’s reminder that “good and evil still exist,” pushing back against modern narratives portraying the U.S. as morally equivalent to its adversaries. The hour also delves into military strategy in the drone era, with Clay pondering whether modern precision‑strike capabilities could enable internal revolution without large-scale U.S. troop deployments—a stark contrast to the cost and casualties of Iraq and Afghanistan. He raises the possibility that Iran’s leadership ranks are being depleted so rapidly that only officials with secret ties to Western intelligence may eventually remain viable. Toward the end of the hour, Clay highlights Middle Eastern geopolitical shifts, noting how Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other regional powers are condemning Iran rather than supporting it, signaling Iran’s growing isolation. Clay also reads new posts from President Trump criticizing NATO nations for complaining about oil prices while refusing to help escort energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, the hour closes on a lighter cultural note as Clay plays jubilant student radio audio from High Point University’s NCAA Tournament upset over Wisconsin, tying in March Madness chatter and welcoming listener calls. The segment features exchanges with callers on the Iran conflict, oil policy, and broader strategic choices—underscoring the complexity of the situation and Clay’s insistence that callers “have a take” if they enter the debate. 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 & Buck Sexton Show features a fast‑paced and wide‑ranging conversation packed with politics, technology, national‑security concerns, cultural commentary, and audience interaction. The hour opens with a lively interview with Katie Miller, host of The Katie Miller Show, former Trump White House official, and proud Florida Gator. She joins Clay to discuss several major stories shaping the political landscape, beginning with the nationwide TSA crisis, where unpaid TSA agents in major cities—including New York, Atlanta, and Houston—are calling out sick and causing multi‑hour airport lines. Miller sharply criticizes Democrats for refusing to fund DHS, arguing that the shutdown is driven by anti‑Trump “derangement” and harms front‑line federal workers such as TSA officers, customs agents, and even Secret Service personnel. The discussion shifts into a deep dive on AI bias, as Miller outlines the ideological leanings she sees embedded within AI platforms like Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT. She highlights how political and cultural bias can influence search results and factual outputs due to training data and developer worldviews, urging parents especially to understand how AI tools shape the information their kids consume. Both Clay and Miller praise Elon Musk’s Grok as a more “truth‑seeking” alternative in an AI market they characterize as dominated by left‑wing programmers. The conversation then pivots to Tesla Full Self-Driving, with both Clay and Miller enthusiastically describing how dramatic improvements in autonomous driving have transformed their daily routines—especially for parents juggling young kids in the car. Miller emphasizes safety statistics and explains how Tesla’s system learns from millions of real‑world driving scenarios, making it increasingly effective at navigating hazards, unpredictable drivers, and even malfunctioning traffic lights. Caller questions later in the hour prompt Clay to discuss how self‑driving handles sudden road obstacles, including animals, and why the vehicle’s real‑time camera system often reacts faster than human drivers. Midway through the hour, Clay revisits the national TSA meltdown, taking calls from current TSA employees who describe working without pay, being threatened with AWOL penalties, and watching coworkers quit under financial pressure. Clay underscores the national‑security risk posed by understaffed checkpoints—especially amid recent terror‑related incidents in multiple U.S. cities—and argues that members of Congress should lose their own pay during funding standoffs to end shutdown theatrics. The second half of Hour 2 brings a shift in tone with the breaking news of Chuck Norris’s passing at age 86. Clay honors the martial‑arts icon with audio clips reflecting his political evolution from Democrat to Republican, along with a montage of the legendary “Chuck Norris facts” that became one of the internet’s earliest viral meme phenomena. The remembrance blends humor and nostalgia, spotlighting Norris’s enduring influence on American pop culture. The hour closes with more listener calls—including a detailed question about autonomous‑vehicle safety in rural areas—and Clay offering assurances that Tesla’s system continues improving through constant data analysis and software updates. He ends by teasing an upbeat third hour filled with positive news heading into the weekend. 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 & Buck Sexton Show wraps up the week with a fast‑moving mix of breaking news, positive national updates, in‑depth political analysis, and high‑energy March Madness reactions. Clay opens the final hour by revisiting the central foreign‑policy question dominating the news cycle: how the conflict in Iran will ultimately conclude, including whether President Donald Trump will escalate by seizing Karg Island or push NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Clay notes that oil futures have stabilized around the mid‑$90 range, undermining media predictions of severe economic fallout. Clay then unveils the “objectively great news” he promised listeners—historic drops in violent crime nationwide. Citing new reporting and publicly available data, he highlights that America hit a 125‑year low in the national murder rate last year and may break that record again in 2026. He emphasizes that Washington, D.C., often depicted as a symbol of urban crime, has seen a stunning 65% decline in murders year‑to‑date, along with major decreases in robbery, sex crimes, auto theft, property crime, and arson. Clay argues that Trump’s surge in law‑enforcement support—paired with a hard‑line anti‑crime message—has delivered dramatic results that the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge. He continues the theme with additional positive news: Memphis, Tennessee, another high‑crime city, is reporting a 25‑year low in violent crime. Clay says the numbers point to one of the most significant nationwide reductions in violent crime in U.S. history, asserting that Trump has “saved more Black lives” by cutting urban violence than any prior president. Following the upbeat crime‑data segment, Clay pivots to the NCAA Tournament, sharing real‑time reactions as his kids cheer a wild overtime finish between Santa Clara and Kentucky. The hour blends sports excitement with news commentary, creating the show’s signature mix of politics and cultural energy. Clay then highlights a surprising moment from The View, where guest cohost Sara Eisen effectively explains why Iran poses a real threat—laying out Iran’s history of terrorism, nuclear ambitions, and hostility toward the U.S.—and provides rare agreement across the political spectrum on the justification for American action. Next, Clay focuses on Senator John Fetterman’s political shift, examining new polling showing a massive drop in support among Pennsylvania Democrats. Clay suggests Fetterman now aligns more closely with Republicans on several issues and may ultimately need to switch parties or run as an independent to remain viable in 2028. The hour also features a series of listener calls, ranging from proposals to deploy ICE agents to alleviate TSA staffing shortages to debates over whether the U.S. should commit “boots on the ground” in Iran. Clay argues strongly against large‑scale troop deployments and insists Trump won’t repeat the mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan. The show returns to the ongoing TSA funding crisis, with multiple callers—TSA agents, veterans, and frequent travelers—describing the dangerously long lines, understaffing, and financial strain caused by Democrats’ shutdown of DHS pay. Clay reiterates his solution: no member of Congress should receive a paycheck during any shutdown, which he believes would immediately end Washington’s political brinkmanship. Hour 3 closes with Clay underscoring the difference between reporting on doom and acknowledging real national progress. He highlights that many of America’s biggest challenges—crime, foreign policy, and economic instability—are showing clear improvements under Trump, even if the media refuses to say so. The show ends with Clay previewing future updates and thanking listeners as the program heads into the weekend. 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.

A truck driven into a synagogue with 140 kids inside. An ISIS supporter in Virginia. Homemade bombs at a New York protest. Crime in America just hit a 125-year low. In the same period, victims of terror attacks surged 343%. Navy SEAL, CIA-trained intelligence officer, and performance coach David Rutherford breaks down what he calls "The New Threat Paradigm" — and what you need to do about it. David draws on 15+ years in special operations, Blackwater, and the Central Intelligence Agency to walk through the data, the geopolitical drivers, the recent Congressional testimony from Tulsi Gabbard, John Ratcliffe, Kash Patel, and SOCOM leadership — and gives you a personal action framework built from how operators actually assess and respond to threats. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Preview 00:52 — The Crime Paradox: Record Low Crime, Record High Terror 14:21 — Joe Kent's NCTC Testimony: 18,000 Known Terrorists in the U.S. 18:31 — Sarah Adams and the Lone Actor Threat Model 20:39 — The March 18 Intelligence Hearing: Tulsi, Ratcliffe, Patel, DIA 30:10 — The New Threat Paradigm: Lone Wolf and Small Cell Attacks 35:20 — David's Action Framework: How To Prepare 41:25 — Why This Is a New Threat Paradigm David Rutherford is a former Navy SEAL, CIA-trained operator, and championship performance coach. His show brings elite military and intelligence perspective to the decisions that shape your life. Sponsors: Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ Revival Nutrition: https://revivalnutrition.com/collections/rutherford Use promo code DAVID for 20% off 📲 Follow David: X & Instagram: @TeamFrogLogic Show: @TheDavidRutherfordShow | @DRutherfordShow Froglogic Coaching: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ #TerrorAttacks #NavySEAL #CIA #DavidRutherford #NewThreatParadigm #DomesticTerrorism #Iran #ISIS #SecondAmendment #Preparedness #JoeKent #NationalSecurity #SOCOMFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan answers listener questions on some of the biggest issues shaping American politics, elections, and the economy. Ryan breaks down the history and evolution of the Senate filibuster, including how it changed from a talking marathon to today’s “silent filibuster,” and why the 60-vote threshold continues to shape what legislation passes—or fails—in Washington. The episode also dives into the growing debate over gerrymandering, exploring whether Republicans or Democrats benefit more, how redistricting has evolved since the Tea Party wave, and what realistic solutions could end the political “arms race” over district maps. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is college still worth it—and what does it actually take to get in today? On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor shares a deeply personal look at navigating the modern college admissions process as her daughter prepares for senior year. What should be a straightforward path has become a confusing maze of test-optional policies, expensive consulting services, and growing pressure for students to showcase activism on their applications. Tudor is joined by Josh Weiner of the North American Values Institute for a powerful conversation on what’s really happening inside K–12 classrooms and universities across the country. From grade inflation and the erosion of academic standards to the rise of political ideology in education, they unpack how today’s system is reshaping both student outcomes and campus culture. The discussion dives into: The truth behind “test-optional” admissions and why standards are shifting How grade inflation is making it harder to measure real achievement The increasing role of activism in college applications Whether college is still worth the skyrocketing cost The impact of ideology and identity politics in K–12 education Concerns about antisemitism and bias in schools How parents can stay informed and take action locally Tudor and Josh also explore a bigger question: Are schools preparing students for success in the real world—or failing them at a critical moment of change driven by technology and AI? If you're a parent, student, or anyone concerned about the future of education in America, this is a must-listen episode.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, newly confirmed U.S. Drug Czar Sara Carter joins Lisa to discuss America’s escalating fight against fentanyl, cartel violence, and the global drug trade. Carter shares behind-the-scenes insight into her confirmation process and her current role leading the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Trump. She details a coordinated “whole-of-government” strategy aimed at cutting off drug supply chains, dismantling cartel networks, and saving American lives. The conversation dives deep into the takedown of cartel leader El Mencho, revealing how U.S. and Mexican forces collaborated on one of the most significant operations against organized crime in recent years—and what it signals moving forward. Carter also breaks down: How fentanyl is entering the U.S. through borders, ports, and mail systems The role of China in supplying precursor chemicals Why cartel networks are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous The connection between drug trafficking, national security, and terrorism The reported drop in fentanyl flow and overdose deaths How the administration is targeting both supply AND demand She also delivers a passionate message about unity, urging Americans to come together across political lines to combat addiction and protect future generations.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Save America Act Reaches the Senate Floor: Inside the High‑Stakes Fight for Election Integrity The latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing national debate over election integrity. After months of procedural battles, the Save America Act has officially reached the floor of the United States Senate—a development that Senator Cruz describes as both long overdue and absolutely essential to the preservation of American democracy. This episode offers an in‑depth breakdown of what the Save America Act does, why Democrats are uniformly opposing it, and what comes next as Republicans attempt to navigate Senate rules, internal divisions, and the ever‑present threat of a failed vote. At its core, the discussion centers on a fundamental question: Does voting matter enough to protect it? What the Save America Act Does—and Why It Matters As Senator Cruz explains, the Save America Act is simple, narrow, and commonsense legislation. It contains two core requirements for federal elections: Proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote Photo identification in order to cast a ballot That is the entirety of the bill. There are no complex carve‑outs, no sweeping federal overhauls, and no hidden provisions. According to Senator Cruz, the legislation is designed to ensure that only American citizens vote in American elections, thereby safeguarding both the mechanical integrity of elections and public confidence in their outcomes. The Senator emphasizes that legitimacy in a democracy rests on two pillars: a system that produces accurate results and a public that trusts those results. If either pillar collapses, the entire democratic structure is weakened. The Save America Act, he argues, reinforces both. The Senate Vote That Brought the Bill Forward The episode opens with the announcement that the Save America Act has cleared a crucial procedural hurdle. The Senate voted 51–47 to bring the bill to the floor for debate. Every Republican senator supported moving the bill forward except for one, with one additional Republican not voting. No Democrats supported the motion. This vote does not mean passage is guaranteed. Under Senate rules, final passage will require 60 votes, unless Republicans can force a so‑called talking filibuster—a strategy Senator Cruz strongly advocates and explains in detail later in the episode. A Constitutional and Historical Defense of the Right to Vote A major portion of the episode features Senator Cruz’s extended remarks delivered directly on the Senate floor. In these remarks, he situates the Save America Act within the broader arc of American history. He reminds listeners that the right to vote was secured through enormous sacrifice—from the American Revolution to the Civil War to constitutional amendments expanding suffrage. At every stage, the goal was the same: to ensure that voting was reserved for American citizens and exercised with integrity. Senator Cruz walks through the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty‑Sixth Amendments, emphasizing that expansion of the franchise has always gone hand‑in‑hand with safeguards designed to protect its legitimacy. Debunking the “Voter ID Is Jim Crow” Argument One of the most forceful segments of the episode addresses Democratic claims that voter ID requirements are discriminatory. Senator Cruz calls these claims historically inaccurate, legally unsound, and deeply insulting. He points to a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding voter ID laws, noting that the majority opinion was written by Justice John Paul Stevens, one of the Court’s most prominent liberals. The Court rejected the argument that voter ID suppresses minority turnout and found instead that minority participation often increases when voter ID laws are implemented. Senator Cruz also cites overwhelming public support for voter ID: 81% of Americans support photo ID requirements Approximately 75% of African Americans support voter ID More than 80% of Hispanics support voter ID 70% of rank‑and‑file Democrats support voter ID The only group that overwhelmingly opposes it, he notes, is elected Democrats in Congress. The Common‑Sense Case for Identification Throughout the episode, Senator Cruz underscores what he sees as a glaring inconsistency in Democratic arguments. Americans are required to show photo ID to perform countless everyday activities, including: Buying alcohol or tobacco Boarding an airplane Driving or renting a car Opening a bank account Applying for government benefits Checking into a hotel Yet, Democrats argue that requiring ID to vote is somehow unreasonable. Senator Cruz calls this position illogical and indefensible, particularly given the importance of voting compared to routine daily transactions. Illegal Immigration and Election Integrity Another central theme of the episode is the connection between election integrity and illegal immigration. Senator Cruz argues that the Biden administration’s border policies have allowed more than twelve million illegal immigrants into the United States over four years—an outcome he insists was intentional, not accidental. He contrasts this with the dramatic reduction in illegal crossings following President Trump’s return to office, asserting that executive action alone was sufficient to secure the border when there was political will to do so. According to Senator Cruz, Democratic opposition to citizenship verification and voter ID is directly tied to their desire to expand the electorate with non‑citizens. While Democrats frame their position as “defending democracy,” he argues that undermining election safeguards does the opposite. Why Democrats Are United Against the Bill The episode revisits a moment from the State of the Union address, where President Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they believed American citizens should be prioritized over illegal aliens. Senator Cruz notes that not a single Democrat stood. He argues this moment crystallizes why Democrats oppose the Save America Act: they are unwilling to draw a clear line between citizens and non‑citizens when it comes to political power. The Filibuster Strategy—and Why It May Fail A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Senate procedure and the possibility of forcing Democrats into a talking filibuster, requiring them to physically remain on the Senate floor and publicly defend their opposition. Senator Cruz recounts his own 21‑hour filibuster in 2013, explaining the physical and procedural demands of such an effort. He argues that forcing extended debate would expose the weakness of Democratic arguments and rally public support. However, he delivers a sobering reality: Republicans currently do not have the 50 senators required to sustain this strategy. Without full unity, Democrats can block the bill through standard Senate procedures. What Happens Next If nothing changes, Senator Cruz predicts that the Senate will hold a final vote later in the week. The Save America Act is expected to receive between 50 and 52 votes, falling short of the 60 required for passage. Despite this, Senator Cruz argues that fighting—and being seen fighting—is essential. Not fighting guarantees defeat, he says, while standing firm at least gives voters a reason to engage and show up. Final Takeaway: Why This Fight Matters The Save America Act is not about partisanship, but about whether the United States is willing to protect the integrity of its elections. According to Senator Cruz, if the Senate were voting purely on the merits—on what is good for democracy and good for American citizens—the bill would pass unanimously. That it does not, he argues, reveals far more about the priorities of Washington than about the will of the American people. 👉 Listen and Subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz If you haven’t already, hit Subscribe, leave a five‑star review, and share this episode with a friend. You can find Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.