It's a Numbers Game: The Biggest Political Winners, Losers & What’s Coming Next in 2026

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Claire Potter and Tom Rogan to break down the past year in politics—calling out the biggest winners and losers, the defining moments that shaped the national conversation, and the leaders who captured (or lost) public attention. They dig into the power of political charisma, which tactics actually worked, and which media stories were blown out of proportion. The trio also spotlights topics that went under the radar but will matter in the long run. The episode wraps with forward-looking predictions on the future of politics, including the rising push for AI regulation, new social media legislation, and how these changes could reshape campaigns, public opinion, and elections in 2026 and beyond. Follow Claire Potter's Work HERE Follow Tom Rogan's Work HEREFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of today’s Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, guest-hosted by John Kobylt from KFI Los Angeles, delivers an unfiltered deep dive into California’s ongoing crisis and the political future of Governor Gavin Newsom, who is widely viewed as the leading Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race. Kobylt paints a vivid picture of California’s decline, describing how once-idyllic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Monica have become plagued by homelessness, rampant drug addiction, and untreated mental illness. He explains how Newsom’s “Housing First” policy has failed, pouring billions into housing projects without addressing root causes like addiction and psychiatric care, while corruption siphons off much of the funding. Kobylt also highlights California’s one-party rule, noting decades of Democratic dominance and the absence of meaningful opposition, which has led to unchecked policies and severe COVID lockdowns. He warns listeners about Newsom’s character, illustrating his tendency to lie and shift narratives through a detailed account of the Palisades Fire disaster. Kobylt recounts how Newsom falsely claimed to be on the phone with President Joe Biden during a confrontation with a distraught mother, later changing his story multiple times. The segment exposes further mismanagement, including state interference that allowed a small fire to reignite into a massive blaze—all to protect an endangered plant species—resulting in thousands of homes destroyed. The hour closes with Kobylt’s personal experience during the fire, describing a complete breakdown of public services that forced residents to hire armed security for protection. He underscores California’s skyrocketing gas prices—averaging $4.29 per gallon compared to $2.23 in Oklahoma—driven by climate-change-driven tax policies that disproportionately hurt working families. Kobylt promises more revelations in Hour 2, including an interview with Katie Grimes of California Globe to discuss Newsom’s national ambitions and the systemic corruption behind California’s decline. Key Topics Covered in Hour 1: • Gavin Newsom’s rise as the top Democratic candidate for 2028 • California’s homelessness crisis and failed “Housing First” policy • Rampant drug addiction and untreated mental illness in major cities • One-party rule and lack of accountability in California politics • The Palisades Fire scandal: lies, mismanagement, and environmental policy failures • Personal account of lawlessness and survival during the fire • California’s highest-in-the-nation gas prices and climate tax burdens This hour is a must-listen for anyone tracking Gavin Newsom’s political trajectory, California’s progressive policies, and their real-world consequences.   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 and 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 dives deep into California politics and the national implications of Governor Gavin Newsom’s record as he positions himself as a leading Democratic presidential contender. Guest host John Kobylt from KFI Los Angeles warns listeners about Newsom’s policies and their disastrous impact on California. Joining the conversation is veteran journalist Katy Grimes from CaliforniaGlobe.com, who has chronicled Newsom’s tenure for years. This hour exposes massive government waste and corruption scandals, including: Billions lost in homelessness programs: At least $24–$37 billion vanished into nonprofits and NGOs with little accountability, while homelessness worsened. High-speed rail boondoggle: A project sold to voters as a $33 billion statewide bullet train now sits unfinished after 18 years and $17 billion spent—with no track laid and costs projected to soar past $130 billion. COVID-era unemployment fraud: Over $32 billion in taxpayer money was stolen through lax oversight, with funds even reaching death row inmates and overseas scammers. Former California labor chief Julie Su, tied to the scandal, later became Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary. Failed progressive mandates: Newsom’s electric vehicle mandate and climate-change-driven gas taxes have driven fuel prices sky-high (averaging $4.29 in California vs. $1.93 in Oklahoma), while the state lacks the infrastructure to support EV adoption. Katy Grimes also highlights California’s Democratic supermajority, media complicity, and why Newsom has never faced tough scrutiny at home—something that will change on the national stage. The discussion revisits his debate meltdown against Ron DeSantis, predicting similar outcomes if he faces GOP contenders like JD Vance or Marco Rubio. Listeners also hear personal stories illustrating California’s decline: skyrocketing crime, homelessness, and quality-of-life deterioration driving residents to flee the state. John Kobylt underscores how progressive policies have “disemboweled” California, turning paradise into chaos. Key SEO topics covered in Hour 2: Gavin Newsom presidential ambitions, California homelessness crisis, high-speed rail failure, unemployment fraud scandal, Julie Su controversy, electric car mandate, climate tax impact on gas prices, progressive policy failures, California exodus, Ron DeSantis vs. Newsom 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 and 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/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 dives into explosive revelations surrounding a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota, where billions in taxpayer dollars were allegedly siphoned through fake nonprofits and childcare centers. Guest host John Kobylt from KFI Radio leads the discussion, joined by Joe Khalil of NewsNation, who provides the latest updates on the viral investigation that has captured national attention. A 42-minute video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, now surpassing 116 million views, exposed empty daycare facilities that received millions in state and federal funds—raising serious questions about oversight under Governor Tim Walz. The conversation highlights ongoing probes by the Minnesota legislature, the House Oversight Committee, and even DHS, which has launched door-to-door searches at suspected fraud sites. Beyond Minnesota, John shifts focus to California’s deepening crises under Governor Gavin Newsom. He outlines shocking statistics: California leads the nation in inflation, unemployment, homelessness, and tax burdens, including the highest income, gas, and sales taxes. Despite record spending, the state suffers from crumbling infrastructure, underperforming schools, and depleted public safety resources—issues compounded by sanctuary policies and billions spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants. John warns these policies could become a national flashpoint as Newsom positions himself for higher office, contrasting them with President Trump’s decisive border actions. The hour closes with a fiery critique of California’s proposed wealth tax targeting billionaires, which John argues would accelerate the exodus of high earners and devastate state revenue. He challenges progressive narratives demonizing innovators like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, emphasizing the economic consequences of punitive taxation. Key Topics Covered in Hour 3: • Minnesota daycare fraud scandal and Somali nonprofit schemes • Viral Nick Shirley investigation and its political fallout • DHS enforcement actions and congressional oversight • California’s economic decline: taxes, homelessness, and infrastructure failures • Illegal immigration costs and sanctuary state policies • Gavin Newsom’s healthcare spending and budget deficit • Proposed wealth tax and its impact on California’s future • Broader implications for national politics under President Trump’s administration   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 and 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.

📍America is being reshaped by global economic warfare. In this explosive episode, economist Bryce Gill joins David Rutherford to expose what’s really happening behind the headlines: China’s quiet expansion into South America, Europe’s push toward war, Venezuela’s return to geopolitical conflict, the collapse of the middle class, and the growing domination of the U.S. economy by retired asset owners. They also dive into the looming AI bubble, the hidden cost of globalization, and why younger generations are being priced out of life itself. This is the economic battlefield briefing every American needs to hear. Timestamps: 00:00 - Venezuela Truth & The Monroe Doctrine 2.0 14:29 - How South America Affects US Economy 22:09 - EU Prepares For War 34:25 - US Gave Away Assets To Foreign Countries? 39:21 - Is Trump’s Economic Plan Working? 49:32 - Boomer Spending & US Affordability 53:44 - 2026 Recession Risk & How To Prepare Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, 101-year-old World War II veteran Irving Locker recounts his extraordinary journey from the beaches of D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. He reflects on the trauma of war, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the courage required to fight for freedom. With wisdom, humor, and unwavering faith, Irving shares why remembering history matters—and how optimism, gratitude, and sacrifice shaped the greatest generation. This powerful conversation inspires listeners to cherish liberty and honor the heroes who preserved it.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No more pennies for your thoughts. Clay and Buck debate getting rid of coins. Big Penny is coming for Clay. Woman tells an incredible story about how she saved 35 jars of pennies to divorce her husband. Clay owes Hannity on several bets. 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.

The best of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Hour 1. 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.

The best of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Hour 2. 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.

The best of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Hour 3. 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.