It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind the Democratic Wave: Why Republicans Struggled in Key 2025 Elections

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Ryan Girdusky to unpack the latest election results and what they mean for the future of the Republican Party. They examine why GOP voter turnout continues to lag, how Democrats are capitalizing on enthusiasm and economic concerns, and what Republicans must do to rebound before the 2026 elections. The conversation dives into the rise of progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani, growing fractures within the GOP, and the urgent need for stronger messaging, better candidates, and energized grassroots action to counter Democrat momentum heading into the next cycle. The Truth with Lisa Boothe is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. Check out Ryan's Podcast HEREFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Traffic Out-of-Control A deep dive into the aftermath of the recent elections, highlighting Republican challenges in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. Clay and Buck analyze what these results mean for the GOP moving forward and stress that Donald Trump remains President, with Republicans holding majorities in Congress. They discuss the booming economy alongside persistent inflation and affordability issues, noting how Biden-era price hikes continue to impact Americans. A major focus of this hour is the ongoing government shutdown and its ripple effects on air travel. The hosts break down Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s announcement of a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major markets, citing outdated air traffic control systems and staffing shortages. They emphasize the critical role of air traffic controllers and warn of growing public frustration as travel disruptions mount. Reagan's Warning Updates on the FAA’s plan to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports amid the ongoing government shutdown, with reports that the Trump administration may impose an additional 4% reduction in flights. Clay and Buck warn that these disruptions could peak during Thanksgiving travel, historically one of the busiest travel periods, and predict that mounting frustration among travelers may pressure Washington to resolve the shutdown quickly. The discussion then pivots to cultural commentary, including a nostalgic look at Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, highlighting how its humor and themes would never pass today’s Hollywood standards. From there, the hosts analyze the New York City mayoral election, focusing on Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech, which starkly contrasts Ronald Reagan’s famous warning about government overreach. Mamdani’s pledge that “no problem is too large for government to solve” sparks debate about progressive governance and its impact on New York’s budget, especially given that 1% of residents pay 50% of city taxes. Buck predicts that Mamdani’s policies will accelerate financial strain and potentially drive out high earners. Nonsensical Women Katie Miller, host of the Katie Miller Podcast, joins Clay and Buck for a candid conversation about the New York City mayoral election, progressive politics, and cultural contradictions. Katie critiques Gen Z voters and liberal women for supporting candidates who oppose their stated ideals, such as women’s rights, while embracing policies like open borders that lead to rising crime. She warns that America is trending toward the UK’s failed immigration model and calls out the hypocrisy of progressive movements like “Trans Rights for Gaza.” The discussion shifts to gender politics and women’s sports, spotlighting a shocking story from the National Women’s Soccer League, where a player was vilified for saying women’s soccer should be for women. Katie argues that liberal white women are undermining women’s rights to virtue signal, while magazines like Glamour glorify biological men as women. The hosts also touch on cultural flashpoints, including Sidney Sweeney’s refusal to apologize for a controversial ad, and debate why society shames traditional femininity while celebrating woke narratives. Katie then addresses the broader cultural battle: encouraging young women to value motherhood and family as much as careers. She argues that Republicans fail to promote the importance of raising children and building strong marriages, noting that societal praise for workplace success overshadows the critical role of stay-at-home moms. Her message: being a mom is a “civilization-building” career that deserves equal respect. The conversation turns political with outrage over Virginia electing Jay Jones as Attorney General, despite his violent rhetoric wishing harm on political opponents. Katie calls this a dangerous sign of partisanship eclipsing basic decency, warning that Republicans face growing hostility in blue states. What Do YOU Think? Clay and Buck then pivot to breaking news on the government shutdown’s impact on air travel, sharing Clay’s email from Delta about flight reductions at 40 major airports and United’s preemptive cancellations. They urge listeners to prepare for holiday travel chaos as staffing shortages hit air traffic control.  Economic concerns dominate the latter half of the hour. A podcast listener challenges Trump to focus on fixing inflation rather than blaming Democrats. Clay and Buck explain why inflation is “embedded” and compare today’s struggles to the Reagan era post-Carter. They predict economic recovery by mid-2026 but stress that prices won’t return to 2019 levels.  The hosts also explore structural challenges for younger generations, including skyrocketing housing costs, student debt, and diminishing value of college degrees. They play remarks from Palantir CEO Alex Karp, who notes that skilled trades now outpace Ivy League degrees in economic value—a trend accelerated by AI and automation. 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 kicks off with a deep dive into the aftermath of the recent elections, highlighting Republican challenges in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. Clay and Buck analyze what these results mean for the GOP moving forward and stress that Donald Trump remains President, with Republicans holding majorities in Congress. They discuss the booming economy alongside persistent inflation and affordability issues, noting how Biden-era price hikes continue to impact Americans. A major focus of this hour is the ongoing government shutdown and its ripple effects on air travel. The hosts break down Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s announcement of a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major markets, citing outdated air traffic control systems and staffing shortages. They emphasize the critical role of air traffic controllers and warn of growing public frustration as travel disruptions mount. The conversation shifts to Trump’s push to end the Senate filibuster, with audio of Trump urging Republicans to eliminate it to advance “common sense” policies. Clay and Buck debate the long-term consequences, including potential Democratic moves like granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., or expanding the Supreme Court. They argue that while ending the filibuster could offer short-term wins, it risks permanent structural changes favoring Democrats. Election analysis continues with a look at turnout problems for Republicans in off-year races. The hosts note that 600,000 Trump voters failed to show up in Virginia and New Jersey, exploring why GOP enthusiasm dips outside presidential contests. Clay uses a sports analogy to explain how Trump mobilizes voters for “big games” like presidential elections, while Democrats maintain consistent turnout for every race. They also discuss cultural dynamics around Trump’s movement compared to past GOP candidates. Adding a lighter moment, the hour features a quirky listener love connection sparked by a viral comment about repealing the 19th Amendment. Allison from Los Angeles and V from Raleigh exchange messages, blending humor with political commentary on women’s voting rights and the filibuster. 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 dives into breaking news and sharp political analysis. The hour opens with updates on the FAA’s plan to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports amid the ongoing government shutdown, with reports that the Trump administration may impose an additional 4% reduction in flights. Clay and Buck warn that these disruptions could peak during Thanksgiving travel, historically one of the busiest travel periods, and predict that mounting frustration among travelers may pressure Washington to resolve the shutdown quickly. The discussion then pivots to cultural commentary, including a nostalgic look at Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, highlighting how its humor and themes would never pass today’s Hollywood standards. From there, the hosts analyze the New York City mayoral election, focusing on Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech, which starkly contrasts Ronald Reagan’s famous warning about government overreach. Mamdani’s pledge that “no problem is too large for government to solve” sparks debate about progressive governance and its impact on New York’s budget, especially given that 1% of residents pay 50% of city taxes. Buck predicts that Mamdani’s policies will accelerate financial strain and potentially drive out high earners. The hour also examines Mamdani’s framing of his win as a battle against Donald Trump, with rhetoric about “terrifying a despot” and dismantling conditions that enabled Trump’s rise. Clay and Buck argue this narrative is fantasy and note the pattern of progressive mayors failing in major cities like Portland, San Francisco, and Chicago. They also spotlight Chuck Schumer’s evasiveness when asked about his vote and speculate on AOC’s future presidential ambitions, suggesting she represents the Democratic Party’s radical vanguard. Listeners join the conversation with calls and talkbacks, including sharp critiques of the GOP’s inability to deliver on promises compared to Trump’s record, and a viral thread on repealing the 19th Amendment that continues to stir debate. The hosts stress that these sentiments are listener-driven, not their own, while joking about potential headlines misrepresenting their stance. Political commentary intensifies with reactions to Sonny Hostin’s remarks on The View, where she advocates for Democrats to “go lower” in redistricting battles, signaling an aggressive strategy for future elections. Clay and Buck dissect the hypocrisy of Democrats condemning GOP tactics while embracing similar moves themselves. Bernie Sanders also weighs in, blaming Republicans for rising healthcare costs, which the hosts counter by pointing to Obamacare’s failures. Senator Ted Cruz calls the election results a “disaster,” labeling Mamdani a “full-on communist,” while Clay and Buck caution against overstating the significance of off-year losses, emphasizing Trump’s historic win in 2024 as the defining political moment. Hour 2 blends shutdown fallout, progressive policy critiques, election analysis, and cultural flashpoints, making it essential listening for anyone tracking conservative perspectives on current events and the future of American politics. 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 delivers a dynamic mix of cultural commentary, political analysis, and listener engagement. The hour kicks off with Katie Miller, host of the Katie Miller Podcast, joining Clay and Buck for a candid conversation about the New York City mayoral election, progressive politics, and cultural contradictions. Katie critiques Gen Z voters and liberal women for supporting candidates who oppose their stated ideals, such as women’s rights, while embracing policies like open borders that lead to rising crime. She warns that America is trending toward the UK’s failed immigration model and calls out the hypocrisy of progressive movements like “Trans Rights for Gaza.” The discussion shifts to gender politics and women’s sports, spotlighting a shocking story from the National Women’s Soccer League, where a player was vilified for saying women’s soccer should be for women. Katie argues that liberal white women are undermining women’s rights to virtue signal, while magazines like Glamour glorify biological men as women. The hosts also touch on cultural flashpoints, including Sidney Sweeney’s refusal to apologize for a controversial ad, and debate why society shames traditional femininity while celebrating woke narratives. Katie then addresses the broader cultural battle: encouraging young women to value motherhood and family as much as careers. She argues that Republicans fail to promote the importance of raising children and building strong marriages, noting that societal praise for workplace success overshadows the critical role of stay-at-home moms. Her message: being a mom is a “civilization-building” career that deserves equal respect. The conversation turns political with outrage over Virginia electing Jay Jones as Attorney General, despite his violent rhetoric wishing harm on political opponents. Katie calls this a dangerous sign of partisanship eclipsing basic decency, warning that Republicans face growing hostility in blue states. Clay and Buck then pivot to breaking news on the government shutdown’s impact on air travel, sharing Clay’s email from Delta about flight reductions at 40 major airports and United’s preemptive cancellations. They urge listeners to prepare for holiday travel chaos as staffing shortages hit air traffic control. Economic concerns dominate the latter half of the hour. A podcast listener challenges Trump to focus on fixing inflation rather than blaming Democrats. Clay and Buck explain why inflation is “embedded” and compare today’s struggles to the Reagan era post-Carter. They predict economic recovery by mid-2026 but stress that prices won’t return to 2019 levels. The hosts also explore structural challenges for younger generations, including skyrocketing housing costs, student debt, and diminishing value of college degrees. They play remarks from Palantir CEO Alex Karp, who notes that skilled trades now outpace Ivy League degrees in economic value—a trend accelerated by AI and automation. The hour closes with rapid-fire listener calls on topics like diesel fuel’s role in the economy, eliminating the filibuster, and even a lighthearted proposal for a Clay & Buck dating platform. Clay and Buck wrap up with humor, sports talk, and a reminder to tune in for Friday’s show. 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.

From Trump’s new China trade deal to radioactive shrimp recalls, Chef Andrew and Lauren break down what’s happening behind the headlines, and how it all hits your dinner table. They also dish on Cracker Barrel’s viral comeback, ant yogurt gone too far, and their favorite sheet-pan cooking hacks for busy nights. Subscribe now for food, freedom, and the real stories behind what’s on your plate!Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky, Ryan breaks down the numbers behind the Democratic wave sweeping recent U.S. elections. He and data analyst, Zachary Donnini dive into low Republican turnout, high Democratic engagement, and changing voter demographics in battleground states like Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City. They explore how candidate quality, party loyalty, and the rise of the progressive left shaped the outcomes, while analyzing the economic and immigration issues challenging the GOP. It's a Numbers Game is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Monday & Thursday. Follow Zacharay on X Email Ryan Your QuestionsFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest election results and what they reveal about the shifting political landscape. From Republican disappointments to surprising Democratic victories in key states like New York, they explore what these outcomes mean for future elections and the GOP’s ongoing struggle to connect with diverse voter groups. They also examine the growing influence of political extremism on both sides—and close with a surprising cultural twist: Nicki Minaj’s outspoken advocacy for persecuted Christians. Normally is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. Email the Show  Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Karol sits down with acclaimed writer Joel Engel, author of nearly 40 non-fiction books, to explore his remarkable career and deep reflections on today’s cultural climate. Engel discusses the power of storytelling, his personal experiences confronting anti-Semitism, and what modern society often gets wrong about empathy and accountability. He also shares practical wisdom on journaling, managing expectations, and finding meaning in everyday interactions. The Karol Markowicz Show is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday.  Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Last Night Clay and Buck break down the major political headlines following a pivotal election night. The discussion opens with Zohran Mamdani’s historic win in New York City, where he captured just over 50% of the vote in one of the city’s highest-turnout elections in decades. The hosts analyze why Mamdani’s campaign resonated, citing his energy, entertainment factor, and ability to mobilize younger voters and recent arrivals to the city. They highlight demographic trends, including Mamdani’s overwhelming support among Black voters and strong backing from millennials, Hispanics, and Asians. The conversation then shifts to Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing the GOP’s turnout problem. Clay points out that 600,000 Trump voters stayed home in these states compared to the 2024 presidential election, raising alarms for 2026 and 2028. Buck underscores that while these were tough races in blue-leaning states, Republicans must address enthusiasm gaps when Trump isn’t on the ballot. From Nazi to King? Clay and Buck dive deeper into the fallout from the latest election results in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, analyzing what the outcomes reveal about voter behavior and party strategies. They emphasize that while the night wasn’t catastrophic for Republicans, it exposed a critical weakness: Trump voters don’t turn out when Trump isn’t on the ballot. They cite data showing 600,000 fewer GOP voters in Virginia and New Jersey compared to 2024, underscoring the challenge for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race. The hosts dissect Democratic messaging, noting how slogans like “No Kings” and anti-Trump rhetoric continue to energize the left, even in off-year elections. They argue that Democrats successfully frame elections as a referendum on Trump rather than policy, mobilizing their base with emotional appeals rather than substantive governance plans. Clay and Buck contrast this with Republican struggles to motivate turnout, stressing the need for a strategy that extends beyond Trump’s personal magnetism. Let That Sink In  The Virginia Attorney General race, where Democrat Jay Jones won despite leaked texts revealing he wished death on political opponents’ children and vowed to piss on their graves. The hosts express outrage that nearly half of voters dismissed these comments as non-disqualifying, calling the result a troubling sign of partisan loyalty overriding basic standards of decency. They warn that this reflects a broader cultural shift where Democrats prioritize party allegiance over character, even for top law enforcement positions.  Clay and Buck also touch on healthcare costs and the broken insurance system, criticizing Obamacare and the Supreme Court decision that enabled taxing inactivity. They highlight skyrocketing premiums and lack of transparency as systemic failures, while briefly mentioning Trump’s ongoing legal battles over tariff authority.   Professor Clay Nerds Out Examining California’s Proposition 50, which could give Democrats 4–5 new congressional seats through redistricting, offsetting GOP gains in Texas. Clay and Buck argue that Republicans must focus on swing districts Trump won by less than five points and invest heavily in mobilization strategies to maintain control of Congress.A major legal topic dominates the latter half: the Supreme Court review of Trump’s tariff authority. The hosts explain that Trump relied on a 1970s emergency statute to impose tariffs, citing crises like fentanyl and trade deficits. If the Court rules against him, it could invalidate hundreds of billions in tariff revenue and spark a constitutional showdown over separation of powers. Clay and Buck explore historical context, noting tariffs were America’s original revenue source before the income tax, and debate whether refunds would be required if the tariffs are struck down. The discussion expands into tax policy and government overreach, with fiery commentary on property taxes, Social Security’s sustainability, and the welfare state. Listeners call in with sharp takes, including a historical breakdown of tariffs and a controversial claim about women’s voting rights that sparks a lively close to the show. Clay and Buck end by emphasizing how hate-driven politics and envy-based messaging dominate Democratic strategy, while Republicans must counter with economic solutions and cultural engagement. 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.