The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Bonus Episode Summary

Episode: Schumer Shutdown Continues...How it will end, plus Biden Judge Gives Light Sentence to Justice Kavanaugh's attempted Murder—because the Killer is Transgender
Date: October 7, 2025
Hosts: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton
Guest/Co-host: Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson
(Note: This episode cross-features Verdict with Ted Cruz)

Overview

This episode centers on two major political controversies:

1. The ongoing “Schumer Shutdown” and how Democratic leadership is handling government closure, public perception, and likely outcomes.
2. The reduced sentencing of a transgender individual who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh—an event the hosts argue highlights the influence of “woke” ideology over law and order.

Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson guide listeners through the politics, polling, and behind-the-scenes DC drama—with irreverence, memes, and sharp opinions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Schumer Shutdown” – Inside the Capitol Drama

• Background: Day six of a government shutdown led by Democrats, according to Cruz, as an act of "petulance" by leader Chuck Schumer to placate the left-wing faction of his party.
• Republican Perspective: Republicans have voted to reopen the government; Democrats allegedly block ongoing House-passed continuing resolutions (CRs).
  • Quote: “Every day we will vote to open the government. Right now if the Democrats don’t change, every day the Democrats will vote to keep the government shut down.” (Sen. Ted Cruz, 06:21)
• No Clear Democratic Strategy: Cruz asserts Democrats lack clear demands, are incoherent on messaging, and are stuck in crisis management mode mainly to protect Schumer’s leadership position.
• Polling Data Shared:
  • CBS poll: Only 34% favorability for Democrats.
  • Top descriptors for Democratic Party: "weak" (64%), "extreme" (46%).
  • Only 27% call the party "strong."
  • Quote: “We are strong and effective. Everyone else, you know, we’re full of crap. That is the definition of a political crisis.” (Cruz, 09:51)
• Memes & Humor:
  • Trump meme mocked Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
  • Cruz’s office released a video with AI sombreros/mustaches imposed on Democratic senators (11:03–14:45).
• Senate Floor Moments:
  • Recounting Schumer claiming the “New York Times” poll was “biased”—prompting bipartisan laughter.
    • Quote: “He’s like, okay, the New York Times is a right wing biased publication. …this is why my prediction is the shutdown will end this week.” (Cruz, 17:38)
• Shutdown Effects:
  • 83% of government still functions (military, law enforcement, Social Security, etc.)
  • Impact most visible in closed Smithsonian/national parks.
• Predictions:
  • Widespread dissatisfaction among Americans; pressure is rising on Schumer.
  • Cruz predicts Democrats will cave “this week.”
    • Quote: “My prediction is this week, the Democrats give in.” (Cruz, 20:15)

Key Segment Timestamps:

• Shutdown background & political strategy (01:52–11:04)
• Poll results and meme discussion (08:51–14:56)
• Schumer's floor speech gaffe (15:55–17:38)
• Cruz’s prediction on shutdown end (15:38–20:15)

2. Judge’s Light Sentence for Kavanaugh’s Attempted Assassin

• Case Recap:
  • In 2022, Nicholas Roske (trans-identified) traveled armed to Justice Kavanaugh's home, plotting to kill up to three justices.
  • DOJ sought a 30-year sentence; Judge Deborah Boardman (Biden appointee) lowered it to 8 years.
• Judicial Reasoning:
  • Judge considered Roske’s transgender status, difficult family dynamics, and likely hardships in male prison as justification for leniency.
  • Quote (Judge Boardman): "Any prison time is punishment for her. The length doesn’t need to be particularly long. Unduly harsh conditions make a difference, too." (Cruz quoting judge, 32:40)
• Hosts’ Reaction:
  • Cruz and Ferguson express outrage, calling it evidence of “woke politics” overruling justice and a threat to law and order.
    • Quote: “I have to admit, this story makes me incredibly angry. …I was literally yelling out loud as I was reading my phone.” (Cruz, 26:43)
  • Cruz relays the personal impact: friendship with Kavanaugh and his family’s trauma; criticism of lack of DOJ action against illegal protests at justices' homes.
• Impeachment of Judges:
  • Cruz calls for considering impeachment of Judge Boardman for failure to uphold law.
    • Quote: “I would urge the House of Representatives take up impeachment and I would love to have a trial in the Senate. Do we want judges who refuse to enforce the criminal law for psychopathic murderers…?” (Cruz, 36:24)
• Broader Trends:
  • Hosts argue the public is tired of Democrats being soft on crime and prioritizing ideology over victim rights.

Key Segment Timestamps:

• Introduction to Kavanaugh case outrage (26:00–26:43)
• Case details and sentence justification (26:43–34:06)
• Impeachment mechanics and arguments (34:06–36:24)
• Public desire for law and order (36:25–37:32)

Memorable Quotes

• Cruz on Democratic Messaging: “We are strong and effective. Everyone else, you know, we’re full of crap. That is the definition of a political crisis.” (09:51)
• On Schumer’s “biased” poll response: “He’s like, okay, the New York Times is a right wing biased publication. …this is why my prediction is the shutdown will end this week.” (17:38)
• On the Kavanaugh sentence: “I am heartened that this terrible infraction has helped the Rosky family accept their daughter, by which she means Nicholas Roski, for who she is.” (Quoting Judge Boardman, 31:20)
• Cruz’s call for accountability: “Do we want judges who refuse to enforce the criminal law for psychopathic murderers who are trying to murder Supreme Court justices? I think the obvious answer is no.” (36:24)

Additional Highlights

• Meme Culture: The use of humor and AI to lampoon political adversaries is highlighted as an effective communication tool for GOP messaging.
• Inside Baseball: The anxieties among Senate Democrats and how Schumer navigates pressures from both moderate and radical wings.
• Public Engagement: Cruz and Ferguson note that for many Americans, the shutdown is invisible—government closure affects surprisingly few in daily life—which further undermines Democratic leverage.
• Contrast in Crime Response: The hosts stress a perceived gulf between “woke” federal justice and popular demand for tough sentencing.

Conclusion

Main Takeaways:

• Cruz and Ferguson paint the government shutdown as a self-inflicted Democratic blunder, likely to end soon with Democratic capitulation.
• They frame the Kavanaugh case sentencing as evidence of “woke” politics taking priority over justice, calling for major judicial accountability.
• The episode is both combative and humorous, blending raucous political memes with sharp-edged critique.

For listeners: If you haven’t caught the episode, this conversation threads Capitol Hill strategy, internet humor, judicial outrage, and the battle over public opinion, all in the duo’s signature irreverent style.