Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Episode: Buck Brief - Trump's Old Nemesis Done For or Coming Back? Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the evolving political landscape in California, focusing primarily on Kamala Harris's potential bid for the governorship, the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom, the decline of California's film industry, and the shifting sentiments within the Latino community post the recent Trump election. The conversation features insights from Elizabeth Bark Ohana, a California GOP delegate, providing a Republican perspective on these pressing issues.

Kamala Harris: Governor Nominee or Political Relic?

[03:00] Clay Travis initiates the discussion by addressing rumors about Kamala Harris possibly running for Governor of California. He humorously speculates that if Harris fails in her presidential ambitions, she might end up in a less influential position, such as a provost at a University of California school.

[03:30] Elizabeth Bark Ohana expresses skepticism about Harris's political future, stating, "There is talk of her running for governor of California... but you know that doing stupid stuff hasn't stopped them before." Ohana highlights Harris's previous electoral struggles, noting her narrow victory in the Attorney General race and her lack of strong performance in statewide elections.

[05:22] Clay Travis questions whether Governor Newsom would support Harris's potential gubernatorial run, pondering if such a move could set her up for another presidential campaign.

[05:52] Elizabeth Bark Ohana responds by discussing internal Democratic dynamics, mentioning that while some Democrats like Javier Becerra and Katie Porter might support Harris, the field remains crowded and competitive on both sides.

Governor Gavin Newsom's Administration and California's Governance

[07:55] Clay Travis shifts focus to Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, criticizing his governance and its impact on California's key industries.

[09:12] Elizabeth Bark Ohana elaborates on the challenges facing California, particularly the migration of the film industry out of the state due to high costs and unfavorable policies. She attributes these issues to long-standing Democratic priorities that overlook the needs of industries crucial to California's economy.

[11:25] Clay Travis references a podcast with actors discussing the high costs of filming in Hollywood compared to places like Budapest, underscoring the detrimental policies of the California administration.

[13:48] Elizabeth Bark Ohana provides details on the aftermath of the Palisades fire, highlighting the slow rebuilding process and the lack of effective action from Governor Newsom. She criticizes the administration for not addressing systemic issues such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Commission, which impede timely reconstruction efforts.

The Decline of California's Film Industry

[09:12] Clay Travis brings attention to the exodus of the film industry from California, citing high production costs and unfavorable policies as primary reasons.

[10:27] Elizabeth Bark Ohana explains that while wealthy elites and major producers are less affected, the backbone of the industry—the crews and behind-the-scenes workers—are being pushed out of state. She points to the loss of jobs in costume design, set building, and other essential roles due to tax incentives offered by other states and countries.

[12:36] Clay Travis connects the decline to broader economic mismanagement, mentioning the lack of media coverage on the slow rebuilding after wildfires and criticizing Newsom's promises of streamlined permitting, which have not materialized.

Wildfires and the Rebuilding Effort

[13:48] Elizabeth Bark Ohana discusses the ongoing challenges in rebuilding after the Palisades fire, noting the inadequate water reservoirs and the sluggish permit approval process. She mentions efforts by local figures like Rick Caruso to expedite reconstruction through technological solutions but emphasizes that significant bureaucratic hurdles remain.

[15:02] Clay Travis questions whether Newsom has effectively streamlined bureaucracy or alleviated the influence of restrictive bodies like the Coastal Commission.

[15:10] Elizabeth Bark Ohana asserts that Newsom has made no substantial progress in these areas, criticizing the administration for failing to implement necessary reforms that would facilitate faster and more efficient rebuilding.

Latino Voters: Shifting Allegiances Post-Trump Election

[16:00] Clay Travis introduces the topic of Latino voters' support for Trump in the recent election, prompting a discussion on the factors influencing this shift.

[17:12] Elizabeth Bark Ohana attributes the Latino community's support for Trump to dissatisfaction with Democratic policies. She argues that the Democratic Party's focus on portraying negative stereotypes and prioritizing welfare for undocumented immigrants has alienated Latino voters. Ohana states, "the Hispanic community thinks of them as these downtrodden gangsters that they need to protect in America."

She further explains that policies like extending medical welfare to illegal immigrants have strained public resources, leading to economic burdens and overcrowded schools. These issues, according to Ohana, have made conservative values—such as family emphasis and religious beliefs—more appealing to the Latino community.

[20:01] Clay Travis wraps up the discussion by expressing appreciation for Ohana's insights, underscoring the significance of Latino voters in the political realignment observed in California.

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political and economic challenges in California, emphasizing the potential rise of Kamala Harris within the state's political hierarchy, the administrative shortcomings of Governor Gavin Newsom, the declining fortunes of the once-thriving film industry, and the shifting political loyalties among Latino voters. Elizabeth Bark Ohana's perspectives offer a critical Republican viewpoint on Democratic governance and its impact on key Californian sectors and communities.

Notable Quotes

• Elizabeth Bark Ohana [04:06]: "Kamala Harris, yes. There is talk of her running for governor of California. Gavin Newsom is termed out in 2026, as if California governorship is some consolation prize for losing the presidency in 2024."

• Elizabeth Bark Ohana [05:52]: "When he ran for governor, he ran against Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles. And that's where the Silicon Valley, the San Francisco, the Bay Area interest, the tech interest really took over in terms of economic policy and focus of the Democrat Party to Southern California's detriment."

• Elizabeth Bark Ohana [17:12]: "The Hispanic community thinks of them as these downtrodden gangsters that they need to protect in America and their rights... open border has done to their communities. It has made all communities in America less safe."

Implications and Future Outlook

The discussions in this episode highlight significant shifts in California's political and economic landscape. The potential candidacy of Kamala Harris for governor could reshape Democratic strategies in the state, while Governor Newsom's administration faces increasing scrutiny over its management of key industries and disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, the realignment of Latino voters towards conservative candidates like Trump suggests a pivotal change in electoral dynamics that could influence future statewide and national elections.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed on these developments, as the outcomes will have profound implications not only for California but also for the broader national political arena.