The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

C&B Deep Dive – Socialism 101

Date: November 1, 2025
Podcast Host: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this special “Deep Dive” episode, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, joined by guest Curtis Sliwa (Republican NYC mayoral candidate), dissect the recent surge of left-wing populism and socialist policies taking over New York City politics, using the candidacy of Zoran Mamdani as a case study. The hosts critically assess the economic and social proposals being advanced, draw historical parallels, and discuss the consequences for city life, governance, and broader political trends. With a mix of sharp debate, humorous banter, and trenchant analysis, the episode offers a pointed critique of “socialist 101” dogma and its real-world ramifications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of Left-Wing Populism: Zoran Mamdani and the New York Mayor’s Race

• Main Theme: The left is moving away from “race communism” and back toward classic class warfare.

• Mamdani’s Viral Moments: The hosts play and critique key soundbites from Mamdani's campaign and discuss broader implications of his rhetoric and the political energy it represents (01:15–03:23).

  • Clay: Criticizes Mamdani’s focus on post-9/11 Islamophobia, arguing the U.S. demonstrated exemplary tolerance.

    “The American tolerance after 9/11 is actually a shining example of how decent and reasonable the American people are in my opinion.” —Clay (03:10)

• Buck: Explains why identity-based arguments aren't legitimate substitutes for policy substance.

  “Claiming that someone is opposed to you because of your identity is not actually an argument for or against anything.” —Buck (03:23)

2. Populist Rhetoric & Economic Populism

• “Tax the Rich” Chant: The candidates turn class jealousy into policy, fueling calls for higher taxes and redistribution (07:40–08:23).

  • Clay: Sarcastically notes the exodus of high earners:

    “High earners who are like, hey Buck, how’s South Florida?” (08:02)

• Buck: Urges high earners to consider low-tax states, suggesting NYC is no longer worth the premium.

3. Policy Proposals under Fire

Free Buses and Public Transit

• Mamdani’s Claim: Removing fares makes buses safer.
  • Hosts’ Response: This will increase crime and turn buses into “mobile homeless shelters.”

    “This is lunacy from this guy. Lunacy.” —Clay (11:38)
    “Making all public transportation buses... free is going to do: decrease safety and increase dirty.” —Buck (12:09)

Rent Control & Housing

• Buck: Explains basic supply-and-demand economics, critiquing rent control and price controls, drawing parallels to Venezuela’s economic collapse (14:28–17:14).
  • Quote:

    “Freezing rent is actually the most destructive thing you could do if you believe you have major issues with rent in the city.” —Buck (14:28)

  • Notes vast construction costs are regulatory (often 40% or more), and strict building codes worsen the housing crunch.
  • Example: Venezuela destroyed its economy through price controls.

Government-Owned Grocery Stores

• Clay: Derides suggestion of government-run supermarkets, citing failed historical examples from the Soviet Union and Cuba, and explains why grocery stores are a low-margin, high-complexity business (23:09–26:24).
  • Quote:

    “It is one of the dumbest arguments I’ve ever heard from a politician that they’re going to make groceries more affordable by getting the government in the grocery business.” —Clay (25:14)

Central Planning and Regulatory Burden

• Buck: Laments how city planning, anti-car measures, and central economic policies increase costs for everyone—especially working-class businesses and consumers.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Norm Macdonald Reference: Commenting on post-terror-attack narratives:

  “Just imagine if America got hit with a nuclear bomb in one of our cities. Just think of all the Islamophobia.” —Buck (04:25)

• Bus Fare Analogy:

  “You know what the problem is in all these drugstores in New York... They expect to be paid for this stuff.” —Clay (11:38)

• Subway Experience:

  “There’s an empty subway car just for me. And you will go on that subway car, and it will smell worse than any smell you’ve ever come across in your life, because it is being used by homeless people who are deeply mentally ill as a toilet.” —Buck (12:36)

• Braveheart Analogy and Curtis Sliwa’s Pledge:

  “Think of that last scene in Braveheart where Mel Gibson is on the gurney... I’m saying impale me. I will never support Andrew Cuomo, the Prince of Evil.” —Curtis Sliwa (31:45)

• On Bribery to Drop Out:

  “Everybody has a price. $10 million is a lot of money to walk away from. I said, guy, you know me, I was born with nothing. I’ll die with nothing. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. This sounds to me unethical. It’s a bribe. It could be illegal.” —Curtis Sliwa (38:28)

Key Segments (with Timestamps)

• [01:15–03:23] — Mamdani post-9/11 clip and critique on American tolerance
• [07:40–09:19] — "Tax the Rich" rally, advice to high earners, NYC vs. other cities
• [11:25–12:36] — Freeing bus fares and dangers of “mobile homeless shelters”
• [14:28–17:14] — Rent control, economics of supply and demand, Venezuela analogy
• [23:09–26:24] — Government grocery stores, failed central planning
• [29:10–36:42] — Interview with Curtis Sliwa: vote splitting, race dynamics, and Curtis’s campaign
• [38:28–39:48] — Bribe offers to Curtis Sliwa exposed
• [40:02–42:08] — Relationship with Donald Trump, historic Republican wins

Curtis Sliwa Interview Highlights

• On Running Against Cuomo and Mamdani:

  “I am the Republican populous blue collar, working class candidate. That’s my pathway to victory. Andrew Cuomo is responsible for the rise of Johan Mandami and the Democrats are responsible for the Socialists taking over their party.” —Curtis Sliwa (29:26)

• No Intention to Drop Out, Even Under Pressure:

  “I will never support Andrew Cuomo, the Prince of Evil. He’s cold hearted. He is the worst of what the Democratic Party represents.” —Curtis Sliwa (31:55)

• Distinguishing Himself from Cuomo and Mamdani:

  “They are birds of a feather, two peas in a pod. They’re Democrats. They have caused the destruction of New York State.” —Curtis Sliwa (32:30)

• Animal Rights Angle:

  “I have a new line, independent line, protect animals... It’s the first independent line on the ballot. Try to find Andrew Cuomo in the maze. Very difficult.” —Curtis Sliwa (35:21)

Tone and Atmosphere

• Intelligent criticism, snark, and satirical humor pervade the episode.
• The hosts repeatedly contrast central planning with the “common sense” of market economics and bring personal anecdotes to bear.
• The addition of Curtis Sliwa introduces an energetic, combative, and colorful perspective, infusing the episode with campaign vigor and high political stakes.

Conclusion

For listeners seeking an in-depth conservative look at the ramifications of far-left populism, especially in urban politics, this episode delivers a detailed, passionate, and frequently entertaining critique. The episode links current NYC politics to broader trends, warns about classic socialist pitfalls, and previews the high-stakes outcome of the emerging mayoral race. Curtis Sliwa’s contributions provide both local color and a direct view into the trenches of the campaign.

For full context and more soundbites, listen to the episode on the Clay and Buck podcast feed.