Hour 1 - Does Curtis Want Zohran to Win?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 1 - Does Curtis Want Zohran to Win?
Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

---

Overview

This episode, broadcast live from Fort Wayne, Indiana, dives into tumultuous political races in New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey, with a particular focus on the chaos of the NYC mayoral campaign, the controversy around candidate Curtis Sliwa's persistence in the race, and broader reflections on Democratic Party positions regarding transgender issues and women’s sports. The discussion balances a mix of analysis, audience interaction, and some notable lighthearted analogies, maintaining the show’s characteristic blend of humor and political commentary.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. New York City Mayoral Race Turmoil

• Curtis Sliwa's Refusal to Drop Out:
  • There’s widespread intrigue and debate over activist/politician Curtis Sliwa’s decision to stay in the NYC mayoral race, despite polling with no real shot at victory and pressure from various sides to bow out.
  • Sliwa insists:

    "I am not dropping out. Under no circumstance." (20:11)

  • Money and incentives have been offered for him to withdraw, but Sliwa claims he rejected them, prompting Buck to ask whether such offers are even legal.
• Strategic Calculations and Accusations:
  • Clay speculates about Curtis's motives:

    "...If you want Momdani to be mayor...then you should stay in the race. And maybe he wants Momdani to be mayor..." (21:36)

  • Discussion of the possibility that Sliwa’s continued campaign might simply help the far-left candidate, Momdani, defeat more centrist Andrew Cuomo.
• Implications for National Politics:
  • Clay asserts that a Momdani victory could serve as a cautionary tale highlighting Democratic extremism, potentially benefiting Republicans in future state and national races.
  • He uses a memorable analogy:

    "...Would you rather step in gum or poop? ...Momdani is poop and Cuomo is gum. And most people would rather step in gum than step in poop..." (28:01)

2. Virginia & National Politics: Transgender Issues and Electoral Battlegrounds

• Abigail Spanberger’s hedging on transgender sports and bathroom access is analyzed as emblematic of Democrats dodging difficult cultural issues.
  • Buck critiques her lack of concrete answers:

    "She doesn't really stand for very much other than abortion...And on any tough questions, she just talks in circles..." (05:04)

  • Buck’s frustration with the framing of female safety concerns as "fear mongering" rather than policy discussion:

    "It's always about concern and courtesy for the feelings of the trans community or trans individuals. And...they always ignore the concerns, the feelings and even the safety...of women and girls..." (06:51)

• Personal Story: Sam Ponder’s Tweet
  • Clay highlights a tweet by Sam Ponder (ex-ESPN) about her daughter’s middle school basketball game against a trans-identifying boy, sparking broader conversation about fairness in women’s and girls’ sports.
  • Buck’s admiration for her stance:

    "First of all, that's—I had not heard of Sam Ponder before—that's well said, that's eloquent." (10:46)

3. Democratic Chaos: Nazi Tattoo Controversy in Maine

• The hosts flag a bizarre incident in a Maine Senate primary where Democrat Graham Platner reportedly had a Nazi tattoo, later covered up, igniting further intra-party chaos and criticism.

4. Listener Calls and Pushback

• Heated Listener Calls:
  • Audience member "Valentine" tells Clay:

    "Clay, you're such an ass. You really are. Stay out of New York politics. You know nothing about it." (31:45)

• Jacqueline from Brooklyn:
  • Argues that Curtis Sliwa is being underrated and questions the polling, lambasting Clay’s analysis:

    "I am thoroughly disgusted with everyone that is saying the same thing that you are saying..." (34:43)

• Clay’s Playful Acknowledgement:
  • Clay shrugs off blame assigned by passionate callers, quipping:

    "I appreciate Jacqueline believing that I control the outcome..." (38:21)

5. Overarching Themes and Tone

• Persistent skepticism about the electability of moderate/Republican candidates in deep blue NYC.
• Humor is used as a coping mechanism for the dire political choices (‘gum vs poop’).
• The importance of speaking plainly on contentious issues rather than offering evasive 'gobbledegook'.
• Frustration with institutional feminism's silence or complicity regarding trans inclusion at the expense of biological women in sports and safety debates.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Buck (on Spanberger’s position):

  "I don't want a lecture about courtesy from somebody who lacks the courage to have any convictions." (07:38)

• Clay (on inclusion/exclusion in girls' sports):

  "Inclusion becomes exclusion at some point. So when you are including a boy who's pretending to be a girl, you are excluding a girl." (08:55)

• Clay (re: NYC choices):

  "Would you rather step in gum or poop? ...Momdani is poop and Cuomo is gum." (28:01)

• Buck (on the likelihood of a Sliwa win):

  "Sliwa winning would be the biggest shock election win by the numbers of all time. I don’t know..." (33:38)

• Clay, fielding criticism:

  "I appreciate Jacqueline believing that I control the outcome of the New York City mayors race..." (38:21)

• Buck (on San Francisco's decline):

  "It took San Francisco having a human feces map so that people could avoid areas where there was so much human feces on the streets." (33:38)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NYC Mayoral Race Chaos and Curtis Sliwa's Refusal to Drop Out:
  [20:11–22:00; 24:44–28:33]
• Debate over the Effects of Sliwa Remaining in the Race:
  [21:36–24:44; 28:33–31:45]
• Listener Calls and NYC Polling Disputes:
  [31:45–38:02]
• Virginia/Spanberger and Transgender Sports Debate:
  [04:22–13:16]
• Sam Ponder's Personal Story & Buck’s Reaction:
  [09:55–10:46]
• Feminist Organizations & Silence on Trans Sports Fairness:
  [13:16–16:17]
• Comparison to San Francisco & National Political Implications:
  [33:38–34:43]

---

Conclusion

This hour of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show provides a lively, at times irreverent, analysis of urban and national political races, sharp criticism of Democratic hedging on cultural and safety issues, and heated interaction with a passionate audience. The show’s engagement with calls and willingness to air (and debate) opposing views underscores its role as a forum for political argument as much as commentary. The big question—"Does Curtis want Zohran (Mamdani) to win?"—remains a proxy for larger anxieties about political purity tests, party discipline, and the future of major American cities.

Transcript

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[NFL Network Announcer]

The NFL International Games continue on NFL Network and here our stars come out in the morning. Week 10 Bijon Robinson and the Falcons take on Daniel Jones and the Colts in Berlin.

[Buck Sexton]

Fireworks in the fourth quarter.

[NFL Network Announcer]

Then in week 11, Jaden Daniels and the Commanders touchdown once again. Face Tua and the Dolphins in Madrid Snooze off. Game on It's Sunday morning Football continues November 9th at 9:30 in Eastern only on NFL Network.

[Buck Sexton]

Wishing the holidays could come early. If you own or manage your business, they can. With help from iHeartradio. People are already shopping for their loved ones and hunting for deals wherever they can find them, including right here. They're listening to the radio, they're listening to podcasts. They could be listening to you. Don't wait for everyone else to kick off the holidays. Get your best season of the year.

[Clay Travis]

Up and running today.

[Buck Sexton]

Call 844-844-IHEART or visit iheartadvertising.com.

[Leon Neyfak]

When I told people I was making a podcast about Benghazi, nine times out of ten they called me a masochist, rolled their eyes or just asked why Benghazi?

[Buck Sexton]

The truth became a web of lies.

[Leon Neyfak]

From prologue projects and Pushkin Industries. This is Fiasco Benghazi.

[Commercial Voice]

What difference at this point does it make?

[Leon Neyfak]

Listen to Fiasco Benghazi on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Clay Travis]

Welcome to today's edition of the Clay.

[Buck Sexton]

Travis and Buck Sexton show podcast.

[Clay Travis]

Welcome in Wednesday edition. Clay Travis, Buck Sexton show we are coming to you live from our fantastic affiliate in Fort Wayne, Indiana as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wo Wow here 92.3 11:90am News Talk. We appreciate them hosting us here and we're doing a big event for listeners as soon as this show is over. They are sold out, but we are looking forward to that event. Now we got a bunch of different stories that are going on right now. 12 days until the official election day in New York City and chaos as Curtis Lewa is getting dragged in every direction related to a variety of different aspects of the mayor campaign, including his own old boss who owns the station that he was on. They get into a fight. He's not doing a radio show anymore. There are lots of billionaires out there asking him to drop out. There are all sorts of crazy stories. We will get into that. Our friend Jen Saki. And by friend I mean of course not actually our friend, but I'm trying to be kind. She has gone after J.D. vance's marriage, of all things. We have got a main Senate primary to try to challenge Susan Collins on the Democrat side that has moved into pure chaos status. Buck, we haven't talked about this yet, but Graham Platner, who is running against Janet Mills there, has got a Nazi tattoo controversy. This is the Democrat side, as one.

[Buck Sexton]

Does an actual Nazi tattoo. Not to. Not the way they call everybody a Nazi. And it's not actually a Nazi they're talking about. This is actual Nazi paraphernalia tattooed on his arm. Is that right?

[Clay Travis]

Yes, I think chest. And he reportedly now has gotten a new tattoo to cover up his Nazi tattoo, which he said he got drunk when he was in the Marines and just ended up with a Nazi tattoo. Like chest is worse.

[Buck Sexton]

Like that one. I'd think about longer if I were getting a tattoo in the first place, but maybe body part doesn't make much distinction here.

[Clay Travis]

I would think that if you were getting a Nazi tattoo, you would not make that decision lightly.

[Buck Sexton]

Well, he says he didn't know, but to that I would just say there are a lot of symbols. You know, you could just be like all the women of South Florida that I see who have like Sanskrit or some language they don't speak tattooed on the inside of their wrist.

[Commercial Voice]

They.

[Buck Sexton]

There's a lot of things you could go with that are not Nazi related.

[Clay Travis]

You know, at some point you recognize if you did have a Nazi tattoo for 20 years and think maybe the Nazi tattoo decision was a bad one. So he is running to be the Democrat representative in the Senate. So that has turned chaotic. Lawmakers are saying, what do you mean we might have to give up our pay? Why the government. While the government shutdown is going on. And Abigail Spansberger has decided to weigh in on trans kids. And she says this is the Virginia governor's race. She says, let's start here, Buck, because I do think this is, to me, just indicative of the inability to come up with a rational response on an issue that isn't complicated.

[Buck Sexton]

The ultimate Democrat female establishment candidate in a purple state like Virginia in that she's bland. She doesn't really stand for very much other than abortion. Got to be. Got to be rock solid on abortion if you're going to be a Democrat. Other than that, who really knows? And on any tough questions where Democrats can easily be cornered and don't actually have an answer that the electorate particularly wants to hear, she just talks in circles, but uses the preferred phraseology. And this on the trans issue.

[Clay Travis]

Yeah. And I think this is also indicative of where the race has gone 12 days out. Certainly this is an issue that Winsome Sears, the Republican that all of you should be voting for, would want this conversation to be on is a battleground that is a good one for hers. And Here is. Cut 4. Abigail Spanberger trying to still answer the question about why are boys allowed in girls bathrooms? More gobbly gook. She can't answer it. Cut four.

[Commercial Voice]

There's a real effort to engage in some level of fear mongering and the willingness to fear monger with, with or against kids who are trying to figure out who they are, who are in, you know, a challenging point in their life. Middle school and high school isn't easy for most people, let alone if you might be struggling with or trying to come to terms with your identity. And so just as a basic issue of principle, I do find it really objectionable that, you know, that there would be kids who turn on the television and is in an effort to attack me, you know, see, you know, images of themselves sort of reflected as a villain.

[Clay Travis]

This is crazy.

[Buck Sexton]

This is. Well, it's what she's always done, which is a non answer. This is how Democrats, though, got us to this point. Clay. It's always about concern and courtesy for the feelings of the trans community or trans individuals. And at that or with that, they always ignore the concerns, the feelings and even the safety, which I think is a more important principle than feelings. Clearly, the safety of women and girls who are subjected, whether it's on the athletic field or in the locker room, to having people who are going through a mental health issue, perhaps a mental health crisis in their, in their spaces, on their teams and creating unacceptable risk to them. It also is not courteous and not kind to support people in a mental health delusion. That is what is going on here. It is not possible to change your gender. We're finally allowed to say this. Even just a few years ago, this was hate speech, almost similar, treated as though it was similar to using some kind of a, like a racial slur. You weren't allowed to say these things. Now in this Trump era, you are, because it is the truth. And the truth, just like in a defamation case, should always be its own defense. It's a defense here as well. Abigail Spanberger stands for nothing other than the power of the Democrat blob. Because ultimately, if you're going to be a political leader, you have to be willing to make decisions. And no one says that those decisions don't come with costs on both sides. No one says that those is, in fact, if you want to be the governor of Virginia, you should want to make difficult decisions based on what is right and what is in the best interests of the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Instead, she's talking about fear mongering. Okay, what's the policy, Abigail? I was going to say Allison. Yeah, what's the policy, Abigail? Should boys be playing on girls sports teams? Yes or no? I don't want to lecture about courtesy from somebody who lacks the courage to have any convictions.

[Clay Travis]

Inclusion becomes exclusion at some point. So when you are including a boy who's pretending to be a girl, you are excluding a girl. And this was tweeted a couple of days ago because this is happening everywhere. We're here in Indiana. I guarantee you there are places in Indianapolis 100% where boys are pretending to be girls. It's certainly yesterday I was in New York City, Buck, and Sam Ponder tweeted this. It's Sam Ponder used to be at espn. She is sane, so she is no longer at espn. She tweeted she has several young girls daughters that are enrolled in New York City area schools. She tweeted this yesterday, Buck. It's happened many times now. Living in New York City. Yet another basketball game today where my middle school daughter is guarding an obviously naturally born boy in a girls tournament. The parents cheer while the boy is physical and dominant against the girls. The all girls team loses. We've taught our kids to never make fun of the kids, always be kind and loving, that the parents are the problem, that no kid is born in the wrong body. But if I'm honest, watching my daughter get posted up by a boy whose parents have deceived him in this way is maddening to everyone saying, just move. This is Sam's Ponder. I understand the sentiment, but in my opinion, New York City is the greatest American city that has lost its way. I want to fight for truth and love. I don't want to give in to insanity and darkness. This is still America.

[Buck Sexton]

I think she's going to have to run for mayor at some point. By the way, after mom Donnie, I hate to say it, who's probably going to win, runs New York City into the ground. Clay, on this issue, on the. On the trans issue, first of all, that's. I had not heard of Sam Ponder before, so that's well said, that's eloquent.

[Clay Travis]

And really, this is just a mom of a. Of a teenage girl who's watching her daughter who loves basketball lose to a boy while the parents of the boy are cheering on the ridiculous.

[Buck Sexton]

This is why this Matters so much in the case of Virginia was noting a parent of a girl in New York City. But I want everyone to make sure that you understand what's going on here. The spam burgers right now going into this election and then going into the midterm, the Democrats who play these games, they will say, oh, it's not that big a deal. They will make claims about how we are too focused on it because they're not backing away from this. They think that the 200 pound 18 year old guy should be able to play on the women's high school volleyball team and crush spikes, you know, into girls heads and give them concussions because to not allow that as mean they actually believe this. The Democrat party has not moved from this as a policy. And what should really get your attention is this is at best a tactical retreat from them in terms of how much they push the issue until they are back in power, whether it's at the state or the federal level. If they win that next election, when we don't have Trump and all the Trump appointees to protect us from this madness, Clay, they will use state power in all senses to force this upon people. They have not moved off this issue. They have not changed their minds on this issue. They are insane and they are doubling down on the insanity.

[Clay Travis]

And right now we're 12 days away from elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. I guarantee you, as you just heard from Abigail Spanberger, as you heard from Sam Steele Ponder or Sam Ponder Steel. Anyway, Sam Ponder, she got married and now I'm not sure exactly what her full name is, but there are moms in New Jersey, there are moms in Virginia, there are moms in New York City. I guarantee you if this hasn't happened to your daughters or your granddaughters yet in those states, it's going to happen. And the inability to just be direct and say this is not kind, this is an example of toxic empathy. You're actually leading these kids astray by deluding them into believing that they can pretend to be a sex that they are not and allowing them to dominate girls basketball or foot or, or volleyball or anything else. It's actually cruel to the girls who are the victims here.

[Buck Sexton]

It's also a reminder that institutional feminism in this country, an anti civilization destructive force that does not actually care about women. Think about this. There are women who are being injured, seriously injured in some cases in athletic events from competing against biological males. There are women who are being subjected to convicted sex offenders who now say that they are women and therefore get to use the women's locker room. And women, so they get to get naked with these women. And all these feminist organizations are basically silent or complicit on the other side. It's actually worse than silence. They are completely on board with the trans agenda because again, they are a civilization destroying element and they're not actually operating the best interests of women. They just operate with whatever the collectivist left wants. And of course, abortion, abortion, abortion. That is the only women's issue that the feminist left actually cares about. So we can't let this go. As much as Spanberger wants to make this election about about whatever else she can because she won't give the answer about what she really thinks here. She won't speak clearly about it because she's hoping to fool enough suburban Virginia moms and dads into thinking, oh, she's not really that crazy. She is. She is. She has the same policies on this issue as Mamdani. She has the same on the trans issue. She has the same policies on this issue as the most radical leftists in the Democrat party. Do not be fooled for one second by this. We'll come back in here in a second and dive into some more, but including the New York City election. Speaking of Mandani, you know there's plenty of Wall street attention on companies that are harnessing artificial intelligence. These companies are the real deal. Some of them are at least, but some of them aren't gonna make it. How do you know the difference? Well, the AI halo factor is a big part of the major stock market gains we've seen with this Trump economy. And there's reason to believe it's gonna continue. In fact, it's one of the reasons I made a trip to Taiwan this past month, where there's so much of the chip technology that maximizes AI capabilities. This is part of my new E Newsletter, a research project called Money and Power. And in just the last month or so we've gotten over 10,000Americans have been joining me and signing up for this. They are loving this e Newsletter and we need tens of thousands more. It's a one of a kind opportunity designed to help ordinary people learn about what's really moving the markets and get ideas for how they can profit individually from what I'm calling Manhattan Project 2. This project, money and Power, is all about leveling the playing field so everyday folks can get a fair shot. All the details can be found right now. There's a lot to cover here, so trust me. You want to go check out this website to get the details in a way that you can watch and listen at your pace. Insider2025.com is that website. Join our Information Flow today on money and power and get 82% off. That's Insider2025.com paid for by Paradigm Press.

[Commercial Voice]

Let's be real. Life happens. Kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep [e-mail] starting at just $699. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space, whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[NFL Network Announcer]

The NFL International games continue on NFL Network and here our stars come out in the morning.

[Clay Travis]

Let's go.

[NFL Network Announcer]

Week 10 Bajan Robinson and the Falcons take on Daniel Jones and the Colts in Berlin.

[Buck Sexton]

Fireworks in the fourth quarter.

[NFL Network Announcer]

Then in week 11, Jaden Daniels and the Commanders touchdown once again. Face Tua and the Dolphins in Madrid Snooze off. Game on. It's Sunday morning Football continues November 9th at 9:30 Eastern only on NFL Network.

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

Run a business and not thinking about radio, Think again. Because more people are listening to the radio and iHeart today than they were 20 years ago. And only iHeart broadcast radio connects with more Americans than TV, digital, social, any other media, even twice as many teens than TikTok. And that reach means everything. Just think about the universal marketing formula. The number of consumers who hear your message times the response rate equals the results. Now let's get those results growing for your business. Radio's here now more than ever and iheart's leading the way. Think radio can help your business? Think iHeart streaming, podcasting and radio where the reach is real. Let us show [e-mail] that's iheartadvertising.com or call 844-844-Iheart one more time. Just call 844-844-iheart and get radio working for you.

[Leon Neyfak]

When I told People, I was making a podcast about Benghazi. Nine times out of ten, they called me a masochist, rolled their eyes, or just asked, why Benghazi?

[Buck Sexton]

The truth became a web of lies.

[Leon Neyfak]

It's almost a dirty word, one that connotes conspiracy theory.

[Clay Travis]

Will we ever get the truth about the Benghazi massacre?

[Leon Neyfak]

Bad faith, political warfare, and frankly, bullshit.

[Buck Sexton]

We kill the ambassador just to cover something up. You put two and two together.

[Leon Neyfak]

Was it an overblown distraction or a sinister conspiracy?

[Clay Travis]

Benghazi is a Rosetta Stone for everything that's been going on for the last 20 years.

[Leon Neyfak]

I'm Leon Naifak from Prologue Projects and Pushkin Industries. This is Fiasco Benghazi.

[Commercial Voice]

What difference at this point does it make?

[Buck Sexton]

Yeah, that's right. Lock her up.

[Leon Neyfak]

Listen to Fiasco Benghazi on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buck Sexton]

So we're talking about the Virginia race, the New York race, and the New Jersey. Virginia and New Jersey governors races, New York race, mayor's race. Going to get into some more focus on that today. But here we have. For those who are wondering where this is going, Curtis Sliwa is saying under no circumstances is he going to drop out. This is cut 5. Let's be very clear.

[Clay Travis]

I am not dropping out. Under no circumstance.

[Buck Sexton]

I've already been offered money to drop out. I said no. Just a side note, Clay, is it legal to offer a politician money to get out of a race?

[Clay Travis]

I think probably the way it happens would be you get offered a job.

[Buck Sexton]

That's. There has to be some.

[Clay Travis]

I don't think you can.

[Buck Sexton]

You can't just say, I'll give someone a check to drop out.

[Clay Travis]

To drop out. I think that the way it would work is they would say, hey, I'll give you a job. Could be a cushy job. I'll. And I think that kind of thing happens all the time. Here is the issue at this point. What is Curtis Sliwood doing?

[Buck Sexton]

Oh, the phones are about to light up.

[Clay Travis]

No, I mean, you know, but just.

[Buck Sexton]

To be quick, can I just say something about this?

[Clay Travis]

We are inviting Curtis on.

[Buck Sexton]

Yes, Curtis and Clay and I will have a discussion about this if Mr. Curtis is willing to come and speak to us about this, because Clay feels as a non New Yorker. Clay. Now, some of you have also pointed out that I'm a New Yorker in exile now. So it's like I'm. I'm looking up from my. Or looking down from my lofty freedom perch in Florida and saying, Come on, New York. It's going to be okay. All right. Touche. Touche. I can't. You know, I. I live in Florida now.

[Clay Travis]

That's right, irs.

[Buck Sexton]

I live in Florida. So there is some truth to that. But, Clay, you feel very strongly that this is. Well, you tell everybody what.

[Clay Travis]

Well, look, I have multiple angles here, so let's start with one. If you want Mom Donnie to be mayor, you are Curtis Sliwa, then you should stay in the race. And maybe he wants Mom Donnie to be mayor. Maybe he believes that Mom Donnie is going to be a better mayor than Andrew Cuomo would be. And if he comes on the program, I will ask him that question. But at some point in time, and I'll get into the secondary analysis here in a moment. But at some point in time, and that time is certainly now, when we're talking about the race taking place basically in what, 13 days and the early voting about to start, at some point in time, you have to look in the mirror and say, okay, I'm not going to win. If I have to choose between Mom Donnie and between Cuomo, who do I want to win? And if his answer is Mom Donnie, then his decision to stay in the race makes complete sense to me. If his answer is Cuomo, then he is guaranteeing that Cuomo will not win. And so I don't understand his rationale. At this point, he is not going to win. There is a zero percent chance that he is elected mayor. Now, if you want to go vote for him, that's fine. I'm not saying to change the way that you are voting, as people out there are listening. But at some point, if you have a 0% chance to win and you are 100% guaranteeing that mom Donnie is going to win, you should have to explain what the rationale for your candidacy is. We'll dive into this a bit when we come back. And again, open invite to Curtis Lewa to come on this program and explain himself to this audience. When you've got your kids under your roof, you don't play around keeping everyone safe. Our sponsor, Saber, is a family owned business and they've been making self protection tools for 50 years. Their pepper gel gun is a great example. Shaped like a pistol or rifle, depending on the model. Fires off pepper gel projectiles that go the distance, making it effective against an intruder. Non lethal, but guaranteed to protect you from the moment you unpack and hold them immediately. A secure feeling. You can get hooked up yourself by going to Saber and check out all of the fabulous products they [e-mail] that's saberradio.com s a b r e radio dot com. You can also call 844-824-SAFE today. That's 844-824. SAF people ask us all the time how we can save the next generation.

[Buck Sexton]

We've got our show and the info is an antidote. But we also have a couple books coming out. Clay.

[Clay Travis]

That's right. And you can pre order both of them right now and be book nerds just like us.

[Buck Sexton]

You'll laugh, you'll nod and you'll get smarter, too.

[Clay Travis]

Mine's called Balls How Trump, Young Men and Sports Saved America.

[Buck Sexton]

And mine is Manufacturing Delusion how the left Uses Brainwashing, Indoctrination and Propaganda against you.

[Clay Travis]

Both are great reads. One might even say they would make fat, fabulous gifts indeed.

[Buck Sexton]

So do us a solid and pre order yours on Amazon today.

[Clay Travis]

Welcome back in Clay. Travis Buck Sexton show We're talking about all the races going on as we sit about 13 days out from the official undertaking of the election day in New Jersey and Virginia and in New York City. And we're discussing the decision making of Curtis Lewa. And I said as we went to break, one potential outcome is he actually wants Mom Donnie to win. And if that is his goal, then he is ensuring that because he thinks Mom Donnie is going to be better than Cuomo. And yesterday I said maybe he's got some sort of agreement with Mom Donnie and there is a role that he could play in the Mom Donnie team and he hasn't talked about it publicly. I, I don't know. I can see why Mom Donnie would not want that out and why Curtis Lewa would not want that out. That would make some sense logically to me about the choices that he is, he is engaged in. Otherwise he is just ensuring that Mamdani is going to be the nominee. And Trump was asked about this. Buck and cut seven. Trump has kind of tiptoed around the New York City mayor's race because I think he knows the more he weighs in, the more he helps the people who shouldn't win because it creates an adversarial relationship with Donald Trump, which is very helpful. But here's cut 7.

[Commercial Voice]

A new poll shows that if Curtis.

[Buck Sexton]

Sliwa dropped out of the New York.

[Commercial Voice]

Mayoral race, then Andrew Cuomo would only trail Mondani by four points.

[Buck Sexton]

Would you call Curtis Lewa to drop.

[Commercial Voice]

Out of the race so that can happen?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I looked at the polls and looks like we're going to Have a communist as the mayor of New York. It'll be very interesting. But here's the good news. He's got to go through the White House. Everything goes through the White House. At least this White House it does, and we'll have to see what happens. But if he dropped out, he's not going to win, and not looking too good for Cuomo either. But maybe. I don't know, if he dropped out, maybe Cuomo would have a little bit of a chance, but not much, because it looks like the lead is. It's not a great lead, but it's big enough that he should be able to win. So, you know, I don't know that I want to get involved. It's really a question of, would I rather have a Democrat or a communist? Communist, and I would rather have a Democrat than a Communist.

[Clay Travis]

I mean, this is where we are, Buck.

[Buck Sexton]

This is where we are. So, also, for anyone out there saying, why are you guys. Because we're seeing it. Why are you guys not having more faith in Sliwa's chances to win here? I don't know. Because Donald Trump also thinks that this is time to live in reality. You know, you can. You can get mad at the president if you like. And he knows Curtis. Trump obviously has been a New York guy his whole life, although now he's technically a Florida resident, or I guess a D.C. resident. But Florida is his home state. But he sees this, I think, along very similar lines to us, really, the. I feel exactly the way he does about this. I'd kind of rather have a Democrat than a Communist. A Democrat's not going to be great, and people need to also get used to that. It's not like if. If Cuomo wins, there's going to be some renaissance in. In the five boroughs, and New York City is going to be on the. It just won't be absolutely insanely bad.

[Clay Travis]

It's like, would you rather step in gum or poop? This is the choice.

[Buck Sexton]

Thank you, Clay.

[Clay Travis]

This is the choice for New York City. New York City voters. Gum is frustrating, but you can get poop. You're like, what does that smell like? It's following me around everywhere. Momdani is poop and Cuomo is gum. And most people would rather step in gum than step and poop if you have to make that choice. And I think that's kind of a difference between a Democrat and a. And a communist a little bit. The communist is a poop, and you can't ever get away from it. And it smells, and you Walk in and you're like, what is that smell? It's following me everywhere. That's mom, Donnie.

[Buck Sexton]

Well, the communists would say that they're rubber and you're glued. Yes, but. Yes. I'll just point this out, that there's no great outcome here. That's Leewa staying in this race probably doesn't change anything. But if it does come to a close enough election that it seems as though there would be a difference maker by Sliwa dropping out. There might be some people who are upset by that, but I know that a lot of people in this audience were saying you're suppressing turnout. I'm not. First of all, I can't vote. I don't live in New York. I'm not suppressing anything. You're not suppressing anything. We're commenting on the situation and our commentary is right in line with Donald Trump on this one because he also understands the situation. And I think it's always, we always just tell you the truth and try to live in reality. The situation for New York in this election is not good. It's not good for the city of New York and I would also argue it's not good for the country. Well, this is where, this is where we disagree. New York is still the economic engine for a lot that matters to America as a whole. And New York as our primary, as our largest and you know, most well known, most visible in many ways, especially with the fall of Hollywood, as you know, LA as the entertainment capital, which isn't, you know, now it's like Vancouver and Hungary. I mean they're making movies everywhere. But LA, NY is our, is our primary city.

[Clay Travis]

I mean it is our first city.

[Buck Sexton]

And for it to, you know, it's one thing for San Francisco to go nuts. For New York to go full San Francisco, if you will, in its politics is something that I just think a lot of people, a lot of good people are going to suffer, which is, which is frustrating and, and it could have reverberations that are broader. Now I know you think it's that.

[Clay Travis]

Maybe that I think it's going to be a pot. So the negative is Sliwa is guaranteeing that New York ends up with a communist.

[Buck Sexton]

Joyriding in the wreckage of New Yorkers hopes and dreams over here.

[Clay Travis]

Come on the show and explain why I'm wrong with this. And he's probably going to say, I might win. He's not going to win. And to buck's point, everybody should go vote. You should never change whether you vote or not. Based on anything that we say in this program, I go vote every single time that I can in my local jurisdiction. I want all of you to go vote every single time that you can in your jurisdictions, too. We've said that a billion times. Okay? Now, I do think if Mom Donnie wins, he and AOC become the face of the Democrat Party. And I think it has a benefit both nationally in the House and Senate next year, which is far more important than who is the mayor of New York City. Who controls the House, who controls the Senate matters way more. I also think this helps Elise Stefanik in a governor's race statewide in New York. In fact, I bet if Elise Stefanik was on this show right now and she answered the question, will it help you to defeat Kathy Hochul if Mom Donnie is the mayor? I think the answer is yes. So some people are upset. Let's have some fun. Valentine. Valentine EE New York City W o r listener. He's mad at me. Let's listen.

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

Clay, you're such an ass.

[Clay Travis]

You really are.

[Buck Sexton]

Stay out of New York politics.

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

You know nothing about it.

[Clay Travis]

Why should we help the Democrats out? Curtis should stay in the race. Well, she partly agrees with me. Valentine says I'm an ass, but she thinks Curtis should stay in the race. The only reason Curtis should stay in the race, Buck, is if Mom Donnie should be mayor. And that actually helps in the New York governor's race and the House and Senate nationwide. So Amazon. But maybe Valentine needs to call back, am I a total ass, or am I an ass that half the time she is agreeing with? Because her argument.

[Buck Sexton]

There you go.

[Clay Travis]

You know, maybe I'm just an ass. Not. Or maybe I'm a jackass. Yes, maybe. I don't know.

[Buck Sexton]

I think that the lessons learned component of this for the country are. That's variable to me. I'm not sure that it's going to be what people think. I think it might just be a little bit more of the same, which is New York continues to be dysfunctional.

[Leon Neyfak]

So.

[Buck Sexton]

So I think there's a possible outcome here where instead of improving, New York just continues slow deterioration. And so instead of people saying, oh my gosh, look at what's going on here. It's just another Democrat city being run poorly. And so you don't necessarily get that benefit of, ok, this place has lost its mind. I think quietly San Francisco Democrats, based on actually what people who listen from the Bay Area have written it to tell us the mayor's a little bit more on it now than in the past, is my Understanding Jeffrey Laurie, the.

[Clay Travis]

New mayor of San Francisco, is actually for San Francisco. Right. I think he is a reasonable rational choice that is actually making San Francisco better than it was.

[Buck Sexton]

But what I'm saying is it took a long time to get there. I mean, it took San Francisco having a human feces map so that people could avoid areas where there was so much human feces on the streets. Everybody. That is a real thing that happened. And people that were spending time in downtown San Fran, even a short time going through it, were saying this place looks like some dystopian hellscape of drug abusers passed out in broad daylight, like, drooling on themselves. And the whole thing, it was just. It was a mess. We don't want New York to get there. So I. I am still hoping here, Look, Cuomo winning is a better outcome than Mamdani winning. Sliwa winning would be the biggest shock election win, I think, by the numbers of all time. I don't. I don't know. I mean, he's. He would be coming back from. Because, well, what are we.

[Clay Travis]

We got people who are fired up. Jacqueline in Brooklyn says, I'm going to be responsible if Mom Donnie wins. Jacqueline, why will I be responsible?

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

I'll explain to you, Clay. And I'm very disappointed in what you have to say, and quite honestly, you can hear it in my voice. I am thoroughly disgusted with everyone that is saying the same thing that you are saying. First question before I make my statement. How come you don't turn it around and take the opposite viewpoint, that if Cuomo were to drop out, that Curtis is the one that actually has the best chance of winning this election Again?

[Clay Travis]

Because. Let me answer that question first. Because the data doesn't reflect that Democrats are going to vote.

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

That's one of my points.

[Clay Travis]

Hold on. Democrats are going to vote for a Democrat, so if Cuomo drops out, they don't suddenly vote for a Republican? Cuomo dropping out would ensure that Mom Donnie won.

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

Okay, I have done a deep dive into every single one of these polls that have been conducted. The majority of those polled are Democrats, over 75%.

[Clay Travis]

Well, that's the case in New York City, though, right?

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

Well, are we completely going to ignore the Republicans, conservatives and independents?

[Leon Neyfak]

No.

[Clay Travis]

That's 25%, I would say probably so. Jacqueline, do you think President Trump and I are wrong?

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

Why did they not come out and vote for him? And don't give me that excuse that it was 100 degrees on primary day because they had seven days of early voting if they thought Cuomo was the best candidate to go out and vote for him. His own party failed him. They kicked him out as governor. They did not support him in the primary. That's how we got stuck with the Communists running on the Democratic ticket.

[Clay Travis]

Okay, so how would I. You think I'm going to help Mom Donnie get elected? What should I be saying to ensure that Mom Donnie doesn't get elected.

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

Again?

[Clay Travis]

You think that I'm helping Mom Donnie get elected?

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

I'm asking you what you're saying.

[Clay Travis]

Okay, but hold on. What?

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

Hold on.

[Clay Travis]

I want you to be able to. Hold on. I want you to be able to tell me what I should be saying to ensure that mom is not elected.

[Jacqueline (Caller)]

I will tell you exactly that. I have done a deep dive investigating all of the information with regard to these polls. Cuomo had the highest unfavorability rating among his own people. The Democrats that were polled, 75% of those polled were Democrats, 47%. He had the highest unfavorability rating among Democrats. After who? Adams, who realized he didn't have a chance of winning and he dropped out. The only way to stop this communist is for Cuomo to come out and tell his supporters he is leaving the race. He doesn't have any energy. He doesn't want to be mayor. His own people kicked him out as governor. They need to put their full support against Curtis or else. Thank you, all of you for supporting a four time loser and Andrew Cuomo.

[Clay Travis]

Okay, did we lose, Jacqueline?

[Buck Sexton]

I think we might have. I think the chance of Cuomo dropping out to help a Republican win when Cuomo is in second place in every poll is zero. That's, that's part of the challenge.

[Clay Travis]

Also, I don't believe that Andrew Cuomo could tell his voters, many of whom are Democrats, go vote for the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, and they would listen to him. I don't think that's possible.

[Buck Sexton]

Cuomo, I would say. Why would I drop next?

[Clay Travis]

Sorry, fun.

[Buck Sexton]

Cuomo, I would say that I'm in second place and could. He could still win this election. Everybody, he could win this election, but he's going to drop and hope that there's a 30 or 40 point swing to Sliwa.

[Clay Travis]

I will say this. I appreciate Jacqueline believing that I control the outcome.

[Buck Sexton]

Yell at Clay. It's so fun.

[Clay Travis]

I appreciate Jacqueline telling me that I control the outcome of the New York City mayors race. I know we got a big audience at W O R. If I could convince all of you to not vote for Mom Donnie, I would. I'm going ahead and taking the glass half full approach. Buck, which is he's going to win and it's going to actually be better for the rest of the country. We'll just have to let New York City go underneath the waistline.

[Buck Sexton]

I'm very upset with you. I don't even know why. I just, I just like this. It's fun.

[Clay Travis]

All right.

[Buck Sexton]

If you foresee money being tight this holiday season and even into 2026, take advantage of Pure Talk cell phone service pricing without a doubt the best value in the wireless industry. The average size family of four saves over a thousand dollars a year when they switch from big wireless companies to Pure Talk. Pure Talk gives you unlimited talk, text and plenty of Data for just 25amonth on Pure Talk's lightning fast 5G network. Plus right now they'll take an additional 50% off your first month. That's an immediate savings. And if you own a business and transfer your lines, you could be saving even more. You can keep your phone and number, not to mention a lot of your own money. Dial pound 250 and say the keywords clay and buck and PureTalk's US customer service team will switch you over in as little as 10 minutes. Plus you'll save 50% off your first month. Dial £250, say Clay and Buck to switch to America's wireless company PureTalk.

[Commercial Voice]

There's nothing like sinking into luxury. At washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe sofa which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom. Starting at only $699. The stain resistant performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair, loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop [e-mail] Add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[NFL Network Announcer]

The NFL International Games continue on NFL Network and here our stars come out in the morning. Week 10 Bajan Robinson and the Falcons take on Daniel Jones and the Colts in Berlin. Fireworks in the fourth quarter then in week 11, Jaden Daniels and the Commanders touchdown. Washington face Tua and the Dolphins in Madrid. Snooze off. Game on. It's Sunday morning Football continues November 9th at 9:30 Eastern only on NFL Network.

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

Run a business and not thinking about radio. Think again. Because more people are listening to the radio and iHeart today than they were 20 years ago. And only iHeart broadcast radio connects with more Americans than TV, digital, social, any other media, even twice as many teens than TikTok. And that reach means everything. Just think about the universal marketing formula. The number of consumers who hear your message times the response rate equals the results. Now let's get those results growing for your business. Radio's here now more than ever, and iheart's leading the way. Think radio can help your business. Think iheart streaming, podcasting and radio where the reach is real. Let us show [e-mail] that's iheartadvertising.com or call 844-844. Iheart one more time. Just call 844-844-Iheart and get radio working for you.

[Leon Neyfak]

When I told people I was making a podcast about Benghazi, nine times out of ten they called me a masochist, rolled their eyes, or just asked, why Benghazi?

[Buck Sexton]

The truth became a web of lies.

[Leon Neyfak]

It's almost a dirty word, one that connotes conspiracy theory.

[Clay Travis]

Will we ever get the truth about the Benghazi massacre?

[Leon Neyfak]

Bad faith, political warfare, and frankly, bullshit.

[Buck Sexton]

We kill the ambassador just to cover something up. You put two and two together.

[Leon Neyfak]

Was it an overblown distraction or a sinister conspiracy?

[Clay Travis]

Benghazi is a Rosetta Stone for everything that's been going on for the last 20 years.

[Leon Neyfak]

I'm Leon Neyfak from Prologue Projects and Pushkin Industries. This is Fiasco Benghazi.

[Commercial Voice]

What difference at this point does it make?

[Buck Sexton]

Yes, that's right. Lock her up.

[Leon Neyfak]

Listen to Fiasco Benghazi on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buck Sexton]

We have a lot of people calling in, a lot of people lighting us up here, wanting, wanting to weigh in on the New York City race. Look, I get it. I get it. There's passion. There's passion on this issue right now because commie mom Donnie is not up for this job. If you think the job is to be competent and good and make decisions that benefit the people of the city of New York, there is a painful lessons learned argument that Mr. Clay Travis has been making. Mr. Buck Sexton, I will just note, does not make that argument because I love all of you New Yorkers too much. I cannot watch you get pushed under the waves. Get. Just. Just pretend like the glorious five boroughs should be tossed into the fire to be forged into something new.

[Clay Travis]

Smoke a nice cigar on election night 2026, when we retain the House. And maybe I'll just take less trips to New York City. It's a great city. But right now, Mom, Donnie continues to set record highs in probability of winning this race. He just set a new high. And by the way, for those of you that are not from New York City, because I. I do think this is an interesting part of the conversation. Do you agree with me, Buck, that we've got the race in New Jersey? Governors, we've got the race in Virginia. And I'm not saying that those are not important races, but we've got.

[Buck Sexton]

What do you mean we've got?

[Clay Travis]

We've got.

[Buck Sexton]

Yeah.

[Clay Travis]

No, no, no. I think. I think we're underdogs. But I'm saying in terms of national impact, if Democrats win in New Jersey and Virginia, which I hope they do, not in the governor's races, I don't think it impacts that much. It impacts you if you live in New Jersey, Virginia. I do think the New York City race is the more nationalized race of these that are being contested in 13 days.

[Buck Sexton]

You know what I think we also have to do? I just realized this. We have to have on Cuomo himself to make the case for why he is better than a communist. I think we have to do this, Clay, even though he is a Democrat.

[Leon Neyfak]

Do. Do.

[Buck Sexton]

Should we invite Mr. Cuomo?

[Clay Travis]

I think Ali invited him a while ago. While.

[Buck Sexton]

Why would he not come on this very large radio show?

[Clay Travis]

Because we've said a lot of nasty things.

[Buck Sexton]

Maybe I heard somebody doing an impersonation and mentioned Italian smooches.

[NFL Network Announcer]

The NFL International games continue on NFL Network. And here our stars come out in the morning.

[Clay Travis]

Let's go.

[NFL Network Announcer]

Week 10, Bajan Robinson and the Falcons Touchdown Atlanta take on Daniel Jones and the Colts in Berlin.

[Buck Sexton]

Fireworks in the fourth quarter.

[NFL Network Announcer]

Then in week 11, Jaden Daniels and the Commanders touchdown once again. Face Tua and the Dolphins in Madrid. Snooze off. Game on. It's Sunday morning Football continues November 9th at 9:30 Eastern only on NFL Network.

[Buck Sexton]

This is Jim. Hello, Jim started advertising with iHeartRadio way back in April, and now I have.

[Clay Travis]

Customers out the door. And this is Sarah.

[Leon Neyfak]

Hi.

[Buck Sexton]

She started putting a portion of her marketing dollars in podcasting back in June.

[Commercial Voice]

Business is booming.

[Buck Sexton]

That's why I'm working on a Saturday. Want to be like Jim and Sarah? It's easy. All you have to do is own or manage a business and reach out to iHeart. Get started today at 844-844-IHeart or iHeartadvertising.com.

[Leon Neyfak]

When I told people I was making a podcast about Benghazi, nine times out of ten they called me a masochist, rolled their eyes, or just asked, why Benghazi?

[Buck Sexton]

The truth became a web of lies.

[Leon Neyfak]

From prologue Projects and Pushkin Industries. This is Fiasco Benghazi.

[Commercial Voice]

What difference at this point does it make?

[Leon Neyfak]

Listen to Fiasco Benghazi on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[iHeart Radio Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast.