The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Hour 1: "I Forgive You"

Date: September 22, 2025
Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Host: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the aftermath and national reaction to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton reflect on the memorial held over the weekend in Phoenix, which featured keynotes by J.D. Vance, Erica Kirk (Charlie’s widow), and former President Donald Trump. The hosts discuss themes of forgiveness, nonviolent response in the face of tragedy, and the impact of Kirk’s legacy, especially as demonstrated by Erica Kirk's powerful speech. The episode also turns to political topics, including an analysis of Kamala Harris’s newly released book and the Democratic party's power struggles, with some lighthearted commentary on political grudges and future prospects.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk Memorial and Erica Kirk’s Speech

Description of the Memorial Event

• The memorial was attended by nearly 100,000 people in Phoenix, with an overflow crowd.
• Featured speeches by J.D. Vance, Erica Kirk, Donald Trump, and Stephen Miller.
• The hosts note the event’s significance as a rallying point for conservative unity and a testament to Kirk’s impact.

Erica Kirk’s Forgiveness and Grace

• Erica Kirk's speech is highlighted as the most resonant moment, particularly her public forgiveness of Charlie’s assassin.
• Clay notes the extraordinary composure Erica showed, praising her as the most compelling speaker of the event.
• Quote:
  • "My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life... our savior said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' That man, that young man, I forgive him."
    – Erica Kirk (as replayed by Clay and Buck, 06:14 - 06:47)

Emphasis on Nonviolent Response

• The hosts stress that, despite the public outrage and pain, there was no rioting or violence from Kirk’s supporters—contrasted with past unrest following politically charged incidents.
• Quote:
  • "After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence. We didn't see rioting. We didn't see revolution. Instead we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country. We saw revival." – Erica Kirk (as replayed by Buck, 07:17 - 07:54)

The Memorial’s Broader Significance

• The event showcased the Conservative movement’s resolve and undertook the challenge of continuing Kirk's work.
• Buck: “... showed that this is going to be a life’s work that is celebrated … and have incredibly positive effects ... for generations to come.” (08:15)
• Hosts contrast the respectful, peaceful response with what they describe as a pattern of violent protest on the left.

2. Responses to Political Violence and the Call for Constructive Action

Condemnation of Rioting as a Political Response

• Clay criticizes the idea that rioting is a legitimate form of dissent:
  “Looting and rioting is the voice of the voiceless. … No, it’s just an excuse to steal things.” (09:34)
• Argues for a model where outrage and anger are channeled into “constructive and productive” responses—using the Kirk memorial as an example.

The “Both Sides” Debate

• Buck criticizes media and political attempts to claim equivalence between right and left in terms of public disorder:
  “Any attempt at both sides is in American politics today is dishonest because there’s no boarding up of stores. There’s no fear of riots … and if that stuff started, people on the right would say, knock that off. We don’t do that.” (11:47)
• Asserts that the right fosters greater internal discipline in such moments.

Inspiring the Next Generation

• Clay expresses hope that Kirk’s example will inspire young conservatives to be more active and courageous:
  “I do believe there are a lot of young people, that this will have a transformative impact on their life.” (13:31)

3. Political Catch-Up: Kamala Harris’s New Book and Democratic Party Infighting

News & Political Headlines Roundup (19:59+)

• The hosts briefly hit a few headlines:
  • California barring ICE agents from wearing masks (with legal challenges anticipated).
  • The would-be assassin of Justice Kavanaugh now identifying as a trans woman and the lack of media attention to this.
  • Ongoing Democratic party leadership struggles and “lawless” political moves by progressive states.

Analysis of Kamala Harris’s New Book ("107 Days")

• Buck admits to (possibly preordering) Kamala’s new book, framing it as preparation to “mock” its contents.
• The hosts banter about using the book as a fantasy football “punishment,” highlighting the negative reputation Harris’s writing already holds in their circles.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "Kamala Harris’s book and a book report ... would be a phenomenal punishment.” – Clay Travis (24:19)

Kamala’s Political Future

• Play a clip (27:22) of Stephen A. Smith stating that Kamala Harris’s political career is over, which Buck applauds.
  • Smith: “I believe Kamala Harris’s political career is over. I think you’ve seen the last of her with this book ... this was the last straw.” (27:22)
• Clay disagrees, arguing Harris’s ambition and resentment mean she will continue to compete for office, portraying her as driven by “a deep hole in her soul.” (28:48, 34:15)
• The pair use the Gavin Newsom-Kamala Harris rivalry (including Newsom not returning Harris’s calls) as emblematic of internal Democratic strife, with several lighthearted comparisons and jokes about political grudges.

Metacommentary on Political Brand and Ambition

• Buck speculates that Harris has better long-term prospects transitioning into a “kingmaker” role or prestigious academic post, while Clay argues her ambition is too great to step aside.
• They draw a comparison to Hillary Clinton, noting different circumstances due to finances and political appetite.

4. Listener Engagement and Wrap-up (45:22+)

Listener Call: Kamala as a “Throwaway Candidate”

• Carol from Indianapolis suggests Harris was always seen as a losing candidate, and that if she runs again, she still won’t win establishment support. (45:22)

Hosts’ Final Thoughts

• Clay reiterates he thinks Harris will run (but not that she’ll win), Buck doubts she’ll even contest.
• Both agree that the ongoing Democratic disarray is significant for 2025’s political landscape.
• Briefly tease returning topics (Jimmy Kimmel, more news) going into the next hour.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:14 | Erica Kirk | "My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life ... I forgive him." | | 07:43 | Erica Kirk | "We didn’t see rioting ... Instead we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country. We saw revival." | | 09:34 | Clay Travis | “Looting and rioting is the voice of the voiceless ... No, it’s just an excuse to steal things.” | | 11:47 | Buck Sexton | “Any attempt at both sides ... is dishonest because there’s no boarding up of stores ... We don’t do that.” | | 13:31 | Clay Travis | “I do believe there are a lot of young people, that this will have a transformative impact on their life.” | | 27:22 | Stephen A. Smith | “I believe Kamala Harris’s political career is over. I think you’ve seen the last of her with this book.” | | 28:48 | Clay Travis | “…Kamala Harris has a deep hole in her soul. And I don't believe it can be sated…” | | 34:15 | Clay Travis | “If you write in there, ‘hiking, he never called me back’ … I think she and Gavin Newsom hate each other…” | | 45:22 | Carol (caller) | “I don't think they ever thought that she could win. That's why they put her in, because she was a throwaway candidate.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:52 – Clay introduces the show’s focus: the Charlie Kirk Memorial.
• 06:14 – Erica Kirk’s forgiveness of her husband’s assassin (audio replay).
• 07:43 – Erica Kirk on the nonviolent response (audio replay).
• 11:47 – Buck on “both sides” false equivalence in political violence.
• 13:31 – Clay discusses the event’s positive influence on youth.
• 19:59 – Political news round-up: CA’s ICE law, the Kavanaugh case, Kamala’s book release.
• 24:19 – Kamala Harris book as a fantasy football punishment.
• 27:22 – Stephen A. Smith declares Kamala’s career “over” (audio).
• 34:15 – Clay and Buck recount Harris/Newsom personal and political rivalry.
• 45:22 – Listener Carol shares her perspective on Kamala as a “throwaway candidate.”

Conclusion

This episode balances somber reflection—especially around Charlie Kirk’s assassination and memorial—with sharp-tongued political analysis and humor. Erica Kirk’s speech emerges as the emotional and moral centerpiece, highlighting forgiveness and dignified response, which the hosts contrast with what they allege are typical reactions from the political left. The latter half transitions to Democratic party drama, offering predictions and friendly wagers about Kamala Harris’s prospects and the party’s future. The tone is passionate, a blend of reverence, wit, and pointed critique, with the hosts both rallying their audience and keeping them engaged with lively, topical commentary.