The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 1 - Socialism Will Ruin NYC
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Tudor Dixon (Guest Host)
Guests: Kyle Olson, Giano Caldwell
Location: Wood Radio Studios, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Introduction and Setting the Stage (00:34 - 02:00)

In the absence of regular hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, Tudor Dixon steps in to deliver a compelling episode focused on the rising influence of socialism within one of America's most pivotal cities—New York City. Dixon introduces Kyle Olson, a seasoned political commentator, highlighting the tumultuous state of the Democratic Party and setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on the implications of electing a socialist mayor in NYC.

The Mayoral Election and Mamdani's Candidacy (02:00 - 07:23)

Kyle Olson emphasizes the historical impact of conservative voices like Rush Limbaugh on shaping the current political landscape:

"I remember watching Rush Limbaugh late at night on Fox News... he impacted our generation and I believe paved the way for two terms of President Donald Trump."
(02:00)

Dixon and Olson delve into the candidacy of Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City's mayoral race, who openly identifies as a socialist. Dixon critiques Mamdani’s background, noting his affluent upbringing and academic pursuits in African Studies rather than practical governance:

"He grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan... he's a rich kid... he hates billionaires."
(05:09)

They argue that Mamdani's policies are detached from the realities faced by the average New Yorker, suggesting his affluent status shields him from the adverse effects of his proposed socialist policies.

Socialism's Impact and Democratic Party's Direction (07:23 - 16:16)

The hosts critically examine Mamdani's political stances, particularly his commitment to Palestinian liberation, which Olson interprets as aiming to undermine Israel:

"From the river to the sea. It's to eliminate Israel."
(08:11)

Dixon links Mamdani's rhetoric to broader concerns about the Democratic Party's shift to the far left, highlighting the New York Times’ refusal to endorse him as indicative of internal party conflicts:

"The New York Times... they're not regular news. They're Democrats. They endorsed against him."
(04:13)

They express skepticism about mainstream Democrats' capacity to counteract the growing socialist faction within the party, questioning the viability of such policies in diverse and economically significant regions.

Interview with Giano Caldwell: America's Violent Crime Crisis (20:00 - 32:36)

Giano Caldwell, founder of the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety and author of The Day My Brother Was Murdered, My Journey Through America's Violent Crime Crisis, joins the discussion to provide a personal and analytical perspective on the consequences of progressive policies like defunding the police.

Caldwell shares his tragic personal story:

"The Day My Brother Was Murdered... it goes back to the day my brother was murdered in Chicago... 150 people murdered across the nation."
(20:39)

He critiques the defunding of police, linking it to increased violence and economic decline:

"He voted to defund the police in New York City by $1 billion, and they did. And what came after, death and destruction."
(20:39)

Caldwell argues for a law-and-order approach, emphasizing the need for strong policing to ensure public safety and economic stability:

"You cannot have a free society without law and order."
(24:02)

He also touches on the broader societal impacts, including the erosion of family structures and the failure of the education system:

"There has to be accountability... the education system is passing kids along without them actually being proficient."
(29:00)

Caldwell highlights real-life consequences of current policies, such as business exoduses from cities like Chicago and Detroit due to rampant crime.

Listener Engagement and Public Sentiment (32:36 - 37:28)

Post-interview, Dixon opens the floor to listeners, illustrating widespread concern across states about socialism's rise in major cities.

Kevin from Ohio voices optimism about the potential downfall of NYC's socialist agenda:

"I think this mayoral election is a gift to us. Let’s let the world watch New York liberals swim in their own sewage."
(36:18)

Eric from Florida echoes fears of enforced socialism and questions the practicality of defunding the police:

"It's mandatory, enforced by brown shirts... who are you going to send to take my gun?"
(37:06)

These call-ins underscore a national unease with the Democratic Party's ideological shift and its potential ramifications on local governance and public safety.

Conclusion and Upcoming Topics (37:28 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Tudor Dixon teases upcoming discussions on the P. Diddy trial, insights from Linda McMahon on women's sports, and the broader implications for American society as it approaches significant national celebrations.

Key Takeaways

• Rising Socialism in Major Cities: The Democratic Party faces internal strife with the emergence of openly socialist candidates like Mamdani, whose policies may alienate traditional voters and disrupt economic stability.

• Economic and Public Safety Concerns: Policies such as defunding the police are critically linked to increased violent crime and the exodus of businesses from high-crime cities, threatening local and national economies.

• Personal Narratives Highlight Broader Issues: Giano Caldwell's personal loss and professional insights illustrate the tangible human cost of current progressive policies, advocating for a return to law-and-order approaches.

• National Unease and Call for Accountability: Listener feedback from across the country reflects a widespread demand for political accountability and a rejection of extremist policies perceived as harmful to societal well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Kyle Olson on Media Influence:

  "I remember watching Rush Limbaugh late at night on Fox News... he impacted our generation and I believe paved the way for two terms of President Donald Trump."
  (02:00)

• Tudor Dixon on Mamdani's Background:

  "He grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan... he's a rich kid... he hates billionaires."
  (05:09)

• Giano Caldwell on Defunding Police:

  "You cannot have a free society without law and order."
  (24:02)

• Kevin from Ohio on Mayoral Election:

  "I think this mayoral election is a gift to us. Let’s let the world watch New York liberals swim in their own sewage."
  (36:18)

This episode provides a critical examination of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, the potential impacts of socialist policies on major urban centers, and the urgent need for solutions to America's violent crime crisis. Through informed discussions and personal testimonies, Tudor Dixon and his guests offer listeners a comprehensive analysis of pressing political and social issues facing the nation.