The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Hour 2: Nick Sorter Calls In
Date: October 3, 2025
Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show (iHeartPodcasts)
Featured Guests: Nick Sorter (journalist), Eric Nesbitt (Michigan State Senator), Caroline Levitt (White House Spokesperson, via press clip)
Episode Overview
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the arrest of independent journalist Nick Sorter in Portland, Oregon, amid ongoing Antifa-led unrest outside the ICE facility. The hosts examine the clash between journalists, protesters, and law enforcement; allegations of police inaction; the broader state of chaos in Portland; and governmental responses at the local and federal level. The second half features Michigan State Senator Eric Nesbitt on political and cultural issues facing Michigan and the nation.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Nick Sorter's Arrest and the Situation in Portland
(00:04–14:20)
Nick Sorter’s Firsthand Account
-
Arrest Background: Nick Sorter describes being arrested while covering protests outside the Portland ICE facility, emphasizing that he acted as a journalist and was assaulted before being taken in.
“If this city is so messed up that if I were to defend myself, I would be arrested while my assailant would get away. And that's exactly what happened here.”
— Nick Sorter [00:54] -
Journalistic Rights: He stresses the legal right to record in public and claims he was targeted for defending himself.
-
Antifa Violence: Sorter details repeated attacks by Antifa, including physical violence and being maced, and asserts law enforcement protects protesters more than victims.
“The amount of times I had mace thrown in my face this week has been crazy. Like, I'm surprised I still have vision...”
— Nick Sorter [01:29] -
Flag Incident: Sorter recounts stopping an American flag from being burned, drawing further hostility from the group.
“I’m not going to apologize for that. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— Nick Sorter [03:17] -
Police Inaction and Charges: The police took time to determine charges (“disorderly conduct”), which Sorter suggests is selectively applied against him rather than regular protestors.
“Disorderly conduct can mean…either blocking a road, blocking a sidewalk or fighting ... None of them are ever charged with this crime, just me. Is that a coincidence or was I targeted?”
— Nick Sorter [04:47] -
Federal Response: Sorter reveals a call from Attorney General Pam Bondi and the launch of a DOJ civil rights investigation into the Portland police.
“That was pretty incredible ... she was immediately ordering [Assistant Attorney General] Harmeet Dhillon to launch a full investigation into the Portland Police Bureau.”
— Nick Sorter [05:48]
State of Portland and Antifa
- Decline of the City: Clay and Nick discuss how Portland, once safe and vibrant, devolved into chaos after the George Floyd protests, with ongoing violence and inaction from leaders.
- Antifa as an Organization: Sorter argues against the idea that Antifa is “just an idea,” insisting it is a coordinated group (“Rose City Antifa” cited).
“Come down here and talk to any of them on the street. It's an organized group. They have subgroups too ... It's just blatantly false to say that it's just an idea and not an organization.”
— Nick Sorter [07:45]
Police Culture and Leadership
- Police Under Pressure: Sorter claims the Portland police have become ineffective, poorly led, and under political pressure to “stand down.”
“They're not arresting anybody ... these officers just standing there watching, doing nothing. Because ... following orders.”
— Nick Sorter [09:28]
What Next for Portland?
-
Federal Intervention: Sorter and Clay discuss the necessity of federal or National Guard intervention, citing local popular support (even if not publicly voiced).
“If you talk to residents here, this is what they want to see. They actually support the idea of the federal government coming in and taking more control here.”
— Nick Sorter [11:32] -
Support for Independent Journalism: Sorter claims supporting independent, on-the-ground journalists is vital since mainstream outlets and local law enforcement fail to tell the full story.
“Support independent journalists ... we're the ones actually embedded, boots on the ground, risking our own safety and even freedom doing this stuff.”
— Nick Sorter [13:44]
2. National and White House Response
(17:15–18:32)
-
White House Statement (Caroline Levitt):
Levitt, speaking from the White House, condemns the arrest and describes it as part of a troubling trend in Portland:“Instead of arresting these violent mob members night after night ... the police arrested a journalist who was there trying to document the chaos ... It is not their city. It is the American people's city and President Trump is going to restore that.”
— Caroline Levitt [17:36] -
Federal Action:
The DOJ is launching a civil rights investigation and President Trump is reviewing federal aid to Portland, with the possibility of cutting funding to states that “allow anarchy.”
3. Listener and Local Reactions to Portland
(34:23–36:56)
-
Oregon’s Internal Divide:
Dan from Oregon (caller) voices support for federal intervention, blaming Portland’s political leadership for the decline.“It's the morons over on the coast in Portland ... Trump, bring it on. Bring the National Guard in here and clean this place up. It's been a long time needed.”
— Dan from Oregon [34:23] -
Broader Impact:
Clay suggests Portland’s unrest is having economic and reputational consequences, including potentially losing a chance at hosting a Major League Baseball franchise.
4. Interview: Eric Nesbitt, Michigan State Senator and Gubernatorial Candidate
(20:49–29:58)
Michigan Politics and the Whitmer Legacy
-
Michigan’s Shift:
Nesbitt highlights growing Republican enthusiasm, increasing difficulties for businesses and families under Governor Whitmer, and the need to “turn the chapter” toward a more Trump-aligned state leadership. -
Education and Cultural Battle:
Nesbitt emphasizes the importance of Hillsdale College, attacks leftwing “indoctrination,” highlights support for traditional rights, and recounts personal hardship during COVID restrictions.“Our largest export used to be cars. And now it's our young people. That needs to stop.”
— Eric Nesbitt [24:41] -
Personal Story:
Nesbitt shares a moving story of being separated from his wife during her miscarriage due to COVID policies:“I'll never forgive Gretchen Whitmer for that. She did that to our family. We cannot let that happen ever again.”
— Eric Nesbitt [24:04] -
Transgender Issues in Schools:
Nesbitt opposes men competing in women’s sports and non-traditional pronoun instruction:“We need to get back to the 26 letters of the alphabet ... This is not the America you and I grew up in.”
— Eric Nesbitt [27:27] -
Looking Forward:
Nesbitt urges listeners to get involved, highlighting campaign information at “A Nesbitt for governor.com.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Nick Sorter on His Motivation to Keep Reporting:
"It's not going to intimidate me ... If anything, I'm going to be more aggressive with it because now we've got the DOJ involved. ... The six hours in jail was really worth it for what I think is going to come out of Portland."
— Nick Sorter [01:48] -
Clay Travis on City Decline:
"Portland, once ... a thriving place ... it all kind of went to hell starting with the George Floyd protest and it has continued for ... a long, long time."
— Clay Travis [06:42] -
Caroline Levitt from the White House:
“This incident is part of a troubling trend in Portland where left wing mobs believe they get to decide who can visit and live in their city. It is not their city. It is the American people's city.”
— Caroline Levitt [17:58] -
Eric Nesbitt on COVID-era Restrictions:
“I’ll never forget the text message she sent when we had a miscarriage as I sat in the parking lot ... Democrats said I could not be there and comfort her as her husband … I’ll never forgive Gretchen Whitmer for that.”
— Eric Nesbitt [24:04] -
Clay Travis on Impact of Violence:
“I think that there is a legitimate argument that the last five years of constant riots in Portland that has diminished and demeaned the safety and livelihood of people ... has directly cost them a major league baseball franchise.”
— Clay Travis [36:24]
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:04 | Nick Sorter’s arrest account begins | | 03:04 | Sorter’s defense of the American flag and confrontation | | 05:48 | DOJ/Attorney General Pam Bondi contacts Nick Sorter | | 07:36 | Debate about Antifa’s structure and leftwing denial | | 09:28 | Critique of Portland police inaction and culture | | 11:27 | Discussion on federal intervention in Portland | | 13:44 | Sorter urges support for independent journalists | | 17:36 | Caroline Levitt White House statement (audio clip) | | 20:49 | Eric Nesbitt Michigan segment starts | | 24:04 | Nesbitt’s personal COVID loss story | | 27:27 | Debate over transgender issues in Michigan schools | | 34:23 | Dan from Oregon calls in supporting National Guard intervention| | 36:24 | Clay’s commentary on Portland’s economic/cultural loss |
Conclusion & Call to Action
The episode paints a stark picture of Portland's ongoing struggles, focusing on the conflict between protest movements, law enforcement inertia, and the chilling consequences for journalists. Federal scrutiny is mounting. The show also highlights how similar battles are playing out in other states like Michigan. Both guests stress the importance of direct action—whether by supporting independent journalists or engaging in political change at the state level.
How to Support the Guests
- Nick Sorter: Follow and support him on X (formerly Twitter), and support independent, on-the-ground journalists.
- Eric Nesbitt: More info at A Nesbitt for governor.com.
This summary omits ad reads and non-content sections, focusing on the substance of the featured interviews and commentary.