The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 2 - What is Curtis Doing?
Date: October 17, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this lively and politically charged hour, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the shifting dynamics in New York City’s mayoral race, the broader implications for national politics, and provide an in-depth analysis of the escalating situation in Venezuela with military expert David Rutherford. The hosts bring their trademark humor, insight, and skepticism, exploring intra-party drama, the realities of far-left politics, and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New York City Mayoral Race: The "Curtis Sliwa Situation"

(01:35-12:30, 21:39-22:52)

• The Dilemma:
  Clay and Buck critique Curtis Sliwa’s continued candidacy, arguing that his refusal to drop out splits the anti-Mamdani vote, effectively handing victory to far-left candidate Zoran Mamdani.
• Polling Reality:
  Clay references Harry Enten’s analysis:

  "Mamdani leads by 18 points right now... the largest polling miss since 1989 was 11 points." (04:46)

• Clay’s Take:
  Clay bluntly suggests that New Yorkers might need to accept defeat for the greater national good:

  "Sometimes you just got to toss New York City in... let the rest of us live to see a happier day." (06:04)

• Buck’s Retort:
  Buck pushes back, channeling his New Yorker pride:

  "I'm rowing my lifeboat over to you New Yorkers. I want you to be okay." (05:41)

• Who's Worse—Cuomo or Mamdani?
  Both agree Cuomo is "awful," possibly only marginally better than Mamdani, drawing a dark analogy:

  "Oh, that Hitler guy's awful. Thank God we've got Stalin on our side." (08:29, Buck)

• Strategic Opportunity?:
  Clay speculates that a Mamdani win could bolster Republican Elise Stefanik’s chances against Governor Hochul in 2026.

Notable Quote

• "Mamdani is a jihadist... he supports Hamas terrorists... he is Kathy Hochul's endorsed jihadist communist who she has empowered to destroy New York City."
  — Clay summarizing Elise Stefanik’s statement (10:36)

2. Public Safety and NYPD Apology

(13:11-15:05)

• Mamdani's Hollow Apology:
  Play of Mamdani apologizing to NYPD:

  "I apologize for the language that I used... I want to work with them to deliver public safety." (13:36, Zoran Mamdani)

• Buck's Skepticism:

  "It's a hollow apology... He's not apologizing for jumping on the bandwagon of 'cops are racist'..." (14:14)

3. Far-Left Governance Ideas in NYC

(15:35-16:53)

• Free Public Transit Debate:
  Mamdani proposes raising taxes to make transit free.
  Clay is dismissive:

  "Anybody really think that it's safety and it's cleanliness. That's what everybody wants." (16:38)

4. Venezuela: Chaos, U.S. Policy, and Cartel Wars

(24:34-37:23)

• David Rutherford’s Expert Analysis
  Former Navy SEAL David Rutherford breaks down:
  • China’s $60 billion investment in Venezuela
  • Collusion between Venezuelan officials and Mexican cartels
  • Rising possibility for U.S. intervention
• Maduro’s Stability:
  The group discusses whether Maduro’s regime is near collapse and the role of China as his lifeline.
• Oil & Geopolitics:
  Questions about whether the Trump administration (with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State) can negotiate with Maduro or if regime change is the only option.

  "If the Trump team had... a magic wand, what would they like to see happen in Venezuela? ...Is it any kind of negotiation with him or do you think he has to be gone?" (32:02, Clay Travis)

Notable Moments

• Rutherford on Popular Will:

  "...the population is ripe for some influence... but the military really coalesced around [Maduro] to go after... the opposition after those elections." (36:08)

• Call-in from Sean in Minneapolis:
  Sean, Venezuelan culture expert, adds that Madura’s removal alone won’t fix problems—other narco-lords like Diaz du Cabello hold power and are deeply entwined in drug trafficking. (43:27-44:42)

5. National Politics & Oil Prices

(45:00-45:28)

• Oil Price Plunging:
  Brief note on falling oil and gas prices, linking it back to global politics and U.S. interests.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Clay: "I actually think a Momdani win is beneficial to the nation because it forces a far left wing..." (05:40)
• Buck: "I think there's room for Jack on that door. And Rose needs to just, you know, suck it in a little bit here and make some space." (Titanic analogy, 11:46)
• Clay: "New Yorkers have put themselves in quite the pickle here, because every option they pick is basically an awful one." (22:52)
• David Rutherford: "Things are heating up for sure." (27:07)
• Sean (caller): "Maduro is only a small part of the problem... you have to kill Diaz du Cabello... he's as bad as they come." (43:27)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Details | |-----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:35 | NYC Mayoral Race | Curtis Sliwa’s role, Mamdani polling lead | | 04:46 | Polling Analysis | Polling history and implications for Cuomo vs. Mamdani | | 05:41 | Lifeboat Metaphor | Buck's Titanic analogy championing New Yorkers | | 10:36 | Elise Stefanik’s Statement | Stefanik labels Mamdani a “jihadist,” national implications discussed | | 13:36 | Zoran Mamdani NYPD Apology | Mamdani issues apology; Buck deconstructs it | | 16:19 | Free Transit Proposal | Mamdani on MTA funding, Clay's skepticism about priorities | | 24:34 | Venezuela Segment Begins | Intro to David Rutherford, recap of regional geopolitics and U.S. involvement | | 27:07 | Venezuela Regime’s Military Maneuvers | Maduro’s military posturing, regime stability | | 35:11 | U.S. Policy & Regime Change Discussion | Will Trump admin negotiate or demand ouster of Maduro? | | 43:27 | Call-In: Venezuelan Context | Sean details narco power structure | | 45:00 | Oil & Gas Market | Drop in oil prices, national economic implications |

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a blend of intelligence, sharp political analysis, and irreverent humor. Clay and Buck are frank, often tongue-in-cheek, and unafraid to challenge even their own side—especially when it comes to the futility of politics in deep-blue cities like New York. Guest David Rutherford adds a boots-on-the-ground perspective with military and national security expertise.

Summary for New Listeners

• If you’re interested in how race dynamics in NYC mayoral politics intertwine with national partisan strategy, this episode offers sharp, fact-based–yet highly opinionated–analysis.
• The hosts argue over the realpolitik of letting liberal cities "fail" to teach a lesson, while still showing genuine concern for residents caught in the ideological crossfire.
• The Venezuela segment significantly educates listeners on how U.S. foreign policy, drug cartels, and major geopolitical players like China are shaping events in the Western Hemisphere.
• The show is filled with punchy analogies (Titanic!), memorable political jabs, and expert guest commentary.

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