The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Hour 3 - California means to America, what America means to the world
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host/Producer: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the intricate dynamics of California's role within America and its global significance. The conversation primarily revolves around an exclusive interview with Steve Hilton, a well-known Fox News personality who has recently announced his candidacy for the governorship of California. The discussion also touches on broader political themes, including critiques of Democratic leadership, the influence of the oligarchy, and contemporary political controversies.
Interview with Steve Hilton
Background and Motivation for Running
[02:57] Clay Travis:
"Steve, one of my kids called me an unk the other day."
Buck Sexton:
"An unk?"
[02:44] Steve Hilton:
"I think that's our opportunity in California. Latinos are the largest group in California, 40% of the population. And the working class vote, which the Democrats have taken for granted, is right there for the taking."
Steve Hilton provides a comprehensive overview of his background, emphasizing his roots in the UK, his family's history as Hungarian refugees, and his professional journey that led him to California in 2012:
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Academic and Professional Experience:
"I taught at Stanford University, I started a business here, all of that before joining Fox News."
[04:47] -
Political Experience in the UK:
"I was a senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron where I was really leading our domestic policy reform."
[04:47] -
Motivation to Run for Governor:
"These are all decisions and policies implemented by Democrats. We can turn it all around as long as we vote for people who are going to bring change."
[04:47]
Hilton underscores his commitment to transforming California by addressing what he perceives as mismanagement, high taxes, overregulation, and the prolonged Democratic dominance over the past fifteen years.
California's Current State and Policy Critiques
[06:19] Buck Sexton:
"Steve, what can you do in a state like California where there's a 60-40 Democrat to Republican registration?"
[07:11] Steve Hilton:
"The starting point is that there are some ingredients that are grounds for optimism. In the last election in November 2024, 10 counties in California flipped from blue to red, including significant ones like Fresno County."
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Economic and Demographic Shifts:
Hilton points out that despite Gavin Newsom's claims of population growth, much of it is attributed to illegal immigration, while many Californians are leaving due to governance issues:"Gavin Newsom. Yes, our population is growing in California, but only because of illegal immigration. Actual people are leaving in droves because of the mismanagement, the taxes, the regulation, the insanity of Gavin Newsom and this 15 years of one-party rule by the Democrats."
[04:17] -
Political Realignment:
He highlights a significant shift among Latino and working-class voters moving away from the Democratic Party:"Latinos are the largest group in California, 40% of the population... The working class vote, which the Democrats have taken for granted, is right there for the taking."
[07:11]
Wildfires and Governance
[09:27] Clay Travis:
"What's the latest on the wildfires in the L.A. area? How do you think that might have shaken people out of entrenched politics?"
[09:46] Steve Hilton:
"Wilderness management and environmental extremism have exacerbated wildfire devastation:
'It's this combination of ideological extremism and governing incompetence.'
[09:46]
Hilton criticizes the state's environmental policies for restricting land management practices necessary to prevent wildfires and criticizes the slow and ineffective response to disaster management:
"People are fined for trying to clear brush from their own property, all driven by their climate extremism."
[10:27]
He also points out the inadequacies in rebuilding efforts post-wildfires, highlighting the inefficiency and lack of urgency from Democratic officials:
"Karen Bass... still, a few weeks ago only four permits had been issued. Now I think it's up to the massive number of 30. It is an absolute joke."
[10:27]
Political Future of Kamala Harris
[11:48] Buck Sexton:
"How do you see Kamala Harris's future in California politics?"
[12:17] Steve Hilton:
Hilton expresses skepticism about Harris's political aspirations beyond California:
"She's been told... there's really no support from the Democrat machine for another presidential run. If she wants to do anything, it's going to be governor."
[12:17]
He argues that Harris lacks the credentials of a "change candidate," which he believes is what California voters are seeking:
"Kamala Harris is literally the most implausible change candidate you could ever imagine."
[12:17]
Hilton forecasts that Harris would not be a favorable candidate for those desiring significant political reform:
"Where is a single accomplishment in all her years?"
[12:17]
Political Commentary
Critique of Bernie Sanders and the Oligarchy
Towards the latter part of the episode, Travis and Sexton delve into a heated critique of Bernie Sanders and what they term the "oligarchy."
[26:34] Buck Sexton:
"Sexton critiques Sanders's narrative on the oligarchy:
'It's just a thing to manipulate the emotions of not very bright people, which he does quite well.'
[27:42]
They discuss Sanders's private jet usage juxtaposed with his anti-elite rhetoric:
"He shouts down the oligarchy, but who's writing the checks to pay for the private jets?"
[39:27]
"He is a little tool of rich people who are make believe socialists from their mansions in Brentwood and the Upper West Side."
[39:30]
[31:26] Buck Sexton:
"The Democrats are portrayed as the party of the elites:
'The Democrats are the party of the elites... the modern Democrat party at its core.'
[31:26]
[33:30] Buck Sexton:
"They criticize the influence of figures like George Soros in funding left-wing movements:
'Soros money behind a lot of these organizations. But he marries Huma Abedin because she has the Rolodex to connect him to the people who matter within that movement.'
[35:34]
Discussion on Trans Kids in Sports
The hosts touch upon the controversial topic of trans children participating in sports, reflecting their stance against it:
[24:05] Clay Travis:
"I don't believe that trans kids exist. I don't believe that you are six years old and you are like, oh, I'm a girl in a boy's body."
[25:25] Buck Sexton:
"They can play sports with the gender that they actually are. It's fine."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Travis and Sexton reiterate the importance of California in embodying the American dream and the potential for political change through Hilton’s gubernatorial campaign.
[14:34] Steve Hilton:
"California represents everything I love about this country. Ambition and energy and optimism and dynamism and startup hustle and actually also the rebel spirit."
[48:34] Buck Sexton:
"Make sure you don't miss it. Again, happy Mother's Day to all. We'll be back with y'all on Monday."
The hosts conclude by emphasizing the significance of grassroots movements and voter participation in driving the desired political transformation in California.
Notable Quotes
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Steve Hilton on California's Population:
"Gavin Newsom. Yes, our population is growing in California, but only because of illegal immigration. Actual people are leaving in droves because of the mismanagement, the taxes, the regulation, the insanity of Gavin Newsom and this 15 years of one party rule by the Democrats."
[04:17] -
Hilton on Wildfires and Governance:
"It's this combination of ideological extremism and governing incompetence."
[09:46] -
Buck Sexton on Sanders's Oligarchy Tour:
"He shouts down the oligarchy, but who's writing the checks to pay for the private jets?"
[39:27] -
Clary Travis on California's Symbolism:
"California means to America what America means to the world."
[14:34]
Key Takeaways
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Steve Hilton’s Governorship Campaign:
- Aimed at overturning Democratic dominance in California by addressing what he perceives as mismanagement, overregulation, and high taxation.
- Focus on appealing to Latino and working-class voters who are increasingly disillusioned with the current political leadership.
-
Critique of Democratic Policies:
- Accusations of environmental extremism contributing to severe wildfires due to restrictive land management practices.
- Criticism of slow and ineffective disaster response and rebuilding efforts.
-
Political Realignment:
- Observation of shifting political loyalties among key demographic groups in California, presenting an opportunity for Republican candidates.
-
Oligarchy and Political Hypocrisy:
- Strong condemnation of prominent Democratic figures and the Democratic Party as being aligned with elite interests rather than representing the average American.
-
Controversial Social Issues:
- The show's take on trans participation in sports reflects their broader conservative stance on social policies.
-
California as a Microcosm of America:
- Emphasis on California's influence both nationally and globally, underscoring its importance in shaping American values and policies.
This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions and viewpoints presented in Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. It provides listeners with an insightful overview of Steve Hilton's campaign for California governor, the hosts' political criticisms, and their perspectives on contemporary social issues, all framed within the broader context of California's significance to the United States and the world.