The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 – Is Hegseth Natty?
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively third hour, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle two distinct but equally spirited topics: the future of the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nominee, with a focus on the complex interplay of identity and politics, and a lighthearted but competitive “natty” (natural or enhanced) debate surrounding Fox News’ Pete Hegseth’s impressive 315-pound bench press. The hour blends sharp political analysis with relatable dad-life gym banter that typifies the Clay and Buck dynamic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The 2028 Democratic Nomination: Who’s Really in the Running?

• Buck's Bold Prediction: Buck Sexton reiterates his belief that Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee in 2028, framing the discussion around identity politics and the influential role of black voters in the primary system. (04:05)
• Clay’s Skepticism: Clay Travis dismisses the idea as “insane,” arguing Harris lacks the charisma and political skills to clinch the nomination. He points out prior predictions (like Michelle Obama as nominee in 2024) didn't materialize. (04:41)
• Primary State Importance: Buck reasons that if the Democratic primary starts in the South (South Carolina, Georgia, or possibly Tennessee), it could heavily favor Kamala Harris due to demographic advantages. Conversely, if the process begins in New Hampshire or Iowa, her chances diminish. (04:58)
• Need for a "Minority Vanquisher": Buck advances the theory that Democratic strategists are boosting minority figures like Stephen A. Smith not because they expect him to win, but to dilute Kamala's support among black voters. (08:00)
  • Quote: “I think Democrat power brokers don’t see Stephen A. Smith as a real contender to be president, but I think they see him as the vanquisher of Kamala Harris.” – Buck Sexton (08:00)
• The Wes Moore Factor: Maryland Governor Wes Moore continues to state publicly that he won't run, despite speculation. Audio is played to reinforce his denials. (07:34, 15:58)
• AOC and Media Strategy: Discussion about efforts within the Democratic Party to undermine Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s rise, potentially driven by Harris allies, fearing her fundraising prowess and minority appeal. (06:53)
• Gavin Newsom as the Betting Favorite: Clay predicts Newsom will be the nominee, citing his establishment backing and straightforward path despite issues with California’s reputation. Betting markets also favor Newsom. (16:46, 17:30)
• Democrat Women Candidates: Clay notes that Democrats have “lost two elections running women against Donald Trump,” and he doubts they'll repeat the strategy. (16:46)
• Democratic Voter Motivation: Clay and Buck agree there’s little organic enthusiasm for any Democratic figure in the coming cycle—voters are motivated by agenda, not inspiration. (18:09)

Notable Quotes:

• “She’s just not very good… they tried to manufacture that charisma for Kamala Harris, and they failed because she’s so lacking in it…” – Clay Travis (09:22)
• “You never hear people talk about her as the first, like South Asian presidential candidate, which I think is interesting.” – Clay Travis (10:49)
• “By Democrat Party rules, you can’t replace a black woman with a white man.” – Buck Sexton (13:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• 04:05 – Buck’s Kamala Harris prediction
• 04:41 – Clay rejects Kamala theory
• 07:34 – Audio: Wes Moore denounces presidential ambitions
• 08:00 – The “Stephen A. Smith” theory
• 09:22 – Why Kamala lacks charisma
• 13:17 – “You can’t replace a black woman with a white man”
• 16:46 – Clay calls Newsom the likely nominee
• 17:30 – Betting market favorites

2. Natty or Not? The Pete Hegseth Bench Press Debate

• Buck and Clay’s Fitness Bragging Rights: Both hosts share their gym exploits. Buck recounts benching 225 pounds with his son spotting him (a milestone for radio hosts, they joke). (22:53)
  • “Not that many… radio hosts who can both do two plates. I’m just throwing that out there.” – Clay Travis (23:14)
  • “Most guys can’t bench their own body weight… two plates is an incredible target.” – Buck Sexton (36:19)
• Enter Pete Hegseth: The pair react to Fox News’ Pete Hegseth posting a video benching 315 pounds—three plates—a feat they both admire and humorously scrutinize. (23:40, 33:05)
• Is Hegseth “Natty”? Clay playfully questions whether Hegseth achieved his gains naturally, speculating about the use of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) and other supplements.
  • “I think there might be a little bit of performance enhancing drugs involved. I’m just saying...” – Clay Travis (34:13)
  • “If he is doing that truly natty, that’s pretty wild. That is quite impressive.” – Clay Travis (34:39)
• Bench Press Pop Culture: The hosts contextualize strength, noting fewer than 1% of the adult population can bench 225, and 315 is rarer still. Listeners chime in with messages of encouragement for their bench press achievements. (37:02, 45:13)
• Health and Lifting for All: Discussion highlights the benefits of resistance training, especially for middle-aged men and women. Both encourage weightlifting as critical to health, tackling the lingering myths about women and lifting. (39:10, 39:57)

Notable Quotes:

• “I know lots of you are champion powerlifters... but we're the middle-aged caucus here.” – Clay Travis (35:28)
• “Everyone that I know who has taken TRT… this is a huge, a huge overall health benefit…” – Clay Travis (37:33)
• “Women, I am amazed, a lot of the women listening to this are in much better shape than me and that’s great.” – Clay Travis (39:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• 22:53 – Buck’s bench press story
• 23:40 – Hegseth’s 315-pound bench introduction
• 33:05 – Pete Hegseth’s bench video commentary
• 34:13 – "Natty or not" speculation
• 36:19 – Context: Most can’t bench their body weight
• 39:10 – Benefits of weightlifting for everyone

3. Media Fairness and Partisan Echo Chambers

• Balance in Political Talk Shows: The hosts argue that while conservative media often invites liberals, the reverse is not true. Buck notes he's never been invited on late-night shows despite having a bestselling book. (27:51)
  • “We’ve invited a lot of Democrats on this program over the years. None of them will come on.” – Clay Travis (28:34)
• Safe Spaces for Liberals: Clay posits that Democrat-heavy audiences prefer echo chambers and avoid exposure to opposing views, referencing The View and Bill Maher as examples of exception to this rule. (28:52, 29:10)
  • “All of liberal media got turned into a safe space for Democrat lib audiences.” – Clay Travis (29:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Identity Politics & Strategy:
  “By Democrat Party rules, you can’t replace a black woman with a white man.” – Buck Sexton (13:17)

• On Natural Strength:
  “If he is doing that truly natty, that’s pretty wild. That is quite impressive.” – Clay Travis (34:39)

• On Media Partisanship:
  “All of liberal media got turned into a safe space for Democrat lib audiences. And now they can’t undo this.” – Clay Travis (29:10)

• On Health & Lifting:
  “Most guys can’t bench their own body weight. Two plates is an incredible target… 315 is like 1 in 10,000 strong.” – Buck Sexton (36:19, 37:21)

Listener Call-in Highlights

• Kathy from Northern California on Clay’s facial hair:
  “I agree with you, Buck. I think his mustache looks great... He looks very good that way.” (45:13)
• Rochester, NY Listener:
  “[Bench] of two plates, that’s something to be proud of... people who say the bench means nothing, suck at it.” (45:40)

Tone & Flow

The episode is peppered with humor, competitive spirit, and a mix of political punditry and self-aware dad energy. Clay and Buck riff off each other with friendly jabs and running jokes, making political debate accessible while never taking themselves too seriously.

Summary Table of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Key Points | |---|---|---| | 04:05–18:09 | 2028 Democratic Nominee | Kamala Harris v. Newsom; minority candidate theories; party strategy | | 22:53–41:35 | Hegseth Bench Press Drama | Who’s “natty” or not? Gym tales and lifting encouragement | | 27:51–31:38 | Media Echo Chambers | Invitations, safe spaces, and partisan booking habits | | 45:13–45:40 | Listener Feedback | Endorsement of Clay’s mustache and gym encouragement |

Final Thoughts

This episode blends sharp, sometimes provocative political analysis with relatable, humorous discourse on fitness and broadcast lifestyle. It’s a great listen for fans of politics, cultural commentary, and classic radio banter—with more than a few laughs at the expense of their own bench press ambitions.