The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 – Objectively Good News
Date: March 20, 2026
Host: Clay Travis (Buck Sexton out)
Theme: Highlighting positive, underreported national news and taking listeners’ calls about current events

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clay Travis flies solo and devotes much of the hour to “objectively good news” stories and a discussion around crime rates, especially focusing on significant declines in violent crime nationwide and in major cities like Washington, D.C. and Memphis. Clay also fields listener calls on TSA/ICE, Iran policy, government shutdowns and other timely topics, all while interspersing his characteristic humor and commentary.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Good News Gets Ignored: Historic Decline in Crime (02:46 – 13:45)

• National Crime Data
  Clay shares that, according to recently published data (citing The Wall Street Journal), the United States had the lowest murder rate in 125 years in 2025—possibly the safest year since the country’s founding.

  • Quote:

    "We had the lowest murder rate that we have ever had in this country... It is very likely that 2025 was the safest year in the history of the United States since we became a nation." (03:30)

  • He attributes these improvements in part to law enforcement support policies under President Trump.

• Washington, D.C.: Remarkable Drops in Violent Crime

  • Murders are down 65% compared to last year (as of March 19, 2026).
  • Other major crime categories also saw large decreases:
    • Sex abuse: down 64%
    • Robbery: down 29%
    • Burglary: down 27%
    • Motor vehicle theft: down 55%
    • Theft from auto: down 36%
    • Property crime overall: down 28%
    • Arson: down 100%
  • Quote:

    “Everything in D.C. is getting infinitely better. How many reporters have you heard talk about the data that I am reading directly off the D.C. government website…?” (12:00)

• Broader Trend:
  Memphis, Tennessee (Clay’s home state) is also seeing a 25-year low in overall crime rates due to increased police support.

• Analysis:
  Clay claims the good news isn’t widely reported due to a “bad news bias”—the media ignores positive outcomes, especially if it means giving credit to Trump.

  • Quote:

    "We have a huge bad news bias in this country... This is why I said, I want to do the third hour. I actually want to tell you some good news stories." (09:45)

  • He notes the racial impact, arguing that declines in murder particularly benefit Black and Hispanic communities in urban areas.
  • Quote:

    “Donald Trump has saved more black lives by cracking down on violence than any president in the history of this nation.” (14:24)

2. International Affairs: Iran and U.S. Policy (21:31–23:06)

• The View Soundbite Reaction
  Clay plays and reacts to a clip from Sarah Eisen on The View outlining consensus about Iran’s goals and why the U.S. is engaged militarily there.

  • Key points agreed upon: Iran seeks to destroy America, funds terrorism, pursues nuclear weapons.
  • Quote (Sarah Eisen, 21:31):

    "Iran wants to destroy America, right? They chant 'Death to America.' That's been a cornerstone of their foreign policy forever... they have long range missiles and that they fund terrorists that have killed Americans."

• Clay’s Take:
  Clay commends Eisen for her clarity and notes the “massive amount of agreement” on these facts, prior to Trump’s decisive moves on Iran policy.

3. Other Political Hot Topics

John Fetterman’s Political Shift (24:50–27:56)

• Fetterman’s Surprising Position
  Clay discusses Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s transformation into a centrist or even right-leaning Democrat, noting Democrats are abandoning him in polling.

  • Quote (paraphrasing CNN's Harry Enten):

    "Just look at this… he was at plus 68 points. Look at how low he has fallen down to negative 40 points... This is an 108 point swing." (26:11)

• Speculation:
  Clay wonders if Fetterman will switch to caucusing with Republicans or become independent ahead of his 2028 reelection.

4. Listener Calls: Policy, TSA, and Government Shutdowns (28:12–36:41)

TSA & ICE Staffing Idea

• Linda (Green Valley, AZ) suggests bringing ICE agents to supplement TSA workforce during agent shortages.
  • Quote (Linda):

    “We need to bring in ICE agents and fill in... I think that would push the Democrats to sign the Homeland Security bill.” (28:12)

• Clay’s Response:
  He calls it a “brilliant idea” but points out ICE agents might be needed for their primary duties and would need training to do TSA’s job.

Approach to Iran Intervention

• Wes (California) argues for aggressive military action in Iran, including possibly establishing U.S. bases and using oil as compensation.
• Clay’s Response: He draws a distinction between short-term, targeted interventions (such as seizure of Karj Island) and large-scale occupations. Warns against repeating lessons from Iraq/Afghanistan.
  • Quote:

    “My point would be, I think Trump has learned the lessons of Iraq and knows better… I don't think he's going to do that.” (32:20)

Frustration with Congressional Pay During Shutdowns

• Ashley (South Carolina) complains that essential low-income workers like TSA agents bear the brunt of government shutdowns, while Congress faces no consequences.
  • Quote (Ashley):

    “What genius decided to punish the people who are hard workers versus Congress who just can't seem to do their job?” (33:31)

• Clay’s Response: Proposes a law to stop Congressional/staff pay during shutdowns, arguing it would ensure swift bipartisan solutions.

5. Audience Reactions, Emails, and Final Thoughts (42:39–45:58)

• Listener Email Suggestions (Rosemary, NC):

  • Place all Congress and staff on a no-fly list until the government is funded.
    • Clay’s Comment:

      “...as soon as Congress starts to feel the pain that the average American feels when it comes to travel related issues, they will very likely get things fixed.” (42:45)

• Tribute to Chuck Norris

  • Listener Travis calls in mourning Chuck Norris' passing at age 86, reflecting his cultural impact.

• March Madness Highlight

  • Ongoing excitement about the NCAA tournament and a memorable last-second Kentucky Wildcats basketball shot, as heard by Clay’s children reacting off-air.
    • Quote (Clay):

      “Downstairs I heard my three boys screaming reacting to the shot that was made.” (44:15)

• TSA/ICE Recap Call

  • Monty suggests ICE agents at airports could perform both security and immigration duties, which Clay jokes would force Democrats to resolve staffing issues quickly. (45:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I actually think we may be making America greater than it's ever been before. We're not just making it great again; we're making it greater than it's ever been before. It's safer from a murder perspective in this country today than maybe at any point in the last 250 years—certainly at any point in the last 125 years. Holy heck, that's a hell of a story." – Clay Travis (13:45)
• “Is it possible that Fetterman either goes independent or potentially starts to caucus with Republicans if he's going to plan on running for reelection? I think it could be.” – Clay Travis (27:30)
• “I'm going to be honest with you. I would be fed up. I would be frustrated. My credit card bill, when I'm taking on more interest to be able to pay things, if I even have the limit to be able to do that. It's just—this is a failure of epic proportions and epic magnitude.” – Clay Travis (37:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:46 – Clay introduces the theme: reporting underappreciated, objectively good national news.
• 03:30 – National murder rate hits 125-year low; Wall Street Journal coverage.
• 07:20 – D.C. crime statistics: 2026 murder rate declines, category-by-category crime drop.
• 13:30 – Reflections on “bad news bias.”
• 21:31 – The View / Sarah Eisen soundbite and Iran discussion.
• 24:50 – John Fetterman as a centrist and polling analysis.
• 28:12 – Listener calls begin: TSA/ICE staffing, shutdown frustration, Iran intervention.
• 36:41 – Discussion on essential workers’ pay and shutdowns.
• 42:39 – Listener emails and talk-backs: no-fly list for Congress, Chuck Norris tribute, NCAA basketball.
• 45:09 – Final calls and wrap-up thoughts.

Tone and Style

Clay Travis maintains his signature energetic, conversational, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek conservative tone throughout the hour. He provides statistics and pointed critiques with a combination of sarcasm and earnest cheer, especially when highlighting good news stories he claims others ignore.

Conclusion

This hour stands out as a counter-narrative to typically negative news cycles, with Clay persistently pushing listeners to recognize and celebrate real, data-backed improvements in public safety and civic life—while also fostering debate about policy, shutdowns, and international affairs through lively listener participation.