The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 - Professor Clay Nerds Out
Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Clay Travis and Buck Sexton diving deeply into the aftermath of recent elections, with expert guest Ryan Garduski offering analysis on voting trends, coalition shifts, and what Republicans must do to win upcoming midterms. The conversation evolves into a fascinating and energetic "nerd out" session on American constitutional history, taxation, tariffs, and the roots of government power, with Travis donning a playful "Professor Clay" hat.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Election Results & Political Coalitions

• Guest: Ryan Garduski (podcaster, "It's a Numbers Game" on Clay and Buck Network)
• Analysis of New York City mayoral results and the striking shift in coalition support from the primary to general election:
  • "In the primary, Cuomo won Hispanic voters and black voters by large margins... In this election, Cuomo won white voters and Asian voters and he lost blacks and Hispanics." — Ryan Garduski [03:28]
• High turnout was noted on both sides, but the Republican coalition could not maintain unity or numbers—especially compared to Democrats' turnout.
• GOP struggles discussed in New Jersey and Virginia; concerns expressed about whether Trump's 2024 base will remain engaged for the 2026 midterms and beyond.

Quote:

• “Democrats are very enthusiastic. Democrats really want to show that Trump needs to be stopped and Republicans are complacent. This is what happens when you hold the White House.” – Ryan Garduski [07:15]

2. Durability and Strategy of the Republican Coalition

• Clay Travis and Buck Sexton probe Garduski for strategic advice headed into the midterms.
  • Garduski identifies economic frustration—especially among youth and minorities—as a key to GOP messaging.
  • Argues Republicans should use ballot initiatives to mobilize conservative turnout (e.g., measures like making English the official language).

Quote:

• “Try to get ballot measurements on the ballot in these critical states ahead of the 2026 midterms... give another initiative, another reason to show up.” – Ryan Garduski [14:26]

3. The Democratic "Line" and Trump Hatred

• Buck highlights the intense anti-Trump motivation on the left, particularly among college-educated women.
  • Garduski suggests hate for Trump overrides all other issues for many, ensuring high Democratic engagement.

Quote:

• “Hating Trump means more to them than any level of decency... particularly women, college educated women, hating Trump is everything to them.” – Ryan Garduski [10:44]

4. Legal Debate: Tariffs, Constitutional Authority, and the Supreme Court

• Travis and Sexton "nerd out" over the constitutional history of tariffs, the separation of powers, and challenges before the Supreme Court regarding Trump's use of tariff authority.
• Discussion on whether the President or Congress should control tariffs, referencing a 1979 statute and the definition of a "national emergency."

Quote:

• “You would have to give refunds, it would turn into a real mess... It's also incredibly difficult for the court to order a remediation in some way in this perspective.” — Clay Travis [23:17]

• Reference to caller and listener questions about early American revenue (imposts and excises) and the historical role of tariffs versus income tax.

Quote:

• “The original Constitution only provides for impost and exposed for taxes. And an impost is a tax on imports, which is a tariff.” – John, San Diego (caller) [33:42]

5. American Taxes: Then and Now

• Dialogue on the evolution from tariffs and excises to income taxes and property taxes.
• Travis opines on the property tax system as essentially “renting” from the government.

Memorable exchange:

• “You're renting your home from the government and the government can take... The government is your landlord.” – Buck Sexton [37:41]
• “You can never actually just own a home that you can live in. You have to always do this thing of continuing to be extracted from you cannot just exist.” – Clay Travis [37:48]

6. Listener Calls and Comments

• Mix of humor and sharply worded commentary from listeners, including critique of New York exodus, sports rivalry banter, and controversial takes on women voters.
  • Allison from LA: “I have to say they never should have given women the right to vote. It's just most of them are just too emotional.” [46:07]
  • The hosts react with humor and incredulity: "Allison showing up for the end of the show and just throwing a Molotov cocktail right in the middle of things.” – Clay Travis [47:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------|-------| | 03:28 | Ryan Garduski | "Cuomo won white voters and Asian voters and he lost blacks and Hispanics. Had he performed as well with blacks and Hispanics in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, he would have won." | | 07:15 | Ryan Garduski | “Democrats are very enthusiastic. Democrats really want to show that Trump needs to be stopped and Republicans are complacent.” | | 10:44 | Ryan Garduski | “Hating Trump means more to them than any level of decency. And that is a guiding light for them.” | |14:26| Ryan Garduski | “Try to get ballot measurements... give another initiative, another reason to show up.” | |23:17| Clay Travis | “You would have to give refunds, it would turn into a real mess... incredibly difficult for the court to order a remediation.” | |33:42| John, San Diego | “The original Constitution only provides for impost and exposed for taxes. And an impost is a tax on imports, which is a tariff.” | |37:41| Buck Sexton | “You're renting your home from the government and the government can take... The government is your landlord.” | |46:07| Allison, LA | “They never should have given women the right to vote. It's just most of them are just too emotional.” | |47:11| Clay Travis | “Allison showing up for the end of the show and just throwing a Molotov cocktail...” |

Key Timestamps for Segments

• New York Election Results & Voter Coalitions: 02:49 – 07:57
• GOP Strategy for Midterms: 07:57 – 14:58
• Democratic Enthusiasm & Trump Hatred: 10:09 – 11:59
• Proposition 50 & Redistricting Implications: 12:09 – 12:46
• Legal/Constitutional Discussion: Tariffs, Supreme Court: 21:50 – 33:59
• History of Taxation & Government Power: 33:42 – 38:44
• Listener Calls & Commentary (NY exodus, women voting): 45:14 – 47:41

Tone & Style

• Lively, opinionated, sometimes humorous, often irreverent.
• Clay Travis leans into a "nerd-out" mode, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for legal-history rabbit holes.
• The show features a mixture of analytical debate, practical advice, and entertaining asides.

Summary

This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show deftly combines sharp election analysis with constitutional deep dives and listener engagement. From tactical Republican approaches to the midterms, to a historical and legal breakdown of tariffs and taxes, Travis and Sexton both entertain and inform. The conversation is animated, sometimes provocative, and always candid, with recurring drops of humor and pointed audience participation—making for an episode that’s as much about learning as it is about lively debate.