The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 - Toxic Rhetoric
Date: September 24, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this dynamic, wide-ranging third hour, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton dissect the consequences of toxic political rhetoric, especially as it impacts law enforcement and popular discourse in media and comedy. They examine late-night comedy's partisan direction, the fallout from the Jimmy Kimmel controversy, the ICE facility shooting, and escalating political violence. The episode features a robust interview with Senator Rick Scott of Florida, listener interactions, and spirited debate about the media landscape and regulatory possibilities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Presidential Library and Florida’s Political Shift

(01:35 – 04:39)

• Clay discusses Miami designating 2.6 acres for the Trump Presidential Library, calling it a major plot twist and evidence of Florida’s central role in the Republican Party.
• Both hosts reflect on Trump’s legacy and compare it to the likely tepid reception for a future Biden library.
  • Clay: “Trump is now one of the greatest presidents, certainly of the 21st century… by far the most consequential political figure.” (02:47)
• They riff on Hunter Biden’s art sales and suggest that's how the Biden family may fund a presidential library.

2. ICE Facility Shooting & Political Rhetoric

(04:39 – 05:24 & 24:09 – 25:18)

• Clay updates on the shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, noting reports of “anti-ICE” written on bullets and multiple fatalities including the shooter.
• They discuss the danger of escalating anti-law enforcement rhetoric:
  • J.D. Vance (clip): “When you go around and lie about our law enforcement...what do you think is going to happen?” (24:09 – 25:04)
  • Clay agrees, emphasizing responsibility at the highest Democratic levels for inflaming tensions.

3. Late-Night TV, Comedy, and the Jimmy Kimmel Controversy

(06:24 – 13:42, 33:11 – 33:39)

• Clay comments on Jimmy Kimmel's return, expecting an unequivocal apology that didn’t materialize.
  • Kimmel (clip): “Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway.” (06:24 – 06:37)
• Jimmy Kimmel thanked Clay and other conservatives for defending free speech.
• Buck argues left-leaning audiences are “snowflakes” who can't handle opposing views, making balanced late-night shows unviable today.
  • “Stephen Miller is a brilliant guy... If Stephen Miller was on the Jimmy Kimmel show one time, there would be a complete freak out.” (09:13)
• Clay counters there’s unmet demand for truly apolitical, even-handed comedy; mentions Bill Maher and South Park as models.
• Advocates for moving late-night shows out of NYC/LA for a more diverse, relatable perspective:
  • “If you did late night comedy in Nashville...it would be more middle of the road.” (13:22)

4. COVID-19 Restrictions: Culture Clash Recap

(13:44 – 16:41)

• Buck and Clay reminisce about the stark north-south divide during COVID, with New York’s strict measures contrasting with Tennessee’s quick reopening.
• They lampoon urban policies like masked, spaced-out late-night show audiences and facing walls in elevators.
  • Buck: “They made everyone sicker. They made it worse for your immune system.” (16:41)

5. Listener Engagement and Political Satire

(21:08 – 22:36)

• Pam from Anchorage asks Buck to reprise his infamous Andrew Cuomo impression, satirizing pandemic bar and restaurant restrictions.
• Buck obliges with a comedic impression, earning laughs as he highlights the absurdity of “Cuomo chips” and New York’s “trial run of communism.”

6. Interview with Senator Rick Scott

(23:42 – 34:53)

a. Political Violence and Law Enforcement

• Senator Scott applauds J.D. Vance’s remarks and condemns Democratic rhetoric that demonizes law enforcement.
  • “These Democrats have got to stop this attack on law enforcement.” (25:18 – 26:37)
• Bucks presses Scott on California’s “fascist stormtrooper” accusation against ICE; Scott says Democrats undermine community safety for political gain.

b. Government Shutdown and Senate Procedures

• Debate about the potential government shutdown:
  • Scott calls for reforms to avoid shutdowns and criticizes Schumer for weaponizing the process.
  • “If we don't, then we'll just continue to keep government open at last year's funding...better than shutting down government and shutting down services.” (29:10)
• On Senate confirmation process for Trump nominees, Scott expresses frustration at Democratic obstruction but says rules changes are streamlining approvals:
  • “This is the first time in the history of the country that the opposing party of the president will do everything they can to block all nominees.” (30:50)

c. Trump Library Symbolism

• Scott celebrates Florida hosting Trump’s library:
  • “Florida has become the center of the Republican Party...I look forward to bringing my grandkids there to see it.” (32:30)

d. Jimmy Kimmel’s Toxicity and Network Decisions

• Scott says networks should make business decisions and calls Kimmel’s show “toxic.”
  • “I remember when Johnny Carson had a show and Jay Leno...they were funny. This is just toxic with guys like Jimmy Kimmel.” (33:39)

7. Equal Time Rule & Media Fairness

(39:49 – 44:22)

• Buck and Clay dissect the complexities of the FCC’s equal time rule and whether political talk shows like The View or late-night comedy should fall under these requirements.
  • Buck: “The comedy shows are not news programs and they’re on the public airwaves. Or are they going to argue that they are news programs...?”
• Clay advocates for regulatory solutions or market innovation to end ideological echo chambers:
  • “If they're on the public airwaves and they're basically doing Democrat propaganda, that should be seen as a violation of the law.” (43:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Clay Travis on late-night comedy:
  “When it’s only directed in one direction, it’s not actually comedy. It’s propaganda.” (07:36)

• Buck Sexton on partisan late-night audiences:
  “They are little snowflakes and they will scream and melt… There’s just no way that's going to happen.” (08:41)

• J.D. Vance (clip):
  “If you want to stop political violence, look in the mirror. That’s the way that we stop political violence in this country.” (24:09–25:04)

• Sen. Rick Scott on Democratic rhetoric:
  “They attack our law enforcement. What do you want in your house? …Law enforcement.” (25:18–26:37)

• Clay Travis advocating diversity in comedy:
  “I think there actually is a desperate demand for someone who is even-handed and will dispense ridicule as Johnny Carson did, as Jay Leno did.” (11:54)

• Buck Sexton mocking COVID theater in NYC:
  “They made everyone sicker. They made it worse for your immune system. They did all the wrong things.” (16:41)

• Pam from Anchorage (Listener):
  “Can you do your impersonation of Cuomo? ...I just need my impersonation.” (21:27)

• Buck Sexton as Cuomo:
  “I would pull up the charts as I was telling everybody about Foushee and the science. And then I would say to them, look at this chart. And I would get an Emmy for my daytime press conference talking to you all like this.” (21:57)

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:35 | Trump Library in Miami and Florida’s political status | | 04:39 | ICE facility shooting & opening discussion | | 06:24 | Jimmy Kimmel monologue & Kimmel thanks to Clay | | 09:13 | Audience echo chambers on late-night TV | | 10:57 | Bill Maher, South Park, and demand for balanced comedy| | 13:22 | Why relocating late-night TV matters | | 16:41 | COVID culture war: NYC vs. South | | 21:27 | Listener Pam requests Buck’s Cuomo impression | | 23:42 | Senator Rick Scott interview begins | | 24:09 | J.D. Vance on political violence (clip) | | 29:10 | Discussion on government shutdown & funding | | 30:50 | Senate confirmation and Trump’s nominees | | 32:30 | Trump Library: Florida’s symbolism | | 33:39 | Senator Scott on Kimmel’s “toxic” show | | 39:49 | Equal time rule and network obligations | | 43:14 | Clay on regulatory solutions for fairer TV content |

Language and Tone

The tone is colloquial, direct, and spirited, with moments of biting satire and earnest concern for American political and cultural direction. The hosts move fluidly from humor to seriousness, often using mockery, anecdotes, or pop culture references to reinforce their points.

Summary

This episode offers a deep dive into the impact of toxic rhetoric—focused on how elite discourse in media, politics, and comedy amplifies polarization and even political violence. Clay and Buck diagnose key failings of late-night television, mainstream news, and political leaders, urging a return to common sense, reciprocal respect, and genuine free speech. Senator Rick Scott provides a sharp update from Capitol Hill, supporting law enforcement and urging government reform. The hour is enriched with listener interaction, regulatory debate, and signature banter, making for an engaging, thought-provoking listen.