The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Normally Podcast: Taylor Lorenz Is At It Again...

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction: Navigating Media and Personal Challenges

The episode kicks off with hosts Mary Kathryn Ham and Carol Markowitz sharing a personal anecdote about dealing with an unexpected spider in Mary’s home. This light-hearted exchange sets a relatable tone before delving into more pressing societal issues.

Mary Kathryn Ham [02:42]:
"We are back on Normally, the show with normalish takes for when the news gets weird."

Media Representation and Taylor Lorenz's Controversial Interview

A significant portion of the discussion centers around journalist Taylor Lorenz and her recent interview with CNN correspondent Donnie O'Sullivan. The hosts critique Lorenz for seemingly idolizing Luigi Mengione, a man convicted of murdering a healthcare executive, and express concern over how media personalities may inadvertently glamorize violent actions.

Carol Markowitz [05:24]:
"Kayla Lorenz, who was a reporter at the New York Times and then at the Washington Post gave it a very odd interview to CNN where she talked about how amazing Luigi Mengione is."

Mary Kathryn Ham [08:52]:
"There’s a Flannery O’Connor short story called A Good Man is Hard to Find. And it's like, girl. No."

Carol Markowitz [08:13]:
"Her whole point that the media doesn't understand Mangione's appeal. We completely understand."

The hosts argue that such portrayals contribute to a dangerous narrative where perpetrators are given undeserved sympathy and admiration, potentially inciting further violence.

Political Violence and Media Bias: Left vs. Right

Mary Kathryn and Carol explore the broader issue of political violence, highlighting how media coverage tends to differ based on the perpetrator's political affiliation. They reference historical events and recent incidents to illustrate perceived double standards.

Mary Kathryn Ham [11:49]:
"The New York Times repeated it just a couple of years ago in error. And I watched that in real time and I thought, this feels different."

Carol Markowitz [12:32]:
"Democrats do say things that Republicans simply would never be able to get away with."

The conversation underscores a frustration with how left-leaning violence is often downplayed or justified, whereas similar actions on the right receive widespread condemnation.

Recent Assassination Attempts and Public Responses

The hosts address recent violent incidents, including an attempted assassination at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and a case in Wisconsin involving the murder of family members by a 17-year-old aiming to assassinate President Trump. They emphasize the increasing frequency of such events and criticize the lack of robust responses from Democratic leaders.

Mary Kathryn Ham [14:01]:
"It is not okay. And it has to stop."

Carol Markowitz [15:13]:
"He is a very mild mannered man, and 'not okay' is really just the bottom of it."

Mary Kathryn Ham [16:25]:
"It doesn't feel good, guys."

The discussion highlights a recurring theme of inadequate accountability and the potential influence of harmful rhetoric in fueling these acts.

Democratic Strategy and Engagement with Trump

Mary Kathryn and Carol critique the Democratic Party's strategy in dealing with former President Donald Trump. They argue that Democrats missed opportunities to engage constructively with Trump, which could have mitigated some of his appeal and influence.

Mary Kathryn Ham [27:46]:
"If they had normalized Trump in 2017 and gone into the Oval Office and talked to him, they would have done many of those things he would have done."

Carol Markowitz [28:25]:
"She can't see them. They can't see her."

The hosts lament the missed chances for bipartisan dialogue and suggest that such engagement might have altered political dynamics significantly.

Pronatalism and Political Agendas: A Left-Right Divide

The episode delves into the topic of pronatalism, referencing an article by Elizabeth Bruenig. The hosts discuss how the political left struggles to address birth rate concerns without being perceived as endorsing right-wing agendas. This creates a feedback loop where liberals avoid the subject, inadvertently strengthening right-wing associations.

Carol Markowitz [38:11]:
"Liberal women are some of the most unhappy in every survey."

Mary Kathryn Ham [40:45]:
"If you can't say that, how do you speak to normal people?"

They argue that this inability to engage with pronatalism limits the left’s ability to propose comprehensive social policies that include population sustainability.

Conclusion: The Need for Balanced Rhetoric and Accountability

Wrapping up, Mary Kathryn and Carol emphasize the importance of responsible rhetoric in preventing political violence and fostering a more balanced media narrative. They call for more robust self-regulation within the Democratic Party and a willingness to engage with opposing views constructively.

Mary Kathryn Ham [42:14]:
"I'm not ashamed."

Carol Markowitz [42:37]:
"When things get weird, act normally."

The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the show's mission to provide "normalish takes for when the news gets weird," encouraging listeners to seek balanced perspectives amidst a turbulent media landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kathryn Ham [10:00]:
  "You're explicitly telling people on national television that if you do something like this, you will have a fan club and be considered exactly handsome, revolutionary, a good moral man, and then we'll all joke about it."

• Carol Markowitz [16:27]:
  "Uniformly."

• Mary Kathryn Ham [19:50]:
  "And Taylor Stanning it also."

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' critical stance on media portrayal of controversial figures and the broader implications for political discourse.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the hosts' critiques of media practices, political strategies, and societal issues. By including direct quotes with timestamps, the summary provides authenticity and facilitates a deeper understanding for those who haven't listened to the full episode.