Podcast Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Normally Podcast: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host/Authors: Mary Kathryn Hammond, Carol Markowitz, Mike Huckabee
Description: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics, and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage [02:40 – 03:06]

Mary Kathryn Hammond and Mike Huckabee open the episode after a supposedly calm weekend, quickly dispelling the notion that things have remained quiet.

Mary Kathryn Hammond: "Nobody can ever chill."

2. Escalation of Conflicts Between Israel and Iran [03:06 – 09:27]

Overview:

The hosts discuss the recent aggressive actions taken by Israel against Iran, highlighting the severity and potential long-term implications of these moves.

Key Points:

• Israel's Offensive: Israel has launched significant attacks against Iran, indicating a prolonged conflict rather than isolated strikes.

  Mike Huckabee: “Israel very quickly said, this is not going to be a quick thing... They see this as being at war, not just strikes.” [03:10]

• American Involvement: The speculation that Trump may have had prior knowledge or involvement in these strikes is addressed.

  Mike Huckabee: “Obviously, Israel's not doing this without the United States kind of permission.” [04:29]

• Credibility of Leadership: The importance of setting and maintaining deadlines to establish leadership credibility is emphasized.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But because of the military and intel successes of Israel, which have been astounding over the past year or so, fewer of those ballistic missiles are coming in each time because they are able to target where they're coming from and take those out.” [07:18]

• Impact on Iran: The hosts express hope that Iran's internal dynamics will change due to ongoing military pressures.

  Mike Huckabee: “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. President Trump said that, and we were hoping to get back to the negotiating table.” [09:42]

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Do I want Iran to have nukes? And the answer is no.” [09:27]
• Mike Huckabee: “This is a much cleaner, safer situation for Americans.” [07:18]

3. Minnesota Shooting Incident [15:37 – 19:05]

Overview:

A tragic shooting in Minnesota where a gunman killed House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her spouse, and allegedly another lawmaker is discussed in detail.

Key Points:

• Details of the Incident: The shooter, Vance Bolter, targeted prominent Democratic figures, resulting in multiple casualties, including their dog.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “This is a 55-year-old democratic leader in the Minnesota house and her husband. They have children.” [15:31]

• Shooter’s Background: Bolter has a confusing employment history, including work with an eye donation company and attempts to start a security company. He also has ties to the Democratic Republic of Congo and holds pro-life views.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “He works with some sort of eye donation company right now and is also trying to get a security company off the ground.” [17:19]

• Motivations and Manifesto: While details are scarce, a manifesto is expected to shed light on his motives, though law enforcement is withholding information for now.

• Community and Law Enforcement Response: The quick apprehension of the shooter, thanks to trail cameras and vigilant hunters, is commended.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “He has been apprehended. We will know more information.” [18:17]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “This is wrong and we don't stand for it normally.” [18:05]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Everyone should be able to say this is the worst and we want nothing to do with anyone who agrees with us doing anything like this.” [17:08]

4. Donald Trump's Policies and Actions [24:07 – 29:20]

Overview:

The hosts analyze recent actions and policy changes under Donald Trump's administration, focusing on immigration, tariffs, and tech regulations.

Key Points:

• Deportation Policies and Special Carve-Outs: Trump’s approach to illegal immigration includes creating exceptions for certain industries, which the hosts criticize for undermining legal worker programs.

  Mike Huckabee: “There should be no special carve-outs. What about Uber Eats? What about any other number of businesses that rely on a class of people that they don't have to pay minimum wage to?” [24:35]

• Tariffs and Trade Stances: Discussion on Trump’s inconsistent stance on tariffs, highlighting support from figures like Cliff Asness.

  Mike Huckabee: “Cliff Asness... 'today I'm thinking I can live with some tariffs,' which is really where we are on Trump.” [23:27]

• TikTok Ban Enforcement: Trump’s delayed enforcement of the TikTok ban is criticized for not adhering to legal requirements.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But the left doesn't care because they really like TikTok... he keeps saying I’m going to delay. And there's nothing in the law that says he's allowed to delay.” [28:37]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “I hate that. I hate it because there should be no special carve-outs.” [24:43]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “I do think there's a way to achieve... not turning everyone off with the mass deportation effort while also getting done a lot of work.” [27:25]

5. No Kings Protests and the Army Parade [33:39 – 40:54]

Overview:

The episode covers the "No Kings" protests against Donald Trump, juxtaposed with the Army's 250th birthday parade in Washington D.C., highlighting the polarized political climate.

Key Points:

• "No Kings" Protests: These rallies, held around 2,000 sites nationwide, criticize Trump’s leadership style. The hosts observe the demographics of the protesters, noting many are older women.

  Mike Huckabee: “Kings generally wouldn't allow no King protests on their streets.” [34:18]

• Army’s 250th Birthday Parade: This long-planned event coincides with the protests, showcasing military pride and tradition, counterbalancing the political demonstrations.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “There have been plans in the works since 2023, at least it just to do this.” [36:23]

• Public Perception and Reactions: The hosts discuss the public’s mixed feelings towards Trump, especially in the context of military displays and public protests.

  Mike Huckabee: “They were real worried about it before, though.” [40:10]

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “These guys are marching. And you'll hear the horrifying soundtrack. When I think fascists, I think John Philip Sousa.” [38:33]
• Mike Huckabee: “Matt Cover on X tweeted, who knew that principled opposition to Trump would mean booing the Army's 250th birthday?” [40:25]

6. Critique of New York Times' Father's Day Coverage [40:54 – 44:58]

Overview:

The hosts critique a New York Times op-ed that portrays a negative view of the author's father, discussing the complexities of parental relationships and media representation.

Key Points:

• Negative Portrayal: The NYT piece titled "What My Father Gave Me" presents a troubled relationship between the author and her father, which the hosts find problematic.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “It was all about how much she dislikes her father and he's still with us.” [41:10]

• Impact on Father's Day: The hosts express frustration that such narratives overshadow positive recognitions of fathers on the holiday.

  Mike Huckabee: “They can’t even just say fathers. Like, that’s one of the categories.” [43:02]

• Personal Reflections: Both hosts share personal gratitude towards the fathers in their lives, contrasting the negative portrayal in the article.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Thanks to the dads in my family who we had a great time.” [45:03]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “It's so pathetic how the New York Times is just anti men and the whole... the whole left really is just anti men.” [43:29]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “You have to make Father's Day about the fathers who are with us and the ones we've lost.” [44:07]

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [45:43 – End]

The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming content and sharing final reflections on societal issues, reinforcing the theme of maintaining composure amidst chaos.

Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Next time we could shoot for it next year. New York Show Show 2026.” [45:21]

Mike Huckabee: “So that was a weird situation where a guy with a rifle showed up, was charging people and a designated peacekeeper inside the crowd shot at the assailant and missed and hit a bystander, which is just terrible.” [35:18]

Overall Insights and Conclusions

• Geopolitical Stability: The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran highlight a volatile Middle East landscape, with significant implications for global security.

• Domestic Tragedies: The Minnesota shooting underscores the ever-present threat of political violence and its devastating impact on communities.

• Policy Criticism: There is a clear critique of Trump’s immigration and trade policies, emphasizing the need for consistent and lawful approaches.

• Public Discourse: The "No Kings" protests and military parades reflect deep societal divisions and differing perceptions of leadership and patriotism.

• Media Representation: The discussion on the NYT’s Father's Day coverage points to concerns about media bias and the portrayal of familial relationships.

• Personal Responsibility: Throughout the episode, the hosts advocate for rational discourse, personal accountability, and the importance of maintaining civility in public discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: "Nobody can ever chill." [02:56]
• Mike Huckabee: “Israel very quickly said, this is not going to be a quick thing... They see this as being at war, not just strikes.” [03:10]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Do I want Iran to have nukes? And the answer is no.” [09:27]
• Mike Huckabee: “This is wrong and we don't stand for it normally.” [18:05]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Everyone should be able to say this is the worst and we want nothing to do with anyone who agrees with us doing anything like this.” [17:08]
• Mike Huckabee: “I hate that. I hate it because there should be no special carve-outs.” [24:43]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But the left doesn't care because they really like TikTok...” [28:37]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “These guys are marching. And you'll hear the horrifying soundtrack. When I think fascists, I think John Philip Sousa.” [38:33]
• Mike Huckabee: “They can’t even just say fathers. Like, that’s one of the categories.” [43:02]

This summary encapsulates the main discussions and insights from the "Normally Podcast: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.