The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H1 - "Another Big Win"
Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clay and Buck dissect the results and implications of the special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, where Republican Matt Van Epps secured a comfortable victory. The hosts explore what the win means for GOP strategy, the enduring cultural divide in American politics, and the role of Trump’s influence in down-ballot races. Listeners call in to weigh on turnout, strategy, and cultural issues, as Clay and Buck blend political analysis with their trademark banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election: Analyzing the Win

• Clay Travis opens the show by thanking listeners who turned out to vote in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, emphasizing the difficulty in mobilizing voters in a special, post-holiday election.
  • “Congrats to Matt Van Epps. It took a lot of effort to make people aware that this race was happening yesterday in the middle of the holiday season, the week after Thanksgiving.” (02:36)
• The low turnout (~50% of a typical congressional race) is discussed, with focus on how Democrats typically excel in special elections due to turnout from their "crazy base."
• Clay highlights that mainstream media underplayed the result because the Democratic candidate lost by 9 points, despite this being their best opportunity for an upset.

2. GOP Strategy: Leaning Into Trump (08:21)

• Both hosts agree the election signals that running toward Trump, and not away, is key for future Republican candidates.
  • Matt Van Epps, in his victory speech:
    • “Tonight we showed running from Trump is how you lose. Running with Trump is how you win.” (08:38)
• Clay expresses optimism for 2026 midterms but raises concerns about GOP turnout if Trump is not on the ballot.
  • “Donald Trump is never going to be on the ballot again for the rest of our lives. There are a lot of people who show up to support Trump that do not show up in races when Trump's not on the ballot.” (09:05)
• Urges Republican incumbents to avoid off-cycle resignations that result in low-turnout, special elections favorable to Democrats.

3. Voter Turnout & Democratic Base Analysis

• Buck Sexton provocatively suggests that the Democratic base is more defined by its activism:
  • “They have less to do. They tend not to have jobs and families the same way our voters do. They’re sitting around without a whole lot on the calendar except dyeing their hair purple and talking about fascism in Trump’s America.” (10:47)
• Clay explains that for many on the left, politics is central to their identity, whereas Republican-leaning voters may be busier with family and church.
  • “There are a lot of people for whom the Democrat party has become their sun, moon and stars. It's their religion, it's their life, it's their entire value system.” (11:11)
• Anecdotes about elderly Democrat activists braving the cold to hold signs, contrasted with “people with lives” among Republicans who may not turn out for off-cycle votes.

4. Call-ins: Listener Perspectives

• Leslie from Birmingham, thanks the show for raising awareness, leading her to encourage her children to vote in TN-7.
  • “Because of your show and bringing this to light, I contacted them hoping that would transfer into four more votes for the rest of Tennessee. So thank you.” (21:39)
• Carmen from Florida warns that a Democrat win would have emboldened AOC-style progressives and “validated” their movement. (27:03)
• Tom from Tampa is shocked the margin wasn’t larger given local demographics and plugs Clay’s audiobook. (28:31)
• Kenneth from Franklin attributes the 9-point win (down from Trump’s previous 22-point margin) to lower Republican turnout, especially during the holidays, not Democratic strength. (42:46)

5. Culture, Advertising, and "Woke" Backlash (24:57)

• Clay discusses the success of the American Eagle jean campaign starring Sydney Sweeney, noting that “pretty girl” advertising is outperforming progressive messaging:
  • “If you bought the stock the day the ad campaign began, stock is up 120%. You would have more than doubled your money if you had simply seen a buxom lass in a jeans commercial … America has responded quite well to it.” (25:00)
• He calls out ad agencies for trying to “make you think that the world looks differently than it does,” suggesting a cultural correction is underway.

6. Regional and Local Identity

• Lighthearted ribbing between Clay and Buck about Nashville-area politics, Clay’s commitment to living in “God’s country” (Williamson County, TN), and local rivalries.
  • “I live in Williamson County, Tennessee, God's country. I am never leaving for the rest of my life.” (06:48)
• A listener teases Clay about living in the “squishy part” of Williamson County versus the hardcore Republican precincts. (40:44)
• Social media reactions, including accusations of “white supremacist haven,” are mocked.

7. Trump’s Approach to NewOpposition

• Nancy from Michigan defends Trump’s approach to a new left-wing mayor, suggesting he’s playing a long, smart game:
  • “It's all about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer, and people should not give up on Trump that quick. He knows what he's doing.” (31:12)
• Buck agrees, arguing there was no upside for Trump to be abrasive:
  • “At least Trump was willing to be the bigger man and say to him, if you want to be a good mayor, we're here for you. And I think that's absolutely the approach.” (31:42)

8. Cultural Differences & Banter

• The hosts rib each other about lifestyle differences (Clay’s newspaper habits, Buck’s South Florida comforts, including keeping the AC so cold he needs blankets). Truck Driver Steve jokes about Buck’s “man card” due to his comfort habits. (33:03)
• Ongoing jokes about regional weather, traditionalism, and generational shifts in priorities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Clay Travis, on the election’s lesson:
  “You got to run towards Trump. You cannot run away from them.” (08:21)
• Matt Van Epps, in his victory speech:
  “Tonight we showed running from Trump is how you lose. Running with Trump is how you win.” (08:38)
• Buck Sexton, on activism:
  “Our people are busy picking the kids up from soccer practice. There are a lot of people for whom the Democrat party has become their sun, moon and stars.” (11:11)
• Clay Travis, on Williamson County loyalty:
  “Williamson county showed up for Matt Van Epps in big numbers. I do think this is an important story going forward.” (07:59)
• Carmen from FL:
  “Had it been the other the Democrat AOC would have…thought that her socialist movement would have been the way to go, validated…” (27:03)
• Kenneth from Franklin:
  “...that shortfall [in votes] completely [is] to Republicans just not getting out and voting around the holidays. People living their lives. I just think special election…I was calling a lot of my friends that I know were conservatives, and the majority of them, as of yesterday, had not voted and hadn't really planned to get out and do it.” (42:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:36] Clay’s opening remarks and recap of TN-7 special election
• [05:06] Buck’s satirical take on the potential for a local “commie” win
• [08:21] Clay and Buck’s analysis: "Run toward Trump" takeaway
• [08:38] Matt Van Epps’ victory speech (audio clip)
• [11:11] Analysis of the Democratic voter base and “identity politics”
• [12:06] Anecdotes about voter turnout and grassroots activism
• [21:39] Leslie from Birmingham calls in to thank hosts for raising election awareness
• [24:57] Clay’s discussion on culture, advertising, and Sydney Sweeney ad backlash
• [27:03] Carmen from Florida calls in to discuss the implications of a GOP win
• [28:31] Tom from Tampa questions the margin and plugs Clay’s book
• [31:12] Nancy from Michigan on trusting Trump’s strategic approach
• [33:03] Truck Driver Steve jokes about Buck’s “man card” over comfort habits
• [40:44] Lisa from Williamson County teases Clay about his local Republican credentials
• [42:46] Kenneth from Franklin on why the margin dropped: low GOP turnout

Tone & Style

The episode is characteristically lighthearted, sardonic, and pointed in its political commentary. The hosts alternate between sharp political analysis, irreverent humor, and friendly ribbing—both of each other and of their listeners/callers. The show maintains a conversational, relatable tone while pulling no punches with its take on the cultural and electoral state of the country.

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode provides both a tutorial in modern GOP electoral tactics and a cultural commentary on the state of political engagement in America. It's an engaging mix of post-election analysis, cultural critique, and conservative talk-radio camaraderie.