The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Weekly Review With Clay and Buck - Hour 2 - Socialism is a Religion
Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction to the NYC Mayoral Race

In this episode, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the heated mayoral race in New York City, focusing on the Democratic nominee, Masdani Momdani. The hosts express concern over Momdani’s leftist policies and their potential impact on the city’s future.

Clay Travis [03:20]: "I keep hoping that New York is going to wake up and go through a Giuliani Bloomberg golden era again."

Masdani Momdani’s Socialist Agenda

The discussion centers on Momdani’s stance against billionaires and his push for greater economic equality. Clay and Buck critique the feasibility and motivation behind his proposals.

Masdani Momdani [05:15]: "I don't think that we should have billionaires because frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality."

Clay Travis [05:34]: "You could take all the money from New York's billionaires and try to redistribute it. You wouldn't solve poverty in New York City for a year."

Economic Implications of Taxation and Wealth Redistribution

Producer Greg emphasizes the importance of creating more billionaires and expanding the overall economic pie rather than redistributing wealth, arguing that higher taxes on the wealthy could lead to economic flight.

Producer Greg [06:31]: "I want there to be way more billionaires, I want there to be way more millionaires. I want the overall pie of economic wealth in the United States to grow massively."

Producer Greg [07:42]: "The poorest people in the United States would be in the top 20% richest in India. That's true for almost every country in the world."

Historical Comparisons and the Giuliani-Bloomberg Era

Clay reminisces about the significant reduction in crime during the Giuliani and Bloomberg administrations, contrasting it with the current situation under Momdani’s leadership.

Clay Travis [03:20]: "There were over 2000 murders in New York City when I was in grammar school in 1990, 1991. Now, NYC has gotten down as low as below 300 at one point in the last decade."

Media Coverage and Extremism

The hosts critique the media’s inconsistent coverage of extremism, highlighting how aggressive leftist rhetoric is often downplayed compared to similar issues on the right.

Clay Travis [33:42]: "The Democrat Party has space for treating Hamas as though Hamas is better than white nationalists."

Producer Greg [35:29]: "How often do they ask, will you condemn 'globalize the Intifada'? Will you condemn language which clearly embraces Hamas?"

The Future of New York City and Economic Concerns

Clay and Buck discuss the potential long-term effects of Momdani’s policies, including the risk of significant capital flight to states with lower taxes like Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. They warn of a vicious cycle where increased taxation leads to decreased revenue and further economic decline.

Producer Greg [12:56]: "If New York wants to have the best quality of life, they should have way more billionaires. They're going to leave, and then that's going to create a vicious cycle."

Personal Anecdotes and Top City Rankings

In a lighter segment, the hosts share their favorite American cities, debating the merits of places like Nashville, Phoenix, Miami, and Salt Lake City. This discussion underscores their belief that many cities now offer amenities comparable to New York, diminishing the latter’s unique appeal.

Producer Greg [25:04]: "Number one is Nashville and broader community too... Phoenix is fabulous... Miami where you live."

Clay Travis [27:31]: "For me, everyone can disagree. This is like favorite ice cream flavor, which we all know should be pistachio."

Concluding Remarks on Socialism as a Religion

The episode wraps up with Clay and Buck reinforcing their stance that socialism operates more like a religion, driven by emotional appeals rather than practical economic solutions. They caution listeners about the allure of such ideologies and the potential consequences for major cities like New York.

Clay Travis [12:56]: "It's just one about envy. It does. This is why it's so pernicious and why communism keeps creeping up wherever there's prosperity in the West."

Clay Travis [35:03]: "Mamdani won't say he's got a problem with it... He gives it to them. He makes it seem like none of this is anyone's fault."

Notable Quotes

• Clay Travis [05:34]: "You could take all the money from New York's billionaires and try to redistribute it. You wouldn't solve poverty in New York City for a year."

• Producer Greg [06:31]: "I want there to be way more billionaires, I want there to be way more millionaires."

• Clay Travis [12:56]: "It's one about envy. It does. This is why it's so pernicious and why communism keeps creeping up wherever there's prosperity in the West."

• Producer Greg [35:29]: "Will you condemn 'globalize the Intifada'? Will you condemn language which clearly embraces Hamas?"

Conclusion

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton offer a robust critique of socialist policies in New York City, particularly focusing on Mayor Momdani’s proposals. They argue that such policies are emotionally driven and economically unfeasible, warning of potential negative outcomes like capital flight and increased economic disparity. The discussion also touches on broader themes of wealth distribution, media bias, and the evolving landscape of American cities.

For those who missed this episode, the conversation provides a comprehensive analysis of current political trends in NYC, offering insights into how these developments could reshape the city’s future.