Weekly Review With Clay and Buck - Hour 2: Why the NYC Primary Matters

Release Date: June 28, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the significance of the New York City mayoral primary. Joined by their guest, Mark Simone—known as Mr. New York—the discussion navigates the complexities of the race, the implications of ranked-choice voting, the state of crime in NYC, and the broader impact on the Democratic Party nationwide.

1. Introduction and Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with Clay and Buck introducing their guest, Mark Simone, a seasoned New York City radio personality affiliated with 710 WOR. Mark Simone brings his extensive knowledge of NYC politics and media to the conversation, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the mayoral primary.

2. Overview of the NYC Mayoral Race

Discussion of Candidates: Cuomo vs. Mamdani

Clay Travis initiates the conversation by expressing his lingering connection to New York City and his curiosity about the upcoming mayoral election. He raises concerns about the rise of a "wacky socialist" candidate, Mamdani, amidst the city's tumultuous political landscape under former mayors de Blasio and Adams.

Clay Travis [03:03]:
"And now the can this guy really win? I mean, bring us into what's going on here, because a lot of people looking at this saying, how could someone who's so far left wing be possibly the next mayor of America's largest city?"

Buck Sexton counters by comparing Mamdani to Andrew Cuomo, highlighting Cuomo's tenure as equally problematic.

Buck Sexton [04:00]:
"Well, you could also be talking about Andrew Cuomo, who governed as the most left wing kook in the world... So, Cuomo is no bargain either."

Early Voting Results

Buck elaborates on the early voting trends, noting that Mamdani has garnered significant support, accounting for 38% of the early votes, and is leading by 10% in current standings.

Buck Sexton [04:20]:
"This is the first election. We have to pray nobody wins this election today."

3. Critique of Ranked-Choice Voting

Impact on the Election

Clay seeks clarification on ranked-choice voting (RCV) and its potential repercussions on the mayoral race. Buck critiques the system, arguing that it complicates vote counting and may prolong the election results.

Buck Sexton [09:15]:
"It's a great system. Democrats came up with this system so that at the end of the night tonight... you could have this ranked choice explained to you a thousand times and still not figure it out."

Strategic Voting and Alliances

Buck suggests that Mamdani's understanding of RCV might give him an edge by forming strategic alliances with other candidates through the ranked choices.

Buck Sexton [09:53]:
"It's like on Survivor when you form teams and the secret plots... he's been more clever understanding it and teaming up with other candidates."

4. Crime in NYC and Eric Adams' Administration

Recent Improvements Under Mayor Adams

Clay shifts the focus to public safety, questioning the effectiveness of Carlos Cuomo and the current administration under Mayor Eric Adams. Buck acknowledges the recent strides made in combating crime, crediting the new police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, and the appointment of Randy Mastro.

Buck Sexton [10:31]:
"But great improvement by Eric Adams this year. He brought in a police commissioner, Jessica Tisch... She's totally incorruptible."

Challenges Persisting Despite Improvements

While recognizing improvements, Buck notes ongoing challenges and the potential for Eric Adams to campaign actively, which could influence the race dynamics.

Buck Sexton [10:40]:
"Adams also brought in Randy Mastro, who was the top Giuliani deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani. So he's in City Hall now running things."

5. Potential Consequences of the Mayoral Election

Impact on the Democratic Party Nationwide

The hosts discuss how the NYC mayoral race serves as a barometer for the Democratic Party's direction. Buck warns that electing a socialist like Mamdani signals a shift towards more extreme policies, which could have detrimental effects in upcoming midterm elections.

Buck Sexton [12:10]:
"Because the problem is the Democratic Party has gone nuts... if they go this crazy here, actually voting in a socialist, then you know the party's going to go even more nuts, which will kill them in the midterms next year."

Economic and Social Implications

The conversation touches on the potential exodus of wealthy New Yorkers if Mamdani wins, leading to decreased tax revenues and economic strain on the city.

Buck Sexton [14:38]:
"He owns a lot of supermarkets. He said, I will move my business into New Jersey."

6. Future Outlook and Predictions

Forecasting the Election Outcome

Clay expresses an optimistic prediction for Cuomo's victory, suggesting that despite his controversies, his established political presence may secure his win.

Clay Travis [12:55]:
"Cuomo wins the mayor's race. Next stop for him is running as a Democrat nominee."

Buck remains skeptical about Mamdani's chances, emphasizing the fragmentation of the vote and the challenges posed by ranked-choice voting.

Buck Sexton [13:26]:
"I don't see Mom. Donnie winning. Curtis Sliwa is the Republican candidate. There is nobody else, and he's a nobody."

Long-Term Political Implications

They discuss the ramifications of the election on future political landscapes, including the possibility of Cuomo running as an independent and the effects on national elections.

7. Listener Interactions and Perspectives

Caller Insights

Listeners share their viewpoints, critiquing ranked-choice voting and expressing support for more pragmatic candidates like Curtis Sliwa. One caller, Jacqueline from Brooklyn, argues that ranked-choice voting has backfired, benefiting Mamdani and undermining reasonable Democratic candidates.

Jacqueline [23:00]:
"As a New Yorker, I think Curtis Lewa, in my opinion, is really the only viable candidate."

Psychological Analysis of Political Stubbornness

The discussion delves into the psychological barriers preventing Democrats from acknowledging mistakes, with callers suggesting that ego and self-worth are major factors.

Caller [27:53]:
"If you're wrong... I think the recent presidential election where Trump made a clean sweep... sent a very clear message."

8. Conclusion

Clay and Buck wrap up the episode by reinforcing the critical importance of the NYC mayoral primary. They emphasize that the outcome not only affects New York City but also serves as a reflection of the Democratic Party's future trajectory on a national scale.

Clay Travis [30:56]:
"What do people need to see to understand... they just won't do it. They want, doesn't matter what, doesn't matter what the reality is, they cannot do that."

Buck concurs, highlighting the need for voters to recognize the broader implications of their choices in the primary.

Buck Sexton [31:38]:
"Great, Clay. You know, Mark Simone's insights have been invaluable today."

Key Takeaways:

• The NYC mayoral primary is a pivotal event with significant implications for both the city and the national political landscape.
• Ranked-choice voting introduces complexity that may favor more extreme candidates like Mamdani over traditional figures like Cuomo.
• Recent efforts by Mayor Eric Adams have shown promise in reducing crime, yet challenges remain.
• The outcome of the primary could signal the Democratic Party's direction and influence upcoming midterm elections.
• Listener perspectives underscore concerns about the current state of the Democratic Party and the effectiveness of their candidates.

Notable Quotes:

• Clay Travis [03:03]: "How could someone who's so far left wing be possibly the next mayor of America's largest city?"
• Buck Sexton [09:15]: "You could have this ranked choice explained to you a thousand times and still not figure it out."
• Buck Sexton [12:10]: "If they go this crazy here, actually voting in a socialist, then you know the party's going to go even more nuts."
• Jacqueline [23:00]: "Curtis Lewa is really the only viable candidate."
• Clay Travis [30:56]: "They cannot do that. They just won't do it."

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the NYC mayoral primary, highlighting its critical role in shaping local governance and national political trends. Listeners gain valuable insights into the candidates, electoral processes, and the broader socio-political implications of the election outcome.