• Affordability Narrative

  • Democrats were previously dismissing inflation and now emphasizing affordability.
  • Democrats are trying to portray the economy as a disaster and blame Trump.

• Gas Prices & Energy

  • Positive news: Thanksgiving gas prices at their lowest since the pandemic.
  • National average forecast: $3.02 per gallon.
  • Nearly 30 states have prices under $3; Oklahoma leads at $2.50.
  • Liberal states like California have much higher prices ($4.63), attributed to regulation and taxation.
  • Trend framed as a result of Trump’s energy policies.

• Holiday Spending

  • U.S. holiday spending expected to top $1 trillion for the first time.
  • Mixed consumer sentiment:
    • Surveys show some tightening (Gen Z plans to spend 23% less).
    • National Retail Federation predicts sales growth of 2.9–3.4%.
  • Concerns about tariffs and shipping delays; advice to shop early.

• Thanksgiving Meal Costs

  • Down 5% from last year, lowest in four years.
  • Average cost for 10 people: $55.18.
  • Sharp decline in turkey prices (down 16%).
  • Contrast with Biden-era inflation:
    • Prices surged 14% in 2021 and 20% in 2022.
    • Overall increase of ~24% during Biden’s term.

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• Incident Details

  • Location: Near Farragut West Metro Station, close to the White House.
  • Victims: Two National Guardsmen (one female shot in chest and head, another hit in the neck).
  • Suspect: 29-year-old Afghan national, entered U.S. in 2021 during evacuation, overstayed visa.
  • Attack: Ambush-style, suspect fired multiple rounds, seized a guard’s weapon, and was subdued after being shot.

• Political Framing

  • President Biden and Democratic immigration policies IS to blame for the attack.
  • “SHUT DOWN” immigration programs and stricter vetting.
  • There are systemic failures in vetting Afghan evacuees, citing DHS admissions of “derogatory information” on thousands of entrants.

• Ideological Tone

  • The attack is part of a pattern of jihadist violence.
  • The phrase “Allahu Akbar” is a battlefield cry linked to global terrorism.
  • The event is evidence of open-border policies endangering national security.

• Media and Rhetoric

  • Mainstream media is downplaying the terrorist angle.
  • Fox News coverage and political reactions (Trump, Schumer, JD Vance).
  • Democrats are dehumanizing our men and women in uniform

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• Personal & Family Reflections

  • Opening segment emphasizes gratitude during Thanksgiving, family bonding, and playing games like poker and dominoes.
  • Anecdotes about family traditions and childhood experiences.

• Political Commentary

  • Muslim Brotherhood Designation:
    • Discussion on Donald Trump’s executive order to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
    • Ted Cruz explains his decade-long effort to push similar legislation and the challenges faced in Congress.
    • Mentions international context: countries like Egypt, Bahrain, UAE, and others have already banned the group.
    • Highlights implications for U.S. national security.

• Media Criticism

  • Critique of a New York Times article portraying an undocumented immigrant who stole an American’s identity as a victim.
  • The hosts argue this framing ignores the harm to U.S. citizens and call it propaganda.
  • Statistics cited: about 1 million undocumented workers using stolen Social Security numbers.

• Cultural & Ideological Issues

  • Discussion of a University of Minnesota webpage describing “whiteness” as a pandemic.
  • Hosts criticize DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives and anti-racism frameworks as Marxist and anti-family.
  • Broader argument that such ideologies undermine American values and constitutional principles.

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• Investigation of Senator Mark Kelly

  • The Department of War is investigating Senator Mark Kelly for allegedly making a seditious video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders from President Donald Trump.
  • The video featured Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers encouraging military and intelligence officials to uphold the Constitution and reject unlawful commands.
  • Trump responded by calling the act sedition, demanding punishment.
  • The Department of War reminded retirees they remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
  • Possible outcomes: court martial proceedings, recall to active duty, or administrative measures.
  • Kelly defended his actions, citing his military and NASA service record, and accused Trump of intimidation.
  • Other Democrats publicly supported Kelly, with some using harsh language against the investigation.

• Dismissal of Indictment Against James Comey

  • A Clinton-appointed judge dismissed the DOJ’s indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.
  • Reason: The prosecutor presenting the case was unlawfully appointed, violating federal code and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
  • The indictment accused Comey of making false statements and obstructing Congress.
  • DOJ plans to appeal the ruling, arguing the dismissal was incorrect and justice will proceed.
  • Commentary frames the judge as activist and warns against media narratives suggesting Comey is “off the hook.”

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• Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation

  • Greene announced she will resign from Congress in January.
  • This is a significant moment for the Republican Party, emphasizing internal accountability and contrasting it with perceived Democratic inaction on radical elements.
  • Greene’s shift from pro-Trump to anti-Israel and anti-capitalist positions is highlighted as a cautionary tale.
  • Donald Trump’s withdrawal of support is portrayed as the decisive factor in her resignation.

• Minnesota Welfare Fraud Funding Al-Shabaab

  • A report claims Minnesota taxpayers indirectly funded the terrorist group Al-Shabaab through massive welfare fraud.
  • Fraud involved members of the Somali community in Minnesota, exploiting Medicaid programs like Housing Stabilization Services.
  • Billions of dollars were stolen, with millions allegedly routed to Somalia and ultimately to Al-Shabaab via informal money networks.
  • The commentary criticizes Democratic leadership and media for ignoring the issue, framing it as both a security threat and a failure of governance.

• Texas Redistricting Battle

  • Texas redrew its congressional map to add five Republican seats.
  • A federal district court struck down the map, but Justice Alito issued a stay, keeping the new map in place for now.
  • This decision could determine control of the House and contrasts Republican and Democratic gerrymandering practices.

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1. Michelle Obama and Presidential Politics

• The discussion begins with Michelle Obama’s comments about not running for President of the United States.
• She stated that America is “not ready for a woman president,” citing sexism and societal immaturity.
• Her stance is arrogant and condescending, and she argues that Democrats blame election losses on bigotry rather than policy failures.
• Historical comparisons are made to how Democrats shifted toward the center after losing multiple elections in the 1980s.

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2. Sports Gambling and Corruption

• The conversation shifts to sports betting, particularly prop bets (bets on specific aspects of a game rather than the outcome).
• Allegations of corruption in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NBA are discussed, including:
  • Criminal indictments against players accused of manipulating game elements for profit.
  • Example: Cleveland Guardians pitchers allegedly threw pitches to influence bets, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Broader concerns about integrity in sports and the potential need for congressional action are raised.
• Prop bets create incentives for individual players to cheat because they can control outcomes like pitch speed or fouls.

---

3. Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

• The final section addresses religious persecution, focusing on radical Islamic terrorism in Nigeria.
• Boko Haram is identified as a major perpetrator, responsible for killing over 50,000 Christians since 2009 and destroying thousands of churches and schools.
• The discussion highlights U.S. legislative efforts to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions on complicit officials.
• Former President Trump’s tweet acknowledging the crisis and calling for action is quoted.
• The speakers criticize Tucker Carlson for allegedly downplaying or dismissing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, linking this stance to broader issues of antisemitism and extremism.

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X: 

• Opening Context

  • The famous phrase: “It’s the economy, stupid” stresses the importance of economic perception in politics.
  • Dissatisfaction with the economy often leads to blame on the sitting president.

• Criticism of Biden Administration

  • Claims Biden’s tenure caused high inflation (up to 9%) and wage decline (approx. $3,000 loss in take-home pay).
  • Biden favored policies benefiting foreign-born workers and illegal immigration, harming American workers.

• Trump Administration Achievements

  • Jobs Report: September added 119,000 new jobs, more than double expectations.
  • Construction Jobs: Surged by 19,000—the largest monthly gain in a year.
  • Wages: Up 3.8% year-over-year; real wages projected to increase $1,200 annually.
  • Inflation: Claimed to be under control compared to Biden era.
  • Private Sector Growth: Most jobs went to native-born citizens.

• Foreign Investment Surge

  • Lists massive investments from countries and corporations (UAE, Qatar, Japan, Apple, EU firms, Saudi Arabia, SoftBank, Nvidia, etc.).
  • Total U.S. and foreign investment cited as $9 trillion.
  • Highlights Trump’s “America First” policy requiring companies to invest domestically.

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Mamdanism

 

President Trump will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House, a high-profile sit-down that underscores deep ideological divides. Buck analyzes Mamdani’s progressive agenda, including proposals for rent freezes, free public buses, and universal childcare, arguing these policies mirror failed socialist experiments and will worsen housing scarcity in New York City. He explains how government intervention in markets—such as rent control—creates artificial constraints that drive up costs and reduce housing availability, citing economic principles from Hayek’s Road to Serfdom. Buck warns that Mamdani’s tax-hike plans targeting corporations and high earners will further destabilize the city’s economy.

 

FL Gov. Ron DeSantis

 

Buck welcomes FL Governor Ron DeSantis for an in-depth discussion on Florida’s bold proposal to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties. DeSantis explains the economic rationale: skyrocketing property valuations are squeezing young families, while local governments have ballooned budgets from $32 billion in 2019 to $56 billion today. He argues that cutting homestead property taxes would protect true homeownership, reduce market distortions, and leverage Florida’s unique tax base, which relies heavily on non-resident property owners. DeSantis outlines plans for a 2026 ballot initiative, addresses concerns about special interests, and contrasts Florida’s lean, results-driven governance with New York’s bloated spending under progressive leadership. The conversation also touches on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s agenda, warning that policies like rent freezes and anti-police measures will accelerate urban decline.

 

WI Sen. Ron Johnson

 

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who discusses alarming revelations about the FBI’s handling of the Thomas Crooks assassination attempt on President Trump. Johnson suggests the Bureau may have withheld critical information about Crooks’ online activity, including radicalization indicators, and criticizes the lack of transparency despite bipartisan efforts to investigate. He confirms his committee is pursuing independent inquiries and warns that more details will surface.

 

The conversation shifts to the Epstein Transparency Act, which passed Congress with near-unanimous support. Johnson explains why the Senate fast-tracked the measure and outlines concerns about protecting victims while ensuring public disclosure. He predicts the DOJ will release files within 30 days of Trump’s signature, though some material may remain withheld for legal reasons. Buck and Johnson agree this rare bipartisan moment reflects overwhelming public demand for accountability in the Epstein case.

 

Johnson also tackles FBI abuses under “Operation Arctic Frost,” describing it as a partisan dragnet targeting Trump allies, Republican groups, and even ordinary citizens in Wisconsin. He calls for full exposure of communications between Biden officials and outside legal operatives, framing the probe as an attempt to criminalize lawful political activity. The senator further advocates ending the Senate filibuster, aligning with Trump’s position to secure election integrity, repair Obamacare’s failures, and advance conservative reforms.

 

Bye, Bye, Dept. of Ed?

 

Buck analyzes Karoline Leavitt’s fiery White House briefing, where she announced a major step toward dismantling the Department of Education. Leavitt detailed plans to redistribute its functions across other agencies, moving toward Trump’s campaign promise to return education control to states and eliminate federal overreach. Buck applauds the move, arguing the Department has long served as a progressive policy arm rather than an educational necessity.

 

The show also previews Trump’s upcoming meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, which Levitt characterized as a stark contrast between Trump’s pragmatic leadership and Mamdani’s far-left agenda. Buck predicts fireworks from the meeting and critiques Mamdani’s socialist proposals, including rent freezes and free public transit, as disastrous for New York’s economy. 

 

Make sure y

1. Legislative Action and Presidential Approval
   • The U.S. House voted 427–1 to release Epstein-related documents, followed by unanimous Senate approval.
   • President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the DOJ to release unclassified records and declassify materials where possible within 30 days.
   • Trump publicly celebrated the signing, calling prior criticism a “Democratic hoax” and asserting his administration has nothing to hide.

---

1. Political Backfire Narrative
   • Democrats initially demanded the release to harm Trump politically, assuming the files would implicate him.
   • The documents expose Democratic ties to Epstein, calling it “one of the biggest political backfires in modern history.”

---

1. Democratic Figures Named
   • Mentions Bill and Hillary Clinton, alleging they risk legal exposure and have ignored subpoenas from the House Oversight Committee.
   • Other names include Stacey Plaskett, Hakeem Jeffries, Bill Richardson, Larry Summers, George Mitchell, and others.
   • Notes that Epstein donated 89% of his political contributions to Democratic and progressive causes between 1990 and 2018.

---

1. Legal and Investigative Angle
   • Suggests the DOJ is examining Epstein’s connections to high-profile Democrats.
   • References subpoenas issued to the Clintons and eight other individuals.
   • Raises the possibility of contempt charges similar to those faced by Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro for ignoring congressional subpoenas.

---

1. Flight Records and Media Coverage
   • Points to flight logs showing Bill Clinton traveled on Epstein’s plane multiple times in the early 2000s.
   • Criticizes media and Democratic leaders for alleged hypocrisy and lack of transparency.

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