Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country.

The Save America Act — FINALLY on the Floor of the Senate

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Mar 17 2026

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.

 

Iran Optimism 

 

Clay and Buck argue that Democrats are struggling to oppose a mission widely seen as successful, particularly as oil markets stabilize and fears of global escalation fade. They also address speculation within a small subset of Trump supporters suggesting foreign influence over U.S. strategy, strongly rejecting the idea that Trump acts under pressure from any other nation. Buck shares insider perspective from his CIA Counterterrorism Center background, responding to the resignation of Joe Kent from the National Counterterrorism Center and offering blunt criticism of NCTC’s role within the intelligence community. The hosts emphasize Trump’s independence and his decades-long public record advocating a tougher stance toward the Iranian regime.

 

Midway through the hour, the discussion turns to Cuba, where a nationwide blackout has plunged the island into darkness following the U.S. cutoff of Venezuelan oil shipments. Clay and Buck highlight how Cuba’s collapse, combined with Venezuela’s political shift and Iran’s military devastation, represents a historic weakening of three long-standing U.S. adversaries—an alignment the hosts compare to the geopolitical shift following the fall of the Berlin Wall. They also speculate on the enormous economic potential of a post-Communist Cuba, from tourism to restored American property claims.

 

Saint Patrick's Day

 

Clay and Buck celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while diving into major global stories unfolding in real time. The hour opens with a lively debate about parades, bagpipes, Irish heritage, and the quirks of genealogy—including a humorous exchange about green eyes, red hair, and whether those traits are uniquely Celtic. From ancestry talk to the Irish president’s St. Patrick’s Day message promoting globalism and mass migration, the hosts critique Ireland’s political direction and draw parallels to broader Western demographic decline, using Ireland’s dropping fertility rate as an example of why European governments have turned to large‑scale immigration.

 

Iran Prosperity Project

 

An interview featuring Shervin Pishevar, advisor to the Iran Prosperity Project, who outlines what he calls a “historic moment” inside Iran as citizens cheer U.S. drone strikes targeting the Basij militia. He describes Iranians celebrating the “precision liberation campaign,” blasting drone sounds from speakers to intimidate regime forces and secretly reporting Basij locations to help accelerate the fall of the Islamic Republic. Pishevar frames the ongoing conflict as the world’s first AI‑powered war, warning that if rogue states like Iran, Russia, or China gain access to similar autonomous drone or biotechnological capabilities, global security could be endangered.

 

The discussion turns toward the Iranian people’s desire for democracy, the economic devastation inflicted by 47 years of theocratic rule, and the Iran Prosperity Project’s detailed 100‑day plan for a national referendum once the regime collapses. Pishevar argues that a free Iran could unlock more than a trillion dollars in trade with the United States and spark an economic boom comparable to Europe after World War II. He also emphasizes the critical role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and the Iranian diaspora who view this moment as a turning point after decades of oppression.

 

Clay and Buck press Pishevar on regional dynamics—including how the rapid modernization of Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE stands in sharp contrast to Iran’s economic decay—and on what percentage of Iranians support regime overthrow. Pishevar asserts that the vast majority oppose the government and view the Trump‑led military campaign as liberation rather than intervention. He praises the killing of figures like Larijani and other top operatives of the IRGC, calling it a decisive blow against what he describes as a “mafia state.”

 

Meet the Other Clay

 

Shifting back to U.S. politics, Clay and Buck welcome Lieutenant Colonel Clay Fuller, Republican nominee for Georgia’s 14th congressional district—the seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Fuller discusses the April 7th special election, warns of Democrat

BONUS POD: The TSA Crisis Is What Happens when Democrats put Politics Before Public Safety

1. Government Shutdown Impact

  • TSA officers are required to work without pay due to a failure to pass a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.
  • Over 50,000 TSA officers and 85,000 DHS employees are affected.
  • Officers are promised back pay, but immediate financial strain is severe.

2. Staffing Shortages and Operational Disruption

  • More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began.
  • Absentee rates increased from a normal 2–3% to around 10%, with some airports experiencing up to 20% staffing shortages.
  • These shortages have led to long security lines, checkpoint delays, and potential closures.

3. Human and Financial Consequences

  • TSA officers earn approximately $45,000–$60,000 annually, making missed paychecks financially devastating.
  • Some officers reportedly rely on food banks, donations, or are sleeping in their cars.
  • Morale among TSA workers is described as critically low.

4. Timing Worsens the Crisis

  • The shutdown coincides with spring break, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
  • Airlines warn that continued staffing shortages could escalate into nationwide travel delays and security risks.

5. Airline and Public Response

  • Major airlines (American, Delta, Southwest) have urged Congress to act immediately.
  • Travelers express frustration over delays and uncertainty at airports.

6. Security Concerns

  • The document warns that weakened airport security could endanger public safety.
  • TSA staffing shortages are framed as especially dangerous amid heightened global tensions and recent attacks.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Dana White One-on-One: Trump, Boxing, Ali vs Tyson, UFC, Business, Exercise & Weight Loss plus the Best Rocky Movie Ever

1. Health, Fitness, and Longevity Philosophy

  • Dana White emphasizes personal responsibility for health, especially after age 50.
  • Core practices he credits for major health improvements:
    • Keto diet (low carbs, meat, fish, vegetables; no “sides”).
    • Intermittent fasting (skipping breakfast and lunch).
    • Extended fasting (48–72 hour water + electrolyte fasts a few times per year).
    • Cold plunges (3 minutes at ~50°F daily) to reduce inflammation and boost energy.
    • Light weights + cardio, not heavy lifting.
  • Claims these changes helped him:
    • Lose significant weight (from ~235 to as low as 191).
    • Eliminate sleep apnea and snoring.
    • Get off prescription medications and rely on supplements instead.
    • Improve mental clarity, focus, and energy.

Dana White: UFC to issue 85,000 free tickets for White House card (CHECK OUT STORY HERE)


2. Skepticism of Traditional Medicine

  • Expresses distrust of doctors for general health optimization.
  • Strongly endorses personalized blood and genetic testing (via Gary Brecka).
  • Believes many people are unnecessarily prescribed medication.
  • Frames supplements, peptides, and lifestyle changes as superior to pharmaceuticals for chronic issues.

FOLLOW DANA WHITE on Instagram HERE


3. Early Life and Entry Into Combat Sports

  • Knew from a young age he wanted to work in the fight business.
  • Left a hotel job in Boston at 19 to apprentice under boxing trainer Peter Welch.
  • Learned the fight industry hands-on rather than through formal education.
  • Left Boston abruptly after being shaken down by associates of Whitey Bulger, relocating to Las Vegas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DANA WHITE HERE


4. Acquisition and Transformation of the UFC

  • Helped orchestrate the purchase of UFC for $2 million when it was near collapse.
  • At acquisition, UFC had:
    • Minimal assets (brand name and octagon).
    • Sold-off media and merchandising rights.
    • No mainstream credibility or regulation.
  • Strategic decisions that fueled growth:
    • Embracing regulation (opposite of prior owners).
    • Educating audiences about MMA (especially ground fighting).
    • Securing TV exposure, not just pay-per-view.
    • Recruiting elite global talent.
    • Creating compelling reality and talent pipelines (e.g., The Ultimate Fighter, Contender Series).
  • UFC is now valued in the billions and dominates live-event gates, including Madison Square Garden.

5. View on Fighters and Greatness

  • Believes MMA is superior to boxing structurally:
    • Fighters must face top competition consistently.
    • Harder to protect undefeated records.
  • Calls Jon Jones the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
  • Views Muhammad Ali as his favorite boxer, but praises Mike Tyson’s cultural impact.
  • Believes elite athletes from other sports (NFL, Jordan, Shaq) could have been dominant MMA fighters with proper training.

6. Joe Rogan and Media Influence

  • Credits Joe Rogan with helping mainstream audiences understand MMA.
  • Did not anticipate Rogan becoming the world’s biggest podcaster.
  • Attributes Rogan’s success to:
    • Curiosity and intelligence.
    • Long-form, unscripted conversations.
    • Willingness to engage controversial topics.
  • Sees podcasts as a powerful alternative to traditional media.

7. Relationship with Donald Trump

  • Friendship began when Trump hosted early UFC events at his casinos when few would.
  • Describes Trump as:
    • Personally loyal.
    • Resilient under pressure.
    • Charismatic and relatable in private.
  • Publicly supports Trump despite advice not to engage politically.
  • Views Trump as unfairly targeted and uniquely resilient.
  • Strongly positive about Trump’s embrace of podcasts and nontraditional media.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right No

Short‑Term Pain Long‑Term Results in Iran, Tucker & the WOKE Right plus No Cash for DHS even after 4 Terror Attacks Week In Review

1. No Endless War or Ground Occupation

  • Strong emphasis that this is not Iraq or Afghanistan:
    • No large ground invasion
    • No nation-building
    • No long-term occupation
  • Military strategy described as rapid, overwhelming, air-dominant action.
  • Confidence that U.S. casualties will be minimal and duration short.

2. Military Action Against Iran Is Justified as Self-Defense

  • The conflict is framed as a response to 47 years of Iranian aggression, including:
    • Sponsorship of terrorism
    • Killing nearly a thousand Americans
    • Attempted assassinations of U.S. officials
  • Iran is described as an irrational, theocratic death cult, making deterrence unreliable.
  • Nuclear capability in Iran is portrayed as an existential threat to U.S. cities.

3. This Is “America First,” Not a War for Israel

  • Repeated rejection of claims that the war is driven by Israel or Jewish influence.
  • Such claims are labeled dishonest, antisemitic, and propaganda.
  • The stated motivation: protecting American lives and national security.

4. Gas Prices Are a Short-Term Political Weapon

  • Gas price increases are framed as temporary and expected due to Middle East conflict.
  • Democrats are accused of exploiting gas prices the same way they previously focused on egg prices.
  • The speaker argues prices are still lower than under Biden, despite rising from recent lows.
  • Long-term expectation: Iran’s collapse would lower global gas prices.

5. Strong Leadership vs. Weak Appeasement

  • Trump is decisive and feared by adversaries.
  • Obama and Biden are criticized for appeasement and failed nuclear deals.
  • Past diplomatic failures (North Korea, Iran nuclear deal) are cited as evidence diplomacy failed.

6. Harsh Criticism of Tucker Carlson and Isolationists

  • Tucker Carlson is accused of:
    • Spreading anti-American propaganda
    • Echoing Islamist narratives
    • Undermining U.S. troops
  • His statements about unconditional surrender and nuclear escalation are called:
    • False
    • Dangerous
    • Morally grotesque
  • Isolationist conservatives are grouped with progressive Democrats as a shared threat to U.S. foreign policy.

7. Iranian Regime Change Is Seen as Necessary

  • The appointment of a new Iranian leader (son of the former Ayatollah) is rejected.
  • Any continuation of clerical Islamist rule is deemed unacceptable.
  • Regime collapse is framed as the only path to lasting security.

8. Deterrence Fails with Religious Extremism

  • Comparison between North Korea and Iran:
    • North Korea: dangerous but rational
    • Iran: irrational due to religious ideology
  • Argument: Traditional nuclear deterrence does not work with actors who glorify martyrdom.

9. Public Opinion Depends on Duration and Casualties

  • Acknowledgment that support would collapse if:
    • War drags on for years
    • U.S. casualties rise significantly
  • Confidence expressed that this outcome is “near zero.”

10. Closing Shift to Religion and AI

  • Ends with an unexpected, uplifting segment:
    • An AI-generated Christian apologetic is quoted at length.
    • The response argues Christianity is intellectually compelling, historically grounded, and uniquely truthful.
  • Used to:
    • Provide hope amid global uncertainty
    • Reinforce moral clarity and worldview coherence

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Mar 12 2026

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.

 

 

 Go Thank an Oil Man 

 

Clay and Buck open by discussing breaking developments in Iran, including the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei—nicknamed “Little Mo”—who is reportedly in a coma and severely injured following U.S. airstrikes. The hosts analyze how the Iranian leadership is under unprecedented pressure as air campaigns continue to dismantle military assets and target key regime figures. They also address escalating attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the resulting volatility in global oil prices, and how President Trump is responding with aggressive measures, including tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and coordinating releases of hundreds of millions of barrels internationally to stabilize markets. The conversation highlights the dramatic price swings of crude oil and examines how Iran is trying to weaponize oil shipping routes to trigger economic turmoil.

 

The hosts then explore how American media outlets are selectively covering the surge in gas prices. Clay criticizes networks like CNN and MSNBC for ignoring declining fuel costs for more than a year but immediately amplifying short‑term price increases during the conflict. This flows into a broader media discussion about the differences between advertising‑driven outlets and subscription‑driven news models, with Clay noting that subscriber‑funded outlets—such as the New York Times—now cater to ideological expectations instead of broad audiences. Buck argues that Fox News at least acknowledges its editorial perspective, whereas CNN still pretends to be nonpartisan despite consistent ideological framing.

 

 

Uncle Bill: "We'll Do It Live!"

 

Clay and Buck welcome media icon Bill O’Reilly, who joins them to discuss his new long‑form interview program We’ll Do It Live! O’Reilly recounts the origins of the viral “We’ll do it live!” clip from his Inside Edition days and how it resurfaced years later as internet culture took off. After the lighthearted banter, the conversation shifts dramatically toward the unfolding Iran conflict. O’Reilly details the stakes of President Trump’s military campaign, emphasizing that U.S. strikes—coordinated with Israeli intelligence—have dismantled much of Iran’s offensive capability. He explains that the killing of top Iranian leadership and the crippling of Iran’s military infrastructure mark one of the most consequential U.S. operations in decades. But O’Reilly warns that global economic consequences, especially oil price volatility, remain the biggest wildcard, and that Trump’s political future hinges significantly on the success or failure of the campaign.

 

The hosts ask O’Reilly what “victory” in Iran should look like, prompting him to outline a diplomatic off‑ramp: forcing Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions, curtail ballistic missile development, weaken the Revolutionary Guard, and end support for terrorism. He acknowledges that Iran often violates agreements but argues that overwhelming military pressure could eventually push the regime toward negotiation. O’Reilly also discusses the Save America Act and the Senate’s political obstacles, noting that although the bill won’t reach the 60 votes needed to advance, Democrats risk political backlash because voter‑ID requirements enjoy overwhelming national support.

 

 

MO Sen. Eric Schmitt

 

Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri joined the program to discuss the Save America Act and the Senate’s procedural fight over election integrity, voter ID requirements, mail in balloting limits, and protections for women’s sports. Schmitt explains how a talking filibuster could force Democrats to publicly defend their opposition and outlines the legislative mechanics needed to bring the bill to the Senate floor. He then addresses the Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security amid a surge in terror threats, arguing that their resistance to immigration enforcement and ICE operations has resulted in long TSA wait times, staffing shortages, and national security vulnerabilities just as Americans enter peak spring travel season.

 

 

TX Sen. John Cornyn

 

Senator John Cornyn of Texas discuss

FOUR Terror Attacks in Ten Days, and Still Dems Won't Fund DHS

1. Claim of Increased Terrorist Threat

  • four terrorist attacks have occurred within ten days in the U.S.
  • All attacks are described as being carried out by radical Islamic terrorists targeting Americans.
  • The country may be on the verge of a large-scale mass-casualty attack.

2. Blame on Open Border Policies

  • The Biden administration is accused of maintaining a “wide open border”.
  • Claims are made that millions of illegal immigrants, including terrorists, entered the U.S.
  • Statistics are cited showing an increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list after 2021.
  • “Gotaways” (unapprehended border crossers) are described as a major unknown security risk.

3. DHS Funding Controversy

  • Senate Democrats are accused of repeatedly voting against funding DHS.
  • The speakers argue this effectively:
    • Leaves TSA agents, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, and DHS analysts unpaid
    • Weakens terrorism prevention capabilities
  • ICE is noted as already funded, undermining the Democrats’ stated rationale.

4. Criticism of Democratic Leadership

  • Democrats are described as being “serene” about DHS shutdown risks.
  • Senator Brian Schatz is singled out as emblematic of this attitude.
  • The argument suggests Democrats prioritize ideology and opposition to Trump over public safety.

5. Specific Terror Attack Examples

  • Austin, TX: A shooter described as a radical Islamist opening fire at a bar.
  • New York City: Two teens allegedly inspired by ISIS throwing homemade bombs.
  • Michigan: A vehicle attack at a synagogue/school stopped by armed security.
  • Old Dominion University: A former ISIS supporter, released early from prison, opening fire and being stopped by a student.

6. Media Criticism

  • Mainstream outlets, especially CNN, are accused of:
    • Downplaying or mischaracterizing terrorist motives
    • Avoiding the term “radical Islamic terrorism”
    • Failing to hold Democrats accountable
  • Examples of allegedly misleading headlines and retractions are cited.

7. Distinction Between Islam and Islamism

  • Senator Cruz emphasizes a distinction between:
    • Peaceful Muslims
    • Islamism, defined as a violent political ideology
  • He argues refusing to name the ideology prevents effective counterterrorism.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook:

BONUS POD: What the Numbers Show: Criminal Convictions Dominate ICE Arrests

  • Central Claim: Border Security as National Security

    • Illegal immigration is not just a humanitarian or economic issue, but a national security threat, linking border crossings to terrorism, sleeper cells, gang activity, and violent crime.
  • Praise of Trump-Era Immigration Enforcement

    • After Donald Trump returned to office, immigration enforcement intensified immediately.
    • 32,000+ arrests in the first 50 days, asserting that Trump fulfilled his campaign promise to secure the border.
  • Emphasis on Criminality Among Arrested Migrants

    • Nearly 70% of those arrested allegedly had prior criminal convictions or pending charges.
    • violent offenders, gang members, fugitives, and individuals allegedly on terrorist watchlists.
  • Focus on Crimes Against Children

    • A major emotional and moral emphasis is placed on arrests of illegal immigrants accused or convicted of child sex crimes, particularly in Houston, Texas.
    • Claims hundreds of such arrests in that single region, portraying enforcement as directly protecting children and families.
  • Criticism of Media Coverage

    • Mainstream media is intentionally ignoring or downplaying these enforcement actions and statistics.
    • Omission is meant to preserve a pro-immigration or anti-Trump narrative.
  • Blame Attributed to Democrats and the Biden Administration

    • Democratic leadership knowingly allowed dangerous individuals into the U.S. through “open border” policies.
    • This was done deliberately to change the country’s demographic, cultural, and political makeup.
  • Use of Polling Data for Political Validation

    • References CNN polling to argue that Democrats are losing public trust on immigration and border security, while Republicans now hold an advantage on the issue.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran: Why We're Fighting, How's it Going & What's the End Game

1. The State of the Iran Conflict

  • The U.S. is in week two of a war with Iran, claiming major military success
    • Iran’s missile and drone capabilities have been nearly eliminated.
    • Iran’s navy has been almost entirely destroyed.
    • The U.S. is using overwhelming force, rapid strikes, and no gradual escalation.

2. U.S. Objectives (as framed in the discussion)

The stated goals of “Operation Epic Fury”:

  1. Destroy Iran's missile stockpiles, launchers, and weapons manufacturing.
  2. Destroy Iran’s navy.
  3. Permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

3. Justification for War

  • Iran has been at war with the U.S. for 47 years, funding terrorism (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis).
  • Iran attempted to assassinate former President Trump and other U.S. officials (Bolton, O’Brien, etc.).
  • This war is described as “America-first,” not about Israel, and responds to direct threats against Americans.

4. Political Framing & Criticism of Opponents

  • Democrats are:
    • Confused in their messaging.
    • Trying to politicize gas prices.
    • Accusing Trump of being manipulated by Israel.
  • Media personalities (notably Tucker Carlson) are heavily criticized for:
    • Alleged pro‑Islamist, anti‑Israel, anti‑American rhetoric.
    • Being amplified by foreign adversaries (Iran, Russia, Muslim Brotherhood).

5. Foreign Influence

  • Qatar is:
    • Funding U.S. universities with $6.6 billion.
    • Supporting Hamas.
    • Influencing American academic and political spheres.

6. Economic Effects

  • Gas prices have risen during the conflict.
    • The increase is temporary.
    • Prices are still much lower than under Biden.
    • If Iran’s regime collapses, oil prices may drop significantly.

7. Vision of the Endgame

  • The conflict will be short, decisive, and not like Iraq or Afghanistan.
  • Expectations:
    • No long-term occupation.
    • No large-scale troop deployment.
    • Focused destruction of hostile infrastructure.
  • Confidence that the Iranian regime might collapse, leading to a more stable region without prolonged war.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook:

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Mar 10 2026

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.

 

Iran Endgame

 

Clay and Buck open the hour analyzing remarks from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who describes increasingly intense American airstrikes and the destruction of Iranian missile sites, naval assets, and military infrastructure. President Donald Trump’s comments from an event in Doral underscore the scope of the operation, with Trump highlighting that U.S. forces have struck thousands of targets and sunk dozens of Iranian naval vessels. This leads the hosts into a broader conversation about the endgame in Iran—specifically the uncertainty over who might take power if the regime collapses and whether the U.S. or Israel has viable contacts who could help stabilize the country. Questions arise about whether any Iranian political figures could work with the West, even discreetly, and whether the U.S. intends to pursue regime change or simply force strategic concessions.

 

The discussion shifts toward the economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the dramatic price fluctuations in global oil markets. Clay notes that oil surged to $120 per barrel before rapidly falling to around $85, emphasizing how the United States’ role as the world’s top oil and gas producer provides a buffer against global shocks. The hosts contrast this national strength with states like California, which has severely limited oil and gas production despite having abundant resources. They argue that nationwide energy independence—driven largely by fracking—has dramatically reduced the geopolitical leverage of petro‑dictator states like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.

 

Michael Whatley Must Win

 

Senate candidate Michael Watley of North Carolina joins to lay out why he believes his race will become the most expensive Senate contest in American history, with more than $600 million expected to pour into the state. Watley contrasts his platform with Democrat Roy Cooper’s record on crime, taxes, immigration enforcement, and cultural issues, arguing that Cooper repeatedly vetoed legislation aimed at keeping violent illegal immigrants out of North Carolina and supported policies allowing biological males into women’s sports and locker rooms. He highlights the massive federal recovery effort after Hurricane Helene, crediting Trump‑aligned leadership for billions in rebuilding investments across western North Carolina. Watley emphasizes that suburban, college‑educated independent voters—particularly those concerned about inflation, housing affordability, and public safety—will determine the outcome of the race, which historically has been decided by razor‑thin margins.

 

Watley lays out pro‑growth policies he hopes to implement in the Senate, including extending Trump’s middle‑class tax cuts, eliminating taxes on overtime, tips, and Social Security, and pursuing regulatory and trade reforms designed to strengthen manufacturing, small businesses, and farms. He notes skyrocketing housing costs across the state and previews an upcoming meeting with federal housing officials aimed at increasing supply, lowering prices, expanding first‑time homebuyer access, and reducing interest rate pressure. Clay and Buck underscore how these affordability issues have become decisive for independent voters in states experiencing rapid population growth.

 

Nothing is Impossible

 

Shannon Bream, Chief Legal Correspondent at the Fox News Channel, nerds out with Clay and Buck over several high‑stakes Supreme Court cases expected in the coming months. She details upcoming rulings on redistricting, race‑based gerrymandering, and executive power, noting that the timing of decisions could influence how states draw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. The conversation expands to unresolved tariff‑refund disputes created by recent court rulings and the Supreme Court’s stalled investigation into the Dobbs leak, which she says produced no identified culprit and may be difficult to reopen. Clay and Buck also ask about speculation that aging justices like Samuel Alito might retire while Trump still controls Senate confirmations, though Bream says there are no signs of imminent departures.  She also talked about her new book out today: “Nothing is Impossible with God: Eleven Heroes. One God. Endless Lessons in Overcoming”. 

 

Suspicious Packages