Massie vs. MAGA 

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the midterm election results and primary season momentum, particularly highlighting the outcome of the Louisiana Republican primary. The defeat of incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy—who failed to even reach the runoff—is framed as a major political development, signaling both voter dissatisfaction with establishment figures and the continued dominance of President Donald Trump within Republican politics. Clay and Buck argue that Trump’s endorsement power remains highly influential, noting that early primary outcomes suggest his ability to shape candidate selection and define the ideological direction of the GOP. They stress the growing importance of primary elections across key states such as Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, urging voters to participate early in order to influence general election outcomes.

Is Rubio the Next Neo? 

Clay and Buck discuss a major geopolitical topic: Cuba and U.S. intelligence strategy. The hosts analyze reports that the CIA director recently met with Cuban leadership, interpreting the move as part of a broader effort to influence or potentially reshape the future of the Cuban government. They speculate that the U.S. may be applying both political pressure and strategic incentives to encourage reforms or a transition away from the current regime. This discussion expands into the broader regional context, including the impact of developments in Venezuela and energy policy, with the hosts suggesting that shifts in Latin America could have cascading effects on Cuba’s stability. They also examine the challenges of transitioning Cuba toward a more open system, including economic instability, migration pressures, and questions about property rights following decades of state control. Clay compares Secretary Marco Rubio to the next Neo from Matrix. 

GA Senate Race

An in-depth interview with Georgia Republican Senate candidate Derek Dooley, framing the upcoming primary as a critical moment in the 2026 midterm elections. Dooley emphasizes his grassroots campaign strategy, highlighting extensive travel across Georgia and a focus on engaging voters directly. He presents himself as a political outsider candidate capable of challenging incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff, arguing that many voters are unfamiliar with Ossoff’s record and positions. The hosts underscore the broader significance of the race, noting that Georgia remains a key battleground state where Republicans must appeal beyond their base to win statewide elections. The discussion also covers the mechanics of Georgia’s election system, including the likelihood of a runoff if no candidate secures a majority, and stresses the urgency of voter turnout in determining the Republican nominee.

A central theme throughout Hour 3 is the strategic importance of candidate selection and primary elections in determining control of the U.S. Senate. The hosts highlight how this Georgia race could play a decisive role in the balance of power, emphasizing that a Republican victory would significantly impact national politics. They discuss the effectiveness of outsider candidates in recent elections and the importance of maintaining a strong offensive message focused on issues such as inflation, immigration, and cultural policy, reinforcing broader GOP campaign strategies heading into the general election.

Suicidal Empathy 

An extended interview with behavioral scientist and author Gad Saad, focusing on his book Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind. This conversation explores the concept of “suicidal empathy” and ideological overreach, with examples drawn from law enforcement decisions, crime incidents, and international cases. The discussion addresses how certain belief systems and cultural narratives can influence public policy, particularly in areas such as criminal justice, immigration, and social values. The hosts and guest also explore the role of academia in shaping these ideas, arguing that universities have played a significant part in spreading certain ideological frameworks.

The interview further expands into a broader analysis of how ideas spread within society, including the concept of “idea pathogens” and the influence of cultural relativism. The conversation examines how these ideas can impact decision-making at both institutional and individual levels, while also considering potential remedies such as increased public awareness, debate, and critical thinking. While acknowledging the challenges, the discussion suggests that confronting and understanding these ideas is a necessary step toward addressing their effects.

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

 

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Massie vs. MAGA&nbsp;
Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the midterm election results and primary season momentum, particularly highlighting the outcome of the Louisiana Republican primary. The defeat of incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy&mdash;who failed to even reach the runoff&mdash;is framed as a major political development, signaling both voter dissatisfaction with establishment figures and the continued dominance of President Donald Trump within Republican politics. Clay and Buck argue that Trump&rsquo;s endorsement power remains highly influential, noting that early primary outcomes suggest his ability to shape candidate selection and define the ideological direction of the GOP. They stress the growing importance of primary elections across key states such as Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, urging voters to participate early in order to influence general election outcomes.
Is Rubio the Next Neo?&nbsp;
Clay and Buck discuss a major geopolitical topic: Cuba and U.S. intelligence strategy. The hosts analyze reports that the CIA director recently met with Cuban leadership, interpreting the move as part of a broader effort to influence or potentially reshape the future of the Cuban government. They speculate that the U.S. may be applying both political pressure and strategic incentives to encourage reforms or a transition away from the current regime. This discussion expands into the broader regional context, including the impact of developments in Venezuela and energy policy, with the hosts suggesting that shifts in Latin America could have cascading effects on Cuba&rsquo;s stability. They also examine the challenges of transitioning Cuba toward a more open system, including economic instability, migration pressures, and questions about property rights following decades of state control. Clay compares Secretary Marco Rubio to the next Neo from Matrix.&nbsp;
GA Senate Race
An in-depth interview with Georgia Republican Senate candidate Derek Dooley, framing the upcoming primary as a critical moment in the 2026 midterm elections. Dooley emphasizes his grassroots campaign strategy, highlighting extensive travel across Georgia and a focus on engaging voters directly. He presents himself as a political outsider candidate capable of challenging incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff, arguing that many voters are unfamiliar with Ossoff&rsquo;s record and positions. The hosts underscore the broader significance of the race, noting that Georgia remains a key battleground state where Republicans must appeal beyond their base to win statewide elections. The discussion also covers the mechanics of Georgia&rsquo;s election system, including the likelihood of a runoff if no candidate secures a majority, and stresses the urgency of voter turnout in determining the Republican nominee.
A central theme throughout Hour 3 is the strategic importance of candidate selection and primary elections in determining control of the U.S. Senate. The hosts highlight how this Georgia race could play a decisive role in the balance of power, emphasizing that a Republican victory would significantly impact national politics. They discuss the effectiveness of outsider candidates in recent elections and the importance of maintaining a strong offensive message focused on issues such as inflation, immigration, and cultural policy, reinforcing broader GOP campaign strategies heading into the general election.
Suicidal Empathy&nbsp;
An extended interview with behavioral scientist and author Gad Saad, focusing on his book Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind. This conversation explores the concept of &ldquo;suicidal empathy&rdquo; and ideological overreach, with examples drawn from law enforcement decisions, crime incidents, and international cases. The discussion addresses how certain belief systems and cultural narratives can influence public policy, particularly in areas such as criminal justice, immigration, and social values. The hosts and guest also explore the role of academia in shaping these ideas, arguing that universities have played a significant part in spreading certain ideological frameworks.
The interview further expands into a broader analysis of how ideas spread within society, including the concept of &ldquo;idea pathogens&rdquo; and the influence of cultural relativism. The conversation examines how these ideas can impact decision-making at both institutional and individual levels, while also considering potential remedies such as increased public awareness, debate, and critical thinking. While acknowledging the challenges, the discussion suggests that confronting and understanding these ideas is a necessary step toward addressing their effects.
Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;<a href="http://ihr.fm/3InlkL8">ihr.fm/3InlkL8</a>
&nbsp;
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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Daily Review with Clay and Buck - May 18 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d870b520-7b56-431f-9f1a-b44e01383f65/transcript