Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 13 2026

Iranian Game of Chicken

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the escalating U.S.–Iran confrontation following failed negotiations in Pakistan. After more than 20 hours of talks, Iran rejected U.S. red lines on nuclear capability and maritime security, prompting President Trump to announce a full U.S. naval blockade on Iranian oil exports. The hosts explain that Iran’s threats to board ships, mine the Strait of Hormuz, and extract “tolls” constitute terrorism rather than control, and they analyze Trump’s decision to counter with American control of ingress and egress—allowing international shipping while cutting Iran off from global energy markets.

A major theme throughout Hour 1 is whether Iran can economically or politically survive a sustained blockade and whether the crisis can be resolved without a formal negotiated deal. Clay argues that Iran’s economy cannot function without oil exports and that Trump’s leverage is far greater than media narratives suggest, especially given America’s status as a global energy superpower. Buck counters that Iran’s leadership cannot voluntarily surrender its uranium stockpile without risking internal overthrow, making a peaceful handover impossible. Together, they explore a high‑risk but decisive scenario: a U.S. special operations mission to seize Iranian uranium directly, acknowledging it would involve significant ground forces, air superiority, and forward operating bases but might represent the only definitive way to end the nuclear threat.

Democrat Party Code Red

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton do a rapid‑fire analysis of President Donald Trump’s live, unscripted remarks from the White House combined with an extended deep dive into the political implosion of Congressman Eric Swalwell and its impact on the California governor’s race. The hour begins in real time with Trump stepping outside the Oval Office after highlighting his proposed “no tax on tips” policy—symbolized by a DoorDash McDonald’s delivery and a $100 cash tip to the driver—before pivoting straight into high‑stakes foreign policy. Clay and Buck break down Trump’s blunt warning to Iran that if a nuclear deal is not reached, “it won’t be pleasant,” stressing that the president has now clearly framed the endgame as Iran either surrendering its nuclear material or the United States taking it by force. Trump also touches on Cuba, signaling that the administration may revisit pressure on Havana after confronting Iran, reinforcing a broader theme of aggressive U.S. leverage against long‑standing adversaries.

The hosts also react to Trump’s response to controversy over an image he posted online that critics claimed depicted him as Jesus Christ. Trump dismisses the backlash by saying he believed the image showed him as a doctor, not a religious figure. Clay and Buck argue this was classic Trump humor paired with plausible deniability, allowing cultural outrage to dissipate without apology. Trump additionally declines to apologize to the Pope after their public disagreement over Iran and crime, underscoring his willingness to confront even global religious figures when he believes U.S. security is at stake.

Sex, Lies, and Pics 

An in‑depth interview with Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, followed by caller reaction and continued analysis of the escalating U.S.–Iran showdown. The hour opens with Hilton reacting to the sudden collapse of Eric Swalwell’s campaign, describing the allegations against Swalwell as a longtime “open secret” in Sacramento and Washington that was ignored until it threatened Democratic power. Hilton argues the timing of Swalwell’s downfall reflects the corruption and arrogance of one‑party rule in California, where Democrats routinely preach ethics while protecting insiders until political risk outweighs loyalty. He tells Clay and Buck that the scandal reinforces voter hunger for what he calls “regime change” in California politics.

Hilton further addresses speculation that billionaire Tom Steyer orchestrated the exposure of Swalwell, noting widespread chatter—from Democratic insiders and reporters—that Steyer’s unlimited spending and desire to dominate the race triggered a “code red.” He explains how Swalwell’s exit reshapes California’s unusual jungle primary system, reinforcing Hilton’s argument that Republicans must consolidate around a single candidate to ensure at least one GOP contender reaches the top two. Hilton highlights his growing polling lead, recent momentum following President Trump’s endorsement, and warns that a Democrat consolidation behind Steyer or Katie Porter could shut Republicans out if the vote splinters.
The conversation broadens into how Iran policy is resonating with California voters, particularly among the large Iranian‑American community concentrated in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Hilton says those voters are overwhelmingly supportive of President Trump’s hardline stance against the Iranian regime, viewing it as long‑overdue accountability. Clay and Buck note the symbolic overlap between confronting Tehran and demanding accountability from entrenched political elites in California, reinforcing Hilton’s framing of local and global “regime change” as parallel themes.

Hilton then outlines the pathway to a Republican victory in California, emphasizing turnout rather than persuasion. He argues that Republican votes alone could win the governorship if turnout approaches presidential‑year levels, aided by ballot initiatives such as voter ID and protections for Proposition 13. Beyond the base, Hilton pitches his “Califordable” agenda—lower gas prices, reduced energy bills, tax relief, affordable housing, and ending taxpayer‑funded benefits for illegal immigrants—as a cross‑party appeal to cost‑of‑living voters fed up with Democratic governance.

Tom Steyer Behind Swalwell Downfall?

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