Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Dec 17 2025

Vanity Unfair 

A sharp critique of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ Vanity Fair interview, which Clay and Buck call a “colossal miscalculation.” They argue that granting extensive access to legacy media outlets like Vanity Fair is a strategic blunder, especially when the piece includes misleading claims about January 6 and cherry-picked quotes.  The discussion highlights lessons learned from Trump’s first term, the administration’s media strategy, and why conservatives should avoid seeking validation from elite publications.  

The conversation pivots to 2027 GOP dynamics, with Clay noting that JD Vance is positioned as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, especially after Marco Rubio reportedly confirmed he won’t challenge Vance. The hosts also dissect internal tensions revealed in the Vanity Fair piece, including Susie Wiles’ harsh criticism of Pam Bondi over the Epstein controversy.

Thank You, Clay & Buck Audience

Clay and Buck reflect on the show’s growth in 2025, thanking listeners for helping expand to over 550 affiliate stations and previewing plans for more video content in 2026. From there, the conversation pivots to Zohran Mamdani’s controversial proposal for free buses in New York City, which he claims reduces assaults on drivers. Clay and Buck dismantle the logic behind this policy, arguing that eliminating fares incentivizes bad behavior and risks turning buses into “mobile homeless shelters.” They also discuss the broader implications of Mamdani’s socialist agenda and predict that any exodus from New York due to his policies will likely occur in spring and summer.

Sen. Rand Paul

An in-depth interview with Senator Rand Paul, covering critical issues from foreign policy to domestic economics. Senator Paul strongly opposes what he calls an “offensive war” in Venezuela, warning that U.S. military action to enforce a blockade and target suspected narco-boats amounts to regime change without congressional approval. He stresses constitutional limits on presidential war powers and criticizes the administration’s approach to interdiction, citing high error rates and ethical concerns about targeting unarmed individuals.

On Trump’s first year of his second term, Rand Paul gives the administration an “A triple plus” for securing the southern border and maintaining tax cuts, while blasting both parties for runaway spending and ballooning debt. He calls for a balanced budget and entitlement reform as urgent priorities heading into 2026. The discussion then shifts to healthcare policy, where Paul advocates for association health plans, interstate insurance purchasing, and universal health savings accounts to lower costs without taxpayer subsidies.

The hour also tackles America’s affordability crisis, with Paul linking soaring housing prices and inflation to reckless government spending and Federal Reserve monetary policy. He warns that rent control and socialist policies—like those embraced by New York’s new mayor—will worsen housing shortages and economic inequality. Clay and Buck underscore that affordability will dominate the 2026 midterms, framing it as a kitchen-table issue for millions of voters.

Remembering Clay's Uncle

Clay remembers his Uncle Kenneth, an 84-year-old Vietnam Vet, and reminds everyone to thank the veterans in their life and appreciate family while they are still with you. 

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