WATCH: Liberal Audience Audibly Gasps As Clay Travis Explains Why Young Men Dislike Democrats

A crowd of predominantly liberal voters at the University of Chicago reacted in shock when sports and conservative commentator Clay Travis laid out his argument on why young men are increasingly turning away from the Democratic Party. The moment unfolded during an Institute of Politics (IOP) panel discussion titled “Divided We Stand 2025,” which explored the growing political and cultural gender divide among young Americans.

The event featured a discussion between political analysts and cultural commentators, including Daniel Cox, a researcher focusing on demographic trends, and journalist Magdalene Taylor. As the conversation delved into the shifting political landscape among young men, Cox noted that while young men have not necessarily become more conservative, they have increasingly identified as Republican over the past decade.

“Young men have not become much more conservative, at least according to Gallup, but they have become more Republican,” Cox explained. “There’s been a deterioration of Democratic identity among young men for over 10 years.”

Cox explained that this shift is not merely issue-based but rather rooted in cultural identity and perception. “If we’re going to look for explanations, we need to move beyond issues. We need to understand there’s something about Trump that was attractive, and then there’s something about the Democratic Party, at least in its current manifestation, that was repellent.”

That’s when Clay Travis took the conversation to a new level, addressing the elephant in the room—masculinity.

“Men aspire to be bigger, stronger, and faster than we are. Almost universally. That’s why superheroes are popular. That’s why pro athletes are popular,” Travis stated. “Who is the most masculine Democrat right now in America? Mayor Pete? Chuck Schumer?”

When the panelist attempted to push back by pointing out that Trump is an elderly man, Travis doubled down.

“Trump took a bullet in his ear and immediately stood up and said, ‘Fight, fight, fight.’ Every man in America—and most of the women out here—were impressed by that, even if the women won’t admit it,” he said.

Then came the line that sent shockwaves through the room: “Democrats for men are p*ssies, and Republicans aren’t. There are no masculine men in the Democratic Party right now.”

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The reaction from the crowd was immediate. Some gasped, others groaned, and a few laughed nervously. But the message was clear—Travis had articulated what many young men feel but few are willing to say outright.

There has been a notable shift in political support among male voters toward Donald Trump, particularly among younger demographics. If the University of Chicago event was any indication, that divide is only growing wider.

According to the Associated Press’ VoteCast poll, 56% of young men voted for Trump in the 2024 election, while only 40% of young women did so. During his campaign, Trump effectively utilized nontraditional media platforms, such as podcasts and digital outlets, to connect with younger audiences.

Trump’s portrayal of assertive masculinity and rejection of progressive social norms attracted young men who felt alienated by contemporary cultural shifts. Economic issues, including inflation and job prospects, were paramount for young voters as well.