Show notes
On this episode, Ryan sits down with Salena Zito, senior reporter at Washington Examiner, to break down the growing political divide surrounding John Fetterman and what it means for the future of Pennsylvania—and national politics. Why are Democrats turning on Fetterman? How did his pro-Israel stance and candid warnings about Trump reshape his standing within the party? And why is he gaining surprising support from Republicans? Zito explains the unique political landscape of Pennsylvania—a true swing state where voters reject extremes—and unpacks the internal battles between establishment Democrats and the progressive wing. The conversation also explores tensions with Josh Shapiro, the 2026 election outlook, and whether Fetterman could face a serious primary challenge. Plus: a deep dive into the underreported economic boom in AI, energy, and manufacturing across Pennsylvania—and why blue-collar workers may benefit most from the next wave of innovation. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Ohio Polling Breakdown00:57 – Redistricting Fight & Marcy Kaptur’s Tough Race02:02 – Sherrod Brown vs. John Husted + Viral Campaign Ad03:01 – Ohio Governor Race: Vivek Ramaswamy in Tight Battle04:04 – Why Ohio Elections Are Historically Close 05:09 – Main Topic: John Fetterman’s Political Shift06:12 – Fetterman’s Unique Voting Record vs. Democrats07:25 – Shock Poll: Collapse Among Democrats, Surge with GOP08:27 – Israel, Iran & Key Votes Driving Backlash10:24 – Why Democrats Are Turning on Fetterman 12:27 – Interview Begins: Salena Zito13:20 – Is Fetterman Hate Real—or Media Driven?14:39 – Pennsylvania’s Unique Swing-State Politics15:58 – Fetterman’s Warnings About Trump16:38 – Regional Divide: Western vs Eastern PA 17:53 – Fetterman vs. Josh Shapiro Relationship18:53 – Rising Primary Threats & Party Infighting19:36 – Will Fetterman Ever Switch Parties? 20:23 – Sidebar: Meatballs & Podcast Moments 🍝21:31 – PA Democrats Losing Ground?22:42 – Why Republicans Love Fetterman 24:16 – 2026 Outlook: Will Fetterman Face a Challenger?25:32 – Shapiro’s Presidential Ambitions27:30 – What the Media Is Missing About Pennsylvania 27:50 – AI, Energy Boom & Blue-Collar Job Growth29:14 – AI, Jobs & Political Risk 31:06 – Could AI Investment Backfire Politically?31:44 – Where to Follow Salena Zito 32:21 – Ask Me Anything Segment Begins32:54 – North Carolina Politics & Fundraising Myths33:49 – Cooper vs. Whatley Senate Outlook 34:36 – Cooking Segment: Meatball Recipe Tips35:41 – Social Media Influencers & Political Narratives 36:32 – Taxes, Fraud & Government Spending Debate38:29 – Immigration, Deportations & Policy Reality40:18 – Why Democrats Didn’t Pass Amnesty 41:31 – Immigration, Economics & GOP Strategy Debate44:34 – Final Thoughts & Virginia Election PreviewFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
