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 Breakdown
00:57 – Redistricting Fight & Marcy Kaptur’s Tough Race
02:02 – Sherrod Brown vs. John Husted + Viral Campaign Ad
03:01 – Ohio Governor Race: Vivek Ramaswamy in Tight Battle
04:04 – Why Ohio Elections Are Historically Close

05:09 – Main Topic: John Fetterman’s Political Shift
06:12 – Fetterman’s Unique Voting Record vs. Democrats
07:25 – Shock Poll: Collapse Among Democrats, Surge with GOP
08:27 – Israel, Iran & Key Votes Driving Backlash
10:24 – Why Democrats Are Turning on Fetterman

12:27 – Interview Begins: Salena Zito
13:20 – Is Fetterman Hate Real—or Media Driven?
14:39 – Pennsylvania’s Unique Swing-State Politics
15:58 – Fetterman’s Warnings About Trump
16:38 – Regional Divide: Western vs Eastern PA

17:53 – Fetterman vs. Josh Shapiro Relationship
18:53 – Rising Primary Threats & Party Infighting
19:36 – 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 Ambitions
27:30 – What the Media Is Missing About Pennsylvania

27:50 – AI, Energy Boom & Blue-Collar Job Growth
29:14 – AI, Jobs & Political Risk

31:06 – Could AI Investment Backfire Politically?
31:44 – Where to Follow Salena Zito

32:21 – Ask Me Anything Segment Begins
32:54 – North Carolina Politics & Fundraising Myths
33:49 – Cooper vs. Whatley Senate Outlook

34:36 – Cooking Segment: Meatball Recipe Tips
35:41 – Social Media Influencers & Political Narratives

36:32 – Taxes, Fraud & Government Spending Debate
38:29 – Immigration, Deportations & Policy Reality
40:18 – Why Democrats Didn’t Pass Amnesty

41:31 – Immigration, Economics & GOP Strategy Debate
44:34 – Final Thoughts & Virginia Election Preview

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