Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: The Truth with Lisa Booth: “Fight, Fight, Fight!”: How Trump Turned a Near-Disaster into a Rallying Cry with Salena Zito
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into an extraordinary event that shook America's political landscape: the near-assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The centerpiece of the discussion is Salena Zito, a renowned journalist and author of Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland. Zito provides an in-depth, first-hand account of the events of July 13, 2024, and explores their lasting impact on Middle America and the broader political dynamics of the United States.

The Role of Middle America in Politics

Salena Zito emphasizes the critical yet often overlooked role that Middle America plays in determining election outcomes. She highlights the media's neglect of these pivotal voters, leading to a lack of understanding and misrepresentation.

[05:01] Selena Zito: "They are ignored by the rest of the media and oftentimes, if we look over the past couple of decades, they've also been ignored by both parties."

Zito explains that the decline of local newspapers has exacerbated this neglect, leaving Middle America voters feeling like "zoo animals" in the eyes of national media outlets. This disconnect has contributed to a sense of disenfranchisement and misunderstanding, which political leaders like Trump have adeptly addressed.

Trump's Connection with Working-Class Voters

The conversation shifts to Trump's unique ability to resonate with working-class voters, a connection that previous Republican presidents struggled to achieve. Zito recounts her personal experiences interviewing Trump, shedding light on his genuine engagement with everyday Americans.

[08:07] Selena Zito: "Everybody else talked about Mexicans. That's all the press talked about. He talked about the dignity of work. I was like, boom, he gets it."

Zito describes a transformative moment during her interview with Trump, where he engages authentically with laborers and essential workers, highlighting his deep appreciation for their contributions. This authenticity fosters a strong bond between Trump and his supporters, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

The Near-Assassination Event in Butler, PA

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the harrowing account of the near-assassination at Butler, Pennsylvania. Zito provides a vivid, real-time narrative of the events as they unfolded, capturing the tension and immediate aftermath.

[19:15] Selena Zito: "I remember watching him... it was just him and I talking. There were no cameras. It was just him and me."

Zito describes the precise moment when Trump turned his head for the first time during the rally, an unprecedented act that preceded the shooting. She recounts hearing the first four shots and witnessing Trump’s immediate reaction—grabbing his ear and showing visible signs of injury.

[20:00] Selena Zito: "I saw him immediately grab his ear. I saw the blood streak across his face."

As chaos ensues, Zito and her daughter are swiftly moved to safety by Secret Service agents. She reflects on the gravity of the situation and the profound implications it had on her perception of Trump and his resilience.

Aftermath and Trump's Rallying Cry

In the immediate aftermath, Trump’s response becomes a defining moment. His rallying cry, “Fight, fight, fight!”, serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination, galvanizing his supporters and reinforcing his leadership image.

[29:43] Selena Zito: "I asked him one question. Why did you say, fight, fight, fight? He says... 'I needed to show that we are strong as a country and we will never back down.'"

Zito recounts a heartfelt conversation with Trump following the incident, where he explains his rationale behind the defiant proclamation. This moment not only quelled immediate fears but also solidified the loyalty and fervor of his base, transforming a potential disaster into a unifying rallying cry.

Impact on Media and Political Landscape

The episode delves into the broader implications of the near-assassination event on media impartiality and political discourse. Zito critiques the media’s inability to accurately cover and understand Middle America, leading to misguided narratives and political strategies.

[43:29] Selena Zito: "He's a disruptor, and it was a long time coming... he has blown it all up."

Zito draws parallels between Trump and other societal disruptors like Amazon and the iPhone, arguing that his impact on politics is both inevitable and transformative. She underscores the necessity for the media and political institutions to adapt and genuinely engage with the values and concerns of Middle America to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Salena Zito offers a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of the near-assassination event and Trump’s evolving leadership. She highlights Trump’s enhanced empathy, sense of purpose, and his accelerated approach to governance, which contrasts sharply with previous administrations.

[39:17] Selena Zito: "I think he's profoundly changed. He has expedited his presidency in a way that he's gotten more done in the past six months than most presidents get done in four years."

Zito posits that Trump's actions post-incident demonstrate a deeper commitment to addressing the needs of America’s heartland, driven by a heightened awareness of mortality and a strengthened resolve to serve the nation effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Middle America’s Pivotal Role: Understanding and engaging Middle America voters is crucial for electoral success, yet they remain largely ignored by mainstream media.

• Authentic Leadership: Trump’s genuine interaction with working-class voters distinguishes him from previous leaders, fostering a strong, loyal base.

• Transformation Through Crisis: The near-assassination event served as a catalyst for Trump’s renewed purpose and intensified his connection with supporters.

• Media Accountability: There is a pressing need for the media to bridge the gap in understanding Middle America to foster more accurate and respectful coverage.

• Enduring Political Impact: Trump’s disruptive influence reshapes the political landscape, highlighting the significance of authenticity and resilience in leadership.

Notable Quotes

• Selena Zito [05:01]: "They are ignored by the rest of the media and oftentimes, if we look over the past couple of decades, they've also been ignored by both parties."

• Selena Zito [08:07]: "Everybody else talked about Mexicans. That's all the press talked about. He talked about the dignity of work. I was like, boom, he gets it."

• Selena Zito [20:00]: "I saw him immediately grab his ear. I saw the blood streak across his face."

• Selena Zito [29:43]: "I needed to show that we are strong as a country and we will never back down."

• Selena Zito [39:17]: "I think he's profoundly changed. He has expedited his presidency in a way that he's gotten more done in the past six months than most presidents get done in four years."

This episode offers a profound exploration of a critical moment in American politics, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the interplay between media representation, voter engagement, and leadership resilience. Salena Zito’s firsthand insights present a compelling narrative on how a near-tragedy was transformed into a powerful symbol of strength and unity, reshaping the political discourse in Middle America and beyond.