Podcast Summary: The Victor Davis Hanson Show – "A New Trumpian World"

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler

I. Introduction

In the episode titled "A New Trumpian World," hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into a range of pressing political and social issues shaping the current landscape. From international conflicts to domestic policies, their discussions offer a critical analysis of recent developments and their implications.

II. Syria and Geopolitical Shifts

Timestamp: [05:47] – [10:01]

Victor Davis Hanson opens the conversation by addressing the tumultuous situation in Syria, referencing a Daily Mail report suggesting that President Assad may be losing his grip on power as rebel forces, possibly supported by Turkey and other factions, advance toward Damascus. Victor analyzes the broader geopolitical ramifications:

• Iran's Influence: "Iran has been defanged... Iran is looking around and he's saying, we don't really want to get involved with you, Hezbollah and Hamas."

• Turkey's Role: Discussing Turkish President Erdogan's ambitions, Victor notes, "He wants to send troops to Gaza and recreate the Ottoman Empire," highlighting the potential for increased instability in the region.

• Russia's Withdrawal: Victor draws parallels to Russia's rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan under US policy, suggesting that Russia's limited engagement in Syria exacerbates the chaos.

• Trump's Impact: He emphasizes the return of Donald Trump as a destabilizing factor, predicting that Iran may hesitate to engage militarily due to Trump's hardline stance. "They're in a Mexican standoff right now... because Donald Trump is coming into office."

III. Secret Service Incident on Capitol Hill

Timestamp: [17:18] – [20:26]

The hosts discuss a recent altercation involving Acting Secret Service Boss Ronald Rowe and Congressman Pat Phelan amidst the special committee investigating the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Victor critiques Rowe's behavior:

• Rowe's Outburst: "He is completely out of control. This shows you is that he is unstable and he shouldn't be anywhere near the protective cadre that's responsible for keeping Donald Trump alive."

• Implications for Security: Victor expresses deep concern over the stability and professionalism of those tasked with presidential protection, suggesting that incidents like these undermine trust in the Secret Service's capabilities.

IV. Political Dynamics: Trump vs. Biden

Timestamp: [10:01] – [28:09]

The discussion shifts to the contrasting leadership styles and policies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden:

• Trump's Dominance: Jack Fowler notes Trump's authoritative presence abroad, referencing his behavior in France. Victor agrees, stating, "He's the virtual president right now. Everybody knows it."

• Biden's Critique: Victor launches into a scathing critique of President Joe Biden, addressing perceived hypocrisy and incompetence. He argues that Biden's actions, such as pardoning his son Hunter, exemplify a disregard for the rule of law.

  • On Pardons: "Biden is saying, all of us, as soon as we become private citizens, we're all subject to examination... There's nothing wrong with looking at that."

• Comparisons to Historical Figures: Victor draws parallels between Biden's management style and that of fictional mafia figures, suggesting corruption and ineptitude akin to "The Godfather" series.

V. Arrest of Boston City Councilwoman Tanya Fernandes Anderson

Timestamp: [24:38] – [28:09]

The hosts examine the arrest of Tanya Fernandes Anderson, a Black Lives Matter activist and Boston City Councilwoman:

• Circumstances of Arrest: Jack Fowler questions the timing and method of Anderson's arrest, highlighting inconsistencies. Victor condemns Anderson's actions and affiliations, criticizing her as anti-American and hypocritical.

  • Victor's Analysis: "You had an embryo of Islam... you wanted to list all your affiliations that were anti-American."

• Broader Implications: The discussion touches on the rising narrative that branding political opponents as racist is becoming commonplace, arguing that this undermines legitimate discourse.

VI. Comparisons to "The Godfather" and Corleone Family

Timestamp: [53:05] – [60:02]

Victor and Jack draw parallels between contemporary political figures and characters from "The Godfather," emphasizing corruption and power dynamics:

• Biden-Corleone Comparison: Victor likens Biden's political maneuvering and alleged corruption to the Corleone family's exploitation of American institutions.

  • Victor's Insight: "The Corleone have great contempt for America, but they great use for America cynicism."

• Implications for Governance: This analogy serves to illustrate the perceived depth of corruption and the challenges of combating entrenched political interests.

VII. Trump's Proposed Policies in First Hundred Days

Timestamp: [60:22] – [77:33]

Focusing on Donald Trump's anticipated actions during his first hundred days, the hosts speculate on policy directions and political strategies:

• Energy and Immigration: Trump aims to reduce energy prices and impose stricter immigration controls. Victor criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies as a countermeasure to Trump's agenda, highlighting infrastructure neglect and socioeconomic issues.

  • Victor's Critique: "He's going to spend 25 million on legal fees to attack Trump and to help illegal aliens avoid deportation."

• Economic Policies: Discussion includes the potential for significant tax cuts and "swamp drainage," aligning with Trump's traditional platforms aimed at deregulation and economic stimulation.

• Political Strategy: Victor suggests that Trump's approach includes utilizing non-traditional messengers to maintain opposition momentum and keep his base energized.

VIII. Domestic Issues: Road Safety and Traffic in California

Timestamp: [67:10] – [97:20]

The conversation shifts to domestic concerns, particularly the deteriorating road conditions and traffic management in California under Governor Gavin Newsom:

• Road Infrastructure: Victor shares a personal anecdote about a near-accident on California's Highway 99, attributing the danger to poor infrastructure and inadequate traffic law enforcement.

  • Victor's Experience: "I almost got killed... it was going to happen because nobody could see anything."

• Traffic Violations: He criticizes the trucking industry for lane hogging and speeding, linking these behaviors to broader issues of driver education and immigration status.

  • Victor's Observations: "We have so many people here that do not have driver's licenses in California... it's a recipe for catastrophe."

• Policy Failures: The hosts argue that Newsom’s focus on unionized mass transit and other priorities has led to neglect in critical areas like highway expansion and safety enforcement.

IX. Conclusion

In "A New Trumpian World," Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler provide a robust critique of both international and domestic policies, emphasizing the perceived failings of current leadership and the potential for significant shifts under Donald Trump's renewed influence. Through detailed analysis and personal anecdotes, the hosts underscore the challenges facing the United States both abroad and at home.

Notable Quotes:

• Victor Davis Hanson on Iran's Situation:
  "They're in a Mexican standoff right now, and they're as growing unrest in Iran as there always is."
  [06:37]

• Victor on Secret Service Stability:
  "All that shows you is that he is unstable and he shouldn't be anywhere near the protective cadre that's responsible for keeping Donald Trump alive one more day."
  [18:23]

• Victor Critiquing Biden:
  "He really lost currency in this iteration of the Obama appearances because he lost his capital out there."
  [34:12]

• Victor on Corruption Analogies:
  "The Corleone have great contempt for America, but they great use for America cynicism."
  [53:28]

• Victor on Road Safety Issues:
  "That's a prescription for a catastrophe and then you add any little rain, fog, anything into that mixture and you're going to get a lot of people killed."
  [90:39]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the topics covered by Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler.