The Victor Davis Hanson Show: Episode Summary - "America Just Escaped Revolutionary Destruction"

Release Date: November 26, 2024

1. Personal Resilience and Business Challenges

The episode opens with Victor Davis Hanson sharing personal anecdotes about managing a small business amidst unexpected challenges. He recounts experiences with natural disasters, emphasizing the unpredictability faced by entrepreneurs:

Victor Davis Hanson [02:45]: "I laid down 105,000 trays on September 21st... a hurricane rained two inches on them."

2. The Indestructible Trump and His Support Base

Victor and co-host Jack Fowler delve into the steadfast support Donald J. Trump commands, portraying him as an unassailable figure in American politics. Victor highlights Trump's unique position, asserting his immunity from typical political and legal challenges:

Victor Davis Hanson [04:09]: "You cannot give him a heart attack... You cannot impeach him. You can't do anything to him."

Jack reinforces this sentiment, describing Trump as a guardian of normalcy:

Jack Fowler [04:34]: "He is the agent of returning normalcy and sanity."

3. Hispanic and Mexican American Support for Trump

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the strong support Trump receives from the Hispanic and Mexican American communities. Victor shares encounters illustrating this loyalty and critiques the left's inability to effectively engage with these voters:

Victor Davis Hanson [09:10]: "They're the most hardworking, patriotic, law-abiding, smart, creative people I've ever met."

He further criticizes the left, suggesting they fail to address key issues affecting these communities, such as abortion and immigration:

Victor Davis Hanson [10:15]: "They're not going to reach out to the Hispanic community... We're sophisticated. We understand what's the matter with Kansas mentality."

4. Border Policies and Denver Mayor Mike Johnson

The hosts discuss Denver Mayor Mike Johnson's stance on immigration, highlighting Denver's significant undocumented population and Johnson's efforts to block deportations. Victor draws parallels to historical acts of insurrection and nullification:

Victor Davis Hanson [11:28]: "That is insurrection. That's exactly what South Carolina did in 1832."

Jack adds context by mentioning Johnson’s call for citizens to help enforce immigration laws:

Jack Fowler [11:51]: "Denver has 40,000 illegal aliens there. The elections have happened. What is Johnson's reaction?"

5. Critique of Progressive Policies and Confederate Comparisons

Victor extends his critique to broader progressive policies, equating them to Confederate ideologies. He argues that the left adopts racial essentialism and undermines the rule of law, fostering division and chaos:

Victor Davis Hanson [28:16]: "They have the same racial essentialism as the old Confederacy... They are neo confederates."

He laments the left's approach to issues like critical race theory and DEI, portraying them as destructive forces:

Victor Davis Hanson [32:14]: "Contracts... We're not going to have any federal waiting list or any of this federal gun registration stuff."

6. Political Scandals and Revolutionary Justice

The conversation shifts to political scandals, focusing on the Daniel Penny trial and contrasting it with Officer Byrd’s actions. Victor accuses the justice system of "revolutionary justice," biased against conservatives while protecting the left:

Victor Davis Hanson [34:49]: "Does anybody think that Ashley Babbitt was as much a threat as that guy was?... revolutionary justice."

Jack agrees, highlighting the inconsistency in how similar actions are treated based on political alignment:

Jack Fowler [38:10]: "Right, Absolutely."

7. Current Events and Political Dynamics

Victor and Jack touch upon recent political developments, including Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense. Victor criticizes the handling of sexual misconduct allegations, drawing parallels to past political scandals involving prominent figures like Obama:

Victor Davis Hanson [56:06]: "If you are a public figure... you are absolutely insane."

They discuss the implications of these scandals on political integrity and public trust.

8. Return to Sanity: A Counter Revolution

In his syndicated column, Victor describes the current political climate as a "counter revolution" aimed at restoring normalcy:

Victor Davis Hanson [74:52]: "This Trump revolution is really a counter revolution... we're not going to put up with it anymore."

He contrasts this with what he perceives as the left's attempt to outsource governance and disrupt established institutions.

9. Critique of Modern Advertising and Cultural Shifts

The hosts briefly critique contemporary advertising, specifically a Jaguar commercial they deem pandering and devoid of showcasing the actual product. Victor reminisces about the craftsmanship of older Jaguar models, contrasting it with modern marketing strategies:

Victor Davis Hanson [44:13]: "Only a small cadre. When they had one of the most beautiful products in the world, all they had to do was show it."

10. Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks

Towards the end, Jack acknowledges positive listener feedback, highlighting high ratings and appreciative comments. Victor encourages listeners to engage with his content and express optimism about the ongoing political shifts:

Victor Davis Hanson [83:09]: "We're dodged a bullet and there's going to be fundamental changes and reforms."

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secure border and legal immigration, framing Trump's efforts as necessary countermeasures against progressive overreach.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Victor Davis Hanson [04:09]: "You cannot give him a heart attack... You cannot impeach him. You can't do anything to him."

• Jack Fowler [04:34]: "He is the agent of returning normalcy and sanity."

• Victor Davis Hanson [09:10]: "They're the most hardworking, patriotic, law-abiding, smart, creative people I've ever met."

• Victor Davis Hanson [28:16]: "They have the same racial essentialism as the old Confederacy... They are neo confederates."

• Victor Davis Hanson [74:52]: "This Trump revolution is really a counter revolution... we're not going to put up with it anymore."

Conclusion

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler engage in a robust discussion on the resilience of Donald Trump’s political influence, the unwavering support from specific communities, and the challenges posed by progressive policies. They draw historical parallels to underscore their critiques of the current political landscape, advocating for a return to traditional values and legal integrity. The conversation is punctuated with personal anecdotes, political analysis, and reflections on societal shifts, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the hosts' perspectives on America's trajectory.