The Victor Davis Hanson Show
Episode: Biden: The Biden Way and Way Out
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson, Jack Fowler
Co-Hosts: Sammy Wink
Guest: John Wolfe

Introduction

In this episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler, alongside co-host Sammy Wink and guest John Wolfe, dive deep into the political landscape as President Joe Biden approaches the end of his tenure. Recorded on January 19, 2025, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Biden's farewell speeches, his administration's policies, and the looming transition to Donald Trump's presidency.

Joe Biden's Farewell Speeches

[06:25] John Wolfe:
John Wolfe begins by dissecting President Biden's farewell speeches, drawing comparisons to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's farewell address in 1961. Wolfe criticizes Biden's rhetoric, particularly his focus on "oligarchs" and multi-billionaires, labeling it as hypocritical given Biden's associations with figures like George Soros and Mark Zuckerberg.

"Joe, you're no Ike. I knew Ike, so I didn't know Ike as Benson knew JFK." – John Wolfe [06:25]

Wolfe argues that Biden attempted to emulate Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex but fell short due to his perceived lack of credibility, especially after the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Critical Analysis of "Oligarchy"

[25:11] John Wolfe:
The discussion shifts to the term "oligarchy," which Biden used to describe his perceived threats from wealthy elites. Wolfe breaks down the etymology of the word and critiques its application in the modern American context, suggesting that "plutocracy" would be a more accurate term.

"Oligarchy does not mean two or three people. It means people have said it of the United States that the people with money and influence a small number run the country." – John Wolfe [25:11]

He further emphasizes that many of these "oligarchs" are actually active contributors to society through innovations and businesses, contrasting them with historical oligarchs who wielded unchallenged power.

Comparison to Eisenhower's Farewell Address

[09:03] John Wolfe:
Wolfe draws parallels between Biden's farewell address and Eisenhower's, highlighting three main shortcomings:

1. Credibility Issues:
   Unlike Eisenhower, a war hero with substantial achievements, Biden's exit from Afghanistan is painted as a humiliation, undermining his authority.

2. Hypocrisy in Condemnation:
   Biden criticizes oligarchs while being associated with and benefiting from their influence, exposing a contradiction in his stance.

3. Misguided Threats:
   Wolfe criticizes Biden's portrayal of billionaires as threats, arguing that many are actually pivotal to technological and economic advancements.

"Oligarchs, quote, unquote, they're not just people like George Soros... They make cars, they make rockets. They change the way we buy things." – John Wolfe [09:03]

Implications for Trump's Upcoming Presidency

[55:41] Sammy Wink:
As Biden's term concludes, the conversation naturally transitions to the anticipation of Donald Trump's presidency. The hosts discuss the potential policy shifts and the enthusiasm among Trump's supporters to reignite American industrial and technological prowess.

"Success will be the best revenge." – Sammy Wink [54:38]

Wolfe likens Trump’s vision to that of a ringmaster, orchestrating a resurgence in sectors like space exploration, biotechnology, and manufacturing, reminiscent of the mobilization seen during World War II.

Personal Anecdotes and Historical Reflections

[65:29] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor shares a heartfelt personal story about meeting Martin Luther King Jr. during his youth, emphasizing the impact of King's message that "the content of our character, not the color of our skin," remains vital. This narrative serves to highlight the evolution and, in Wolfe's view, the regression of contemporary black leadership in America.

"The tragedy is that the third generation of black leadership still believes that it's the color of your skin that matters the most." – John Wolfe [67:23]

Critique of Current Political Strategies

[75:50] Sammy Wink:
The discussion critically examines the contemporary strategies employed by left-leaning politicians and key figures like Bill Gates, highlighting their influence on public policy and societal norms. The hosts express concerns over policies that they believe stifle economic growth and personal freedoms.

[82:32] John Wolfe:
Wolfe extends his critique to infrastructure projects like California's High-Speed Rail, arguing that mismanagement and bureaucratic inefficiencies have led to exorbitant costs and minimal progress.

Listener Engagement and Feedback

Throughout the episode, listener feedback is incorporated, showcasing the show's reach and the impact of its discussions on the audience. Testimonials emphasize the value listeners find in the hosts' blend of historical insight and current event analysis.

"Professor Hanson puts it out there in an easy to digest manner with a healthy dose of realism." – Sears Jaelin [86:45]

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the importance of historical context in understanding current political dynamics. They urge listeners to engage with Victor Hansen’s various platforms, including his website, The Blade of Perseus, and encourage ratings and subscriptions to broaden the show's influence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Wolfe [06:25]:
  "Joe, you're no Ike. I knew Ike, so I didn't know Ike as Benson knew JFK."

• John Wolfe [25:11]:
  "Oligarchy does not mean two or three people. It means people have said it of the United States that the people with money and influence a small number run the country."

• Sammy Wink [54:38]:
  "Success will be the best revenge."

• John Wolfe [67:23]:
  "The tragedy is that the third generation of black leadership still believes that it's the color of your skin that matters the most."

• Sears Jaelin [86:45]:
  "Professor Hanson puts it out there in an easy to digest manner with a healthy dose of realism."

Final Remarks

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a robust critique of President Biden's administration, drawing on historical parallels and personal narratives to underscore the challenges facing America's political and social fabric. The hosts advocate for a resurgence of American strength and innovation under Trump's leadership, while also reflecting on the enduring lessons from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Their engaging dialogue and insightful analysis make this episode a compelling listen for those interested in the intersection of history and contemporary politics.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive content of the episode.