The Victor Davis Hanson Show: "Canada, Spain, Poll and the New Democrats" – May 2, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
1. Canadian Elections and Political Fallout
Timestamp: [05:50] – [16:33]
In this segment, Victor Davis Hanson delves into the recent Canadian elections held on the preceding Monday. He provides an in-depth analysis of why the Conservative candidate, Mr. Puliav, not only lost the election but also his parliamentary seat. Hanson attributes this defeat to the controversial remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's fiscal policies, suggesting Canada could become a "51st state."
Hanson states, “...Donald Trump... suggested that Trudeau was ripping us off for 60 to $100 billion a year and that they might as well become a 51st state” ([07:30]). This offense to Canadian nationalism placed Mr. Puliav in a challenging position, torn between aligning with Trump’s policies and maintaining Canadian patriotic sentiments.
He further critiques the Conservative Party's inability to present a viable alternative to Trudeau’s "Trudeauism," which he describes as characterized by statism, massive bureaucracy, deficits, and open borders. Hanson argues that Canada’s GDP growth under Trudeau was minimal compared to the United States, highlighting the inefficiencies and economic strains caused by these policies.
Hanson concludes that the Conservative Party lacks the necessary strategies to counter Trudeau effectively, especially as they continue to embrace policies he deems detrimental to Canada's economic health and national sovereignty.
2. Trump Polls and Media Bias
Timestamp: [16:33] – [28:51]
Hanson and Fowler transition to discussing the fluctuating Trump polls. They note that Trump's support remains around the 50% mark, sometimes dipping below and other times exceeding it. Hanson criticizes the methodology of various polls, suggesting they are biased or "phony." He mentions that certain polls, such as those by the Wall Street Journal, have shown discrepancies by not accurately capturing Republican voter sentiments, often underrepresenting Trump's true level of support.
Hanson quotes Larry Kudlow, referring to his skepticism of polls that do not favor Trump, emphasizing that these polls "checked the Republican voters" and yielded misleading results ([18:05]). He argues that the media's negative portrayal of Trump, even within conservative outlets like the Wall Street Journal and National Review, undermines his support base.
Furthermore, Hanson discusses the challenges Trump faces within the media landscape, where he contends that both the left and certain factions of the right are critical of his leadership. He asserts, “As long as he's on that fight, he's on the right side” ([21:07]), underscoring his belief that Trump's policies align with moral and economic principles that benefit the American populace.
3. Bill Belichick and Age-Gap Relationships
Timestamp: [38:00] – [45:00]
In a more personal discussion, Hanson and Fowler touch upon the recent news surrounding NFL coach Bill Belichick's new relationship with significantly younger woman, Jordan Hudson. Hanson reflects on the societal implications of older men dating much younger women, citing examples like Chuck Yeager and Casey Kasem to illustrate the potential for familial discord and perceptions of manipulation.
Hanson shares a personal anecdote about his father, emphasizing the emotional and ethical concerns surrounding such relationships. He states, “I don’t. I mean, hey you guys out there, I'm 71. If you're 71 and somebody 30 years old wants to talk to you and go out on a date, it's for reasons other than the way we look or talk” ([44:28]). This leads to a broader conversation about the dynamics of power, influence, and genuine connection in age-gap relationships.
4. Spain's Power Outage and Energy Policy
Timestamp: [45:24] – [50:10]
Hanson analyzes the recent massive power outage in Spain, Portugal, and Southern France, attributing the failure to the overreliance on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. He critiques the European Union's energy policies, arguing that the lack of adequate energy storage and backup systems renders grids vulnerable to disruptions.
He explains, “The problem with wind and solar is it was always designed as an auxiliary source because it cannot store power, it cannot surge the grid” ([45:24]). This dependency on intermittent energy sources, without sufficient backup from nuclear or fossil fuels, leads to significant vulnerabilities, as evidenced by the recent blackout.
Hanson warns against the EU's centralized energy paradigm, likening it to dystopian visions, and advocates for a more decentralized and self-reliant energy infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of citizen autonomy and the ability to maintain essential services independently of a fragile central grid.
5. Ukraine Negotiations and Russian Strategy
Timestamp: [57:05] – [65:00]
The discussion shifts to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia negotiations, with Hanson expressing skepticism about the prospects of a lasting ceasefire. He portrays Russian President Vladimir Putin as opportunistic and manipulative, suggesting that the proposed ceasefire is a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine attempt at peace.
Hanson comments, “Putin is like... he just paws around and sees who, how much blood he draws” ([57:38]). He forecasts that Putin is testing the waters to find vulnerabilities in Ukraine's defenses, aiming to exploit any weaknesses to further his territorial ambitions in regions like Donbass and Crimea.
He critiques the Biden administration’s approach, contrasting it with what he perceives as Trump's more direct and emotionally resonant criticisms of the ongoing conflict. Hanson posits that a potential diplomatic breakthrough under Trump would be unprecedented, yet remains doubtful of its feasibility, given Putin's relentless aggression and strategic calculations.
6. Justice Dugan and David Brooks' Commentary on Judicial Actions
Timestamp: [69:00] – [75:51]
Hanson addresses recent controversial actions by Judge Dugan, who was criticized for aiding a criminal’s escape. He vehemently opposes David Brooks' portrayal of Judge Dugan as a "hero," arguing that such actions undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Hanson asserts, “Sometimes civil disobedience is necessary in a judge. David Brooks was almost acting as if she's going to set an example of moral courage. No, she will set an example, David, but it's going to be a deterrence” ([69:30]). He underscores the importance of judges adhering strictly to legal protocols and condemns any form of disobedience that compromises justice for the sake of personal beliefs or ideological stances.
Furthermore, Hanson criticizes Brooks’ endorsement, highlighting the disservice it does to victims and the broader legal system. He stresses that judges must maintain moral authority by upholding the law unequivocally, without personal biases or unlawful interventions.
7. Audience Comments and Educational Insights
Timestamp: [76:07] – [82:30]
In the final segment, Hanson and Fowler engage with audience comments, addressing historical inaccuracies and providing educational insights. Notably, a viewer named Sammy corrects Hanson regarding the terminology used for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Hanson acknowledges the importance of precision in historical discourse, stating, “It’s an important distinction... So I apologize” ([76:59]).
Another viewer, 65 GTO trips, comments on France's military strategies during World War II. Hanson elaborates on the inefficiencies of the French military, particularly their underutilization of superior tanks and aircraft. He critiques the French failure to adapt to mobile warfare, which contributed to their rapid defeat by German forces.
Hanson also reviews a comment regarding World War II tactics, emphasizing the necessity of logistical support and strategic innovation in military success. He reflects on historical lessons, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and effective resource management in warfare.
Conclusion
In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler provide a comprehensive analysis of recent political events, ranging from the Canadian elections and Trump’s polling dynamics to international issues like Spain’s energy crisis and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They offer critical perspectives on media biases, judicial integrity, and historical military strategies, enriched by insightful audience interactions. Through their discussions, Hanson and Fowler aim to shed light on the complexities of contemporary politics and global affairs, encouraging listeners to engage with these topics critically and thoughtfully.
Notable Quotes:
- Victor Davis Hanson: “...Donald Trump... suggested that Trudeau was ripping us off for 60 to $100 billion a year...” [07:30]
- Hanson: “As long as he's on that fight, he's on the right side” [21:07]
- Hanson: “The problem with wind and solar is it was always designed as an auxiliary source...” [45:24]
- Hanson: “Putin is like... he just paws around and sees who, how much blood he draws” [57:38]
- Hanson: “Sometimes civil disobedience is necessary in a judge. David Brooks was almost acting as if she's going to set an example of moral courage. No, she will set an example...” [69:30]
- Hanson: “It happens... I don't know what it is about the male ego...” [44:28]
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler in the episode, providing a coherent and informative overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.