The Victor Davis Hanson Show – Episode Released November 19, 2024
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
1. North Korean Involvement in the Ukraine Conflict
Timestamp: [04:53]
Jack Fowler opens the episode by addressing the recent involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war. He mentions various theories, including North Korea's attempts to undermine China or China's strategic use of North Korea to control Russia.
Victor Davis Hansen responds:
“They remind me of the Cubans... they were everywhere, like the French Foreign Legion... Maybe the North Koreans will show up in the Middle East or wherever...” ([04:53])
Victor delves into historical parallels, comparing North Korean mercenaries to Cuban forces in the 1970s. He discusses the strategic implications of North Korea's involvement, suggesting that these troops could either bolster Russian efforts or undermine their morale by acting as orderly mercenaries.
2. Escalating Russian Casualties and the Human Cost
Timestamp: [08:11]
The conversation shifts to the staggering number of Russian casualties in Ukraine, referencing a Newsweek article citing 1,770 Russian soldiers killed or injured in a single day and 40,000 casualties in October alone.
Victor Davis Hansen reflects:
“I read from some of these military blogs, 1.5, 1.6 million combined Russian and Ukrainian dead, wounded, and missing... that’s greater than Verdun...” ([08:42])
Victor emphasizes the immense human cost of the conflict, highlighting that the figures surpass historical battles like Verdun. He critiques the ongoing support from the West, arguing that while $200 billion in aid is substantial, it’s insufficient for Ukraine to achieve a decisive victory against Russia's superior manpower and resources.
3. The Impact of Donald Trump on the Conservative Movement
Timestamp: [17:47] to [49:30]
A significant portion of the episode analyzes how Donald Trump's rise has transformed the conservative landscape in America. Victor discusses how Trump has "broken" established conservative figures and institutions, leading to a realignment within the Republican Party.
Victor Davis Hansen states:
“Trump has almost broken... He broke them. He broke our former employer’s National Review...” ([38:20])
He elaborates on how traditional conservatism, represented by figures like George Will and institutions such as the National Review, were disrupted by Trump's populist approach. Victor argues that Trump's unapologetic stance and direct appeal to the working class have sidelined established conservative pundits, leading to a fractured movement.
Notable Quote:
“He was the most popular conservative... He broke them. He broke... these people have destroyed all standards for performance...” ([48:20])
4. Trump’s Cabinet Nominations: Pros and Cons
Timestamp: [23:25] to [75:54]
The hosts delve into the controversial cabinet nominations made by President-elect Trump, including Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador, Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior, Pete Hegseth, and Matt Gaetz for the Department of Justice.
Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador: Victor praises Stefanik's pro-Israel stance and her strong performance against anti-Semitism on campuses, predicting she will be one of the most pro-Israel UN Ambassadors since John Bolton.
Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior: Victor commends Burgum’s background as a self-made businessman and North Dakota governor, expressing confidence in his ability to be confirmed smoothly.
Matt Gaetz for Department of Justice: Victor expresses skepticism about Gaetz’s qualifications, noting his lack of prosecutorial experience and questioning his temperament for such a critical role.
Notable Quote:
“These people are not radicals, they're just traditionalists... they're trying to either disband this division or restore it to its original purpose.” ([68:12])
Victor argues that Trump's nominees are driven by a desire to restore governmental agencies to their foundational missions, free from what they perceive as systemic corruption and inefficiency introduced over the past decades.
5. The Cultural and Political Revolution in America
Timestamp: [35:26] to [61:47]
Victor and Jack discuss the ongoing cultural and political upheaval in the United States, focusing on the disintegration of identity politics and the backlash against liberal agendas.
Victor Davis Hansen asserts:
“This is the greatest cultural, political, social revolution of my lifetime...” ([35:26])
He highlights how movements centered around race, gender, and identity have led to significant polarization, with many Americans rejecting what they see as overreach by progressive institutions and leaders. Victor emphasizes the loss of unity and the rise of tribalism, attributing much of the current unrest to aggressive tactics by liberal factions.
Notable Quote:
“This is a revolutionary time... identity politics, racial tribalism, Democratic demagoguery. And it's insidious...” ([35:26])
6. Listener Engagement and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [80:10] to [86:13]
The episode concludes with discussions on listener feedback and personal reflections. Jack reads a heartfelt comment from a listener named Mary Hupp, expressing condolences for Victor's loss and appreciation for his insightful commentary.
Mary Hupp writes:
“Professor Hansen, I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter... Thank you so much for your podcasts and interviews...” ([84:39])
Victor and Jack acknowledge the support from listeners, reiterating the importance of their work in providing informed political analysis.
Conclusion
Victor and Jack navigate through complex geopolitical issues, internal political dynamics, and cultural shifts, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current state of American conservatism and its future trajectory under Trump's influence. The episode underscores the challenges faced by traditional conservative institutions and the transformative impact of populist leadership on the broader political landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- “[04:53] Victor: They remind me of the Cubans...”
- “[08:42] Victor: I read from some of these military blogs...”
- “[38:20] Victor: He was the most popular conservative...”
- “[35:26] Victor: This is the greatest cultural, political, social revolution...”
- “[84:39] Mary Hupp: Professor Hansen, I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter...”
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