The Victor Davis Hanson Show: "Orange Man…Popular?"

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler

Introduction

In this episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, titled "Orange Man…Popular?", co-hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into a myriad of pressing political and social issues. From the enduring popularity of Donald Trump to the complexities of the ongoing Cold War, the discussion offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary events and historical contexts.

Trump’s Enduring Popularity in Swing States

[04:42] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor opens the conversation by addressing recent polling data indicating Donald Trump's strong performance in key swing states like New Mexico and Michigan. "When you have polls showing that he's doing well, they're accurate," Victor asserts, referencing past elections to emphasize Trump's consistent approval ratings despite controversies.

[05:00] Jack Fowler:
Jack concurs, highlighting the reliability of polls like Rasmussen, Insider Advantage, and Trafalgar in predicting Trump's favorable standings. "They consistently have him in the plus side, which is amazing given he's higher than Barack Obama and Joe Biden," he notes.

The Pam Bondi and Epstein File Controversy

[05:37] Victor Davis Hanson:
The discussion shifts to the controversy surrounding Pam Bondi and the Epstein files. Victor critiques Megyn Kelly's assessment of Bondi's revelations, arguing that the information released was not new and failed to expose previously unknown abuses. "Pam Bondi did. And then when everybody looked at the stuff that came out, it was nothing that wasn't known anyway," he explains.

[06:27] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor elaborates on Jeffrey Epstein's manipulative tactics, suggesting that the hesitation to release incriminating evidence was due to the involvement of powerful individuals. "They're very, very, very, very important people who... would defame, would be ruined," he concludes, implying a reluctance to expose these figures fully.

NATO’s Response to Russia’s Aggression

[14:15] Victor Davis Hanson:
The hosts analyze Russia’s recent drone attacks on Kiev and NATO’s subsequent actions. Victor explains NATO’s strategic positioning, emphasizing the alliance's readiness to defend member states and deter further Russian aggression. "NATO scrambled jets... showing support for Ukraine," he remarks.

[17:34] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor speculates on the future of Trump's potential negotiations with Putin, suggesting that any deal would require significant military support. "He will have to give them arms of some sort, mostly defensive arms to neutralize this threat," he predicts.

California Politics and Governor Gavin Newsom’s Leadership

[43:28] Victor Davis Hanson:
Transitioning to domestic issues, Victor critiques California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of state crises, including wildfires and housing shortages. He describes Newsom as "incompetent" and attributes the state’s challenges to his policies and connections to affluent elites. "He's really incompetent and he starts off really slick," Victor states.

[48:47] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor continues his critique, highlighting Newsom’s failed infrastructure projects and high poverty rates. "No person has been more responsible for the destruction of the Bay Area in general, in California in particular," he asserts, emphasizing the negative impact of Newsom’s administration.

Education and DEI Initiatives in Universities

[56:54] Victor Davis Hanson:
The conversation turns to higher education, focusing on the decline of academic standards and the pervasive influence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Victor shares listener comments criticizing the erosion of rigor in STEM fields due to DEI policies. "Engineering schools used to be islands of common sense... leftist administrators have erased that outpost of sanity," he explains.

[65:35] Listener Comment:
A listener from Rhode Island echoes these sentiments, stating, "Leftist administrators and the incessant groveling for federal research dollars have erased that outpost of sanity," further critiquing the intersection of DEI and academic integrity.

Impacts of DEI on Professional and Scientific Fields

[66:35] Victor Davis Hanson:
Victor discusses how DEI policies have permeated hard sciences and professional schools, leading to a dilution of academic and professional standards. He cites examples from Harvard and Stanford, pointing out remedial classes and the influence of DEI in hiring practices. "DEI has permeated the hard sciences and the professional school," Victor notes.

[69:58] Listener Comment:
Another listener criticizes the impact of DEI on university curricula and grading policies, arguing that it fosters resentment and lowers academic standards. "They just monitor through students... intrusive stuff," the comment states.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Victor Davis Hanson reiterates the challenges posed by current political and social dynamics, from the resilience of Trump’s base to the complications within educational institutions. The hosts emphasize the need for critical examination of policies and their long-term implications on society.

[71:17] Victor Davis Hanson:
"Donald Trump is a bogeyman... they've got to use him as cover because they know they can't go on what they're doing," Victor concludes, underscoring the intricate interplay between political figures and institutional policies.

Notable Quotes

• Victor Davis Hanson [04:42]: "When you have polls showing that he's doing well, they're accurate."
• Victor Davis Hanson [05:37]: "Pam Bondi did. And then when everybody looked at the stuff that came out, it was nothing that wasn't known anyway."
• Victor Davis Hanson [14:15]: "NATO scrambled jets... showing support for Ukraine."
• Victor Davis Hanson [43:28]: "He's really incompetent and he starts off really slick."
• Victor Davis Hanson [66:35]: "DEI has permeated the hard sciences and the professional school."
• Victor Davis Hanson [71:17]: "Donald Trump is a bogeyman... they've got to use him as cover because they know they can't go on what they're doing."

Closing Remarks

The Victor Davis Hanson Show: "Orange Man…Popular?" offers a comprehensive look into the current political landscape, historical contexts, and institutional critiques. By weaving together polling data, geopolitical analysis, and domestic policy evaluations, Hanson and Fowler provide listeners with a thought-provoking narrative on the intersection of history and modern politics.

For more insights and discussions, visit VictorHanson.