The Victor Davis Hanson Show

Episode: Republican Loyalists, Democrat Spendthrifts
Release Date: November 14, 2024
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson & Jack Fowler

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with co-host Jack Fowler expressing enthusiasm about discussing the aftermath of recent elections, particularly focusing on the dynamics within the Republican and Democratic parties.

2. Trump's Removal of Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo

Early in the discussion, Jack Fowler brings up Donald Trump's decision to part ways with Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo.

• Jack Fowler [04:36]: "Victor, Donald Trump said, hey Nikki, Hey Mike. It was great working with you before, but not going to be working with you this time round. What do you think about that?"

• Victor Davis Hanson [04:57]: "I had a little conflicted about that... Mike Pompeo was very loyal to Donald Trump while he was Secretary of State and he helped restore deterrence... Nikki Haley was very good as UN Ambassador..."

Victor acknowledges Pompeo's contributions but criticizes Haley's decision to challenge Trump, suggesting it was a strategic misstep that didn't yield the desired support against Trump within the Republican base.

3. Analysis of Nikki Haley's Campaign and Republican Dynamics

The conversation delves deeper into Haley's campaign strategies and the broader Republican landscape.

• Victor Davis Hanson [08:45]: "She was smart. She wrote, as you know, those Wall Street Journal op-eds... But she, she couched them in that something to the effect the more. Although I've been critical of Donald Trump, he's much preferable to Camila Harris and I endorse."

He critiques Haley's approach, arguing that her attempts to distance herself from Trump were ineffective and possibly counterproductive, failing to resonate with the Republican majority who remained loyal to Trump.

• Jack Fowler [08:51]: "Also, there was a sense of the Nikki Haley Republican was a pro. Kamala Harris."

Hanson further contends that Haley's alignment with certain Democratic figures diluted her Republican credentials, weakening her campaign.

4. Examination of Democratic Deficiencies and Mitch McConnell's Role

The hosts shift focus to the Democratic Party's internal challenges and Mitch McConnell's influence.

• Jack Fowler [23:17]: "Mitch McConnell and his GOP sidekicks own the Democrats."

• Victor Davis Hanson [24:04]: "McConnell saw his job as to master the intricacies of Senate rules... But what he lacked was empathy for the working-class people and why they were not fully Republican anymore."

Hanson criticizes McConnell for focusing on traditional Republican agendas without addressing the evolving needs of the working class, leading to a disconnect that contributed to Democratic successes in states like Arizona and Nevada.

5. Media Meltdowns and Public Figures' Performances

A significant portion of the episode addresses recent media incidents involving Democratic figures and the left's handling of dissent.

• Jack Fowler [70:56]: Discusses an incident on CNN where Jay Michelson criticized a Republican strategist's stance on transgender athletes.

• Victor Davis Hanson [71:15]: "When you lose your temper, you lose your argument. He [Michelson] showed who he really is, an arrogant, half-educated, entitled person."

Hanson and Fowler critique the left's approach to moderating discussions, arguing that figures like Michelson display arrogance and dismissiveness, undermining their own positions and alienating potential supporters.

6. Class, Race, and Privilege in Modern Politics

The discussion broadens to explore the intersection of class and race, emphasizing how identity politics has fragmented political support.

• Victor Davis Hanson [85:13]: "It is about self-interest. If you're middle class of any color, you want to be able to have a middle class... If you're an elite then it's all about prestige and musical chairs with titles and compensation above 200,000."

Hanson argues that political divisions are increasingly influenced by class and economic concerns rather than purely racial or cultural identities, suggesting that the Democratic Party's focus on identity politics has alienated the broader middle class.

7. Concluding Remarks and Listener Feedback

In the closing segments, the hosts acknowledge listener support and share positive feedback.

• Listener Comment Read by Jack Fowler [93:42]: "Excellent show... His comparisons of current events with those of recent to ancient history are always pertinent and fascinating... Extremely entertaining."

Victor humorously responds to feedback, highlighting the show's impact and connection with its audience.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Fowler [04:36]: "Did they deserve that? I mean nobody deserves a role in the administration."

• Victor Davis Hanson [08:45]: "She needs some money... she went on a lot of corporate boards."

• Victor Davis Hanson [12:17]: "I don't think that they have. They're impotent. They're irrelevant."

• Jack Fowler [23:17]: "Mitch McConnell and his GOP sidekicks own the Democrats."

• Victor Davis Hanson [85:13]: "It is about self-interest. If you're middle class of any color, you want to be able to have a middle class..."

Conclusion

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler provide a critical analysis of the current political landscape, focusing on Republican loyalty to Trump, the Democratic Party's internal struggles, and the impact of identity politics on election outcomes. Through incisive commentary and notable insights, the hosts elucidate the shifting dynamics that shape contemporary American politics.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.