Summary of "Statues, Budgets, and Open Wounds" - The Victor Davis Hanson Show

Release Date: December 21, 2024

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "Statues, Budgets, and Open Wounds," hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into a multifaceted discussion encompassing current political dynamics, historical landmarks, and societal trends. The conversation navigates through critiques of the Biden administration, analyses of budgetary challenges, reflections on ancient wonders, and examinations of the evolving strategies within the political left.

2. Critique of the Biden Administration

Biden's Competency and Health Concerns

Victor Davis Hanson opens the discussion by addressing emerging reports about President Joe Biden's effectiveness and health. Referencing articles from reputable sources like the Wall Street Journal, Hanson asserts that Biden has been inconsistently at the helm of the administration.

Victor Davis Hanson [02:54]: "Not at the helm. Never heard of a euphemism. Didn't one person say he was dead?"

Hanson criticizes the administration's handling of cabinet meetings, highlighting that Biden held only nine such meetings compared to Donald Trump's frequency. He underscores concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities, questioning the authenticity of public perceptions versus private realities.

Victor Davis Hanson [06:58]: "They created this men that Donald Trump was crazy... everybody knew that he could not fulfill the duties of president and they all knew they were lying."

Media and Political Maneuvering

Hanson explores the media's role in perpetuating narratives about Biden's incapacity, suggesting that leaks and off-the-record statements are strategic rather than genuine revelations.

Victor Davis Hanson [08:34]: "Why did it come out now? And I guess the simplistic reductionist answer is because Joe Biden can neither hurt nor help anybody."

He further elaborates on the coordination between prominent political figures like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, implying that the Obama-Clinton network orchestrated Biden's presidency to maintain control without his direct influence.

3. Budgetary Challenges and Political Stalemates

Congressional Funding Deadlock

The conversation shifts to the pressing issue of Congress's failure to pass a funding bill, leading to increased pressure as the deadline approaches.

Victor Davis Hanson [15:58]: "We spent $7 trillion the last four years and we're exceeding the authorized budget."

Hanson critiques the Democratic Party's fiscal strategies, accusing them of bloating budgets with unnecessary expenditures while anticipating Republican resistance. He warns that yielding to such pressures would diminish the Republicans' negotiating power in future budget negotiations.

Victor Davis Hanson [15:58]: "Speaker Johnson, if you do right now show that you have a backbone... we can get more concessions from the Democrats."

California's Governance Under Scrutiny

Addressing California Governor Gavin Newsom's claims about the state's efficiency, Hanson counters by highlighting the state's massive deficits, high taxes, and controversial expenditures.

Victor Davis Hanson [20:35]: "It was $76 billion annual deficit, probably $1 trillion in unfunded liabilities..."

He juxtaposes California's fiscal management with states like Florida, praising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for maintaining a surplus without an income tax.

4. Historical Reflection: The Colossus of Rhodes

Exploration of an Ancient Wonder

Transitioning to a historical segment, Victor Hanson shares his personal fascination with the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He recounts his visits to various wonder sites, emphasizing the grandeur and cultural significance of the Colossus.

Victor Davis Hanson [29:17]: "They cast a huge bronze statue a hundred feet, 104ft high. That's one third the size of the Statue of Liberty."

Hanson details the construction techniques of the Colossus, its symbolic representation of the sun god Helios, and its eventual destruction by an earthquake after 54 years. He reflects on modern attempts to recreate such monumental statues, suggesting that figures like Elon Musk could embody a contemporary Colossus.

Victor Davis Hanson [43:57]: "Elon, are you listening? Why don't you, Elon, just take... try to make a colossus..."

Cultural Impact and Modern Comparisons

Drawing parallels between ancient statues and modern cultural icons, Hanson muses on how such monuments inspire and attract tourism, much like the historical Colossus did for Rhodes.

5. Internal Critiques of the Political Left

Reevaluation by Former Outsiders

Sammy Wink introduces discussions on critiques from individuals like Bret Stephens and Rahm Emanuel, who have reconsidered their opposition to Donald Trump. Hanson analyzes Stephens' late-opinition shift, attributing it to political pragmatism rather than genuine change of heart.

Victor Davis Hanson [52:21]: "He tells us he voted in that op ed for Kamala Harris... But I think it's just admirable that you're no longer a deranged, obsessed fanatic."

Dissection of Democratic Strategies

Hanson critiques Rahm Emanuel's role in shaping the Democratic Party under Obama, accusing him of fostering elite, technocratic policies detached from the average American's concerns.

Victor Davis Hanson [54:19]: "Rahm Emanuel was the architect of Obama... The only way I can do that is to publish, work hard... all of your issues. It was all illusionary."

He further condemns the Democratic Party's cultural revolution, which, according to Hanson, suppressed free speech and prioritized identity politics over merit and economic issues.

6. Legal Battles and Judicial Bias

Ongoing Legal Cases Against Trump

The hosts discuss the progression of legal cases against Donald Trump, highlighting perceived judicial biases and procedural flaws. Hanson expresses skepticism about the impartiality of judges handling these cases, suggesting that personal and political affiliations may influence rulings.

Victor Davis Hanson [67:23]: "I think the Fanny Willis things will die and we're just going to be ending up with Alvin Bragg's sentencing."

He anticipates that most charges against Trump will either be dismissed or fail to secure convictions, citing the overburdened and allegedly conflicted judicial system.

Victor Davis Hanson [70:37]: "I just think that the district attorney's office or whoever in the decision process will say this is a lose-lose situation."

7. Audience Feedback and Closing Remarks

Positive Listener Engagement

Towards the end of the episode, Hanson and Fowler share and respond to positive feedback from listeners, appreciating the support and engagement from their audience.

Listener Comment: "Always looking forward to the VDH wisdom every week."

Hanson expresses gratitude for the audience's loyalty and shares personal reflections on family and nostalgia, concluding the episode on a heartfelt note.

Notable Quotes

• Victor Davis Hanson [02:54]: "Not at the helm. Never heard of a euphemism. Didn't one person say he was dead?"

• Victor Davis Hanson [06:58]: "They created this men that Donald Trump was crazy... everybody knew that he could not fulfill the duties of president and they all knew they were lying."

• Victor Davis Hanson [15:58]: "Speaker Johnson, if you do right now show that you have a backbone... we can get more concessions from the Democrats."

• Victor Davis Hanson [29:17]: "They cast a huge bronze statue a hundred feet, 104ft high. That's one third the size of the Statue of Liberty."

• Victor Davis Hanson [43:57]: "Elon, are you listening? Why don't you, Elon, just take... try to make a colossus..."

• Victor Davis Hanson [54:19]: "Rahm Emanuel was the architect of Obama... The only way I can do that is to publish, work hard... all of your issues. It was all illusionary."

• Victor Davis Hanson [67:23]: "I think the Fanny Willis things will die and we're just going to be ending up with Alvin Bragg's sentencing."

Conclusion

"Statues, Budgets, and Open Wounds" offers a deep dive into the intersections of historical grandeur and contemporary political strife. Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler provide incisive critiques of current leadership, unravel the complexities of governmental budgets, and reminisce about ancient wonders, all while engaging with audience perspectives. The episode underscores the enduring tension between historical legacy and modern governance, painting a comprehensive picture of America's ongoing socio-political landscape.