The Victor Davis Hanson Show – Episode Summary Episode Title: The Rise of Antisemitism in Hollywood and Lawlessness in the West
Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson (VDH) & Jack Fowler

Overview

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler examine the pervasive rise of antisemitism, particularly in Hollywood and on college campuses, and discuss growing lawlessness in Western societies. They delve into recent high-profile incidents, cultural and institutional hypocrisy, and broader implications for American and European civil order. The conversation weaves in themes of political opportunism, societal decadence, and the failures of leadership across elite sectors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jerry Seinfeld's Critique of "Free Palestine" (07:22–11:35)

• Incident: Jerry Seinfeld compared the Free Palestine movement to the Ku Klux Klan at Duke University, critiquing the dishonesty and latent antisemitism in activist circles.
• Quote: “Free Palestine is, to me, just you’re free to say you don’t like Jews. Just say you don’t like Jews... the Klan is actually a little better here because they come right out and say we don’t like blacks, we don’t like Jews. Okay, that’s honest.” — Recited by Jack Fowler [07:48]
• VDH Reaction: Hanson expresses surprise at Seinfeld's candor but affirms his point about ideological hate groups targeting Jews. Hanson recalls incidents at MIT, Cooper Union, and UCLA where Jewish students faced aggressive hostility.
• Systemic Issues: Universities appease violent "Free Palestine" activists to protect their own positions, avoiding being labeled antisemitic while enabling harassment under the guise of anti-Israel sentiment.
• Broader Observation: VDH suggests there are traces of coordinated funding among these activist groups—hinting at possible legal exposure if violence or intimidation is traced to sponsorships.

2. The Use of RICO Laws and Political Hypocrisy (11:35–16:57)

• RICO Laws: Discussion on the selective use of racketeering charges—previously applied to pro-lifers and now (controversially) to Trump by Fani Willis.
• Political ‘Boomerang’: The tide is turning against left-wing prosecutors (Letitia James, Fani Willis, etc.), with mounting legal difficulties and accusations of overreach.
• Military Criticism: Hanson points out uniformed military officers (even retired) publicly disparaged Trump as “a fascist,” despite Article 88 of the UCMJ prohibiting such conduct—a double standard that went unenforced under Biden but could soon face stricter scrutiny.

3. Defining "Fascism" and Restoration of the Rule of Law (17:08–19:48)

• Clarifying "Fascist":
  • “A fascist... assumes power through an election or by unlawful means and then tries to promulgate a nationalist extreme agenda... punishing enemies... extralegally.” — VDH [17:09]
• Trump Context: Hanson asserts Trump followed legal mechanisms and judicial orders, contrasting this with illegal or extralegal actions by his opponents (e.g., unauthorized surveillance, weaponization of intelligence agencies).
• Message: The true threat of authoritarianism lies with those who corrupt legal institutions and ignore due process—not Trump.

4. Hollywood’s Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions & Hypocrisy (22:36–26:29)

• Story: Thousands of Hollywood figures, including A-listers, pledge to boycott Israeli institutions over alleged “genocide and apartheid,” inspired by anti-apartheid cultural efforts of the past.
• Quote: “I just don't know what their standards are... Are they saying that they're not going to participate in any film that is [made] in China... in Turkey... in Azerbaijan... They don't do any of that. It's only the Jews. The Jews, the Jews, the Jews.” — VDH [22:36]
• Analysis: Hanson calls out the selective activism of Hollywood, observing their silence on genuine human rights abuses elsewhere while singling out Israel—a pattern of opportunism and cultural conformity.
• Careerism vs. Conviction: These pledges serve as in-group signaling for career advancement within Hollywood’s left-leaning culture.

5. Shifts in Silicon Valley & Media Power (26:31–32:07)

• Larry Ellison Anecdote: VDH recounts a dinner with Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who spoke optimistically about American technological renaissance and innovation—a shift away from the left-dominated Silicon Valley consensus.
• Power Realignments:
  • Several tech elites (Ellison, Elon Musk, etc.) are now less aligned with Democrats, alarming the old guard.
  • Trump’s pragmatic, transactional style attracts disenchanted capitalists when paired with a promise of regulatory predictability and patriotism.
• Quotes:
  • “I can guarantee you there’s been a change of heart in Silicon Valley... This is going to be the most exciting renaissance since the Industrial Revolution.” — VDH paraphrasing Larry Ellison [28:41]

6. Biden’s Presidential Legacy and Library Troubles (33:06–35:43)

• Fundraising Woes: Dem donors are reluctant to support a Biden Presidential Library, feeling burned by past major investments (e.g., the problem-plagued Obama Library).
• VDH’s Mock Appeal:
  • “Now you’re going to compete with that ugly monolith with Joe Biden, who was probably the worst president and lost all my investment in him?” — VDH [33:24]
• Brand Damage: Supporters regret their investments after the administration’s collapse and failed leadership.

7. Hollywood and the State of American Acting (37:13–40:50)

• A Lighter Shift: Fowler and Hanson discuss classic American actors whose gravitas and authenticity they feel is lacking in modern celebrity culture (Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Oldman, etc.).
• Nostalgia vs. Present: The segment reflects on lost cultural excellence and the emptiness of today’s virtue-signaling Hollywood establishment.

8. Kamala Harris and Democratic Calculations (41:49–47:11)

• Memoir Revelations: Kamala Harris’ new book criticizes the Bidens for being "reckless" in keeping Joe on the ticket and laments her own sidelining.
• Quote: “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision… In retrospect, I think it was recklessness. The stakes were simply too high.” — Kamala Harris (quoted by Fowler) [41:49]
• VDH’s Take: While Harris is right the Dems mishandled the transition, he calls her “whiny and incompetent,” noting her extreme left-wing record and lack of voter appeal.
• Strategic Misfire: The rushed nomination of Harris, mostly to appease the post-George Floyd base, is framed as one of the Democrats’ biggest mistakes in decades.

9. Lawlessness in the West & Civilizational Decay (49:34–55:52)

• Rod Dreher’s Warning: Western societies stand on a precipice. Public patience with lawlessness—enabled by liberal elites—is wearing thin, risking violent backlash if not addressed through democratic means.
• VDH’s Corroboration:
  • “The European American fertility rate is not sustainable, especially Europe’s. The open borders and non-assimilation... the war on fossil fuels is suicidal... As Herb Stein said: if it can't go on, it won't go on.” — VDH [51:26]
• Societal Disconnect: Ruling elites shield themselves from the consequences of crime and social breakdown while demanding citizens accept “white supremacy” as the central threat.
• Call to Action: Hanson suggests honoring Charlie Kirk’s memory by voting for candidates committed to restoring order and sanity.

10. Higher Education: Selling Dreams, Not Reality (57:37–65:22)

• Article Analysis: Critique of California State University, Monterey Bay, where the most-granted degree, psychology, offers graduates little more than wage parity with non-degree jobs.
• VDH’s Caution: Universities mislead students about return on investment, encouraging debt for degrees with poor prospects.
• Quote: “These universities do not follow the basic principles of car salesmen. When I went...they would say, Mr. Hanson, now this car loan is at 9%...What is your salary?...Why don’t we tell 18 year olds this is the amount of money we’re going to charge?” — VDH [58:49]
• Advice: Choose trades or high-demand technical fields, not soft majors at politicized universities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hollywood Activism:
  “It’s only the Jews. The Jews, the Jews, the Jews.” — VDH [22:36]
• On Decline of University Value:
  “College is not a good deal anymore. They would be much better...if you’re going to major in sociology or psychology...go to a trade school or a junior college...your life will be better.” — VDH [61:34]
• On Elite Hypocrisy:
  “These left-wing people live in secure enclaves. They do not get on light rails and sit next to black people with hoods at 10pm like this defenseless girl was...” — VDH [52:27]
• On Societal Crossroads:
  “We’re at a fork in the road. This way leads to nihilism and collective suicide. This way goes back...to normality and common sense.” — VDH [54:34]

Key Timestamps

• Jerry Seinfeld's remarks/antisemitism on campus: 07:22–11:35
• Hollywood’s boycott of Israeli film: 22:36–26:29
• Larry Ellison and realignment in Silicon Valley: 26:31–32:07
• Kamala Harris's criticisms of Biden: 41:49–47:11
• Lawlessness in Europe and the US (Rod Dreher/VDH): 49:34–55:52
• Higher education as a false promise: 57:37–65:22

Episode Tone

The conversation is probing, direct, and often unsparing, punctuated with Hanson's characteristic irony and skepticism. Both hosts convey urgency about the direction of Western culture and institutions, viewing current tumult as both a reckoning and opportunity for renewal.

For Listeners

This episode is rich in political and cultural analysis, offering both context for headline events and longer-term insights into the underlying currents shaping American (and Western) civil society. It’s an essential listen for those concerned with rising antisemitism, institutional decadence, and paths forward for civic renewal.