Podcast Summary: The Vietnam War, More Trade Deals, and Hulk Hogan, RIP

Episode Title: The Vietnam War, More Trade Deals, and Hulk Hogan, RIP
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
Co-Hosts: Sammy Wink, Sami Winc (occasional)
Platform: The Victor Davis Hanson Show

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into a diverse range of topics, blending historical analysis with contemporary political and social commentary. The episode is marked by a heartfelt tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, discussions on trade deals orchestrated by Donald Trump, an exploration of the Vietnam War's historical nuances, and critiques of current media and political figures.

2. Tribute to Hulk Hogan

The episode opens with somber news about the passing of iconic professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.

• Sammy Wink [00:17]: "Hulk Hogan died yesterday, I believe, or this morning early. And we're recording on Thursday at the age of 71. And so we'll take a moment to discuss him..."

Victor reflects on Hogan's enduring legacy and the physical toll of his wrestling career.

• Victor Davis Hanson [02:49]: "He had a lot... It takes an enormous toll on people's bodies. Those body slams, any normal person, they have to be trained how to do it... he was part of that weird Trump menagerie. I mentioned it before, of people like Joe Rogan, Dana White, Hulk Hogan..."

Victor emphasizes Hogan's universal appeal, comparing his influence to that of Ozzy Osbourne and Kris Kristofferson, highlighting his role as a beloved cultural figure.

• Victor Davis Hanson [04:45]: "Everybody liked him. He was sort of like Ozzy Osbourne just died... it was very hard to find somebody who didn't like him."

3. Hillary Clinton and Russian Spy Allegations

The discussion shifts to recent allegations regarding Hillary Clinton and Russian espionage activities.

• Sammy Wink [07:27]: "With Tulsi Gabbard and the records coming out, apparently the Russian spies had identified or reported to back to Russia, the home country, that Hillary was on heavy tranquilizers and their words were psycho emotional."

Victor provides a critical analysis of the Russian interference narratives, questioning the validity and intentions behind these claims.

• Victor Davis Hanson [07:27]: "The left always confuses the matter and says the right is trying to bring make a mountain out of a molehill... when you're John Podesta and you write password for your password, they got into his and they got into Hillary's emails..."

He argues that the narrative of Russian collusion with Trump lacks substantial evidence and highlights the persistent misinformation propagated by certain political figures and media outlets.

• Victor Davis Hanson [12:21]: "They have all lied under oath... as I said earlier, their other problem they have is they talk too much."

4. Trump's Trade Deals and Economic Policies

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Donald Trump's trade strategies, particularly his recent deal with Japan.

• Sammy Wink [40:23]: "Trump is working his way through all the countries in the world and making trade deals. And this week the big trade deal was made with Japan."

Victor explains the implications of the 15% tariff negotiated in the deal, contrasting it with the initially expected 25%.

• Victor Davis Hanson [40:23]: "Trump wants all of everything made in the United States and they don't want to get around tariffs by assembling. Mexico is running $171 billion surplus and it's going to be good for California farmers..."

He criticizes economic pessimism surrounding the trade war, asserting optimism about the potential benefits for the U.S. economy.

• Victor Davis Hanson [43:10]: "Donald Trump is either going to win the midterms or hold that tiny lead in the House on the basis of the economy."

5. Wars in Ukraine and Israel

The hosts discuss the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Israel, highlighting new military strategies and their global repercussions.

• Sammy Wink [44:25]: "Russians are starting to use experimental bombs on civilian centers... just recently and such were the accusations in a publication I was reading that was called..."

Victor analyzes Russia's use of glide bombs and drones, drawing parallels to historical tactics like the V1 and V2 bombings.

• Victor Davis Hanson [46:37]: "They're trying to create a terror... They're trying to do this and then to deflect troop deployments to or the energy of the Ukrainians."

He also touches on Ukrainian countermeasures, including the use of drones to target Russian infrastructure.

• Victor Davis Hanson [46:37]: "Ukrainians are starting to send drones deep into Russia... destroying oil refineries."

6. Commentary on Historical Genocides and Modern Anti-Semitism

Victor provides a critical perspective on selective outrage concerning genocide and ethnic cleansing, citing historical instances overlooked in contemporary discourse.

• Victor Davis Hanson [48:19]: "It's very selective because they're Jews and it's selected because they're Westerners... They have a bad record with going after Jews during the Inquisition."

He contrasts current anti-Semitic incidents in Spain with historical genocides involving Jews and other ethnic groups, emphasizing the inconsistency in societal responses.

• Victor Davis Hanson [49:21]: "Why aren't people protesting against the Turkish government?... They've been killing Kurds for 50 years."

7. Joe Biden’s Memoirs and Presidential Health

The discussion shifts to Joe Biden’s memoir sales and his recent health announcement.

• Sammy Wink [55:02]: "Joe Biden is trying to sell his memoirs, but apparently he's only getting 10 million for them."

Victor criticizes the lackluster interest in Biden's memoirs, attributing it to perceived ineffectiveness during his presidency.

• Victor Davis Hanson [55:22]: "He didn't know what was going on for the most part... there's nothing."

He also speculates on Biden's reported diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer, questioning the transparency and timing of the announcement.

• Victor Davis Hanson [57:34]: "They must have known that was progressing and they didn't want to treat it... it's really sad."

8. Critique of Media Figures and Stephen Colbert

The hosts critique media personalities, focusing on Stephen Colbert and his approach to political satire.

• Sammy Wink [59:31]: "Colbert is assailing Trump for a very small phallus... Do you think Colbert will even survive the year?"

Victor links the cancellation of Colbert’s show to political maneuvering and media favoritism.

• Victor Davis Hanson [59:31]: "They settled with Trump on the 60 Minutes... Colbert had been criticizing them, so they thought... they wanted to act like it was not politics or Trump."

He critiques the financial viability and creative direction of modern talk shows, lamenting the decline of traditional formats.

• Victor Davis Hanson [62:03]: "He was supposed to be making fun of a Bill O'Reilly kind of guy... it was so stupid."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Sammy Wink and Victor Davis Hanson emphasize the importance of historical awareness and political vigilance. They encourage listeners to engage critically with media narratives and remain informed about both historical and current global events.

• Sammy Wink [63:22]: "An investment and it's not working out that way anymore."

• Victor Davis Hanson [63:44]: "Thank you, everybody, for listening."

Notable Quotes

• Victor Davis Hanson [02:49]: "They have to be bulky. So they have to. It's because it's a performance arts sport."

• Victor Davis Hanson [07:27]: "The left always confuses the matter and says the right is trying to bring make a mountain out of a molehill."

• Victor Davis Hanson [43:10]: "Donald Trump is either going to win the midterms or hold that tiny lead in the House on the basis of the economy."

• Victor Davis Hanson [46:37]: "They're trying to create a terror... They're trying to do this and then to deflect troop deployments to or the energy of the Ukrainians."

• Victor Davis Hanson [55:22]: "He didn't know what was going on for the most part. There's nothing."

• Victor Davis Hanson [59:31]: "They wanted to act like it was not politics or Trump."

Final Remarks

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a blend of historical insight and sharp political critique, engaging listeners with in-depth discussions on significant events and figures. From reflecting on the legacy of Hulk Hogan to dissecting contemporary geopolitical strategies, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis aimed at fostering informed and critical perspectives among their audience.

For more insights and detailed discussions, visit Victor Davis Hanson's website and follow the hosts on Twitter (@VDHansen) and Facebook (Hanson's Morning Cup).