Podcast Summary: The Victor Davis Hanson Show Episode Title: Trump Meets Ramaphosa and Rubio Faces the Senate
Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

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1. Jake Tapper's Controversial Interview on Megyn Kelly's Show

Timestamp: 03:42

Megan Kelly introduces a discussion centered on Jake Tapper's recent appearance on her show. Tapper addressed his interactions with Laura Trump, particularly his criticism of her remarks regarding President Joe Biden's supposed stuttering. Tapper expresses skepticism about the sincerity of Laura Trump's apology and delves into his perspectives on Biden's cognitive and physical health.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [03:42]:
  "It was clear to me that he was mentally challenged, cognitively in decline, and I attacked people who said that. And I am sorry to all of you, that was unprofessional."

• Jake Tapper [07:00]:
  "So why would I believe that when he was lying then he's telling the truth now? I don't believe he feels humiliated."

2. Joe Biden's Health Concerns and Political Implications

Timestamp: 07:23

The conversation shifts to revelations about President Joe Biden's health, including both cognitive and physical challenges such as prostate cancer. Tapper questions the timing of these disclosures, suggesting they may be politically motivated to divert attention from his own book release.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [07:23]:
  "Why would they announce that Joe Biden suddenly now has metastasized cancer three days before this blockbuster book comes out?"

• Jake Tapper [20:20]:
  "People are tired of racial divisiveness... They're voting 57% against us. So we need 90% and we don't have it anymore."

3. Democratic Party's Strategic Maneuvers and Critique

Timestamp: 13:25

Tapper offers a critical analysis of the Democratic Party's strategies, particularly focusing on the nomination process and the selection of Kamala Harris as the vice president. He argues that the party's choices are motivated by a desire to present a "veneer" while pushing a far-left agenda.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [17:10]:
  "They thought that she's incompetent, she's not very bright and she cannot speak... So they said she is the Spiro Agnew of our era."

• Jake Tapper [19:23]:
  "And we all know that that type of virulent cancer doesn't appear on the spot. And we all know the president's state is monitored for every simple symptom."

4. South Africa's Political Climate and Trump's Meeting with Ramaphosa

Timestamp: 25:16

The discussion moves to international relations, highlighting recent interactions between former President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Tapper critiques South Africa's internal issues, especially concerning the safety of white farmers and the government's stance towards them.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [25:16]:
  "Do we need South African students here? Do we need their market? They're going to shut us out of the South African market."

• Jake Tapper [40:48]:
  "And that's the same attitude toward the Chinese, the same attitude toward the European..."

5. Marco Rubio's Defense of South African Refugees and Senate Hearings

Timestamp: 25:55

Tapper discusses Senator Marco Rubio's stance during Senate hearings, where Rubio defended South African refugees, emphasizing that only a small number seeking refuge were being granted status based on racial criteria. He criticizes Rubio for defending these refugees against accusations of reverse racism.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [25:55]:
  "Marco Rubio just said, the only reason you're upset is they're white because that's your whole party's racist."

• Jake Tapper [27:08]:
  "Tim Kaine is something's wrong with him, to think that he's going to bring that up."

6. FBI Corruption and Organizational Issues

Timestamp: 59:48

The conversation touches upon internal issues within the FBI, referencing historical corruption during J. Edgar Hoover's tenure and current challenges facing the organization's leadership. Tapper expresses skepticism about the integrity of FBI officials and the impact of leadership changes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [60:06]:
  "They went after him, tried to destroy him and like they did Tulsi Gabbert..."

• Jake Tapper [61:11]:
  "If I wanted to ruin this house right here, this 150, I would call in 10 professors and I say, could you please rewire it?"

7. Elon Musk's Political Involvement and Business Ventures

Timestamp: 48:23

Elon Musk's engagement in politics is examined, with Tapper lamenting Musk's involvement and its impact. Despite his significant contributions to technology and entrepreneurship, Musk faces backlash from left-leaning groups, which Tapper attributes to a lack of understanding and recognition of Musk's achievements.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [50:19]:
  "But he looked really troubled and bewildered, like what did I do to you people?"

• Jake Tapper [51:52]:
  "He is incontestable. I think everybody, the left is really, I don't even recognize the left."

8. Audience Engagement and Feedback

Timestamp: 61:37

The hosts share positive feedback from listeners, indicating strong support for Victor Davis Hanson's perspectives. Comments highlight the show's impact and the listeners' appreciation of its insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [61:37]:
  "Oh, thank you. That's important."

• Listener Feedback:
  "I look for a new VDH video several times a day. You're the best. Signed a former Democrat."

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 65:45

Megan Kelly wraps up the episode by addressing final comments, including a listener's perspective on FBI corruption and extending praise to figures like Cash Patel and Dan Bongino for their integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [60:27]:
  "They're both very bright. That's what the thing on the left doesn't understand."

• Megan Kelly [63:54]:
  "Well, thank you, Victor. Thanks to our audience."

Conclusion

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show delves into a range of political topics, from internal U.S. political dynamics and health concerns of the President to international relations involving South Africa. Jake Tapper provides critical commentary on Democratic strategies, FBI corruption, and the challenges faced by prominent figures like Elon Musk. The discussion is punctuated with listener feedback, showcasing the show's influence and the engagement of its audience.

For more detailed discussions and insights, listeners are encouraged to visit Victor Davis Hanson's website, the Blade of Perseus.