The Victor Davis Hanson Show: "WWII Peripheral Wars and Post-Election Shake Up"

Release Date: November 16, 2024

1. Media Landscape and the LA Times Overhaul

In the early segments of the episode, Victor Davis Hanson and co-host Jack Fowler delve into the recent tumultuous changes within the media industry, spotlighting the LA Times' decision to replace its entire editorial staff.

Victor reflects on his past relationship with the publication:

Victor Davis Hansen [04:41]: "They used to pick up my syndicated column. From time to time, they actually would ask me for a special op-ed. So they were not left-wing, but they were not crazy."

The discussion reveals Victor's disillusionment with the LA Times' shift towards a more radical editorial stance under new ownership, leading to a significant loss in readership and credibility. He emphasizes the broader trend of left-wing conglomerates sacrificing journalistic integrity for ideological conformity, noting the decline in viewership for other media outlets like MSNBC:

Victor Davis Hansen [07:10]: "They do that. And during the forest fires, they were printing op-eds about biologists that said that this was, you know, that grubs and worms and dead trees were all part of the ecosystem, even though they fed the fire. They were just insane is what I'm saying."

Victor criticizes the media's role in shaping public opinion through biased reporting, arguing that such practices have led to a loss of trust and substantial subscriber decline.

2. WWII Peripheral Wars: A Deep Dive into Overlooked Battles

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the peripheral wars of World War II, shedding light on lesser-known campaigns that played crucial roles in the broader conflict.

Victor outlines the strategic maneuvers and pivotal battles that influenced the outcome of the war. He discusses the Allied efforts in North Africa and Italy, highlighting the challenges faced due to inadequate leadership:

Victor Davis Hansen [34:05]: "Probably the worst general in American history was Lloyd Friedenhal... He was one of the... along with General Lucas, one of the most incompetent American generals."

He contrasts this with the effective strategies employed by British commanders, such as General Montgomery, emphasizing how Allied cooperation eventually led to significant victories:

Victor Davis Hansen [46:30]: "By July 1943, all Axis troops will either be evacuated or captured. And the captured number was larger than Stalingrad, 250,000."

The discussion also covers the Pacific Theater, detailing early American setbacks and the turning point at the Battle of Midway, which marked a decisive shift in naval dominance:

Victor Davis Hansen [50:15]: "The result of the Battle of Midway was the Americans sink all four fleet carriers. They only lose the Yorktown that was damaged anyway."

Victor underscores the importance of industrial capacity and technological advancements, drawing parallels between WWII strategies and modern military needs:

Victor Davis Hansen [60:45]: "What this needs to be done. We know from the Ukraine war and the Middle East conflicts that we're in a new age of cheap stuff, just like World War II."

He concludes this segment by reflecting on Hitler's genocidal policies and their catastrophic impact, providing a sobering reminder of the war's human cost.

3. Post-Election Political Dynamics and Current Affairs

Shifting focus to contemporary issues, Victor and Jack analyze the post-election political landscape, addressing themes like immigration, media bias, and leadership challenges.

Victor critiques current immigration policies, arguing that lax enforcement has led to significant societal issues:

Victor Davis Hansen [10:35]: "They had gang members, they had cartels. Did they care about the parents of the hundred thousand people who were killed from fentanyl overdoses? Why this administration let China just send in fentanyl raw product to the cartels."

The conversation evolves into a broader critique of left-wing policies and their repercussions on national security and societal cohesion:

Victor Davis Hansen [19:23]: "It's all about the hypocrisy of the left. They always want one standard for them sanctuary cities, but not for other people."

The duo also touches upon high-profile trials, including that of Daniel Penney, examining the legal and societal implications of prosecuting individuals who intervene in potentially violent situations:

Victor Davis Hansen [68:54]: "I think he would be a hero. I say that because New York State law has a statute and it's, it's specifically designed for people who harass people on the subway. And it basically says if somebody is attacking people or threatening them on the subway, you have a right to defend yourself and to step forward for the public good."

Victor laments the current state of political leadership, criticizing prosecutors and officials for what he perceives as racial bias and misplaced priorities:

Victor Davis Hansen [75:24]: "About stopping that... we are not going to let them do it. So we're going to go in here, we're not going to be revenge, but we're going to."

The discussion concludes with optimistic views on potential political shifts, particularly focusing on Donald Trump's influence and the possible realignment of political power:

Victor Davis Hansen [80:45]: "We flipped this other side of this one eye Jack. We've seen Mueller and we've seen Andrew Weissman and we've seen what Anthony Blinken did with the 51 authorities and Jake Sullivan with the bang ping and we've seen Jack Smith. We know these people backwards and forwards and what they're capable and what they'll try."

4. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In wrapping up the episode, Victor and Jack reiterate their commitment to addressing both historical and current events with a critical and analytical perspective. They encourage listeners to engage with their content for deeper insights into the complexities of warfare and political developments.

Victor Davis Hansen [85:20]: "We'll see what happens... If you're going to build something, there's no such thing as a federal endangered species list anymore."

The hosts express gratitude to their listeners and sponsors, emphasizing the importance of informed discourse in navigating today's volatile socio-political climate.

Notable Quotes:

• Victor Davis Hansen [04:41]: "They used to pick up my syndicated column. From time to time, they actually would ask me for a special op-ed. So they were not left-wing, but they were not crazy."

• Victor Davis Hansen [34:05]: "Probably the worst general in American history was Lloyd Friedenhal... He was one of the... along with General Lucas, one of the most incompetent American generals."

• Victor Davis Hansen [10:35]: "They had gang members, they had cartels. Did they care about the parents of the hundred thousand people who were killed from fentanyl overdoses?"

• Victor Davis Hansen [68:54]: "I think he would be a hero. I say that because New York State law has a statute... you have a right to defend yourself and to step forward for the public good."

• Victor Davis Hansen [75:24]: "About stopping that... we are not going to let them do it."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of WWII's peripheral conflicts, interwoven with a critical analysis of contemporary political and social issues. Victor Davis Hansen and Jack Fowler provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of historical events and their enduring impact on today's societal dynamics.