Victor Davis Hanson: ‘So I’m Voting Commie’: Why Mamdani is Likely to Win
Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words | The Daily Signal
Date: October 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson provides incisive commentary on contemporary political and cultural events, examining their historical roots and implications. Hanson dissects the New York mayoral race—with a focus on Osama Mamdani's chances—delves into the recent "No Kings" rally, the ongoing dynamics within the Democratic Party, contentious Senate races, legal "lawfare" controversies, and the current state of the Ukraine-Russia war. His analysis is marked by historical context, skepticism towards progressive politics, and a direct, sometimes sardonic tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “No Kings” Rally and Democratic Party Dynamics

[04:46–11:21]

• Hanson finds the “No Kings” rally confused and ironic, since its premise lacks sense in a democracy: “I couldn’t understand the ‘No Kings’ because kings are coronated and presidents are elected.”
• He contrasts Trump’s electoral successes with what he describes as the Democratic establishment’s undemocratic handling of Joe Biden’s nomination and succession:
  • Biden was “essentially coronated” after losing early primaries in 2020, serving as a “moderate wax and effigy” for the party’s left wing.
  • The Democratic National Committee’s appointment of Kamala Harris as Biden’s successor is criticized as bypassing a genuinely democratic process.
• On lawfare, Hanson decries "backroom deals" and weaponization of legal systems, arguing Democrats set a dangerous precedent with the pursuit of Trump and that “eye for an eye, tooth for tooth”—not "turn the other cheek"—now guides political payback.

Notable Quote:

• “If you want to further define monarchy versus democracy, you could say that monarchs do as they please with the legal system. Donald Trump … has not used the Department of Justice to go after a presidential political appointment… Joe Biden did: ninety-one indictments.” — Hanson [09:51]

2. Lawfare: Double Standards in Political Prosecutions

[11:21–22:52]

• Hanson draws a distinction between the prosecutions of Trump associates and Democratic officials, arguing that Trump’s alleged retaliatory legal actions are not equivalent due to differences in office, jurisdiction, and gravity.
• Special scrutiny is merited, he claims, for high officials skipping legal lines (e.g., Letitia James, John Bolton).
• He contends that “deterrence” is now the motivation: “John Bolton will never do this again … the next left-wing national security advisor … won’t do it either or she won’t.”

Notable Quote:

• “The point is John Bolton will never do this again, and the next left-wings national security advisor that works for a conservative government, he won't do it either. Or she won't. So the point was to reestablish deterrence, and let's hope it stops there.” — Hanson [19:44]

3. Democratic Party: Internal Conflict and Electoral Doom Loop

[26:12–37:53]

• Hanson analyzes the impact of continued government shutdowns and rising left-wing primary power in the Democratic Party.
• He argues that with no charismatic, moderate figure (like Obama or Clinton) nor an “effigy” like Biden, Democrats are forced further left and are likely to lose general elections.
• Historic comparisons: Hanson reviews cycles of Democratic strategy, likening the current period to the left-wing collapse of McGovern’s 1972 campaign and their later Southern/moderate pivots for electoral gain.

Notable Quotes:

• "To get nominated you have to be far left, but the people in Congress … move a little bit to the center. They're in a doom loop." — Hanson [30:53]
• “If they keep doing that, I think they will until they get lose again. And then somebody will come up and they'll say, ‘We in the Democratic Party are for legal only immigration …' and then they'll start winning again.” — Hanson [37:28]

4. The “Governor Newsom” Phenomenon

[37:53–40:37]

• Hanson dismisses Gavin Newsom's perceived charisma, labeling him a “five-minute candidate”—all polish, no substance.
  • “He’s an inflatable candidate.” — Hanson [40:32]
• Compares Newsom’s debate performance with DeSantis, arguing Newsom’s appeal fades under scrutiny.

5. Generational Influence: 1960s Legacy

[41:13–42:38]

• Discussion pivots to the generational cohort present at the No Kings rally, referencing the lasting cultural influence—and perceived damage—wrought by the “sixties generation”.
  • “They are going to wreak havoc on the country, and they are.” — Hanson [41:47]

6. New York Mayoral Race: Osama Mamdani and the Candidates

[44:12–51:07]

• Mamdani is critiqued for alleged Islamic chauvinism, ties to questionable figures, and explicitly socialist/communist positions:
  • "He has said that he believes in seizing the means of production, which is a definition of communism." — Hanson [44:43]
• Forecasts disaster if Mamdani wins, suggesting “a lot of people will go to Miami or Palm Beach.”
• Examines the dilemma for non-left voters: Cuomo is painted as an “obnoxious,” tarnished remnant of Democratic machine politics, while Sliwa is too hardline to be viable.
• Predicts low turnout and a fractured opposition will hand Mamdani the victory:
  • “So I’m voting Commie—that’s basically what his support is.” — Hanson [50:43]

7. Maine Senate Race: Graham Platner Controversy

[51:07–57:35]

• Platner is criticized for his Nazi “Totenkopf” tattoo, controversial social media history, left-wing, and self-admitted communist stance.
• Hanson sees Platner as a misfit candidate—“pseudo white populist”—unlikely to connect with actual working-class Maine voters or to defeat Susan Collins.

Notable Quote:

• "When you start to read about him, he doesn't represent the white working class... I would probably find zero communists who'd say they were communists and I don't think any of them would have the death's head Third Panzer Division logo on their chest." — Hanson [57:35]

8. Ukraine–Russia War: Stalemate, Strategy, and U.S. Position

[58:23–68:12]

• The conflict is at a bloody impasse. Russia’s original aims have not been met, and either substantial advance or peace may eventually be forced by internal or international pressure.
• Trump is skeptical of further engagement:
  • “Why would I waste my time by going to Russia … I’m done.” — Hanson [64:51]
• The danger of escalation with NATO/Tomahawk missiles is discussed—“this is the most dangerous period of that war.”

9. Israel–Gaza Conflict: U.S. Policy and Arab Position

[68:55–71:46]

• Hanson foresees Arab states tacitly backing Israel against Hamas while making public displays of condemnation; eradication of Hamas is supported behind closed doors.

10. Trump’s White House Renovation and Progressive Outrage

[71:46–75:19]

• Hanson mocks media/Democratic outrage over Trump’s White House changes, contrasting them with past modifications and state-level extravagance (Newsom’s California capitol project).
  • “Every time they do this they just shoot from the hip and then it takes about 24 hours and they look silly.” — Hanson [72:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Escalating Political Lawfare:
  “I don’t think you want to turn American jurisprudence into tit for tat … the conservative side does not believe on sermon on the mount in this case, turn the other cheek. Sorry, the old prophets ... and that's what it is.” — Hanson [19:01]

• On Urban Exodus:
  “If he does what he says he’s going to do, there’s going to be a lot of people who leave.” — Hanson [00:59, 45:08]

• On Generational Dysfunction:
  “They are going to wreak havoc on the country, and they are.” — Hanson [41:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• No Kings Rally & Biden Succession: [04:46–11:21]
• Lawfare & Double Standards: [11:21–22:52]
• Democratic Party Internal Conflict & Electoral Strategy: [26:12–37:53]
• Gavin Newsom’s “Charisma” Debunked: [37:53–40:37]
• Generational Impact: [41:13–42:38]
• NY Mayoral Race & Candidates: [44:12–51:07]
• Maine Senate Race Controversy: [51:07–57:35]
• Ukraine–Russia Stalemate & Policy: [58:23–68:12]
• Israel–Gaza Conflict Analysis: [68:55–71:46]
• Trump’s White House Renovations & Progressive Reaction: [71:46–75:19]

Tone and Style

Hanson is erudite yet caustic, weaving historical analogy with current events. He’s skeptical of left-wing politics, highly critical of contemporary progressivism, and delivers his arguments with a mix of classical reference, exasperated humor, and populist asides.

For Listeners New to the Episode

This episode delivers Hanson's characteristically candid, history-laden take on U.S. political and cultural developments. He exposes what he sees as undemocratic excesses on the left, unintended consequences of progressive politics, and the hazards of lawfare, while speculating about the likely outcomes of high-stakes mayoral and senatorial races. The show blends sharp critique, insider history, and pointed wit for anyone interested in the crossroads of history and today’s political battles.