Podcast Summary: "Victor Davis Hanson: The Obamas Have Nothing to Complain About"

Podcast: Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words
Host: Victor Davis Hanson, with co-host Sammy Wink
Date: November 8, 2025
Publisher: The Daily Signal

Overview

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson offers historical context and pointed commentary on current cultural and political events, examining the grievances aired by prominent public figures like Michelle Obama and Whoopi Goldberg, current political dynamics within the Democratic Party, the legacy of Dick Cheney, and the discipline of hoplite warfare. The discussion is marked by Hanson’s signature blend of sharp critique, classical references, and reflections on contemporary America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Media Treatment and "Victimhood" Claims of the Obamas

Timestamps: 00:00–16:28

• Michelle Obama's Complaints:

  • Hanson argues Michelle Obama has no grounds for continued grievance, given her positive treatment in the media and her family’s wealth and prominence post-White House.

  • He contrasts media coverage between the Obamas and the Trumps, claiming Melania faced harsher and more derogatory coverage.

  • Hanson recounts what he views as examples of privilege, wealth, and opportunity in the Obamas’ lives, disputing Michelle's portrayal of herself as a perpetual victim.

    “You were given a pass and your whole life was. You came out of Harvard Law School...now you're worth probably over $100 million.” — Victor Davis Hanson (05:38)

• Cultural Commentary on Victimhood:

  • Hanson demonstrates irritation with what he sees as a broader culture of perpetual grievance among elite figures, regardless of their race or background.

  • He challenges the idea that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) systems are foundational to success, pointing out unacknowledged privilege and opportunity.

    “I get so tired of that. Of all of these elite people of any, any race that keep complaining about how bad they've had it.” — Victor Davis Hanson (15:57)

• Whoopi Goldberg Incident:

  • The team critiques Goldberg for spreading misinformation about Trump and being dismissive when corrected.
  • Hanson sees this as emblematic of a privileged, out-of-touch media class insulated from accountability.

2. John Fetterman's Political Calculations

Timestamps: 19:42–23:48

• Fetterman’s Political Identity:

  • Hanson regards Fetterman as astute for shifting towards the center, knowing it bolsters his electability in Pennsylvania.

  • He discusses Democratic frustration with moderate or "apostate" members, predicting potential internal battles leading to Fetterman’s possible ouster in a primary.

    “He’s a very astute politician...he changed from kind of a hard leftist to a centrist.” — Victor Davis Hanson (20:32)

3. Dick Cheney: Personal Anecdotes & Legacy

Timestamps: 24:05–37:30

• Personal Recollections:

  • Hanson details his relationship with Dick Cheney, including their conversations on foreign policy prior to the Iraq War.

  • He recounts Cheney’s appreciation for his book and how their discussions foreshadowed the political backlash that later engulfed Cheney.

    “He called me and I went in and talked to him and I went to dinner at his house. He was very pleasant.” — Victor Davis Hanson (24:14)

  • Reflects on the history of Iraq War decision-making, the collapse of consensus, and the later political fallout for those involved.

• Legacy Evaluation:

  • Cheney is described as having been the "most hated Republican" during the Bush administration, only to be rehabilitated by the left when politically expedient.
  • Hanson credits Cheney as principled but recognizes the tragic dimension of later years, focusing on the politicized targeting of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.

4. The Nature and Legacy of Hoplite Warfare

Timestamps: 38:35–56:25

• Overview from Hanson’s Scholarship:

  • Hanson discusses Greek hoplite warfare, its role in shaping Western military tradition, and its ritualized and egalitarian foundations.

  • Describes the heavily armed citizen-soldier, the phalanx system, and how this civic militarism preyed upon small landholders and influenced democracy.

    “Essentially hoplite warfare means the ancient Greek infantryman had a hoplon...the citizens who were voters, small farmers, they outfitted themselves in heavy armor.” — Victor Davis Hanson (38:51)

• Moral Codes in Warfare:

  • Discussion about the origins of modern war ethics—whether Greek practice, Christianity, or medieval chivalry instilled the concept of avoiding civilian casualties.

  • Hanson maintains that while protocols existed in Greek tradition, major atrocities did occur when systems broke down.

    “They tried to create protocols...that you did not use cavalry or light armed...to butcher everybody...That was the ideal, but doesn't mean the ideal was followed.” — Victor Davis Hanson (49:23)

• East vs. West Comparison:

  • Juxtaposes Greek practical military thinking against Sun Tzu’s philosophical approach.

  • Argues the Western tradition emphasizes direct, empirical solutions, in contrast to the more abstract, holistic strategies of the East.

    “Sun Tzu says if you want to take a city, basically you've got to know about the Yang and the Yang and the hot and the cold...Neos Tacticus...It's just this is the empirical problem, here's the solution.” — Victor Davis Hanson (56:28)

5. Geopolitical Flashpoints: China, Taiwan, Iran, and Mexico

China & Taiwan

Timestamps: 58:39–66:00

• Hanson analyzes strategic leverage between the U.S. and China.

• Emphasizes U.S. willingness to defend Taiwan depends on Taiwan’s own military commitment and defense spending.

• Trump’s diplomacy with Xi and Putin is framed as savvy negotiation rooted in respect and strength, contrasting Biden’s approach.

  “If they [Taiwan] do that, then we will help them. But if they don't, and they don't rearm fully...why would we do it?” — Victor Davis Hanson (62:50)

Iran

Timestamps: 66:00–69:45

• Despite setbacks, Iran is described as biding its time, confident international dynamics will once again work in its favor.
• China and Russia are likely to aid Iran’s resurgence if U.S. leadership shifts.

Mexico

Timestamps: 70:01–77:30

• Addresses cartel violence and the assassination of a Mexican mayor, using the incident to discuss broader issues of security, assimilation, and shifting migration patterns.

• Contrasts earlier Mexican immigration waves with the current, more challenging patterns involving poorer, less-assimilated indigenous populations.

  “When you bring in millions of people en masse that don't know English, they don't have skills...it's much harder to deal with that...” — Victor Davis Hanson (75:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Media & Politics:

  • “When Donald Trump made the cover of a magazine...he had a Hitler mustache. When you [Barack Obama] were on it, he was dressed like FDR and said...socialism is back.” — Victor Davis Hanson (05:19)
  • “There are millions of people in America, Indian, Hispanic, black, white, who would die to have the opportunities that you have.” — Victor Davis Hanson (13:54)
  • “That's why [DEI is] such a pernicious ideology, because you can translate any personal unhappiness into a cosmic ism or ology against you.” — Victor Davis Hanson (16:43)

• On Hoplite Warfare:

  • “The domain of the middle class—shock warfare. And only about 10 or 15 percent got killed on the losing side and maybe only 5 percent.” — Victor Davis Hanson (44:32)

• East vs. West Military Philosophy:

  • “Sun Tzu...you've got to know about the Yang and the Yang and the hot and the cold...Neos Tacticus...here's the empirical problem, here's the solution.” — Victor Davis Hanson (56:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Start | |--------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Critique of Michelle Obama, victimhood culture | 00:00 | | Discussion of Whoopi Goldberg, media privilege | 05:50 | | John Fetterman’s strategy | 19:42 | | Dick Cheney anecdotes & legacy | 24:05 | | Hoplite warfare scholarly overview | 38:35 | | Morality & ethics in warfare history | 49:05 | | Comparison: Sun Tzu vs. Greek military thought | 56:25 | | U.S.–China/Taiwan dynamics | 58:39 | | Iran’s resilience and geopolitical patience | 66:00 | | Mexican cartel violence, migration trends | 70:01 |

Listener Interaction & Closing Reflections

Timestamps: 77:30–88:54

• Listeners express appreciation for Hanson’s personal stories and his informed perspective on agriculture, immigration, and international affairs.
• Hanson reflects on the value of his diverse skills and experiences, crediting classical studies for his broader understanding of the world.

Conclusion

This episode vividly demonstrates Victor Davis Hanson’s capacity to blend historical scholarship with contemporary political analysis. By interrogating perceptions of victimhood among elites, assessing shifting political landscapes, and providing rich explorations of military history and global affairs, Hanson offers listeners a rigorous, candid, and often provocative take on the pressing issues of the day.