Podcast Summary: "Are The Walls Closing In On Obama? (w/ Victor Davis Hanson)" | Episode 92

Podcast Information:

• Title: VINCE
• Host/Author: Cumulus Podcast Network | VINCE
• Description: Vince Coglianese delivers sharp political analysis with wit and insider knowledge of Washington, DC. Through in-depth interviews, Vince provides an unvarnished perspective on current events and political developments.
• Episode: Are The Walls Closing In On Obama? (w/ Victor Davis Hanson) | Episode 92
• Release Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 92 of VINCE, host Vince Coglianese delves into the United States Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into former President Barack Obama and his administration. Vince is joined by Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, to discuss recent disclosures by Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, and the broader implications for the Obama legacy and current political climate.

Tulsi Gabbard's Disclosures and Their Implications

00:00 – 08:36

Vince opens the discussion by highlighting that the DOJ is investigating President Obama and his team for allegedly attempting to undermine the presidency and the country. He introduces Victor Davis Hanson and shifts focus to recent statements by Tulsi Gabbard.

Key Points:

• Manufactured Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard disclosed evidence suggesting that the Obama administration orchestrated a false intelligence community assessment to portray Russian interference in the 2016 election as a means to help President Trump win. She stated:

  “There is irrefutable evidence that detail how President Obama and his national security team directed the creation of an intelligence community assessment that they knew was false.”
  (Timestamp: 02:44)

• Suppression of Truth: Gabbard claims that the original Presidential Daily Brief (PDB) from December 9, 2016, which contradicted the Russian interference narrative, was withheld from the Trump transition team to prevent them from seeing the truth.

• John Brennan's Role: Gabbard accused former CIA Director John Brennan of lying about the use of the Steele dossier in intelligence assessments. Brennan is quoted stating on NBC:

  “When did you first learn of the... Steele dossier and what Christopher Steele was doing?”
  (Timestamp: 11:20)

  Brennan denied the dossier's influence, which Vince and Hanson argue contradicts evidence presented by Gabbard.

Notable Quotes:

• Tulsi Gabbard on Concealing the Truth:

  “They manufactured the findings from shoddy sources. They suppressed evidence and credible intelligence that disproved their false claims.”
  (Timestamp: 03:33)

• John Brennan's Denial:

  “I did not know what was in there. I did not see it until later in that year.”
  (Timestamp: 11:26)

DOJ's Response: Formation of a Strike Force

32:42 – 36:44

Following Gabbard's disclosures, the DOJ announced the creation of a strike force to investigate the evidence she presented. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to accountability.

Key Points:

• Strike Force Initiation: The DOJ is tasked with assessing the validity of Gabbard's claims and determining potential legal actions.

  “We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice.”
  (Timestamp: 41:07)

• Ongoing Investigations: Reports indicate that the FBI and a weaponization group within the DOJ, led by Ed Martin, have been investigating prior to the public announcement. High-profile figures like James Clapper have reportedly begun legal preparations in anticipation of possible indictments.

• Potential Prosecutions: Vince expresses optimism about the DOJ's efforts but raises concerns about the effectiveness and willingness of Attorney General Bondi to pursue prosecutions aggressively.

Interview with Victor Davis Hanson

32:42 – 52:04

Vince engages in a detailed discussion with Victor Davis Hanson about the implications of Gabbard's disclosures, the DOJ's role, media reactions, and broader political strategies.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Culpability of Intelligence Officials:

   • Hanson outlines the alleged misconduct of former intelligence officials like John Brennan, James Clapper, and others, citing instances of lying under oath and manipulating intelligence assessments to target President Trump.

   “These people have so much culpability that, that I, I think that finally people just got frustrated and said, they're rogue people.”
   (Timestamp: 34:47)

2. DOJ's Prosecution Efforts:

   • Discussion on the potential use of RICO statutes and conspiracy charges against former intelligence officials.
   • Hanson emphasizes the need for accountability, especially considering past failures to prosecute similar misconduct.

3. Media's Role and Credibility:

   • Both Vince and Hanson critique the media for biased reporting and suppression of information favorable to Trump.
   • They highlight how media figures like Jeff Zeleny and outlets like the New York Times have perpetuated false narratives against Trump.

   “They destroyed their credibility. They were on record saying there's no such thing as a disinterested media.”
   (Timestamp: 39:01)

4. Trump's Policy Successes:

   • Transitioning to Trump's accomplishments, Hanson praises the administration's handling of the economy, border security, and military recruitment.
   • He notes the unexpected success of tariffs, citing increased revenues without the predicted negative economic impacts.

   “The trade war was going to give us stagflation, job growth would collapse. None of that happened.”
   (Timestamp: 46:55)

5. Foreign Policy Achievements:

   • Hanson commends Trump's actions in the Middle East, including strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and establishing a tenuous peace between Israel and Iran.
   • He discusses Trump's unique approach to dealing with Vladimir Putin and the ongoing challenges in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

   “It's very good. In the Middle East, he really threaded the needle.”
   (Timestamp: 47:31)

6. European Military Spending:

   • The conversation touches on Europe's increased defense spending in response to Trump's policies, although Hanson expresses skepticism about the sustainability given Europe's economic and social challenges.

   “They're talking about how can we spend another 50 or 60 billion dollars? I hope that they're not waiting Trump out.”
   (Timestamp: 51:51)

Notable Quotes:

• On Media Bias:

  “They have no political power, no House, no Senate, no White House, no Supreme Court. And they're very frustrated.”
  (Timestamp: 38:25)

• On DOJ's Potential Actions:

  “They have a bad habit. Even Andrew McCabe should have been prosecuted. But once you let these people off, they continue to lie.”
  (Timestamp: 35:39)

Post-Interview Discussion: Epstein Files and Media Reaction

52:04 – End

After the interview, Vince shifts focus to the renewed media attention on former President Donald Trump's connections with Jeffrey Epstein. He critiques the media's handling of the story, arguing that the inclusion of Trump's name in Epstein's files is being exaggerated to create scandal.

Key Points:

• Epstein Files Revelation: The DOJ reviewed grand jury documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and found Trump's name among many others. However, officials clarified that mere mention does not imply wrongdoing.

  “The official said it was a routine briefing. It covered a number of topics and Trump's appearance in the documents wasn't even the focus.”

• Media's Downplaying of Significance: Vince highlights a Miami Herald reporter, Julie Brown, who described the Trump-Epstein connection as “much ado about nothing,” emphasizing that Trump's name in the files has been public knowledge and does not indicate misconduct.

  “Having your name in the files in and of itself doesn't implicate him in any wrongdoing.”
  (Timestamp: Unknown within segment)

• Morning Joe's Take: Vince references an MSNBC segment where host Joe Scarborough downplays the significance of Trump's mention in Epstein's files, even equating it to other high-profile figures like John Kerry.

  “John Kerry's name is in the Epstein files. There's a million people's names in the Epstein files.”
  (Timestamp: 56:25)

• Comparative Analysis: Vince contrasts the media's reaction to Trump's connections with Epstein against the lack of scrutiny on other figures, suggesting a biased attempt to tarnish Trump's reputation.

Conclusion

Vince wraps up the episode by reiterating the key themes discussed: the DOJ's investigation into the Obama administration, Tulsi Gabbard's pivotal disclosures, media bias against President Trump, and ongoing political strategies to hold former officials accountable. He underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in governance while highlighting the successes of the Trump administration in various policy areas.

Overall Insights:

• The episode presents a narrative that the Obama administration engaged in misleading intelligence practices to undermine President Trump.
• Tulsi Gabbard's role is emphasized as a whistleblower unveiling these alleged conspiracies.
• Victor Davis Hanson corroborates these claims, critiquing both the intelligence officials involved and the media's role in fostering biased narratives.
• The DOJ's formation of a strike force is portrayed as a step towards accountability, though skepticism remains regarding its effectiveness.
• The discussion extends to dismissing recent media stories connecting Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, labeling them as unfounded distractions.

Note: This summary reflects the content presented in the podcast episode and does not endorse or verify the claims made therein.