The Daily Signal

In this engaging conversation, Ken Cuccinelli, former Virginia attorney general and redistricting advocate, delves into a recent Democratic strategy to change Virginia's congressional maps. He highlights the brazen plan involving a Constitutional amendment and the implications of a large donation from Eric Holder’s committee. Cuccinelli discusses the potential political fallout, emphasizing that Virginians are likely to resist these changes. He also outlines legal challenges and the critical importance of upcoming elections in stopping this scheme.

Congressional Democrats face harsh criticism as polls show Americans blame them for the government shutdown. The struggle to convey their message is evident with mixed responses from party leaders. Meanwhile, a Senate hearing on political violence reveals tensions between both sides, highlighted by a bipartisan rebuke of extremism. Interestingly, some fringe left voices seem to celebrate violence against conservatives, raising questions about accountability. All of this sets the stage for a tumultuous political landscape as the midterms approach.

Victor Davis Hanson delves into the idea of political kingship by comparing Donald Trump's electoral wins to Joe Biden's unconventional rise as a nominee. He argues that insiders propped up Biden despite his initial campaign struggles, likening this to monarchic maneuvers. The discussion also touches on Trump's legal challenges, suggesting that the use of lawfare is a tactic akin to royal oppression. Hanson critiques the left's defiance of federal laws and claims that current leaders exhibit behaviors reminiscent of historical monarchs.

Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican U.S. senator from Wisconsin, joins to shed light on the ongoing government shutdown and the legislative proposals aiming to resolve it. He discusses the Shutdown Fairness Act and alternatives like the Eliminate Shutdown Act amidst growing public dissatisfaction. The conversation also touches on Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s alleged undisclosed stock holdings and Zohran Mamdani's inaccuracies regarding his aunt’s experiences after 9/11, highlighting the intersection of politics and accountability.

The controversy over Trump's plan for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom ignites debate amid Democratic criticism of luxury spending during a government shutdown. Victor Davis Hanson highlights the historical context of White House remodels, pointing out past presidential renovations that faced little scrutiny. He emphasizes the ballroom is funded by private donations, contrasting it with costly taxpayer-funded projects. Citing past White House scandals, Hanson argues that the outrage over the ballroom is exaggerated and underscores its potential necessity for official functions.

Tom Garrett, a Virginia state delegate and former U.S. representative, delves into the contentious push to redistrict Virginia's congressional districts. He highlights the recent Democratic effort, citing the complications of a 2020 bipartisan redistricting amendment. Garrett explains how even nonpartisan commissions can lead to gerrymandering, discusses the stakes of this redistricting for Democratic representation, and reveals legal reasons that make the move questionable under Virginia law. He also urges voters to flip a House seat to thwart these plans.

President Trump's Asian tour kicks off with significant trade deals and peace accords in Malaysia. The U.S. military ramps up its presence in the Caribbean, deploying ships to tackle narco-terrorism near Venezuela. Public sentiment leans towards supporting military action against drug networks. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom draws scrutiny over his background and openly opposes federal election monitoring, citing fears of intimidation. Tensions rise as political figures weigh in on these hot-button issues.

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki describes Vice President JD Vance as more frightening than Trump, highlighting his political agility. The discussion shifts to ongoing government shutdown concerns and Trump's ballroom renovations amidst the chaos. The NYC mayoral race features critical debates on crime and housing, while juvenile crime policies spark intense analysis. The hosts also debate cultural slang from Gen Z and the growing trend of celebrities protecting their children's privacy.

While President Donald Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize this year, he could be the odds on favorite to win the distinguished award in 2026 because of his work brokering peace deals or ceasefires in eight different conflicts this year.  Trump’s deal-making diplomacy comes as left-wing critics thought this level of success impossible because of Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s efforts to completely reform the State Department. The critics were wrong.  State Department Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott joins ⁠“The Signal Sitdown”⁠ to provide an inside look at the State Department overhaul and how Trump has managed to find pathways to peace all over the world. The Biden administration’s poor prioritization of America and its interests was painfully on display inside the State Department that Trump and Rubio inherited. Things were so bad, in fact, that Trump’s political appointees had a difficult time simply tracking down just how many people actually worked for the state department. While many challenges remain, Pigott told The Daily Signal, “I think as Americans, we can be proud that we have a president who is a peacemaker.” Keep Up With The Daily Signal   Sign up for our email newsletters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     Subscribe to our other shows:    The Tony Kinnett Cast: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2284199939⁠ The Signal Sitdown: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2026390376⁠   Problematic Women:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL7765680741⁠   Victor Davis Hanson: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327⁠     Follow The Daily Signal:    X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Truth Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dissects the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting its historical significance and the Democrats' strategy behind it. Victor Davis Hanson argues that recent decisions tied to open borders and other contentious issues have alienated public support. He explores the internal rifts within the Democratic Party, driven by generational conflicts and extreme positions. The discussion reveals how the shutdown ultimately harms everyday Americans while Republicans must navigate a challenging political landscape to resolve the crisis.