

The Victor Davis Hanson Show
Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
This is the Victor Davis Hanson Show. Victor is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Wayne & Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College. Victor's co-host for 2 podcasts is Jack Fowler. He is the Director for the Center for Civil Society at American Philanthropic. Victor and Jack discuss current political and social events and ideas, and current and past cultural trends. Victor also is joined by Sami Winc on 2 podcasts as they discuss current national news, what's trending in California, and how history repeats itself.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 27min
From Military Decisions to Campaign Rhetoric
Victor Davis Hanson, a military historian and commentator on US policy, joins cohost Jack Fowler to delve into pressing political issues. They analyze the US's military stance on Israel amidst global conflicts, and the surprising implications of RFK Jr.'s support for Trump. The discussion also highlights shifting loyalties in the Republican Party, Gavin Newsom's political maneuvering, and the challenges within higher education today. An illuminating take on how media narratives and public opinion shape our political landscape is woven throughout.

Aug 24, 2024 • 1h 12min
Tocqueville's Appraisal and Harris' Speech
Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian and political commentator, and Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, delve into intriguing political discussions. They examine Harris's recent speech and its implications, critiquing the vagueness often found in political rhetoric. The conversation spans Tocqueville's insights on American democracy, drawing connections between historical context and current events, while also touching on Joe Biden's struggles and the evolving dynamics of political messaging. Their analysis offers a captivating blend of history and modern-day relevance.

Aug 23, 2024 • 56min
Obamas at the DNC and what's next for RFK Jr.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama share their insights on the recent Democratic National Convention, offering critiques of their own speeches and reflecting on the evolving political landscape. RFK Jr. discusses his unexpected campaign moves and speculated endorsements, shedding light on his unique position within the party. The conversation also delves into the complexities of identity politics, the implications of recent protests, and how shifting dynamics are shaping both the Democratic Party and the broader electoral landscape.

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 17min
From the First Day of DNC to the GOP Impeachment Report
Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian, joins political analyst Jack Fowler to dissect the first day of the Democratic National Convention, scrutinizing Kamala Harris's economic policies and AOC's lively appearance. They delve into the GOP impeachment report's implications and the concerning behaviors of brands like John Deere and Harley Davidson towards their traditional bases. The duo also touches on the evolving nature of democracy and the legacy of American brands, exploring the rift between corporate decisions and consumer loyalty.

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 28min
The Truth About Consequences: the No-Consequences Society Must Go
In this engaging conversation, historian Victor Davis Hanson dives into the evolving political landscape, critiquing Kamala Harris's stances on protests and examining the impact of recent political scandals. He discusses the moral implications of the Hezbollah commander’s assassination and its effects on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The dialogue also highlights the troubling rise of a 'no-consequences society' in academia, revealing biases in university disciplinary actions and the need for accountability in higher education.

Aug 17, 2024 • 58min
Trump's Poll Lead and Kamala's Press Strategy
Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished historian and author, joins cohost Sami Winc to unpack pressing political events. They analyze Kamala Harris's recent speech regarding economic policies and the implications for her leadership. The conversation shifts to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, critiquing its administration. They also reflect on Edward Gibbon’s insights into the fall of Rome, revealing parallels to contemporary society, and discuss a court ruling aimed at protecting Jewish students at UCLA amidst rising antisemitism.

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 7min
Pollsters, Campaign Ads, and Ghosts from Walz's Past
This week features a deep dive into the shifting sands of conservatism, exploring the impact of Never Trump dynamics and critiques of key figures. The dialogue includes analyzing Kamala Harris's campaign ads and their contradictions, as well as Hunter Biden's complex foreign ties. Discussions on changing poll numbers reveal how third-party voters could influence outcomes. Creative approaches to gun control messaging are also explored, highlighting the disconnect between politicians' rhetoric and their actions. Overall, it's a fascinating look at political authenticity and strategy.

Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 12min
Unemployment, UNWRA, and Other Unforgettable Stories
Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished historian and author, joins cohost Jack Fowler to delve into pressing topics like rising unemployment in the U.S., particularly among young men, which hinders their life milestones. They discuss politics, featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the media's scrutiny of his actions. The duo also tackles serious allegations against UNRWA regarding staff involvement in violence and examines the tumultuous state of civil unrest in Britain. Their analysis offers insightful commentary on media biases and the implications of political narratives.

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 19min
Legacies: Michael Brown, the Olympics, and Universities
In this discussion, guest Michael Brown dives into the lasting impact of his death on America's racial landscape, sparking essential conversations about systemic racism and media narratives. He and the hosts reflect on the historical significance of the Olympics, evaluating how it has transformed from a unifying event to a politically charged spectacle. The talk also touches on Harvard's challenges with anti-Semitism, the rising living costs in California, and the complexities facing the Democratic Party regarding Jewish representation.

Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 10min
Hume's Enlightenment v. Modern Gaslighting and Surveilling
Delve into David Hume's impact on the Scottish Enlightenment and his insights into human nature. The discussion critiques U.S. foreign policy amid tensions in Israel and highlights campaign strategies like the Harris-Waltz 'Vibes Joy' narrative. Explore the philosophical evolution of classic thinkers and the relevance of their ideas today. The podcast also tackles political tensions, misinformation, and the need for genuine dialogue in the electoral process.