Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson, a military historian and longtime conservative commentator, returns after surgery. He critiques Bay Area Democrats' populist moves and California policy failures. Talks early 2028 frontrunners, Republican dynamics between Rubio and Vance, rising anti-Semitism concerns, and why independents and the middle class may drift away.

Deacon Christopher Roberts, a Catholic deacon and classical education leader who runs Martin Saints Classical High School, discusses the rise of classical schooling in America. He explores why families crave truth and beauty. He explains Chesterton-influenced schools, great-books curricula, Latin and craftsmanship Fridays. He describes faith woven through academics and practical steps to start and grow such schools.

Dr. John Yoo, a UC Berkeley law professor and national security scholar, analyzes how the Supreme Court may rule on Trump’s worldwide tariffs and the legal limits of executive power. He also discusses birthright citizenship debates, state versus federal authority on gender-affirming care, and the role of civics and higher-education reforms. Quick, focused takes on high-profile constitutional fights.

Scott Johnson, Minneapolis attorney and Power Line co-founder known for Rathergate exposés, joins to dissect key controversies. He explains why Don Lemon likely lacked First Amendment immunity. He critiques Tim Walz’s COVID rule and Minnesota political figures. He recounts Power Line’s origins and how investigative reporting uncovered fraud and shaped public debate.

Alex Tarascio, a pollster and strategist at Cygnal who led a survey of 1,000 young men, outlines the study and methods. He discusses online time patterns, links between social activities and problem-solving, and how mentorship, exercise, and moderate screen limits correlate with better life direction. He also highlights which factors predict trouble and suggests areas for further research.

Jennifer Kabbany, editor-in-chief of The College Fix and higher-education reporter, outlines research showing Truman Scholarships skew liberal. She breaks down how selection stages produce bias. Short takes on DEI’s persistence, jaw-dropping campus stories, alumni and trustee activism, and whether higher education faces a bubble.

Tyler O'Neil, senior editor at The Daily Signal and investigative reporter, digs into Minnesota’s recent turmoil. He recounts alleged taxpayer fraud and limits on criminal probes. He describes a disruptive protest inside Cities Church and examines officials’ responses. He traces activist funding and broader nonprofit influence on policy.

Elizabeth Spalding, chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and founding director of its museum, discusses the museum’s origins and what visitors encounter. She explores Hollywood’s cultural blindness to communist crimes and recommends films and memoirs that document oppression. She also examines the shared DNA of communism and socialism and the risks to civic life.

Lee Ohanian, UCLA economist and Hoover Institution senior fellow who studies California policy, critiques the state’s grand high-speed rail plan. He breaks down massive cost overruns, delays, and political missteps. The conversation also touches on looming infrastructure failures, fuel policy impacts, and pricey public works choices.

Daniel J. Mahoney, professor emeritus and Claremont Institute senior fellow noted for work on Solzhenitsyn and Scruton. He spotlights Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag Archipelago as a moral reckoning. He highlights Thomas Sowell’s constrained vs unconstrained visions. He praises Roger Scruton’s critique of the New Left and connects C.S. Lewis to modern biotech threats.