Victor Davis Hanson on “The Case For Trump”

Recorded on April 1, 2019.

How did blue-collar voters connect with a millionaire from Queens in the 2016 election? Martin and Illie Anderson Senior fellow Victor Davis Hanson addresses that question and more in his newly released book, The Case for Trump. He sits down with Peter Robinson to chat about his motivation to write a book making a rational case for those voters who chose Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton.

Hanson and Robinson, the Murdoch Distinguished Policy Fellow, discuss how voters connected with Trump’s “personal authenticity” during the campaign and how the media has a “historical amnesia” of the bad behavior of past presidents when talking about President Trump. The president, Hanson argues, was always an outsider from elite society in Manhattan, which helped him to better to connect with voters who felt like outsiders. He analyzes President Trump’s platform agenda, which was composed 80% of traditionally conservative views with the remaining 20% being radical ideas that fit with many of the views of the midwestern states. He breaks down why, in the end, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich didn’t appeal to voters in the way that Trump managed to.

Hanson turns to talk about his background and life growing up in California’s Central Valley and how different the area feels now compared to when he was younger. He talks about seeing the majority of the family-run farms being steadily replaced with large commercial operations and how that’s drastically impacted the workforce and economics of the region. He goes on to discuss issues of water protection and water quality in the Central Valley and how Bay Area elites prioritize their water quality over that of the rural farmers.

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[johnmonk]

I worked construction in NY for years, worked in Trumps building rebuilding a floor. As we sat down to eat Trump and a bunch of suits walked in looking around talking about plans. He saw us eating and APOLOGIZED for disturbing out lunch. They all left. 5 minutes later he came back with a sandwich from the deli alone, and sat with us on an upside down bucket and shot the shit with us. Just regular talking like a normal guy. One worker asked why he didn't eat with the suits, he said although they all worked for him he didn't like them, he was just a regular guy.
And he was. There is nothing pretentious about him. When he says her is better, it is because he is better.
Does a olympic runner get called pretentious when he says he is faster than the rest?
Not when it is the truth

[alitlweird]

For all his billions, Donald Trump is the closest thing to “The Common Man” becoming President that we will ever see! ❤️🇺🇸 *_#TRUMP2020_*

[christopherrobbins]

VDH understands Trump like few other public intellectuals. God Bless Him! Trump Landslide 2020

[mielerodriguez]

Im a Englishman from Hampshire. I loved Donald from the moment he came down the escalator. A great President.

[jchil_top_usa_ret]

I experienced the same when an illegal hit me, totaled my car and ran away, never caught!!! Ended with me another $13K in debt!!!!

[paulineackermann]

Trump has been saying these things for over 30yrs. He is consistent.~: )

[charliefisher]

I voted for Trump and I DO NOT regret it! Looking forward to 2020!

[danielmarso]

I can't get enough of VDH, he seems like the smartest, most knowledgeable and intelligent person in America

[shellyanderson]

The fact that the MSM and DC Establishment don't like him means he is more trustworthy. He gets the fact that people want jobs, love family and country. Thank God he won in 2016 and pray to God he wins 2020.

[chrissttiiee]

I'm also from the Central Valley, CA. We used to be RED til the Democrats bullied their way thru our state; liberal policies are shoved down our throats on a daily.

[angelapesola]

Mr. Hanson ; Thank you so much for outlining and supporting my instincts about Donald Trump.

[elmaleh]

What a job Peter Robinson has. The privilege of speaking to great minds such as Sowell, Friedman, Buckley Jr, and VDH for 20+ years. Remarkable.

[laureldevine]

I held my nose and voted for Trump in 2016...I will proudly skip into the voting booth, MAGA hat on, and cast my vote with glee and confidence in my GREAT PRESIDENT TRUMP! Great interview and I am purchasing the book today!

[theresep]

His remarks about the farms broke my heart. 💔

[drstrangelove]

Englishman here, I‘ve watched clips of Trump spending time with solid blue collar men down at the factory or the fire station precinct. He seemed to have all the time in the world to talk and joke. These guys loved him, his authenticity was palpable. He didn’t have to tell lies like his rivals.

[tooshmart]

As a 30's Black, Navy vet, kids, hip hop kinda voted for Trump because everytime I heard the guy speak, as a man I can tell when a man is dis-ingenuous and Trump came off as *REAL* and off the cuff. He was truly the only candidate (including Obama) that I could relate too. He was arrogant, harsh, brash, but truthful. Qualities that many may not like but qualities of a true leader.

[DanielSnedden]

Trump does not need recognition because his supporters appreciate his accomplishments.

[charliefisher]

Because he knew how to connect with people! He spent time on the job sites with the WORKERS! He admired them and respects them!

[pattifisk]

My Dad, the Farmer, from PA to the shores in France, back to the Pa farm fed a family of 6 and we made it on that little farm, with no help. Still no PHDs but we all did it and are all successful
THANK GOD FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP🇺🇸

[Swede__DJT]

God bless from Sweden.
God bless President Trump and the great patriots of USA and Sweden.