# Victor Davis Hanson Explains Why He Thinks Gaetz Could Be Trump’s 'SACRIFICIAL LAMB' Pick ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nGkpsQqEjhM/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Trump's Presidency and its Impact on Conservatism - The objection to Trump is not about his policies, such as tariffs, which were also implemented by [[Ronald Reagan | Reagan]] and Bush, but rather about his sloppiness and language when discussing these policies [(00:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=12s). - Trump's appointments, including judges, were seen as a positive aspect of his presidency, with some exceptions, and his ability to keep promises and take on the left was notable [(00:00:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=34s). - Trump's presidency was seen as a catalyst for some conservatives, such as [[Bill Kristol]], [[David Frum]], [[Charlie Sykes | Charles Sykes]], and [[George Will]], to reject their lifelong conservative beliefs and values [(00:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=97s). - Some conservatives, including [[Rush Limbaugh]], [[Dennis Prager]], [[Conrad Black]], and [[William Bennett | Bill Bennett]], initially had reservations about Trump due to his past as a [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democrat]] and his stance on issues like abortion [(00:02:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=172s). - The current time is seen as a revolutionary period, where people are more willing to express their opinions and challenge traditional norms, such as questioning the participation of biological males in women's sports [(00:04:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=248s). - The idea that Trump broke with traditional conservative values and caused some conservatives to re-evaluate their beliefs is seen as a significant aspect of his presidency [(00:02:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=158s). - The current time is considered liberating as people are no longer afraid to speak their minds and challenge the status quo, unlike during the [[George Floyd]] protests and the subsequent period of "great Terror" from May 2020 to the 2024 election [(00:04:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=265s). - The period of "great Terror" will be remembered as a time of complete insanity, and people are now more willing to challenge the narrative and express their opinions without fear of retribution [(00:05:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=301s). - The example of [[Drew Bledsoe]], a quarterback who was critical of attacks on police but later folded under pressure, is cited as an example of the past, but it is noted that such instances of people backing down are no longer happening [(00:05:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=320s). - The days of people like Drew Bledsoe being pressured into apologizing for their opinions are hopefully over, and people are now more confident in expressing their views [(00:05:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=358s). - This shift in attitude is attributed to the fact that people are now more willing to challenge the narrative and make the argument that everyone has a common humanity, regardless of their background or credentials [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=371s). - Trump is credited with bringing people from different backgrounds and with different credentials into his administration, and not caring about their prior titles or letters [(00:06:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=401s). - The focus on credentials and titles is seen as overdone, and Trump's approach is viewed as a positive change [(00:06:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=413s). ## The Obama's Influence and the Biden Administration - The Obama family, particularly [[Barack Obama | Barack]] and [[Michelle Obama | Michelle]], are seen as needing to be "totally crushed" in terms of their influence and power, and it is noted that they have been hanging around Washington longer than usual [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=470s). - The idea that [[Joe Biden]] is a puppet and that the Obama family and their allies are pulling the strings is discussed, and it is noted that they have become more overt in their influence since Biden faltered [(00:08:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=512s). - The Harris campaign was handled carefully, with mixed messages given to different people, suggesting either an open convention or support for [[Kamala Harris]], as the outcome was uncertain for 72 hours [(00:08:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=532s). - The campaign's strategy seemed to favor a black woman candidate they thought they could control, similar to how they controlled Joe Biden, but they were unsure about this approach [(00:09:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=559s). - When Kamala Harris won, the campaign came out in full support of her, and Michelle Obama eventually spoke out, reminding [[United States | America]] of her past efforts to appear likable and relatable [(00:09:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=586s). - Michelle Obama's speech was seen as an attempt to rebrand herself and regain popularity, after being criticized for her past comments on racism and her country [(00:09:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=591s). - [[Barack Obama]] was also criticized for his past behavior, including lecturing people and losing his party 1,400 seats during his 10-year tenure, as he was more concerned with his own image [(00:10:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=643s). - Barack Obama's decision to check out during his last year in office and let others fight each other, while he focused on golf, was also seen as a mistake [(00:11:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=675s). - The Obama administration's involvement in the Russian collusion investigation, led by [[John Brennan (CIA officer) | John Brennan]], [[James Clapper]], and [[James Comey]], was seen as an attempt to destroy Trump's presidency [(00:11:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=690s). - Barack Obama's recent reappearance and criticism of Trump have led to a negative reaction from the public, who are tired of his lecturing and perceived hypocrisy [(00:11:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=702s). - Barack Obama's criticism of [[African Americans | African-American]] people who supported the [[Kamala Harris | Harris]] campaign was seen as condescending and elitist, implying that they were undereducated and suffering from false consciousness [(00:11:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=713s). - The public's negative reaction to Barack Obama's comments has led to a renewed dislike for him, with many people remembering why they never liked him in the first place [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=751s). - The public is tired of being lectured by politicians who do not practice what they preach, such as those who own multiple mansions and contribute to global warming while warning others about its dangers [(00:12:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=779s). ## Pete Hegseth's Qualifications and Potential Role - [[Pete Hegseth]] is a well-respected and intellectual individual who is knowledgeable about conservatism and its roots, having been steeped in the works of Burke [(00:13:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=835s). - Hegseth has a Crusader cross tattoo, which some people have misinterpreted as a white supremacist symbol, but it is actually a Catholic monarchist symbol [(00:14:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=890s). - Hegseth does not have a background in working for defense contractors, and he has served in combat duty in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]] [(00:16:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=960s). - If Hegseth were to be questioned by Senator Hansen, he would be able to answer questions about his involvement in [[The Pentagon | the Pentagon]], his work experience, and his views on various issues, including systemic racism and white privilege in the military [(00:15:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=920s). - Hegseth's responses would likely be that he was not involved in the catastrophic events at the Pentagon, he did not work for defense contractors, and he does not support the idea of systemic racism and white privilege in the military [(00:15:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=943s). - Hegseth's experience and views would make him a strong candidate for a position in the military or government, and he would be able to provide a unique perspective on various issues [(00:16:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1002s). ## Trump's Appointments and their Shared Grievances - The standards for performance at the [[United States Department of Defense | Department of Defense]] have been destroyed, and now the same people are going to tell someone like [[Matt Gaetz]], who has an [[Ivy League]] degree and volunteered for combat, that he is not qualified based on their standards [(00:17:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1054s). - There is a theme among the appointments, where the individuals have something in common, such as being on a "revenge ride" due to past grievances against the agencies they are now going to run, like [[Tulsi Gabbard]] being put on a terrorist watch list and now being considered for Director of National Intelligence [(00:18:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1101s). - [[Robert F. Kennedy | Robert Kennedy]], who was considered a "complete nut" by [[United States Department of Health and Human Services | HHS]], may be running HHS if confirmed, and Matt Gaetz, who was targeted by the [[United States Department of Justice | DOJ]], may be confirmed as well, showing that these individuals have legitimate grievances against the agencies they are going to run [(00:18:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1120s). - The people being appointed are not from the usual pool of candidates, they don't have a lot of alphabet titles, and they're not coming from Wall Street, [[Silicon Valley]], or academia [(00:19:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1165s). - These individuals are not revolutionaries, but rather traditionalists who want to restore the original purpose of the agencies they are going to run, such as [[The Pentagon | the Pentagon]], [[Central Intelligence Agency | CIA]], [[Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI]], HHS, [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC]], and [[United States Environmental Protection Agency | EPA]] [(00:20:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1256s). - They are not trying to destroy these agencies, but rather to either disband divisions that are too far gone or restore them to their original purpose [(00:21:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1265s). - This movement is similar to the "stand athwart history" movement led by [[William F. Buckley Jr. | Bill Buckley]] in 1955, where individuals are trying to stop the destruction of the country and restore traditional values [(00:21:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1272s). - The government has gone out to destroy individuals like [[Elon Musk]], and these appointees are trying to stop this destruction and restore the original purpose of the agencies [(00:21:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1289s). ## Matt Gaetz's Nomination and Potential Motives - There are two views on Matt Gaetz's potential nomination for a top prosecutorial job: one is that he's a good choice because he's been targeted by the [[United States Department of Justice | DOJ]] and can now be in a position to fight back, and the other is that he's not qualified for the job due to his lack of experience as a prosecutor or lawyer [(00:22:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1325s). - [[Matt Gaetz | Gaetz]] has never been a federal prosecutor and has limited experience as a lawyer, which raises concerns about his ability to represent and protect the MAGA view in the DOJ [(00:22:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1370s). - Gaetz resigned his [[United States House of Representatives | House]] seat, which may have been part of a deal to avoid an ethics investigation, and some people in the [[Republican Party (United States) | Republican]] party may have thought they could persuade him to accept a nomination under certain conditions [(00:23:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1410s). - Some Republicans may be trying to sabotage Gaetz's nomination by putting him in a position where he'll be embarrassed by the Republican Senators on the [[United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary | Judiciary Committee]], who will have to defend him against tough questions [(00:24:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1499s). - The Judiciary Committee may be told not to put the Republican Senators in a position where they'll have to vote [[Donald Trump | against Trump]], which could lead to Gaetz's nomination being killed [(00:25:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1550s). - [[Kevin McCarthy]], who is close to Trump, has expressed skepticism about Gaetz's nomination, saying it's a joke and that he'll never be confirmed [(00:23:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1426s). - Some Senators, including [[Ted Cruz]], have been non-committal about Gaetz's nomination, which could indicate that they're not supportive of it [(00:25:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1541s). - Trump's potential appointment of [[Matt Gaetz]] to a high-profile position may be a strategic move, as Gaetz's nomination could be blocked in committee, allowing Trump to claim he tried his best to get an "[[Make America Great Again | ultra-MAGA]]" appointment but was thwarted by the center, and then use this as leverage to get a more moderate candidate like [[Tulsi Gabbard]] or [[Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | RFK Jr.]] through the [[United States Senate | Senate]] [(00:26:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1560s). - Gaetz's nomination could be seen as a [[Sacrificial lamb | sacrificial lamb]], with Trump using it to appease his base and then moving on to a more viable candidate [(00:27:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1622s). ## Kevin McCarthy's Role and Effectiveness - The speaker had previously received backlash for criticizing [[Kevin McCarthy]], with some people sending angry emails and suggesting harsh punishments, but the speaker had praised McCarthy's effectiveness as an advocate for [[California]] agriculture and his ability to compromise in a difficult political environment [(00:27:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1640s). - The speaker believes that McCarthy was not given enough credit for his role in helping the [[Republican Party (United States) | Republicans]] take back the [[United States House of Representatives | House]] in 2022, and that he was unfairly criticized for not being "ultra-MAGA" enough [(00:28:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1710s). - The speaker is cautious in their criticism of [[Matt Gaetz | Gaetz]], not wanting to be seen as a traitor or villain, but believes that Gaetz's nomination is not a good idea and that he may be more of a disruptor than a effective leader [(00:29:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1750s). - The speaker sees a difference between being a disruptor and an agent of chaos, citing Biden's handling of the [[Afghanistan]] withdrawal as an example of chaos, and believes that conservatives should prioritize getting their message across without compromising too much [(00:29:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1765s). - The speaker believes that the Republicans could have been more effective in stopping Biden's agenda if they had stuck together and fought harder, even with their slim majority in the House [(00:29:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1796s). ## Gaetz, Trump, and Potential Political Maneuvering - There was a back-and-forth situation where Matt Gaetz was involved, and it seemed to humiliate the person who helped get the majority, putting Trump in a bad position between his ideological and practical kindred spirits [(00:30:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1807s). - Some people around Trump may have convinced [[Matt Gaetz | Gaetz]] to take a certain action to get out of ethics problems and avoid causing another insurrection with a small margin, but their ulterior motive was to get him out of the [[United States House of Representatives | House]] [(00:30:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1842s). - Gaetz could have stepped down from his current term but was reelected, and he could be sworn in again or run in a special election to replace himself [(00:31:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1860s). - There may be people in the [[United States Senate | Senate]] who will try to kill Gaetz's potential appointment in the committee to avoid putting Senators on the spot [(00:31:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1881s). - People around Trump may have told him that Gaetz was vetted and that picking him would be crossing a line, and they would draw the line with other appointments [(00:31:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1897s). ## Recommended Resources and Conservative Voices - [[Victor Davis Hanson]] has a website, victorhanson.com, and is on X (formerly [[Twitter]]) with the handle @vdhansen [(00:32:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1922s). - Jack Fowler writes a weekly email newsletter called Civil Thoughts, which can be signed up for at civilthoughts.com, and features 14 recommended readings of great articles [(00:32:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1940s). - The National Review's "[[Donald Trump | Against Trump]]" issue was actually in support of other candidates, with many contributors, including Tom Sowell and [[Larry P. Arnn | Larry Arnn]], preferring established conservative critics like [[Ted Cruz]] [(00:32:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=1972s). - Victor Davis Hanson was a Trump donor and voter in the last election cycle and was struck by attacks from the right on Trump voters as election day approached in 2016 [(00:33:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2032s). ## Support for and Opposition to Trump and Gaetz - The initial support for [[Matt Gaetz]] was generated by the negative things people said about him, as the uniform hatred from people in the conservative movement was seen as a recommendation to look into him more carefully [(00:34:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2065s). - The appeal of Gaetz lies in his ability to connect with the working class, and his willingness to challenge the status quo [(00:34:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2098s). - In 2015 and 2016, people from different backgrounds, including traditional [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democratic]] voters and [[Mexican Americans | Mexican-Americans]], were seen expressing support for Trump, while some conservatives were strongly opposed to him [(00:35:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2110s). - The contrast between the support for Trump from working-class individuals with limited opportunities and the opposition from conservatives with more advantages was striking, with the former focusing on substance and the latter on style [(00:35:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2150s). ## Listener Comment and Show Conclusion - The show's host reads a comment from a listener, Mary Hup, who expresses condolences for the loss of Victor Davis Hansen's daughter and appreciation for his podcasts and interviews [(00:37:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2225s). - The comment highlights the insensitivity of someone who called to buy back a bench that held sentimental value to Hansen's family, and expresses gratitude for Hansen's sharing of his story [(00:37:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2232s). - The host thanks Mary for her comment and everyone who has listened to the show, and announces that they will be back soon with another episode [(00:37:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkpsQqEjhM&t=2268s).