# Victor Davis Hanson: Assassinations, elections & trials – did 2024 save the American dream?  ## Trump's electoral success and political realignment - Trump received a higher percentage of the Hispanic vote than any other [[Republican Party (United States) | Republican]] president, with almost 45% and a majority among Hispanic males, and also received 25 to 30% of the black male vote and around 16% of the black vote, which is unusual for a Republican [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=8s). - Trump's movement was starting to erode racial and ethnic shavinism in favor of a common class solidarity, with the idea that people from different ethnic backgrounds and professions have more in common with each other than with their elite counterparts [(00:00:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=27s). - The year 2024 has been significant in [[United States | American]] politics, with the Republicans winning the popular vote for the first time since 2004 and gaining control of the [[White House]], the [[United States House of Representatives | House of Representatives]], the [[United States Senate | Senate]], and the [[Supreme Court of the United States | Supreme Court]] [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=141s). - In [[California]], five counties flipped from blue to red, and Pamela Harris performed poorly compared to [[Joe Biden]] in the state [(00:02:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=154s). - The Trump campaign's signature issues, including a closed border, deterrent foreign policy, full energy development, and deportations, resonated with around 55 to 60% of voters [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=223s). ## Shift in public opinion and political landscape - The [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democratic]] mindset was seen as "mad" and "off-putting" by a majority of Americans, leading to a sense of relief that it has been defeated, but also excitement about what Trump might do in his second term [(00:04:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=249s). - The institutionalization of revolutionary ideas after four years can lead to a pushback against the abnormal becoming abnormal in itself, as seen in the case of 12 million people entering the country illegally and 600 jurisdictions disregarding federal law [(00:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=273s). - The current state of the US is a result of a radical shift that occurred over four to five years, with some areas, like sanctuary jurisdictions, experiencing this change for longer, leading people to view certain politicians as radicals or extremists for their views on issues like border control and hiring practices [(00:04:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=285s). - This shift is part of a broader phenomenon, referred to as the "Jacobin Revolution," which has affected not only the US but also countries like [[United Kingdom | Britain]], its former commonwealth nations, and the EU, with the US adopting change more radically and quickly due to its government and culture [(00:05:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=317s). - The process of overturning this shift will be difficult and acrimonious, as seen in the reaction to certain appointees, such as [[Pete Hegseth]], [[Robert F. Kennedy | RFK]], [[Tulsi Gabbard]], and [[Jay Bhattacharya]], who have been chosen for their ability to reform the agencies that have wronged them in the past [(00:05:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=356s). - These appointees, including [[Kash Patel]], Tulsi Gabbard, RFK, and Jay Bhattacharya, have been victims of the very agencies they are now tasked with reforming, having been surveilled, put on a terrorist watch list, demonized, or censored by these agencies [(00:06:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=365s). - The idea of a counterrevolution is present in Trump's mind, but it may not work if he relies on the same mindset as in 2016, when he tapped into the existing professional class, including [[Rex Tillerson]], [[Jim Mattis]], and [[John Bolton]], who may try to destroy his administration from within [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=398s). - Trump's approach of sending in figures who have suffered at the hands of the agencies they are now leading is an attractive proposition, but it may ultimately fail, as revolutionary and counterrevolutionary movements often do [(00:07:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=450s). ## Trump's political future and potential strategies - Donald Trump's political life has a 50/50 chance of ending in failure, as he is not the catalyst for change but rather an epiphenomenon riding a wave of previous reaction and outrage [(00:07:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=476s). - Trump's success in gaining a higher percentage of the Hispanic vote and higher percentages among black males than any other [[Republican Party (United States) | Republican]] president is a sign of a movement that is eroding racial and ethnic chauvinism in favor of a common class solidarity [(00:08:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=492s). - Trump's approach is to capture this movement and make it ecumenical, appealing to a broad range of people, including black truck drivers, white electricians, and Hispanic concrete layers, who have more in common with each other than with their elite counterparts [(00:08:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=524s). - A surge in support for a particular candidate was present, but it crystallized and became more apparent over time, with the candidate selecting people who had been victimized by the system, rather than those who were part of the problem [(00:09:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=560s). - Figures like [[Anthony Fauci]], [[Rex Tillerson]], [[James Comey]], [[Andrew McCabe]], [[John Brennan (CIA officer) | John Brennan]], and [[James Clapper]] were seen as untrustworthy due to their past actions, such as lying under oath or having questionable relationships with pharmaceutical companies [(00:09:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=576s). - The candidate's appointments were seen as unconventional and not traditionally qualified, but were chosen to push back against the existing corrupt system, which included universities, the media, and the political class [(00:10:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=629s). ## Critique of established institutions and figures - The media was also seen as corrupt, with networks like [[MSNBC]], [[CBS]], and [[PBS]] misinterpreting or creating facts to suit their narrative, and 51 intelligence authorities spreading disinformation about [[Russia | Russian]] collusion [(00:11:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=674s). - The candidate's message resonated with the public, who were dissatisfied with the traditional system and its failures, such as the withdrawal from [[Afghanistan]] and the handling of [[Israel]] [(00:11:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=698s). - The candidate's proposals, such as reducing taxes on tips and Social Security, would reduce revenue by a trillion dollars, making it difficult to balance the budget without historic and massive cuts [(00:12:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=752s). - The candidate's advocacy for physical discipline and restoring deterrence would require the use of force, which could be at odds with their base's desire to avoid endless wars [(00:13:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=785s). - The candidate's appointments were seen as controversial, with some lacking experience and expertise, but were chosen to challenge the existing status quo [(00:13:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=811s). ## Policy proposals and potential challenges - The current situation involves navigating paradoxes, with people like [[Steve Bannon]] advocating for going after the corporate class, while others like [[Elon Musk]] suggest unleashing talent in [[Silicon Valley]] to achieve significant advancements, such as having a rocket on Mars in five years [(00:13:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=831s). - Trump's approach on the world stage from 2016 to 2020 involved heavy bluffing, which he largely got away with, but the question remains whether he can do it again [(00:14:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=860s). - Trump's effectiveness in his first term was partly due to taking action, such as killing the [[Islamic State | Isis]] leader, bombing [[Syria]], and deliberately targeting Solomon, despite warnings from the intelligence community [(00:14:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=898s). - Trump also took actions like killing 240 [[Russia | Russians]] from the Wagner group, bombing them when they attacked an installation, and slapping sanctions on oligarchs [(00:15:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=924s). - He flooded the world with cheap oil, lifted the arms embargo on offensive weapons to [[Ukraine]], and got out of a long-term missile treaty he felt was unfavorable to the West [(00:15:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=942s). ## Biden's actions and their implications - In contrast, [[Joe Biden | Biden]] reinstated the weapons ban on offensive weapons to Ukraine upon taking office [(00:15:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=956s). ## Geopolitical landscape and potential conflicts - [[Israel]] has made significant progress in restoring Western deterrence, having dismantled [[Hamas]] and [[Hezbollah]], and having the capability to take out Iran's nuclear facility [(00:16:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1004s). - [[Islamic extremism | Radical Islam]] or Iranian-sponsored terrorism has never been at a lower point, partly due to Israel's actions, which could make restoring deterrence easier [(00:17:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1042s). - The previous administrations' plan for [[Middle East | the Middle East]], starting with [[Barack Obama | Obama]] and continued by Biden, was to empower an alternate Shia Persian nexus, but this approach has not been successful [(00:17:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1047s). - The US has abandoned its creative tension approach to foreign policy, which involved balancing old allies like Israel, [[Egypt]], and Jordan with new groups in the region, and instead will take a more hands-off approach, allowing countries to resolve their own issues [(00:17:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1071s). - The [[Iran]] nuclear deal is no longer viable, and the US will not re-enter it, with the [[Joe Biden | Biden]] administration's attempts to revive it having failed [(00:18:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1095s). - The conflict in [[Ukraine]] has resulted in significant loss of life, with 1.5 million dead, wounded, or missing on both sides, and there is a desire to end the war, but no clear solution [(00:18:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1128s). - A possible solution to the conflict in Ukraine could involve recognizing Russia's control of [[Crimea]] and [[Donbas | Donbass]], and providing Ukraine with arms but not direct military involvement [(00:19:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1155s). - There are rumors that Putin's health is declining, and his death could create an opportunity for a new approach to the conflict in Ukraine [(00:19:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1175s). - Trump may try to seize this opportunity by taking a dramatic approach to influencing Iran's behavior, possibly by visiting [[Tehran]] or taking a tough stance on Iran's nuclear program [(00:19:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1194s). - However, Iran's military capabilities have been revealed to be weaker than expected, with its defenses breached by [[Israel | Israeli]] attacks, and its fuel depots and missile inventory depleted [(00:20:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1229s). - As a result, Trump is more likely to take a tough stance on Iran's nuclear program, demanding that it allow inspectors to verify that it is not developing nuclear weapons, and threatening consequences if it refuses [(00:21:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1280s). - If [[Iran]] refuses, Trump may give Israel a green light to take military action, while also warning other countries like [[China]] and [[Russia]] to stay out of the conflict [(00:21:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1305s). - There is a 50-50 chance that Israel will launch a preemptive strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, depending on its intelligence assessments [(00:22:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1326s). - Iran is a substantial power with a population of 90 million people, a badly harmed economy, huge natural resources, and a highly intelligent population, but it is fragile due to its unpopular regime and economic struggles [(00:22:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1343s). - The country recently ran out of natural gas, leaving people without heat, which is a dangerous situation for the regime given the educated and upwardly mobile population [(00:22:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1373s). - The Iranian regime has spent a significant amount of money on missiles and weapons for its allies, including [[Hezbollah]] and [[Syria]], but these arsenals have been depleted, which could lead to discontent among Iranian citizens [(00:23:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1402s). - The depletion of these arsenals and the economic struggles have made the Iranian regime look incompetent and weak, which could lead to instability [(00:24:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1446s). - The [[Iran | Iranian]] regime is concerned about the change in the US administration, as they had sympathetic people in [[The Pentagon | the Pentagon]], [[United States Department of State | State Department]], and other institutions, but these individuals are being rooted out of their positions [(00:24:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1472s). - The Iranian regime is worried that they no longer have a sympathetic audience in the US, and the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration makes their situation more uncertain [(00:25:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1529s). - The Iranian regime may react to this situation by either accelerating their nuclear program or keeping a low profile [(00:26:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1561s). ## Domestic policy and appointments - [[Middle East | The Middle East]] will be a fascinating aspect of the Trump administration's foreign policy, with significant changes in appointments, including [[Kash Patel]] at the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI]] and [[Tulsi Gabbard]] as Director of National Intelligence [(00:26:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1577s). - The topic of lawfare, where the [[Deep state | Deep State]] uses the law to target opponents, is expected to be a significant area of focus, potentially leading to a strong reaction [(00:27:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1632s). - There is a perception that if [[Donald Trump]] were to seek revenge against those who wronged him, he would take drastic action, but this may not be an accurate reading of his character [(00:27:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1659s). - Trump has stated that he gives people second and third chances, but not fourth chances, and has been known to forgive those who have wronged him, such as [[Steve Bannon]] and [[Marco Rubio]] [(00:27:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1678s). - Trump is expected to take a transactional approach to addressing wrongdoing, telling people to investigate any activity that is wrong or illegal, but not to start with the crime and then find the person [(00:28:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1717s). - Two potential actions that Trump may take are stopping National Security clearances for former intelligence officials who have lied or engaged in wrongdoing, and enforcing Article 88 of the [[Uniform Code of Military Justice]], which prohibits active or retired generals and admirals from disparaging the commander-in-chief [(00:28:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1738s). - Examples of individuals who may be affected by these actions include [[Leon Panetta]], [[James Clapper]], [[John Brennan (CIA officer) | John Brennan]], and [[Mark Milley]], who have all made public statements critical of Trump [(00:29:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1773s). - The goal of these actions would be to hold people accountable for their wrongdoing and to prevent them from continuing to influence public opinion through their security clearances and media appearances [(00:29:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1791s). ## Potential actions and legal considerations - A potential presidential administration may set a deterrent tone to stop retired officers from publicly disparaging the president or their cabinet, by prosecuting and convicting those who do so, which could be a good thing [(00:30:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1859s). - It is unlikely that past wrongdoings, such as John Brennan and James Clapper lying under oath, will be pursued due to the statute of limitations [(00:31:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1902s). ## Political opposition and tech industry's response - The opposition, including [[Joe Biden]] and [[Kamala Harris]], seem to be weakened, and the [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democrats]] appear to be in a period of soul-searching [(00:32:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1936s). - Big tech overlords, including [[Jeff Bezos]], [[Mark Zuckerberg]], and [[Sam Altman]], who were previously critical of Trump, now seem to have accepted the reality of his presidency and are donating to the presidential inaugural fund [(00:32:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1964s). ## Untapped potential and areas for reform - Many [[United States | Americans]], across different sectors and political persuasions, feel that the country has untapped potential and is not utilizing its resources efficiently [(00:33:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=1991s). - The Pentagon's emphasis on [[Diversity, equity, and inclusion | diversity, equity, and inclusion]] (DEI) has led to a significant loss of recruits, primarily from the middle and lower-middle-class white male demographic [(00:33:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2014s). - This demographic has been disproportionately affected in recent military engagements, with 75% of those killed being white males from the middle and lower classes, despite comprising only 33% of the population [(00:34:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2051s). - People from [[Silicon Valley]], who already have significant wealth, feel that government regulations are stifling innovation and preventing them from achieving more, with some comparing the regulatory environment to that of the EU [(00:34:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2065s). - The tech industry feels that the government is picking winners and losers, and that regulations have become overly restrictive, preventing some companies from participating in the market [(00:34:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2094s). - The energy industry has the potential to supply all of Europe's natural gas needs, reducing reliance on [[Vladimir Putin | Putin]], and create jobs and revenue for the US and [[Canada]], while also rebuilding the Keystone pipeline and accessing strategic minerals in the US [(00:35:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2126s). - To reform universities, simple steps can be taken, such as enforcing the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution | First Amendment]], taxing large endowments, and reminding institutions of their non-profit status, which would limit their ability to fund [[Anti-Western sentiment | anti-Western]] and anti-humanitarian curricula [(00:36:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2160s). - There is a growing sense that anything is possible in the US, exemplified by Elon Musk's achievements, such as building a powerful rocket and breaking into the automotive industry with [[Tesla, Inc. | Tesla]], despite initial skepticism [(00:36:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2195s). - The US has the potential to tap into its entrepreneurial spirit, as seen during the [[Presidency of Ronald Reagan | Reagan Administration]], and unleash innovation and progress, despite potential excesses [(00:37:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2260s). ## Immigration and media strategies - The US should take a firm stance on issues like immigration, such as deporting convicted felons, without worrying about criticism from the media or politicians [(00:37:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2277s). - The rise of new media and podcasting has changed the way politicians can reach audiences, as seen in Trump's campaign, which was outspent but still successful due to its use of alternative media channels [(00:38:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2316s). - Trump's campaign was able to connect with voters by using humor and satire, and by engaging with podcasters and their large audiences, rather than relying on traditional media and endorsements [(00:38:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2333s). - The idea of the president as a lofty, removed figure is being challenged, with Trump's use of social media and trolling of opponents helping to create a new perception of the presidency [(00:39:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2345s). ## Cultural shifts and changing perceptions - There has been a cultural shift in the US, with athletes now celebrating with the YMCA dance after touchdowns, indicating a more upbeat and free-spirited mood, and a counterrevolution against the previous cultural norms [(00:39:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2351s). - The shift is also reflected in universities, where speakers can now express themselves freely without being shouted down, and administrators are no longer terrified of allowing conservative voices to be heard [(00:39:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2370s). - The change in atmosphere is attributed to the Trump administration's stance on law and order, with the president announcing that students who violate civil codes or criminal codes while on a student visa will be deported [(00:40:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2420s). - This stance has been echoed by university administrators, who want to return to normality and avoid the chaos and destruction caused by protesters, including the trashing of the president's office and historic colonnades [(00:40:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2435s). - The shift is also reflected in the decline of [[Israel | anti-Israel]] protests on campus, with protesters no longer feeling emboldened to violate laws and insult their hosts [(00:40:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2451s). - The new approach is not about punishing protesters, but about protecting the average person and ensuring that they can go about their daily lives without being disrupted by protests and demonstrations [(00:41:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2496s). - The change in mood is also reflected in Donald Trump's approval ratings, which have increased significantly, with some polls showing him 7-8% higher than his disapproval rating [(00:42:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2536s). - The shift is seen as a positive development for the country, with a return to normality and a renewed focus on classical architecture and art, as reflected in the National Endowment for the Arts' plans to promote traditional architecture and statuary in federal buildings [(00:42:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2567s). - There is a growing sense of confidence among people who were previously afraid to express their opinions, as they realize that the institutions they feared are either weak or ineffective, and that there are alternative platforms and voices that can counterbalance the dominant narratives [(00:43:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2585s). - The rise of new platforms and alternatives, such as Elon Musk's [[Twitter]], has given people more options and a sense of empowerment, making them less concerned about being attacked or criticized by mainstream media outlets [(00:43:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2607s). ## Defense of Western values and cultural identity - The message being conveyed is that Western values and culture are worth defending, and that those who are part of this culture should be proud of their heritage and willing to protect their interests [(00:43:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2628s). - Despite having large [[Anti-Western sentiment | anti-Western]] minorities, many of these individuals want to be part of Western culture and are, in fact, Western themselves, and it's essential to remind them of this and protect their interests [(00:44:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2640s). ## Political irony and the state of the left - The current situation is ironic, as people think [[Joe Biden | Biden]] is an institutionalist, but he has shown a willingness to take bold actions, such as offering to fly out [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Zelenskyy]], whereas Trump's unpredictability may have deterred [[Vladimir Putin | Putin]] from invading [[NATO]] countries [(00:44:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2668s). - The left is currently in a state of stasis, acknowledging that their policies have not worked, and are waiting for the opportunity to regroup and attack again, but for now, they are out of ideas and power [(00:45:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2740s). ## Renewed hope and a sense of possibility - The [[United States | American]] dream still has life, and the current situation feels like a moment of excitement and possibility, similar to the [[Reagan era | Reagan Revolution]] [(00:46:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2779s). - The moment that sums up 2024 is a weird one, but it could be seen as Donald Trump's visit to [[McDonald's]], which was a performance art-like move to get free publicity and remind people of his working-class roots [(00:46:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2802s). - A moment between Trump and an Indian-American family at a McDonald's drive-thru window was unscripted, where the family expressed gratitude towards Trump, saying he took a bullet for them, and Trump appeared stunned by the comment [(00:47:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2829s). - Trump reflected on the numerous challenges he faced, including five criminal and civil suits, 91 indictments, two impeachment attempts, and two near-miss [[Assassination | assassinations]], which he believes made him stronger [(00:47:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2865s). - Trump stated that he no longer needs to campaign and will likely not hold another campaign rally, and there is a sense of exhaustion among people who are happy to see him succeed [(00:48:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2896s). - [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democratic]] Senator Federman from [[Pennsylvania]] expressed his desire for Trump to succeed in every dimension, and there is a sense that people are tired of the constant criticism and are willing to give Trump a chance [(00:48:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2915s). - Trump's presence at Notre Dame was seen as an iconic moment, where he was welcomed by [[Emmanuel Macron | Macron]] and received a subtle acknowledgement from [[Jill Biden]], indicating a shift in how he is perceived by world leaders [(00:49:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2951s). - The idea that [[United States | America]] will be strong again under Trump's leadership is seen as a positive development by some, who are willing to put aside their differences and support him, at least for now [(00:49:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjvKFKoTrEA&t=2987s).