Hanson says Trump retains power after midterm defeat

The brief

Victor Davis Hanson argues that Donald Trump’s midterm defeat does not end his presidency’s influence, comparing his remaining executive power with the post-election positions of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

The discussion condemns a planned Philadelphia campaign targeting Jewish-owned and Zionist businesses, then turns to campus activism and the political networks Hanson says have amplified anti-Israel causes.

Hanson attributes the Republican loss to inflation, tariffs, immigration, war-policy disputes, and poor explanations of inherited conditions rather than to any single issue alone.

He also warns that alleged influence-peddling, foreign lobbying, referral fees, and congressional stock trading can erode public trust when officials or political families pursue side businesses.

A discussion of Jimmy Stewart’s wartime service becomes the episode’s emotional center, connecting combat courage and sacrifice with the duty to preserve the country veterans defended.

The closing argument contrasts that sense of gratitude with contemporary anti-American and antisemitic rhetoric, asking what political leaders and citizens should tolerate or reject.