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    Hardball and Softball Politics

    enSeptember 03, 2024
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    Podcast Summary

    • Conservation and EducationWired to Fish Coffee allows you to enjoy coffee while supporting clean water initiatives. Hillsdale College thrives with growing programs and facilities, attracting many applicants interested in traditional values and quality education.

      Wired to Fish Coffee offers coffee lovers a way to enjoy their favorite drink while supporting important causes. With 25% of every purchase going towards clean water and faith-based initiatives, you can sip your coffee without any guilt. Meanwhile, Hillsdale College is thriving with a growing campus and numerous programs that attract many applicants, even as other universities struggle. Their military history program and advanced facilities, like the state-of-the-art shooting range, show the commitment to quality education and community engagement. As conservative values gain popularity, Hillsdale is welcoming many eager students who once aimed for Ivy League schools. This reflects a shift in interest towards institutions that prioritize traditional values and practical programs, proving that there is an audience that appreciates such environments.

    • Ideological bias in education and techDespite Hillsdale College's success, it faced censorship on Facebook for advertising a course on communism, raising concerns about ideological bias and censorship in tech and education institutions

      While some private liberal arts colleges are struggling and going bankrupt, Hillsdale College is thriving and experiencing record applications. This is due in part to the college's commitment to providing a "normal college experience" free from political unrest and ideological indoctrination. However, Hillsdale College recently faced censorship on Facebook when launching a new course on communism and Marxist ideology. Despite Facebook's apology and claim of a mistake, the college's executive director Emily Davis stated that the ads for the course had been running unchanged for over a year. Such censorship does not occur at other prominent universities, leading some to question the motives behind Facebook's actions. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of ideological bias and censorship in technology companies and higher education institutions.

    • Wealthy elites influencing academiaWealthy individuals, such as the Zuckerberg family, can use their vast resources to shape academic discourse, potentially leading to exclusive and divisive perspectives, rather than supporting and expanding knowledge in a egalitarian manner.

      The Zuckerberg family, specifically Donna Zuckerberg, has been criticized for using their vast wealth to interfere in academic fields, particularly classical studies. Victor Hanson recounted how Donna bought a classical studies journal, Ida Wong, and turned it into a platform for hyper-partisan, radical perspectives. Hanson argued that instead of using her resources to support and expand classical education, she destroyed the journal and fired its staff. The incident highlights the issue of wealthy elites influencing academic discourse in exclusive and often divisive ways. Hanson expressed frustration over the lack of egalitarianism and the distortion of classical studies, despite the family's public image as egalitarians. The conversation also touched on Mark Zuckerberg's past political involvement and the influence of wealthy donors in politics.

    • Academic exclusion, Violence in GazaProfessor's divisive approach to classical studies may deter potential students and contribute to shrinking interest, while violence in Gaza remains unaddressed, causing frustration and calls for meaningful action.

      The discussion touched upon the controversial actions of a professor who focused on attacking certain individuals and ideologies, rather than expanding interest in classical studies. This approach was criticized as exclusionary and harmful to the field, with some arguing that the shrinking number of people studying Latin and Greek is a result of such attitudes. The conversation also addressed the issue of hostages being murdered in Gaza and the empty threats from political leaders in response. The overall sentiment expressed was frustration with the normalization of violence and the lack of meaningful action taken to address it.

    • Biden's handling of Israel-Hamas conflictBiden's perceived weak and indecisive actions towards Israel have emboldened terrorist groups, leading to continued suffering of hostages and potential national security risks from Hunter Biden's foreign business deals

      The Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and previous actions towards Israel have been perceived as weak and indecisive, emboldening terrorist groups and leading to the continued suffering of hostages. The suspension and resumption of aid to Israel during the 2020 campaign raised concerns, but it pales in comparison to the potential national security risks posed by Biden's son Hunter's involvement in foreign business deals. The administration's inconsistent messaging and apparent disregard for accountability have contributed to a dangerous and volatile situation.

    • Interview biasThe interview between Dana Bash and Kamala Harris raised concerns due to its perceived lack of tough questioning and multiple-choice style format, leading to accusations of bias and a lack of journalistic integrity.

      The interview between Dana Bash and Kamala Harris raised concerns due to its perceived lack of tough questioning and multiple-choice style format. Harris was given softball questions and did not face follow-ups when challenged on her statements. This led to accusations of bias and a lack of journalistic integrity. The interview was criticized for not holding Harris accountable, and some compared it unfavorably to previous interviews where candidates were pressed for answers. Overall, the interview was seen as a missed opportunity for meaningful exchange and raised questions about the role of media in the election process.

    • Hanson's political stanceDespite being a more left-wing politician in the past, Victor Davis Hanson plans to focus on the MAGA agenda for the upcoming election. He criticized the media for their interview practices and defended Donald Trump's attendance at Arlington Cemetery.

      During a discussion, Victor Davis Hanson expressed his challenges with public speaking and admitted to being a more left-wing politician in the past, but for the upcoming election, he plans to focus on the MAGA agenda. He criticized the media for their interview practices and the lack of viewers compared to Fox News. Hanson also defended Donald Trump's attendance at Arlington Cemetery, stating that the families invited him and criticized Joe Biden for politicizing the event. Hanson believes that politicians often use events for their campaigns, and he is not naive to this fact. He also shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Mark Milley and the St. John's Episcopal Church incident, expressing disappointment towards Milley's actions during the Rodney King riots and comparing it to the more recent event. Overall, Hanson's discussion touched on various topics, including his personal challenges, politics, and media criticism.

    • Harris's authenticity and transparencyCritics argue that Vice President Kamala Harris has attempted to rebrand herself, erasing parts of her past and misrepresenting certain aspects, leading to skepticism and mistrust from voters due to her lack of clarity on key policy issues.

      The ongoing discourse surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris's political identity and past statements has raised questions about her authenticity and transparency. Critics argue that she has attempted to rebrand herself, erasing elements of her past and misrepresenting certain aspects of her background. Additionally, her handling of interviews and evasiveness on specific policy issues has fueled skepticism and mistrust. The lack of clarity on her stances on key topics, such as border control, taxation, and criminal justice reform, has left many voters unsatisfied and uncertain about her true intentions. This, in turn, could impact her ability to connect with voters and secure their support in the upcoming election.

    • Podcast listeners appreciationListeners deeply engage and appreciate Hanson's work, expressing appreciation through positive reviews and comments. Hanson values older women's wisdom and has improved appearance and demeanor. He encourages newsletter sign-ups and thanks sponsors.

      The listeners of Victor Davis Hanson's podcast are deeply engaged and appreciative of his work. They value the knowledge and memories he shares and often express their appreciation through positive reviews and comments. Hanson himself is a prolific writer and speaker, with numerous essays, revisions, and engagements keeping him busy. He has a particular affinity for older women and values their wisdom. Listeners have noticed Hanson's improvement in appearance and demeanor, and some have even commented on his smile. Hanson encourages his audience to sign up for his free weekly email newsletter, Civil Thoughts, and thanks his sponsors for their support. The podcast, which covers a wide range of topics, is set to release new episodes regularly.

    Recent Episodes from The Victor Davis Hanson Show

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    Revelations: Columbia University, Illegal Immigrants, and D.C. Lost Its Head

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