Victor Davis Hanson: "What You’ve Been Waiting For, Happens in 3 Days...'

Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the origins, paradoxes, and enduring appeal of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement in this masterclass on modern American politics. From its deep roots in Republican traditions to its groundbreaking departures, Hanson unpacks what makes MAGA a force to be reckoned with—and why it resonated with millions across race, class, and political divides.

Trump’s agenda, Hanson explains, isn’t just Republican orthodoxy rebranded. It’s a potent mix of fiscal conservatism, cultural combativeness, and a rejection of failed nation-building abroad. But this approach also comes with contradictions—balancing tax cuts with deficit reduction, limiting immigration while catering to business needs, and navigating the tensions between isolationism and interventionism. Hanson highlights how these paradoxes reflect broader challenges within the movement.

Tracing its origins, Hanson identifies three critical influences: Pat Buchanan’s populism, Ross Perot’s economic nationalism, and the grassroots energy of the Tea Party. But what made MAGA succeed where these predecessors faltered? Hanson credits Trump’s unique ability to unite people across classes and identities, reframing the conversation from race to shared struggles against elites.

With a magnetic presence honed by decades in the public eye, Trump brought unprecedented charisma to the Republican platform, attracting figures like Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, and Dana White into the fold. Hanson emphasizes that Trump’s approach wasn’t just ideological—it was personal, pragmatic, and deeply resonant with a disillusioned middle class.

Whether you see MAGA as a movement of transformation or division, Hanson challenges viewers to understand its roots and its impact on American politics. What does MAGA mean for the future of conservatism? And can its contradictions be reconciled? Dive into this thought-provoking analysis to find out.