Join Victor Davis Hanson in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, author, and filmmaker David Mamet. Topics discussed include David’s new book, The Disenlightenment: Politics, Horror, and Entertainment, the power and corruption of institutions, the recrudescence of anti-Semitism on campus, and the current state of Hollywood.
16:15 “Obama was campaigning in Philadelphia…screenplay for The Untouchables…and he [Obama] said ‘we don’t bring a knife to a gun fight’…”
Obama’s exact words were “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun”–using violent rhetoric to call for tactics of escalation.
Citation: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/14/obama-if-they-bring-a-knife-to-the-fight-we-bring-a-gun/
He also called on his supporters to (regarding their friends and neighbors) to “get in their faces”.
So much for his dishonest talk about civility and how we’re all Americans.
Professor Davis Hanson,
I think it would be very constructive if you and Elon Musk could sit down together and learn from one another. You have so much wisdom and objective understanding of Western Civilization and History but also a very clear and in depth understanding of Trump especially his personal approach and thinking. You especially see how effective and insightful he is in making our Constitutional Republic functional and outstanding again and clearly see his “rough edges”. I am sure you know Mr. Musk and perhaps have even talked to him. These are very difficult times with a delicate balance Trump has made happen but we need a better strategy for the future and continued rescue of our Democracy from the Jacobean revolutionaries who almost succeeded in bringing down our government. Thank you.
I have listened to all four of your podcasts every week for many years and they are wonderful. I first learned of you when you were on an episode of Dennis Miller’s radio show. I’m glad you are doing the interview shows and I second the suggestion made by one of the other commenters, which is to let the guest do the majority of the talking. After the first 35-40 minutes of the show, I think at most only half of it was Mamet speaking. I understand that the interview could be seen as a conversation, but I would like to have heard more from Mamet about his book. The commenter mentioned Brian Lamb, who I agree was great at letting the interviewee do most of the talking. Another great example in the field of music is YouTuber Rick Beato’s interviews with musicians. Rick lets the musician have the stage. You have a great breadth of academic and practical knowledge, plus a wonderful recall of your personal experiences, which makes your show a pleasure to listen to. I would like to see your interviewees be more front and center. Thanks!
Thank you for having this discussion.
At 67 I have read, listened to or attended most everything David has created. I always learn from his inquisitive, insightful growth.
A couple of years ago I almost had an opportunity to render my architectural services to him but fumbling factors prevented it. I mostly just wanted to thank him for his work… so now I do through you. C hayes studio phx
Thank you Victor for this great exchange.
I feel fortunate to have followed and fallen for almost everything David Mamet has written and produced in my 67 years. A couple of years ago I also …almost was set to interview to offer my architecture services and creativity but it seemed a fumbling realtor may have messed up the opportunity… really I mostly just hoped to tell him how much I have learned and appreciated him through the years.
Catherine Hayes phx
Thanks, Victor and David. “The “open city” concept explains so much. I just bought the Audible version of The Disenlightenment and listened to the opening. Terrific. As was the interview.
Nice to listen to VDH’s monologue while David Mamet sat by.
I have to say that I am delighted that Mr. Mamet is an outspoken American conservative. I am somewhat not surprised having seen a couple of his plays. But I am thankful for his courage. Thanks, Victor, for your interview.
Yes. Too short.
Victor. First saw you on Booknotes, Brian Lamb 2003. so i’m speaking up to say B Lambian interview style has message for you. Ref. Wiki; Lamb learned the basics of broadcasting and interviewing from his high school broadcasting teacher, Bill Fraser, who taught him to “stay out of the way” while he conducted interviews.[ours preparing for each interview, by some counts he spoke for less than five minutes over the program.] I say Brian Lamb says:
Why did you write this book? #2 Tell us about it. #3 What should reader get out of it? each time allowing 5-15 min for author to talk. I remain in “Fan club VDH” I realize you canNOT stop teaching everyone. Respectfully, Tom Garvey
Mr. Mamet: “We’re fighting for the life of our country”… All I can say is I’m so very grateful that VDH and Mr. Mamet are on our side. God loves little children, the United States of America and Donald J. Trump. GO, FIGHT, WIN!
Consistent, out-spoken, thoughtful, intelligent, a few adjectives to partially describe the two of you. I’ve read and noted Mr. Mamet views for years. Some thoughts are right here at hand within arms reach of my desk. Another 30 year overnight sensation. Thanks. Both of you.
What do those groups have in common? A hatred for traditional Western culture, that’s what. And it’s whether they realize it or not. They all strive to tear down traditional Western culture, traditional Western society. Now, those who actively seek this, have a goal in mind-to replace traditional Western culture with something else, whether its the caliphate, like Islamists want, or some kind of totalitarian state like something out of Huxley or Burgess, like the native Westerners want. Those people are worse than the Islamists, because they are fools. They are Elmer Fudd, sawing at the branch he’s sitting on. They don’t realize that the only reason they can play their game is BECAUSE they live in the West, where you can be a fool and not get killed for it.
I agree, not enough, dammit!
Far too short for such a guest as this, Victor, but very interesting.
I love VDH, but when he interviews others, he needs to speak less and allow his guest more time. I guess he is so used to speaking most of the time since he is always the guest and not the host.
Let us WIN!
I had been seeing Mr. Mamet doing interviews lately regarding his new book and his new film “Henry Johnson” and was hoping to see him on Victor’s podcast. I got my wish! DM + VDH = Dynamite!
Dear Mr Hanson,
Truly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve heard in years. Wish you’d consider doing longer form discussions as Mr David Mamet is so eloquent, and this should have been a three hour interview.
Sincerely,
Eric Koehler