In “The Case For Trump,” noted historian Victor Davis Hanson, who, although a conservative, is not necessarily a fan of Trump, presents the historical context for Trump’s seemingly improbable victory in 2016. The story begins with Trump’s gut sense that the middle of the country has been ignored by both parties as the economy was hollowed out in smaller midwestern cities and jobs shipped off around the world wherever cheap labor flourishes. Neither party has for decades put up a candidate who could appeal to blue collar flyover country and the elitists in DC and on both coasts from Romney to Obama mocked hardworking Americans of all races and ethnicities who loved the flag and God and traditional family. Indeed, as the 2016 campaign got underway, one candidate laughingly referred to middle America as “deplorables” and assumed they were all racists and homophobes merely because they didn’t support her corrupt elitist candidacy. Trump somehow despite being wealthy saw himself as an ordinary American and felt they pain.

Hanson explores how a candidate and then President could be so gruff, course, and sometimes mean. Historically, Hanson found evidence that perhaps Trump was no more course than Wilson, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Nixon, or Johnson, and certainly not more course than William Clinton. Moreover, Hanson explores whether being a perfect gentleman like Carter or Ford led to success or just mediocrity. In spite of a course loud abrasive attitude, Trump succeeded in creating the best economy ever (until the Covid 19 lockdowns), brought peace to the Middle East, and faces down the threats from Iran and North Korea without losing any ground or surrendering pallets of cash as his predecessor did.

It is a very interesting historical expose as, in reading it, you almost feel like the academic Hanson only grudgingly wants to give credit to a loudmouth from Queens. But what always makes Hanson’s work so insightful is that he gives appropriate historical context and is open to seeing all sides.

This is the first book I've read by Victor Davis Hanson and I'm impressed. He presents a thoughtful well written book that actually does make sense. He has done a lot of research and interviews to produce a book that many will hate and tear apart. Politics is an arena that is rocky and hard to navigate. Well done Mr. Hanson. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I will not be reviewing this book on my blog. I downloaded it assuming it was a serious history making the case for Donald Trump as President. I read the 10% or so of the book and it seemed as Rush Limbaugh said in his blurb at the beginning that is was a book for those who love Trump and wish to explain him to those who do not understand him. Since I think Trump is a terrible President I thought at first glance this would not be the book for me.
In the bit I did read the author seemed to uncritically accept right-wing talking points although his point may have been that these were accepted as true by many voters. At any rate I did not read enough that I felt a review would be fair or informative

I have read many "Trump books" both pro and con and found this book to be one of the best of a plethora of writing about the rise of one of the country's most controversial and entertaining politicians. This book presents the historical and political context that contributed to the shocking and unforeseen rise of President Donald J. Trump in a neutral and analytical way that and independent like me considered appealing. Because this book is based on the success of this populist President and a book title that is a positive rather than a negative the anti-Trumpers that don't read it will miss an opportunity to see an analysis of the bigger picture contributing to the election of Donald J. Trump to the office of the Presidency. Lover or hater of Trump I would encourage the reading of this book to those interested in the business man and the political and personal Donald Trump. My only regret with this edition is that it is missing one of the most interesting challenges for this president whose first 3 years in office while challenging, have proved to be minor compared to the current issues surrounding the pandemic. The hope of the majority of the country this that this president will traverse the unforeseen economic and health challenges and lead the country back to a healthy and thriving economic life. I hope the author will continue to update his analysis and I will look forward to reading more insight from Victor Hanson as we work our way thru this world wide emergency.

I really enjoyed this book as it really took a deep dive into the Trump presidency, his policy, and his success but also why we can't continue to have president's like him. I think this is obviously going to do well with Republicans and it certainly serves a nice contrast to what countless books that serve a purpose only to hurt Trump.

This is a very thoughtful, well researched book. Not everyone will like this book, but may be enlightened by some information it provides. For a clearer picture of Trump, one must read with an open mind. Recommended!

Author Victor Davis Hanson explains why Donald Trump won the 2016 election and why his critics despise him. Hanson's argument is that Trump effectively established himself as an "outsider" that challenged the agendas of the political establishment, regardless of party affiliation. After reading this book, I found Hanson's argument to be well-analyzed. He does not hide from the arguments of the President's critics. He acknowledges mistakes. In a world where so much of our political commentary is sensationalized, I found Hanson's book to be a breath of fresh air. A worthwhile read. I'd recommend in order to have a better understanding of why President Trump has the support that he does.