Bridging Divides: A Conversation with David Reaboi on America's Polarized Reality
"America will do the right thing after exhausting all other options"
“At some point, the things that divide us will far outnumber the things that unite us.”
—David Reaboi.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this interview are those of David Reaboi and do not necessarily reflect my own. As the host of Back in America, my goal is to foster open dialogue and explore diverse perspectives, not to endorse specific ideologies or political stances. This conversation aims to illuminate the divisions shaping America today and to encourage thoughtful reflection and informed discussion.
The American divide is often described in abstract terms, but when I sat down with David Reaboi, national security expert and political commentator, the split became profoundly real. David’s insights, grounded in his work across political warfare and influence operations, offered a lens into a nation grappling with conflicting ideologies that many believe are irreconcilable.
From Reagan Democrats to Political Realists
David's story begins in New Jersey, within a community of Hungarian Jews who fled Communist Romania in the 1960s. His upbringing, rooted in patriotism and shaped by the Holocaust's enduring shadow, revealed early seeds of his ideological leanings.
"I grew up always hearing about the Holocaust from my grandfather, who was an Auschwitz survivor. Most of his family died there. For me, this wasn’t just history—it was a lived reality," he said.
His fascination with Marxism, Leninism, and totalitarianism was not an embrace but an effort to understand the enemy: "Knowing more about the enemy is better than knowing less."
The Trump Phenomenon and DeSantis’s Discipline
Reaboi’s political trajectory shifted with the election of Donald Trump. He admitted that Trump’s victory in 2016 was a surprise, especially given his tendency toward pessimism: "I just assumed they wouldn’t let him win. But to my great surprise and immense pleasure, I was wrong."
However, in 2024, his support pivoted to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Why? "DeSantis has what Trump lacks—discipline and follow-through. He understands that politics is about rewarding friends and punishing enemies to maintain order and support. That clarity makes him a stronger leader for the challenges we face."
Reaboi’s critique of Trump reveals a deeper frustration with modern conservatism: "Too often, the right has embraced a libertarian approach that abdicates responsibility. DeSantis understands the state has a compelling interest in cultural issues, from education to corporate overreach."
A Fractured America: Federalism’s Collapse
When asked about the growing calls for a "national divorce," Reaboi didn’t shy away from the bleakness of his prognosis: "At some point, the things that divide us will far outnumber the things that unite us. Federalism, the system our founders designed to diffuse tension, no longer works. Progressivism has centralized power in ways the founders never intended."
He pointed to abortion debates as emblematic of the divide: "The Dobbs decision returned abortion to the states, but the left immediately sought to federalize it. For the right, local governance is crucial; for the left, federal control ensures their agenda. These are fundamentally incompatible views of power."
The Surprising Global Appeal of Hungary
David’s work with the Hungarian government sheds light on why Hungary has become a darling of American conservatives. His role involved bridging understanding between U.S. conservatives and Hungary, which he sees as a counterpoint to the globalist tide.
"In Budapest, you see a country unapologetically protecting its culture and borders. It’s a small country, but it has drawn a line against refugee policies that would overwhelm its society. For conservatives in America, Hungary is a beacon of sovereignty and cultural preservation," Reaboi explained.
Bridging Conservatism: Reaboi’s Role in Hungary
David Reaboi’s work with the Hungarian government highlights his unique ability to connect American and European conservative movements. He represented Hungary, particularly under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, by sharing their policies and perspectives with American conservatives. “My role was essentially to give them good press,” he explained, “to help American conservatives understand and appreciate what Hungary was doing—whether it was protecting its borders, asserting national sovereignty, or pushing back against the homogenizing forces of the European Union.” Reaboi’s efforts amplified Hungary’s stance as a defender of cultural preservation and national identity, earning it admiration among many in the global right-wing community.
Political Rhetoric and Violence: Where Do We Go from Here?
The conversation shifted to political violence and rhetoric. Reaboi expressed concern about the left's rhetorical escalation: "When you call your opponent Hitler, the logical next step is violence. These comparisons aren't just inflammatory—they’re dangerous."
His analysis of January 6th revealed an unvarnished perspective: "Was it stupid? Yes. Was it the worst thing in the world? No. The double standard in legal repercussions only fuels resentment. The left’s summer of riots in 2020 set a precedent—one side burns cities, and the other walks into the Capitol and faces ruin."
America’s Paradox: Capitalism and Scripture
In reflecting on Jill Savage’s observation that "America is capitalism plus scripture," Reaboi traced the nation’s religiosity back to its founding principles. "You can’t have a functioning liberal democracy without a virtuous people," he argued, echoing John Adams.
When I brought up America’s history with slavery and Native Americans, his response was as pointed as it was controversial: "Slavery isn’t unique to the U.S. But constant harping on it delegitimizes the country. We’ve done more to address our past than most nations, yet it’s weaponized to divide us further."
What Is America?
I closed with a question that looms large: What is America to you?
"America is the great experiment in freedom that has worked better here than anywhere else. But we’ve strayed from our founding principles, and that worries me deeply," he reflected.
Despite his concerns, David Reaboi remains a committed patriot: "We’re a flawed but incredible people. As Churchill said, America will do the right thing after exhausting all other options . That describes us perfectly."
Final Thought: A Surprising Parallel
David Reaboi’s insights reveal an America that mirrors ancient Rome—a nation grappling with the strains of size, diversity, and competing visions. Like Rome, the United States might face a reckoning. But unlike Rome, the tools for reconciliation—federalism, localism, and shared virtues—are still within reach. Whether Americans can wield these tools effectively remains to be seen.