Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
Author, feminist, gay rights activist and political commentator Margaret Hoover leads a rigorous exchange of ideas with America’s political and cultural newsmakers. In the spirit of William F. Buckley Jr.’s iconic “Firing Line,” Hoover engages with thought leaders on the pivotal issues moving the nation forward. New podcast episodes drop weekly, and sometimes more, featuring bonus content you won’t hear on TV.
Episodes
Melissa Murray’s strict scrutiny of the Constitution
Margaret Hoover talks to Melissa Murray, legal scholar and best-selling author of tThe U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, a book she wrote in the hope that the Constitution would be read and understood by all Americans—just as the founders had intended.Murray, who also co-hosts the Strict Scrutiny podcast, examines the history of each amendment, and how t
‘Arrogance’ in Iran? Former IDF intelligence chief Tamir Hayman assesses the war plan
Margaret Hoover talks to General Tamir Hayman, former head of the IDF’s military intelligence unit, about the state of the war in Iran, the status of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, and what he believes the U.S. and Israel have gotten right and wrong so far.Hayman is now executive director of the Institute for National Security Studies, an independent think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv
Ryan Holiday and Jim Mattis on Stoicism and leadership in America
Bestselling author and podcaster Ryan Holiday and former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis discuss America’s founding ideals and why they still matter 250 years later in the second part of a conversation recorded at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.Holiday and Mattis explain why adherence to Stoic virtues is valuable in the military and how falling back on one’s first principles can help n
Living with loss: Danielle Crittenden shares ‘Dispatches from Grief’
Danielle Crittenden joins Margaret Hoover to discuss her new book, “Dispatches from Grief: A Mother's Journey Through the Unthinkable,” which details the aftermath of her daughter’s unexpected death.Miranda Frum, who once worked for “Firing Line,” died suddenly in 2024 at age 32 as she was preparing to celebrate the five-year anniversary of a successful surgery to remove a rare nonmalignant brain
Built to last? America at 250 with Yuval Levin and Jeffrey Rosen
Margaret Hoover sits down with American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Yuval Levin and National Constitution Center CEO Emeritus Jeffrey Rosen to discuss the enduring ideals of America’s founding documents.Levin and Rosen, who both contributed to the NCC’s new book “The Promise of America,” reflect on the shared principles and ideological differences between the nation’s founders and how those
Ben McKenzie’s warning about crypto: ‘All hell will eventually break loose’
Ben McKenzie joins Margaret Hoover to break down his new documentary about cryptocurrency, “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,” and the dangers he believes crypto poses to investors and the economy itself.McKenzie–best known for his performances on “The O.C.,” “Southland,” and “Gotham”--explains why he grew skeptical of crypto while other men embraced it and reflects on what he learned from talki
Lanhee Chen on fixing America’s broken health care system
Health care policy expert Lanhee Chen joins Margaret Hoover to unpack the paradox at the heart of American medicine: the best care in the world—and some of the highest costs. What’s broken, and why hasn’t Washington been able to fix it?Chen—a Hoover Institution fellow who has advised Republican leaders from George W. Bush to Mitt Romney—traces how a patchwork system evolved into one that’s both ex
Can Congress be fixed? A Firing Line forum with Philip Wallach and Oona Hathaway
As presidents increasingly rely on executive action to advance their agenda, Philip Wallach and Oona Hathaway join Margaret Hoover to discuss why Congress has abdicated its constitutional power and how to fix it in a forum at Hofstra University.Wallach, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of “Why Congress,” talks about the role the founders envisioned for the legislativ
General Jim Mattis and Ryan Holiday on the war in Iran and Stoicism in the military
Former Four Star Marine General Jim Mattis and best selling author and popular podcaster Ryan Holiday join Margaret Hoover to talk about the war in Iran, the Trump administration’s “murky” endgame, and the role of Stoic philosophy in military leadership.This interview was recorded as part of the Hoover Institution’s “Ideas That Made U.S.” series at Stanford University.Mattis– who led the Pentagon
Iran: The road to war
Over the last eight seasons, Margaret Hoover has spoken to many guests about the threat posed by Iran and what the U.S. can do about it. As the war in Iran enters a third week, we look back at how key policymakers and experts have addressed the prospect of military action against the regime.This episode includes excerpts from interviews with Sen. Tom Cotton, retired Gen. David Petraeus, former Sec
Mark Cuban wants to ‘f- up the entire healthcare industry’
Entrepreneur Mark Cuban talks to Margaret Hoover about what is wrong with the healthcare system in America and how he hopes to fix it.Since selling his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks and quitting ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Cuban has focused his energy on disrupting the healthcare industry. He explains how his company, Cost Plus Drugs, works and why he is taking on pharmacy benefit managers–the in
Jon Meacham on ‘American Struggle’ and the pursuit of a more perfect union
Historian Jon Meacham sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about America’s pursuit of democracy, the dangers posed by the Trump administration, and his new book, “American Struggle.”The book collects speeches and documents by prominent figures beginning with the First Assembly of Virginia in 1619 to the present, tracking the development of America’s founding ideals and the nation’s imperfect que
A brave new world of media and politics: Natalie Winters and Adam Mockler
Natalie Winters, co-host of Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, and Adam Mockler, host of “The Adam Mockler Show” on YouTube, join Margaret Hoover for a discussion at Hofstra University about how their generation views politics and media.Winters, 24, defends her approach to reporting and denounces the “anti-disinformation industry” that she believes silences alternative views. She also addresses ri
Policing a city on ICE: Minneapolis PD Chief Brian O’Hara
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara returns to “Firing Line” to talk about the impact of the federal immigration enforcement surge in his city and the protests against it.He addresses the Trump administration’s announcement that 700 federal officers will be leaving Minnesota and responds to comments President Trump made this week about the surge and about crime in Minneapolis.O’Hara, who reforme
Is anti-Zionism the new antisemitism? Activist and author Noa Tishby says yes
Noa Tishby, Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, discusses the global rise in hatred and violence against Jews and explains why she believes anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic.The actress and best-selling author reflects on the recovery of the body of the last October 7th hostage, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the state of the peace process in Gaza, and the U.S.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on ICE raids and brutal budget battles
Margaret Hoover sits down with Mayor Brandon Johnson in Chicago to talk about his clash with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and the political and fiscal challenges that cities are facing today.Johnson discusses the role of mayors in challenging the president’s policies and the limitations of a local government taking on the federal government.He offers advice for fellow prog
Rep. Jim Clyburn tells the cautionary tale of ‘The First Eight’
Rep. James Clyburn joins Margaret Hoover to talk about “The First Eight,” his recent book about the eight Black South Carolinians who served in Congress before him and why their stories still matter.During reconstruction after the Civil War, South Carolina sent eight Black men to Congress. After the last of them left office in 1897, it would be 95 years before the ninth–Clyburn–was elected in 1992
Elliott Abrams makes the case for a democratic Venezuela
Elliott Abrams, who was U.S. special representative for Venezuela in President Trump’s first term, responds to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and discusses what it means for U.S. foreign policy.Abrams, who also worked in the State Department under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, explains why he supported Trump taking action against Maduro and why he is alarmed by deci
Bari Weiss on the ‘perfect storm’ fueling antisemitism in America
In a 2020 interview, journalist Bari Weiss discusses the rise of antisemitism on the right and left and her book, “How to Fight Anti-Semitism.” Weiss details several factors driving antisemitism, including President Trump “dismantling the moral guardrails that keep bigotry down.”Weiss, a proud Zionist, describes her views on Israel and its government and reflects on the historic claim that both Is
Rob Reiner’s 2019 warning about the fate of American democracy
Rob Reiner talked to Margaret Hoover in 2019 about politics, activism, and his concerns for America’s future. Following the death of Reiner and his wife Michelle–and the arrest of their son for their murders–we look back at that interview, including material that did not previously air.The legendary filmmaker discussed working with conservatives to advance the cause of marriage equality and forgin
Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling on Trump’s second-term National Security Strategy
Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Margaret Hoover to talk about President Trump’s new National Security Strategy and how his second term foreign policy differs from his first.Having spent nearly four decades in the U.S. Army, Hertling provides insight into the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the ethical and legal questions they raise for the military.Hertl
Assessing William F. Buckley Jr.’s legacy with biographer Sam Tanenhaus
One hundred years after William F. Buckley Jr.’s birth, Margaret Hoover sits down with biographer Sam Tanenhaus to reflect on the original “Firing Line” host’s life and legacy. In his long-awaited book, “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,” Tanenhaus details Buckley’s childhood, his leadership of the American conservative movement, and his later years.This is an abridged ver
Robert George and Cornel West: Revisiting a conversation with an ideological odd couple
Conservative Robert George and progressive Cornel West talk to Margaret Hoover about their long-standing friendship that bridges their ideological differences in an interview recorded in 2020.George–who recently resigned from the board of the Heritage Foundation over its defense of Tucker Carlson’s interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes–explains what he learned from West about race in Ameri
Nebula CEO Dave Wiskus on the rise of the creator economy
Dave Wiskus, founder and CEO of the streaming service Nebula, sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the rise of the creator economy, the decline of traditional media, and what comes next.Wiskus explains how creator-driven content has become a global industry that could be worth $500 billion by 2027 and how a new generation of creators like Mr. Beast interact with the gatekeepers of traditio
Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on ‘The American Revolution’
Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein sit down with Margaret Hoover to discuss their latest project, “The American Revolution,” ahead of its premiere on PBS.The 12-hour documentary series revisits America’s founding, aiming to tell the complete story rather than the "sanitized" version many have come to know. Burns and Botstein explain why the revolution was also a bloody civil war–and
Andrew Ross Sorkin on the 1929 crash, the Depression, and Herbert Hoover’s legacy
Financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his new book, “1929,” and what the lessons of the Great Depression mean for the economy today.Sorkin, a CNBC anchor and New York Times columnist, discusses the bankers and policymakers at the center of the crash and the recovery, including Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He explains how De
Autocracy and democracy in the age of Trump with former Amb. Michael McFaul
Former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul joins Margaret Hoover to discuss President Trump’s trip to Asia, the state of the war in Ukraine, and the new era of great power competition with Russia and China.McFaul, author of the new book “Autocrats vs. Democrats,” assesses Trump’s handling of foreign policy so far in his second term, acknowledging the president has not been the isolationist many ex
Andrew Cuomo on his mayoral run, Mamdani’s ideas, and taking on Trump
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses the New York City mayoral race, his policy proposals, and the danger he sees in electing his opponent, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.With Election Day approaching, Cuomo lays out his potential path to victory and challenges Mamdani’s plans to address affordability concerns. He also comments on broader divisions in the Democratic Party.Running a
Anthony Kennedy: Democracy would be in danger if a president defies the Supreme Court
Justice Anthony Kennedy talks to Margaret Hoover about his three decades on the Supreme Court and the threats he sees to American democracy today.As the court begins a new term, Kennedy, who took senior status in 2018, discusses the relationship between the Supreme Court and the executive branch and the prospect of a president defying the court’s orders.Kennedy, author of the new memoir Life, Law,
Can technology save democracy? Taiwan’s cyber ambassador Audrey Tang thinks so
Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s cyber ambassador, sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about technology, democracy, and the fate of Taiwan amid new threats from China.Tang, who served as Taiwan’s first minister of digital affairs, reflects on her work integrating technology into the government and the lessons learned from its successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic.She explains why she believes techn
Former AG Alberto Gonzales: 'Without the rule of law, we have no democracy'
Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales lays out his concerns about the indictment of James Comey and the Trump administration defying the norms of Justice Department independence.Gonzales–a Republican who supported Kamala Harris in 2024 due to concerns about Trump and the rule of law–says Trump’s effort to direct the department to prosecute his enemies threatens to undermine public confidence in
‘Food security is national security,’ says the World Food Programme’s Cindy McCain
World Food Programme Director Cindy McCain joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the global food crisis and the need for more resources to fight it.In a conversation on the sidelines of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, McCain details the impact of humanitarian aid cuts by the U.S. and other countries, which she believes have already cost lives around the world. She also addresses the danger h
Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss on Charlie Kirk and America’s political violence problem
Political violence expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the rising threat of political violence in America.Miller-Idriss, author of the new book “Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism,” details some of the factors fueling radicalization, including online gaming and social media. She also expla
John Malone says the current state of media ‘is not good for democracy’
Cable TV titan John Malone joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his new memoir, “Born to Be Wired,” and current challenges in media and politics.Malone, who played a key role in the development of the cable industry at Tele-Communications Inc. and Liberty Media Corp., explains why he opposed efforts to regulate his industry like net neutrality–and why he now believes more aggressive regulation is n
Sen. Chris Coons warns American prosperity and security are ‘profoundly at risk’
As China asserts itself as a global power, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) sits down with Margaret Hoover in D.C. to discuss the threat posed by Beijing and its authoritarian allies and the Trump administration’s response.The Senate Foreign Relations Committee member recounts his recent visit to the Indo-Pacific with a bipartisan congressional delegation and reacts to China’s massive military parade
Biographer Sam Tanenhaus on the life and legacy of William F. Buckley Jr.
Sam Tanenhaus, author of a long-awaited biography of William F. Buckley Jr., sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the original “Firing Line” host’s life and legacy a century after his birth.In “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,” Tanenhaus details Buckley’s childhood, his rise to lead the American conservative movement, and his later years. He explains why he believes
NY GOP Rep. Mike Lawler on being a blue state Republican
New York Congressman Mike Lawler sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his approach to legislating as one of only three Republicans in the House representing a district Kamala Harris won in 2024 and why he believes his Democratic-leaning constituents should reelect him next year.Lawler, who recently ruled out a run for governor, talks about defending his record at often rowdy town halls and hi
Economist Jessica Riedl on Trump’s tariffs, a looming debt crisis, and ‘spending cut theater’
Conservative economist Jessica Riedl joins Margaret Hoover to talk about tariffs, tax cuts, and the threat of the growing national debt. She explains why President Trump’s tariffs have not yet upended the economy and why she believes American consumers will ultimately bear the costs of Trump’s policies.Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, assesses the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and a
Sen. Elissa Slotkin on her war plan, Democrats’ divisions, and MAGA’s Epstein drama
Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her economic “war plan” for Democrats and her approach to bridging the ideological divisions within the party.Slotkin–who won her seat even as Donald Trump won her state–calls for Democrats to stop being so sensitive, responds to the rise of progressive populists like Zohran Mamdani, and addresses the challenges of confronting
Mike Pence says the Trump administration is ‘not acting in a manner consistent with the law’
Former Vice President Mike Pence sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the first six months of Donald Trump’s second term and his advocacy for adhering to the conservative principles that he feels led to success in the first Trump administration.Pence assesses President Trump’s apparent shift toward a more aggressive posture against Vladimir Putin and makes the case for continued U.S. aid to U
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Iran, Medicaid cuts, and her “lonely” place in Trump’s GOP
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski joins Margaret Hoover to discuss her new memoir “Far from Home,” in which she reflects on her rise in Washington, D.C. and her role as a moderate Republican in the time of Donald Trump.“My place in the middle is often uncomfortable, sometimes lonely,” Murkowski tells Margaret. “But it's where I feel I belong.”While she maintains only Congress can declare war, Murk
WSJ columnist Jason Riley says affirmative action stifles Black achievement
Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Riley joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, “The Affirmative Action Myth,” in which he argues that Black people were progressing at a faster rate before racial preferences became widespread in the 1970s.The prominent conservative also discusses racial disparities in education, saying that universities that pursue diversity just want “window dressing,” a
Marketcraft and the Meta antitrust trial, with Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes
Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, “Marketcrafters,” in which he examines how American policymakers have shaped markets for social and political goals over the last century.Hughes, who is now pursuing a PhD in economics at the University of Pennsylvania, sees growing support on the left and the right for using the levers of government to cultivate marke
Godmother of AI Dr. Fei-Fei Li on the ‘double-edged sword’ of artificial intelligence
Dr. Fei-Fei Li, known as the godmother of AI, talks to Margaret Hoover about the ethical development of artificial intelligence and the challenge of regulating the rapidly advancing technology.Li, who recently received a lifetime achievement award at the Webbys for her AI research, explains why she focuses her work on “human-centered AI” and how she believes human dignity can be protected as AI pr
Historian Niall Ferguson on Trump’s tariffs, Ukraine, and China
Historian Niall Ferguson sits down with Margaret Hoover to assess the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term and the challenges that lie ahead for the White House.Ferguson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, contrasts Trump with FDR and considers whether his early actions will have lasting impact. He also explains why he sees Trump 2.0 as “Richard Nixon’s revenge.”Ferguson critici
Lessons in grief and gratitude with Kelsey Grammer
Actor Kelsey Grammer joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, his decadeslong journey of healing after tragedy, and his politics.When most people think of Grammer, they think of his charming character Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers” and “Frasier,” but there is a darker side to his story. In “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” Grammer reflects on the vicious murder of his sister Karen, who was raped
Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer defends Trump’s tariffs
Robert Lighthizer, who served as U.S. trade representative in Donald Trump’s first term, sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the president’s trade agenda, his use of tariffs, and their impact on the economy.Lighthizer, author of No Trade Is Free, explains why he favors “balanced trade” over free trade and makes his case that tariffs can revive American manufacturing. He tells Hoover why he d
Changing the recipe – and changing the world – with José Andrés
As wars continue to rage in Ukraine and Gaza, chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his approach to humanitarian aid in disasters, his reaction to losing aid workers in Gaza, and his new book, “Change the Recipe.” Andrés, whose organization has served millions of meals in Ukraine, urges the Trump administration to change course amid threats to walk awa
The trouble with tariffs, with conservative economist Glenn Hubbard
As the world reels from President Trump’s trade war, conservative economist Glenn Hubbard joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the impact of Trump’s tariffs, his doubts on the return of manufacturing jobs, and the difficulty of decoupling from China.While Hubbard credits President Trump with recognizing the problems of globalization, he says tariffs are not the way to fix the problem. “It means higher
Challenges to journalism in the age of Trump: A Firing Line forum
Politico politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, New York Times reporter Adam Nagourney, and USC Center for the Political Future Director Bob Shrum join Margaret Hoover to discuss challenges facing the media in Donald Trump’s second term, threats to freedom of the press, and the future of journalism.In a panel recorded at the CPF’s Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics in January, Nagourney say
Author Lawrence Perelman looks back on his friendship with William F. Buckley Jr.
In September 1994, an 18-year-old musician named Lawrence Perelman sent a letter to William F. Buckley Jr., offering to perform a piano recital for him as a thank you for Buckley’s political work. The friendship that ensued lasted until Buckley’s final moments, all of which Perelman recounts in his new book, American Impresario: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Elements of American Character.One hun
NYT columnist Ross Douthat on Trump and the new post-post-Cold War era
As President Trump wages tariff wars around the world and upends the U.S. alliance with Ukraine, conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and Margaret Hoover discuss the president’s actions, his address to Congress, and the future of the GOP.While Douthat defends the Trump administration's goal of achieving an armistice in Ukraine and convincing Europe to take on greater responsibili
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Trump, tariffs, and tax cuts
Before Kevin Hassett was named director of President Trump’s National Economic Council, he sat down with Margaret Hoover last September to discuss Trump’s economic record and his second-term agenda.In this new cut of that interview, Hassett assesses the impact of tariffs in Trump’s first term and defends his threats to impose new ones, including reciprocal tariffs on goods from countries that tax
Who will pay Trump’s tariffs? A Firing Line forum with Jeff Ferry and Scott Lincicome
As President Trump ratchets up trade wars with America’s adversaries and allies, two experts on the economy — Jeff Ferry, chief economist emeritus at the Coalition for a Prosperous America, and Scott Lincicome, vice president of General Economics and Stiefel Trade Policy Center at the Cato Institute — clash over whether tariffs will bolster or crush the U.S. economy and what tariffs mean for Ameri
The real way to DOGE: Will Marshall and Philip K. Howard on Elon Musk’s deep state blitz
As President Trump and Elon Musk launch an assault on the federal bureaucracy, Will Marshall, the president of the Progressive Policy Institute, and Philip K. Howard, lawyer and author of “Everyday Freedom,” tell Margaret Hoover that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has the right diagnosis, but the wrong cure. Speaking before a student audience at Hofstra University, Marshall and How
A Surgeon General's Warning: Dr. Richard Carmona on RFK Jr.’s nomination
As Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services advances in the Senate, former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona talks to Margaret Hoover about the danger he fears Kennedy could pose to public health.Carmona criticizes Kennedy’s history of spreading misinformation about vaccines and health care and falsely linking vaccination to autism, but he also ackno
'Time for Democratic outrage’: Mike Murphy and James Carville on the new Trump era
Two veteran strategists–Democrat James Carville and Republican Mike Murphy–sit down with Margaret Hoover to assess the fallout from the 2024 election and the challenges that lie ahead for both parties.
At the USC Center for the Political Future’s Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics, Carville and Murphy discuss the chaotic first weeks of President Trump’s new administration, the muted respons
Newt Gingrich takes on GOP skepticism of legal immigration
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his new PBS documentary “Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich,” his longstanding support for legal immigration, and the executive actions President Trump has taken in his first days in office.
Amid rising Republican skepticism of all immigration, Gingrich draws a sharp distinction between legal and ille
Fox analyst Juan Williams: ‘We are at a critical juncture in terms of race’
Journalist and author Juan Williams joins Margaret Hoover to talk about civil rights in America as the nation prepares to inaugurate Donald Trump as president on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Williams, who wrote the companion book to the 1987 PBS documentary series Eyes on the Prize, discusses his latest book, New Prize for These Eyes, which charts the progress of what he calls the second civil righ
Defying a dictator: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina, and Natalia Kaliada
Margaret Hoover sits down with three Belarusian dissidents–exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, athlete-turned-activist Katya Snytsina, and theater director Natalia Kaliada–to discuss their fight against Aleksandr Lukashenko’s dictatorship.
Kaliada is co-founder of the Belarus Free Theatre, which recently debuted the play KS6: Small Forward in New York, starring Snytsina and telling
Peggy Noonan: GOP senators ‘will regret it’ if they don’t serve as check on Trump
Best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Peggy Noonan sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the presidential election, Donald Trump’s second term, and her new book, A Certain Idea of America.
Noonan, a former speechwriter for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, details the Republican Party’s evolution since the 1980s and the party’s political and cultural missteps th
Journalists under attack abroad: Alsu Kurmasheva, Maria Ressa, and Jonathan Munro
Three journalists on the frontlines of the global fight for press freedom sit down with Margaret Hoover at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York to discuss threats to the media around the world and how free countries in the West can help protect the press abroad.
Alsu Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist wrongfully detained in Russia for more than six months, reflects on he
The Fight to Free Jimmy Lai: Sebastien Lai and attorney Jonathan Price
Sebastien Lai, whose father publisher Jimmy Lai is on trial in Hong Kong, and Jonathan Price, a member of Jimmy Lai’s international legal team, talk to Margaret Hoover about their effort to build global support for his release.
Jimmy Lai had been a leading voice in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement before his arrest in 2020 under a controversial national security law. Now 77 and in ailing health,
AEI’s Kori Schake on the ‘genuine risk’ and potential upside of Trump 2.0 foreign policy
Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute joins Margaret Hoover to discuss Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy in his second term and how it may impact the U.S. and the world.
Schake, a defense policy expert who served in Republican and Democratic administrations, makes the case for conservative internationalism and details the flaws she sees in Trump’s “America First” worldview.
Alth
Jon Meacham on what Trump’s reelection means for the soul of the nation
After Donald Trump’s historic reelection, presidential biographer Jon Meacham joins Margaret Hoover to discuss what the outcome means for the soul of the nation and what comes next.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian had warned Americans against the “genuine risk” of returning Trump to power, but he explains why he accepts the results. He also reflects on how history can offer inspiration in thi
H.R. McMaster: America is electing a wartime president
H.R. McMaster, Donald Trump’s second national security advisor, joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his tumultuous experience in the Trump White House, what he characterizes as Trump’s “disruptive” leadership, and what a second term could look like.
McMaster, who recently published At War With Ourselves about his nearly 14 months in the administration, assesses the global threats facing the next pres
Counting the vote: A bipartisan panel on voting, elections & Elon Musk
Margaret Hoover sits down with Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer (R), Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D), and veteran GOP election attorney Benjamin Ginsberg for a bipartisan discussion of the facts about elections and voting in America.
After a screening of “Counting the Vote” at the 92nd Street Y in New York, the experts talk about preparations for the 2024 election and legal a
Gov. Josh Shapiro says the 2024 race is a ‘jump ball’ in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the state’s pivotal role in the race for the White House and what Kamala Harris needs to do to win it.
At the Abington Arts Center in Shapiro’s hometown, the Democratic governor assesses Harris’ strategy and contrasts her agenda with Donald Trump’s. He also defends Harris’ efforts to distinguish herself from President Biden a
Condoleezza Rice on Israel, Ukraine, and the perils of American isolationism
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joins Margaret Hoover to discuss America’s role in the world amid multiple crises and the dangers of retreating from global leadership.
In a recent Foreign Affairs essay, Rice warned about the “perils of isolationism.” She explains why these sentiments concern her and how leaders should reframe arguments in favor of globalization and international engagem
GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan vows to ‘stand up to the crazy’ on both sides
Former Maryland Governor and current Republican Senate nominee Larry Hogan sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss why he’s running to flip a seat long held by Democrats and what he will do if he wins.
Hogan, who was popular even among Democrats when he left office in 2023, makes the case for Maryland voters to support him over Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, vowing to be an independent voice in the
Hillary Clinton braces for an October surprise, warns of Trump 2.0 threat
Hillary Clinton sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about threats to press freedom around the world, crises in the Middle East, and the stakes of the 2024 election.
In a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York City, the former secretary of state assesses the dangers faced by journalists abroad and in the U.S.
Clinton–who is out with a new book, “Something Lost, So
‘I’d be a fool to dredge that up’: Bill O’Reilly faces questions about harassment settlements
Bill O’Reilly sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his latest book, the presidential race, and the sexual harassment allegations that led to his firing from Fox News.
In Confronting the Presidents, O’Reilly and co-author Martin Dugard present essays on each of the nation’s presidents. O’Reilly defends their depiction of Herbert Hoover and his approach to history.
He addresses the presidential
Fmr. Trump economic adviser: Harris agenda is ‘consistent with the socialist playbook’
Economist Kevin Hassett joins Margaret Hoover to talk about economic policies laid out by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in their debate this week.
Hassett, who chaired the White House Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump administration, defends Trump’s handling of the economy both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and blames the Biden administratio
California Sen. Alex Padilla makes the case for Kamala Harris
California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris, his longtime friend and colleague.
The son of Mexican immigrants, Padilla was appointed to Harris’ seat after she won the vice presidency in 2020. An MIT graduate, he initially hoped to become an aerospace engineer. But he was instead drawn to politics when, in 1994, California voters passed a pro
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says America is ‘over ruled’
Justice Neil Gorsuch sits down with Margaret Hoover at the Supreme Court to talk about his new book, Over Ruled, and his concern that America has “too much law.”
In its recent term, the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron doctrine, a precedent established in 1984 that required judges to defer to federal agencies when interpreting unclear statutes. Gorsuch explains why that longstanding approach h
GOP Sen. and combat vet Joni Ernst on Ukraine, antisemitism, and restoring civility
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst sits down with Margaret Hoover in Iowa to talk about her life and her views on trade and foreign policy.
Ernst, a combat veteran, explains why she advocates for confronting threats abroad and providing strong support to Israel and Ukraine. She also reflects on how a visit to Soviet-controlled Ukraine in 1989 helped shape her position.
She details her response to antisemi
Why the 2024 election will be free and fair, according to three experts
Margaret Hoover discusses what it will take to ensure a secure and accurate vote count in 2024 with three experts: Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Republican election lawyer Ben Ginsberg, and David Becker of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research.
Ahead of Firing Line’s “Counting the Vote” documentary–premiering on PBS on Aug. 27–the experts address how
James Carville says Democrats are ‘in a better position’ with Harris instead of Biden
Legendary Democratic strategist James Carville talks to Margaret Hoover about the state of the 2024 presidential race after the withdrawal of President Joe Biden and the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Carville explains why he had long urged Democrats to replace the aging Biden and why he is satisfied with supporting Harris without a competitive primary process. He also pushes back agai
Is the 2024 race over? Only if Dems stick with Biden, Mike Murphy says
Veteran Republican strategist Mike Murphy, an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, assesses the state of the presidential race in the wake of Trump’s attempted assassination and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Murphy tells Margaret Hoover why he believes Joe Biden needs to withdraw from the race and how he thinks Democrats should approach replacing him as their nominee. He also lays
China wants to ‘render the United States irrelevant,’ says former NSC official Matt Pottinger
Matt Pottinger, who served as deputy national security advisor under former President Trump, talks to Margaret Hoover about the geopolitical and economic stakes of defending Taiwan and the challenge of deterring China.
Pottinger, editor and co-author of “The Boiling Moat: Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan,” assesses Xi Jinping’s ambitions and timeline for a potential invasion, and he details what the
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