Season 2024
Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
Episodes
Tim Alberta
Journalist Tim Alberta discusses his new best-selling book exploring evangelical Christians' steadfast loyalty to Donald Trump. He examines the fear driving Christian nationalism and the impact of faith-based politics on the 2024 election.
Tony Gonzales
Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who represents nearly half of the U.S.-Mexico border, discusses the influx of migrants, why they’re coming, his policy ideas addressing the crisis, and whether bipartisan agreement on the issue is possible.
Chris Sununu
New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu explains why he supports Nikki Haley for president in the lead-up to the crucial first 2024 primary in his state. He discusses her chances against Trump, his stance on a Trump-Biden rematch, and the GOP's future.
Deborah Lipstadt
Amb. Deborah Lipstadt—Biden’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism—discusses the spike in hatred toward Jews since Oct. 7 and the silence from many over Hamas’ atrocities. She explains why it is a threat to democracy and how to fight it.
David Petraeus
Ret. Gen. David Petraeus discusses the U.S. response to the Iran-backed militia's drone strike that killed three American troops. He comments on Israel's campaign in Gaza, strategies to prevent Hamas' resurgence, and the necessity of aid to Ukraine.
Sheila Johnson
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET who now owns sports teams and luxury hotels, discusses her memoir “Walk Through Fire” on how she overcame adversity to become America’s first Black female billionaire.
Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen discusses “Life After Power,” his new book about post-presidential roles—from John Quincy Adams’ nine terms in Congress to Herbert Hoover's humanitarian work to George W. Bush's painting—and says ex-presidents are essential to democracy.
Firing Line forum: Conservatives on Trump 2.0
At Hofstra University, Margaret Hoover leads a forum with two conservatives on the impact of a second Trump term. Amanda Carpenter warns of Trump's authoritarian impulses; Mike Gonzalez argues Trump would restore effective conservative policies.
Firing Line forum: Examining The Electoral College
Margaret Hoover moderates a forum at Hofstra U. on whether the Electoral College should be abolished. Save our States founder Trent England argues to keep it while the New York Times’ Jesse Wegman supports replacing it with a national popular vote.
Jonathan Haidt
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses his new book, "The Anxious Generation," which explores how social media and phone-based parenting led to Gen Z's mental health crisis. He says young brains have been rewired and calls for societal change.
Ari Wallach
Futurist and author Ari Wallach discusses his PBS series “A Brief History of the Future,” exploring innovations and ideas, from 3-D printed homes to fusion energy, that could solve our biggest challenges and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Coleman Hughes
Coleman Hughes, podcast host and author of “The End of Race Politics,” argues for a colorblind America. He critiques affirmative action and DEI, calls some anti-racism efforts “neoracist,” and discusses why he prefers class-based policies.
Melissa Murray
Constitutional scholar Melissa Murray discusses Donald Trump’s first criminal trial in Manhattan, the importance of jury selection, the political implications of trying a former president, and what to expect in Trump’s three other criminal cases.
Stephen Richer
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a Republican who has taken heat from the GOP for rejecting election lies, discusses the new indictment of Trump allies in Arizona over attempts to overturn the 2020 election and preparations for the 2024 race.
Frank Bruni
NYT columnist Frank Bruni discusses his new book, The Age of Grievance, about the culture of victimhood in American politics and society, including on college campuses. He examines its effects and offers solutions for overcoming this divisive trend.
Fareed Zakaria
Journalist Fareed Zakaria discusses his book, “Age of Revolutions,” and says technological, political, and cultural upheaval may make now the most revolutionary time in history. He urges Biden to change his policies on the border and on Israel.
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses “An Unfinished Love Story,” her new book examining the 1960s through the eyes of her late husband, presidential speechwriter Richard Goodwin. She reflects on how history inspires hope.
George Conway
Conservative attorney George Conway defends the merits of the New York hush money case against Trump as the verdict nears. He calls the former president a narcissist who is unfit for office and says a second term would make the nation ungovernable.
Dan Senor
Author and podcast host Dan Senor discusses the daring rescue of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, prospects for a cease-fire deal, the new U.N. report accusing both Hamas and Israel of war crimes, and the potential for a new conflict with Hezbollah.
Ritchie Torres
Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx, an Afro-Latino Democrat, discusses his split with progressives, Trump’s rally in his district, and Biden’s struggles with voters of color. He reflects on his childhood in public housing and his support for Israel.
Edward O’Keefe
Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, discusses his book on the 26th president and the five women who shaped him. He also reflects on Roosevelt’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary politics.
Matt Pottinger
Former Trump Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger says China's cold war against the U.S. is intensifying. He discusses tensions over Taiwan, the importance of deterrence, how China views Trump and Biden, and where the country is headed.
Mike Murphy
GOP strategist Mike Murphy says Democrats need to replace President Biden on the ticket to have a solid chance in the 2024 election, discusses the ascension of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and weighs in on ways to tone down heated political rhetoric.
James Carville
Legendary political strategist James Carville discusses how President Biden's decision to step aside has reshaped the 2024 election, assesses Vice President Kamala Harris' chances in November and gives his fellow Democrats advice on how to win.
Jocelyn Benson, Benjamin Ginsberg and David Becker
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, GOP lawyer Benjamin Ginsberg and election expert David Becker discuss the security and integrity of American elections ahead of November's contest between former President Trump and Vice President Harris.
Joni Ernst
Iowa's Joni Ernst — one of the top Republicans in the U.S. Senate — shares her views on standing up to antisemitism and violence against women, the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, and why civility still matters in politics.
Neil Gorsuch
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch discusses his new book "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law" and makes the case that federal agencies and unaccountable bureaucrats have far too much power over Americans' lives.
Alex Padilla
California Sen. Alex Padilla makes his case for Vice President Kamala Harris, explains his opposition to President Biden's border crackdown and argues that Latino voters should support the Democratic ticket in November.
Kevin Hassett
Top Trump White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett discusses this week's presidential debate, defends the former president's economic agenda — including new tariffs — and critiques Vice President Kamala Harris' economic plans.
Bill O’Reilly
Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly sits down with Margaret Hoover, a former guest on "The O'Reilly Factor." The conversation covers his new book on America's presidents, the 2024 race, and sexual harassment allegations that led to his exit from Fox.
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses Vice President Kamala Harris' road to the White House, how to stand up to America's rivals abroad, the state of the two major political parties, and the role of a free press.
Larry Hogan
Former GOP Gov. Larry Hogan talks about running for the U.S. Senate in deep-blue Maryland, his message to Democratic voters, his support for abortion rights and how he would remain an independent voice in an era of partisan polarization.
Condoleezza Rice
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses the perils of isolationism, the need for the U.S. and its allies to stand up to authoritarian states, and her assessment of Israel's war with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro makes his case for Vice President Kamala Harris, discusses how she can win the most closely-watched swing state, and outlines bipartisan efforts to ensure a safe and secure election amid baseless claims of fraud.
Election Panel: Jocelyn Benson, Stephen Richer, Ben Ginsberg
A panel of election experts — Democrat Jocelyn Benson, Republican Stephen Richer, and GOP election lawyer Ben Ginsberg — discuss how votes will be counted this November, Elon Musk's claims about the election, and when Americans will know the results.
H.R. McMaster
Former Trump National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster discusses global threats ahead of next week’s presidential election, evaluates the consequences of Trump’s "disruptive" style, and responds to his former boss's stated second-term agenda.
Jon Meacham
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham reflects on former President Trump’s victory over Vice President Harris, how it impacts President Biden’s legacy, and what the outcome of the 2024 election means for the soul of America.
Kori Schake
AEI senior fellow Kori Schake assesses Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy, his first Cabinet choices, and how his second presidency could impact America’s allies and adversaries. She also warns against politicization of the military.
Sebastien Lai, Jonathan Price
Sebastien Lai—whose father, publisher Jimmy Lai, is on trial in Hong Kong for alleged national security crimes—and attorney Jonathan Price discuss the charges, the decline of freedom in Hong Kong, and international support for his father’s release.
Alsu Kurmasheva, Maria Ressa and Jonathan Munro
With media freedom threatened worldwide, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva–recently released from wrongful detention in Russia–Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and the BBC’s Jonathan Munro discuss the dangers reporters face abroad.
Peggy Noonan
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Peggy Noonan discusses Trump’s second term, his Cabinet picks, and her new book, "A Certain Idea of America." The former Reagan speechwriter reflects on her career in politics and media and how Trump changed the GOP.
Catalog
