Firing Line With Margaret Hoover podcast

#Politics #News #Line With Margaret Hoover

30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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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.

164 episodes

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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164 episodes

#Politics #News #Line With Margaret Hoover

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Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

1
Lessons in grief and gratitude with Kelsey Grammer 37:45

6 days ago37:45

37:45

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 and stabbed 42 times in 1975 when she was 19. “She was my North Star,” Grammer tells Hoover in an emotional interview. He also recalls how acting helped him overcome his grief and his self-destructive behavior in the wake of his sister's murder. “I had this almost miraculous outlet that made me a whole person.” Grammer was inspired to write the book after working with a medium who helped him connect with Karen and discover her wish for him to write her story. Grammer takes the reader on a long, stream-of-consciousness style journey through his memories and emotions. After spending three years writing the book, Grammer says he is more grateful now than ever before, and he hopes that this book will help other people heal, too. Grammer is well known as a rare conservative in Hollywood and has even been seen at Mar-a-Lago. He defends President Trump as representing the “common man,” and he rejects claims that the country is moving towards oligarchy. “Oligarchy is malarkey,” he says. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer defends Trump’s tariffs 56:56

13 days ago56:56

56:56

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 doubts chaos in financial markets will unseat the dollar as a global reserve currency, but he argues a weaker dollar could have benefits. A longtime critic of NAFTA and open trade with communist China, Lighthizer credits Trump for changing the debate about trade in America and trying to solve the problems caused by globalization. He also challenges critics who say tariffs are the wrong approach to come up with a viable alternative. Lighthizer assesses the potential for tariffs to drive up consumer prices and whether they could fuel broader inflation. He admits Trump’s implementation of his “Liberation Day” tariffs was not perfect, and he reflects on whether he would join the new administration if asked. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Changing the recipe – and changing the world – with José Andrés 35:36

20 days ago35:36

35:36

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 away from peace negotiations. "I support his willingness to achieve peace, but he has to achieve peace on the side of Ukraine." One year after an Israeli drone strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza, Andrés says he will "forever" remember their sacrifice. "Those are people that make the decision to be next to the voiceless and next to the poor and the hungry." After watching governments respond slowly and inefficiently to disasters around the world, Andrés urges the U.S. to think about how it can be more efficient when it comes to giving. “Doing good is okay, but today in the 21st century, we must do smart good." Andrés also talks about tackling food insecurity in the U.S., President Trump’s deportation efforts, and threats to the rule of law. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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The trouble with tariffs, with conservative economist Glenn Hubbard 42:48

27 days ago42:48

42:48

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 prices, disrupted supply chains, job losses and lost output,” he says, adding that it also creates uncertainty for businesses. Hubbard, who once served as chair of Pres. George W. Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors, says it is “not at all obvious” that reviving U.S. manufacturing will solve America's economic challenges. “Even if we bring back a big manufacturing sector,” he says, “we're not going to bring back manufacturing employment.” Hubbard says China poses legitimate national security concerns for the U.S., but that tariffs are not the “most effective” way to respond. "We can never truly be decoupled from China," he adds, noting a need to cooperate in response to global crises. Hubbard also discusses the danger of lost confidence in U.S. markets, how Congress should tackle tax cuts and deficits, and why Bush didn’t listen when he advised against imposing steel tariffs. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Challenges to journalism in the age of Trump: A Firing Line forum 38:03

6 weeks ago38:03

38:03

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 says the obligation to call out Trump’s lies puts the media in a difficult position. "If you don't go far enough, people say that you're carrying his water. If you go too far, you're being hostile." In an evolving and increasingly fragmented media landscape, Martin is less concerned about the survival of national papers than more regional and local ones like The Washington Post and the L.A. Times. “The benevolent billionaire model clearly isn't working now.” Shrum, a veteran Democratic strategist, says the loss of local news poses a “huge” threat to democracy and the dangers facing journalism run much deeper than just Trump. The panelists also address the impact of Trump’s litigation against media outlets, the rise of podcasters and influencers, and how changes in media are affecting political messaging. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Author Lawrence Perelman looks back on his friendship with William F. Buckley Jr. 48:56

9 weeks ago48:56

48:56

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 hundred years after Buckley’s birth, Perelman joins “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” to discuss his friendship with the original host of the program, which became the “centerpiece” of his life as he performed regularly at Buckley’s dinner parties. Perelman says Buckley had a “superpower” for friendship, enabling him to develop relationships across the political spectrum and influence the world. "If not for William F. Buckley Jr., there would be, I believe, no Ronald Reagan," says Perelman, whose parents were Soviet immigrants. "There would have not been an end to the Soviet Union, and we wouldn't have the freedoms that we had." Perelman also reflects on Buckley's character, the values he represented, and how Buckley might understand what’s become of American conservatism since his death. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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NYT columnist Ross Douthat on Trump and the new post-post-Cold War era 52:34

10 weeks ago52:34

52:34

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 responsibility, he says that calling Zelensky a dictator “is not a good plan.” He also suggests a lasting peace will depend on whether Putin negotiates in good faith and whether the U.S. and Europe can provide a credible security guarantee. Douthat explains why tariffs appeal to Trump, but he says the way the administration has approached threatening and imposing them on allies like Mexico and Canada does not amount to a “coherent, long-term policy plan.” Douthat also talks about his new book on The New York Times bestseller list, “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious." He reflects on signs of growing openness to religion in society, the mystical side of UFO culture, and the stumbling blocks that deter some people from embracing faith. The devout Catholic also comments on the state of the Catholic Church as Pope Francis’ health declines. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Trump, tariffs, and tax cuts 25:39

11 weeks ago25:39

25:39

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 U.S. imports. Hassett, who previously served as chairman of Trump’s White House Council of Economic Advisors, pushes back against Kamala Harris’ criticisms of Trump’s policies and predicts federal spending cuts if he is elected. He also comments on the importance of an independent Federal Reserve and responds to fellow Republicans who called Trump a threat to democracy after January 6th. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Who will pay Trump’s tariffs? A Firing Line forum with Jeff Ferry and Scott Lincicome 43:46

12 weeks ago43:46

43:46

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 Americans. Speaking before a student audience at Hofstra University, Ferry defends President Trump’s tariffs, arguing that they will strengthen its domestic manufacturing industries and benefit Americans in the long run. “We need a new economic policy in this country,” says Ferry. Lincicome, a veteran trade attorney, disagrees, arguing that tariffs are a tax on American consumers and businesses that will inhibit growth and harm manufacturing. “Open economies—free economies—grow faster, grow better,” Lincicome said. Closed economies, on the other hand, are “a recipe for poverty.” Ferry and Lincicome also discuss the history of tariffs, their global impact, and take questions from Hofstra students. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

1
The real way to DOGE: Will Marshall and Philip K. Howard on Elon Musk’s deep state blitz 43:49

13 weeks ago43:49

43:49

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 Howard agree that the federal bureaucracy is due for an overhaul and must be streamlined. But Howard, who has written several books about improving government, argues that efficiency means being more responsive to the needs of Americans. “We need to make government work better,” he says. “Not get rid of it.” Marshall, who also supports reforming and modernizing the government, says that solutions to inefficiency in government are very different from the ones used in the private sector, and that Musk has brought the country to a constitutional crisis. The two longtime reform advocates also reflect on past efforts to reorganize the federal government, discuss the importance of trust for any successful reform initiative, and take questions from Hofstra students. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

1
A Surgeon General's Warning: Dr. Richard Carmona on RFK Jr.’s nomination 38:41

14 weeks ago38:41

38:41

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 acknowledges some valid concerns raised by the Make America Healthy Again movement. Carmona, who advised Arizona’s governor during COVID-19, reflects on lessons learned from the pandemic about public health communication, mitigation strategies, and vaccine hesitancy. He also assesses the importance of global health security and details actions he believes are needed to restore trust in public health officials and prepare for the next pandemic. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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'Time for Democratic outrage’: Mike Murphy and James Carville on the new Trump era 34:59

15 weeks ago34:59

34:59

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 response from his opponents, and how Democrats can reshape their message going forward. Carville, one of the leaders of Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 campaign, explains why he has called for Democrats to “go populist” and take on “preachy women” in the party’s campaign culture. He also details what he sees as missteps by Biden and Harris in 2024. Murphy, a former adviser to John McCain and Mitt Romney and longtime Trump critic who now serves as co-director of the Center for the Political Future, comments on the future of the GOP and the MAGA movement, and he reflects on the “competence crisis” Democrats face in the wake of the California wildfires. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

1
Newt Gingrich takes on GOP skepticism of legal immigration 44:08

16 weeks ago44:08

44:08

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 illegal immigration, and he explains how the stories of nine immigrants told in the documentary–including Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, and Hedy Lamarr–exemplify the value of legal immigration. Gingrich discusses the career of Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born immigrant who helped the Trump administration negotiate the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban, and he assesses America’s responsibility to Afghan allies who were left behind. Reflecting on the life of Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian immigrant, he also comments on the prospects for peace in Ukraine as Trump places new pressure on Russia. Gingrich addresses Trump’s effort to redefine birthright citizenship, his refusal to enforce the TikTok ban passed by Congress, and his pardons of January 6th rioters who assaulted police officers. He also comments on whether Trump is likely to pursue investigations of former President Biden. “Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich” is streaming now on PBS.org and the PBS app. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Fox analyst Juan Williams: ‘We are at a critical juncture in terms of race’ 1:05:21

17 weeks ago1:05:21

1:05:21

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 rights movement in the 21st century. Williams details how civil rights activism has changed in the Black Lives Matter era, explains why he considers Barack Obama one of the country’s most misunderstood presidents, and reflects on the challenges faced by a decentralized movement that lacks prominent leaders like Dr. King. The Fox News senior political analyst assesses his role in right-wing media and comments on Trump’s selection of Fox colleagues like Pete Hegseth to serve in his Cabinet. He also addresses the rollback of diversity efforts in corporate America and the prospects for a third civil rights movement in the future. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Defying a dictator: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina, and Natalia Kaliada 43:25

18 weeks ago43:25

43:25

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 the story of her journey from Belarusian Olympic basketball player to political activist. In 2020, Tsikhanouskaya’s husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested shortly after announcing he would run against Lukashenko. He remains in custody today, but Tsikhanouskaya ran in his place, failing to unseat Lukashenko in an election widely seen as a sham. Snytsina recalls how the mass protests that followed that election inspired her to speak out and leave the national women’s basketball team. Kaliada discusses the genesis of the play and explains why art can be a uniquely effective weapon against dictators. Tsikhanouskaya reflects on life in Belarus today, offers a warning for Americans about the urgency of defending democracy abroad, and looks ahead to the country’s January 2025 presidential election, which she expects will be a “farce.” This interview was recorded in September after a performance of KS6: Small Forward at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Phillip I. Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Peggy Noonan: GOP senators ‘will regret it’ if they don’t serve as check on Trump 48:05

21 weeks ago48:05

48:05

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 that provided a launching pad for Trump. The Wall Street Journal columnist assesses controversial Trump Cabinet nominees like Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth and talks about the need for Republican senators to take their constitutional responsibility to advise and consent seriously. Noonan reflects on her 50-year career in media and politics, what she learned from working in radio, and her advice for reporters covering Trump today. The devout Catholic also comments on Pope John Paul II’s role in the fight against communism and why Pope Francis confuses her. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Journalists under attack abroad: Alsu Kurmasheva, Maria Ressa, and Jonathan Munro 32:21

22 weeks ago32:21

32:21

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 her captivity, the global campaign for her release, and the dangers her colleagues still face. Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, who faced prosecution for standing up to autocracy in the Philippines, assesses the role of social media and advanced technology in spreading misinformation and undermining democracy. BBC News Global Director Jonathan Munro, who oversees reporters working in conflict zones in Ukraine and the Middle East, explains what governments can do to defend the truth across the globe and hold tech platforms accountable. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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The Fight to Free Jimmy Lai: Sebastien Lai and attorney Jonathan Price 45:07

25 weeks ago45:07

45:07

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, he took the witness stand at his trial this week as he faces a possible sentence of life in prison. Sebastien explains what led his father to launch Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper that was often critical of Beijing, and why he stayed to fight even when he knew he was risking arrest. Price talks about how the national security law implemented in 2020 changed Hong Kong and how difficult it is to defend someone charged under it. Sebastien responds to the British government’s advocacy for his father’s release, as well as President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to help. He also addresses the Vatican’s silence on the case despite his father’s devout Catholicism. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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AEI’s Kori Schake on the ‘genuine risk’ and potential upside of Trump 2.0 foreign policy 43:18

26 weeks ago43:18

43:18

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. Although she has opposed Trump since 2016 and sees him as a genuine threat to constitutional order, Schake recognizes some areas–like defense spending and Middle East policy–where he might improve on existing policies and advance America’s interests. Schake assesses Trump’s Cabinet choices for foreign policy roles, including the selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, and she warns against politicizing the military. She defends America’s alliances and raises concerns about the influence of Elon Musk. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Jon Meacham on what Trump’s reelection means for the soul of the nation 31:35

27 weeks ago31:35

31:35

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 this moment. Meacham, who has advised President Biden and helped him draft speeches, assesses the institutional guardrails that could constrain Trump in a second term–and tells Hoover why he fears they will not. Meacham responds to calls from conservatives for Biden to pardon Trump and reflects on whether Trump’s norm-shattering behavior and election denial will prove to be an aberration in American history or a new status quo. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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H.R. McMaster: America is electing a wartime president 48:05

28 weeks ago48:05

48:05

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 president and offers insight into challenges posed by Iran, China, and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. McMaster reflects on how Trump’s approach benefited American interests in some instances but undermined them in others. The retired Army lieutenant general also explains why he holds both Trump and President Biden responsible for the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. While he says Trump’s threats and promises about his second-term agenda should be taken seriously, McMaster has confidence there would be effective checks on abuses of presidential power like deploying the military against Americans. However, he also tells Hoover Trump’s preemptive efforts to cast doubt on the election results “should give us all pause” and cautions against demagoguery on both sides. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Counting the vote: A bipartisan panel on voting, elections & Elon Musk 52:55

29 weeks ago52:55

52:55

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 and logistical challenges that may emerge in the weeks ahead. They also comment on litigation already underway over noncitizens voting, overseas voters, and voter roll maintenance. Benson and Richer address their efforts to correct misinformation spread by Elon Musk and the threats they have faced for defending election integrity. Ginsberg also assesses the legality of Musk’s PAC giving away $1 million a day to swing state voters. The guests lay out their concerns about potential chaos and violence surrounding the vote count and whether they see reasons for hope. They also answer questions from the audience and explain how to effectively engage with election skeptics. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Gov. Josh Shapiro says the 2024 race is a ‘jump ball’ in Pennsylvania 36:33

30 weeks ago36:33

36:33

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 and to explain her shifting positions on energy. Shapiro, who was on the short list to be the vice presidential nominee, highlights support for Harris from prominent Republicans–like former Rep. Charlie Dent–and denounces Trump’s false attacks on immigrants in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. After a slow vote count sowed confusion in 2020, Shapiro addresses the state’s failure to approve preprocessing of absentee ballots, explains why votes will still be counted faster this year, and assures voters that he and Republican Secretary of State Al Schmidt are prepared to defend the integrity and accuracy of the results. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Condoleezza Rice on Israel, Ukraine, and the perils of American isolationism 32:10

31 weeks ago32:10

32:10

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 engagement to counter them. Rice assesses the current state of the conflict in the Middle East as Israel fights Iran’s proxies in Gaza and Lebanon and the threat of escalation looms. She offers insight into the weaknesses of the Iranian regime and opportunities for the U.S. and Israel to exploit them. Rice makes the case for continued U.S. support for Ukraine and for promotion of democracy more broadly, and she reflects on lessons learned from the 2006 Gaza elections that put Hamas in power. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan vows to ‘stand up to the crazy’ on both sides 30:32

32 weeks ago30:32

30:32

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 Senate and a check on the extremes of both parties. Hogan assesses the vice presidential debate, criticizing J.D. Vance’s “whitewash” of January 6th but praising the civil tone of the event. Hogan defends his own refusal to support Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in November and details concerns he has about electing either of them. Hogan also addresses America’s role in the world as tensions rise between Israel and Iran, his stance on abortion rights, and the prospect of a post-Trump Republican Party. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Hillary Clinton braces for an October surprise, warns of Trump 2.0 threat 29:37

33 weeks ago29:37

29:37

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, Something Gained”--reflects on her efforts to evacuate women and their families during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and offers insight on campus protests against the war in Gaza. The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee also speaks extensively about the risks to democracy she sees in a second Donald Trump presidency, the Republican Party’s softening stance on Russia, and the possibility of an October surprise upending the race for the White House. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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‘I’d be a fool to dredge that up’: Bill O’Reilly faces questions about harassment settlements 46:10

34 weeks ago46:10

46:10

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 debate and the potential impact of the assassination attempts on Donald Trump, as well as how conservative media has changed since he left cable news in 2017 and figures like Tucker Carlson gained prominence. Hoover then questions O’Reilly about the harassment allegations against him and the cultural issues raised by the fact that he has gotten a second chance at success while some of his accusers struggle to find work in television. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Fmr. Trump economic adviser: Harris agenda is ‘consistent with the socialist playbook’ 41:47

35 weeks ago41:47

41:47

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 administration for the spike in inflation since then. He assesses Harris’ “opportunity economy” agenda and the potential impact of policies like small business tax credits, housing down payment assistance, and taxing unrealized capital gains. He also explains why he sees Harris’ policies as socialist. Hassett outlines how Trump’s first-term tariffs worked and how Trump may approach trade policy in a second term. He also reflects on the Republican Party’s evolving position on free trade. Hassett discusses the likelihood of an interest rate cut and the importance of an independent Federal Reserve. He also addresses whether the economy is in a recession and whether Trump returning to the White House poses a threat to democracy. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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California Sen. Alex Padilla makes the case for Kamala Harris 36:36

38 weeks ago36:36

36:36

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 proposition banning undocumented immigrants from public services, including education and non-emergency health care. Padilla quickly rose through the Democratic ranks in the state, forging close relationships with figures like Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. After Newsom picked him to serve out the remainder of Harris’ term, he easily won the seat outright in 2022. In Washington, Padilla is known as a fierce advocate for immigrants and their families. He discusses his opposition to President Biden’s border crackdown this year, and his hope that Harris handles immigration issues differently. He also defends Harris’ economic agenda, and lays out an argument for why all Americans — in particular Latino voters — should support the Democratic ticket in November. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles R. Schwab and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.…

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

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Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says America is ‘over ruled’ 46:21

39 weeks ago46:21