Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

As the end of Donald Trump’s first trial nears, Margaret Hoover sits down with conservative attorney and former Trump supporter George Conway to discuss the case and the prospect of another Trump presidency.

Conway defends the Manhattan prosecution, talks about watching Trump in the courtroom, and explains why he disagrees with those who say the case is driven by politics. He also argues Trump has received preferential treatment from the courts, including in the classified documents case overseen by Judge Aileen Cannon, who he says is “corrupt” and “not competent.”

Conway, whose ex-wife Kellyanne managed Trump’s 2016 campaign, explains why he sees a second Trump term as a threat to American democracy and why he now believes Trump is a narcissistic sociopath who is unfit for public office.

Conway, a longtime member of the Federalist Society, assesses whether Trump’s Supreme Court nominations were worth the damage he has done and why conservative institutions have failed to respond to his abuses of power. He also addresses reports of an upside-down American flag seen at Justice Samuel Alito’s home in January 2021.

Conway reflects on his own political evolution from a key player in Bill Clinton’s impeachment to big-dollar donor to Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. He contrasts Clinton and Trump, and he explains why he teared up when he cast a vote for Biden in 2020.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss “An Unfinished Love Story,” her new book recounting the 1960s from her perspective and that of her late husband, presidential speechwriter Dick Goodwin.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer recalls the genesis of the project and reflects on the difference between writing about her husband and long-dead presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. She details Dick Goodwin’s work for John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, including writing Johnson’s address to Congress after the Bloody Sunday march in Selma.

Goodwin also addresses declining trust in government since Johnson’s presidency, which she traces to his handling of the Vietnam War. She discusses her husband’s later work on Al Gore’s 2000 concession speech and how presidential candidates recognized the importance of putting patriotism before partisanship after close elections prior to 2020. 

Goodwin considers parallels between the 1850s and today and the prospect that current divisions will lead to another civil war. She also explains why she sees her own love story with America as unfinished and why she believes the country has a long way to go to live up to its ideals.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Author and journalist Fareed Zakaria joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his recent book, “Age of Revolutions,” and how past periods of progress and backlash inform our present revolutionary moment.

Zakaria, host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS,” reflects on a full-blown cultural backlash against decades of social and political change that has fueled the rise of Donald Trump. He also discusses the next industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence and the progress and disruption it may cause.

Zakaria comments on the challenge President Biden faces addressing the crisis at the southern border. He also addresses campus protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza and what he sees as the failure of Biden’s efforts to influence Israeli policy.

Assessing America’s place in a changing world, Zakaria makes an argument for aggressive U.S. support for Ukraine and voices concern about the impact of emerging Republican isolationism in a second Trump presidency. He discusses the race between Trump and Biden, the prospect of a historic political realignment, and the parallels between 1968 and 2024.

(NOTE: This interview was recorded on May 1, prior to the announcement that the U.S. has put arms shipments to Israel on hold out of concern that American weapons would be used in an assault on the city of Rafah.)

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about college protests, grievance politics, and how to restore humility in a fractured country.

Bruni, author of “The Age of Grievance” and a professor at Duke University, discusses the roots of anti-Israel sentiment on campuses and the double standards behind progressive speech codes. He also addresses the rise of a culture of victimhood on the right and explains how grievances manifest differently across the political spectrum.

Bruni touches on activists’ response to the arrest of NBA player Brittney Griner in Russia, the “revenge tour” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and what Gen Z social justice warriors should learn from the success of the campaign for marriage equality. 

He also looks ahead to a pivotal presidential election and assesses how the dueling grievances of the left and right could impact the campaign.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer – a Republican election official in Arizona’s most populous county – to discuss the new indictment of allies of Donald Trump for their fake elector scheme in 2020 and how he’s preparing for the 2024 election.

Richer recalls the “unrelenting” pressure that Arizona officials faced to overturn the 2020 election results and praises figures like former Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bower for resisting the president’s demands. He addresses how Republicans have responded to the indictment and whether Trump should also be held accountable for his actions in Arizona.

Richer, who is suing Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake for defamation, talks about the harassment, threats, and conspiracy theories he has confronted and how defending the integrity of Arizona’s elections has alienated him from many in his party. He also explains why he will blame Lake and Trump if anyone in his office is harmed by election deniers.

Richer tells Hoover how he is working to bolster confidence in this November’s election as he faces a far-right primary challenge himself, and he reflects on his place in the Republican Party and his future in public service.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

As Donald Trump’s first criminal trial begins, Margaret Hoover sits down with NYU law professor Melissa Murray to discuss the historic proceedings and what prosecuting a former president means for America.

Murray, co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, breaks down the charges filed by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, addresses the challenges of selecting an impartial jury, and responds to Trump’s complaints that he has been mistreated by the justice system.

Murray, who co-wrote a book about the Trump indictments with former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, comments on the latest developments in the former presidents’ three other criminal cases and explains why they might not go to trial before the election.

She also previews Supreme Court oral arguments related to January 6th and Trump’s claim of absolute immunity, and she reacts to calls from the left for the retirement of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, for whom she once clerked.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Coleman Hughes, author of “The End of Race Politics,” joins Margaret Hoover to lay out his argument against race-based policies and in favor of a colorblind approach.

Hughes, host of the Conversations with Coleman podcast, traces the roots of his colorblind philosophy from the Civil War through the civil rights era, making the case that leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin would have opposed the views of today’s anti-racist activists.

The descendant of a slave, Hughes tells Hoover why he rejects the notion of inherited trauma and why he believes class-based policies are better suited to combating inequality than race-based ones like affirmative action.

He explains why he calls scholars like Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi “neoracists” and why he welcomes the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, but he distances himself from prominent figures on the right like Donald Trump.

Hughes also defends his recent Free Press column arguing that Derek Chauvin should have been acquitted of killing George Floyd.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Futurist Ari Wallach joins Margaret Hoover to discuss “A Brief History of the Future,” his new PBS series exploring the ideas and technologies that could help humanity build better tomorrows.

Wallach reflects on the “intertidal” moment society currently faces and explains why he believes decisions made in the years ahead will have ramifications for generations to come.

He assesses the implications of emerging tools like artificial intelligence and the challenge posed by humanity’s innate negativity bias. He calls for “cathedral thinking” to develop long-term solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, and he weighs in on Elon Musk’s vision for Mars exploration.

Wallach explains why “protopias” are preferable to utopias, details what it takes to become great ancestors to our descendants, and reveals what ultimately gives him hope for the future.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover sits down with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt to discuss how social media and smartphones have rewired childhood and put the mental health of a generation of kids at risk.

Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” argues a surge in anxiety and depression among Gen Z is a consequence of constant smartphone use that has crowded out traditional forms of play since 2010, and he explains how mental illness has manifested differently in girls and boys. 

The NYU professor and father details his proposals for changing norms of parenting and eliminating smartphones in elementary and middle schools, and he addresses the role of Congress in creating this problem–and potentially helping to solve it.

Haidt tells Hoover about his “Free the Anxious Generation” movement, rebuts critics who say he overstates the evidence of a link between phone use and mental health, and explains why he considers TikTok “possibly the worst consumer product ever invented.”

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover hosts a forum at Hofstra University on whether America should abolish the Electoral College with writers Jesse Wegman and Trent England.

Wegman, author of “Let the People Pick the President” and a member of The New York Times editorial board, makes the case that the current system is unfair and undemocratic, empowering a handful of swing states to decide who leads the whole country.

England, who founded Save Our States and wrote “Why We Must Defend the Electoral College,” argues the Electoral College makes presidential campaigns both more national and more granular at the same time, forcing candidates to appeal to diverse factions of voters across the country who otherwise would have little influence.

Wegman and England discuss the history of the Electoral College, the intent of the nation’s founders, and how it all relates to slavery. They also debate the merits of a national popular vote and whether other reforms are possible, and they take questions from the student audience.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

In a special Firing Line forum recorded before a student audience at Hofstra University, Margaret Hoover talks to conservatives Amanda Carpenter and Mike Gonzalez about the potential ramifications of another Donald Trump presidency.

Carpenter, a writer and editor for Protect Democracy, believes a second Trump term would be far more damaging than the first, citing the former president’s threats to punish his enemies and promises to reward his allies. She warns the institutional guardrails that constrained him in the past would be weakened or eliminated in a new administration.

Gonzalez, who contributed to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 guidebook for the next conservative president, downplays concerns Trump would abuse power if he returned to office. He maintains the U.S. and the world were better off during Trump’s first three years in office than in President Biden’s first three years.

Carpenter and Gonzalez discuss Trump’s plans for immigration, foreign policy, and rooting out the “deep state” in the federal bureaucracy. Responding to questions from students, they also address the future of the Republican Party and what to expect in an eventual post-Trump America. 

Mike Gonzalez serves as a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation is listed for identification purposes only; no endorsement of a candidate by the organization is implied.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Jared Cohen, author of “Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House,” to discuss the unique role of the post-presidency in American democracy.

Cohen’s book explores how different ex-presidents have handled being out of power from Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush. He explains why examining the lives of former presidents interested him and what can be learned from their experiences.

He reflects on John Quincy Adams’ “second act” as an abolitionist congressman, contrasts Herbert Hoover’s reputation as president with the notable accomplishments of his post-presidency, and details how Jimmy Carter redefined the position of ex-president for modern times.

Cohen explains how Grover Cleveland’s return to the White House could offer a cautionary tale for a second Donald Trump term, and he reflects on what it will mean to have more ex-presidents alive at the same time in the decades to come.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Entrepreneur Sheila Johnson–who co-founded BET and went on to become America’s first Black female billionaire–sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her memoir and the personal and professional obstacles she has overcome to achieve success.

Johnson, who recently released “Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph,” reflects on her childhood and what she describes as an abusive first marriage to Bob Johnson, with whom she launched Black Entertainment Television in the early days of cable. She explains the original vision behind BET and the role she believes it could still play in society today.

Johnson used her profits from the 2001 sale of BET to open Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia, the first in a chain of luxury hotels. She also purchased a stake in the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, as well as the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards. She reflects on the massive pay gap between the WNBA and the NBA and what can be done about it.

Johnson, a supporter of President Joe Biden, assesses the stakes of the 2024 election and details her fears for a second Trump term. The prominent philanthropist also comments on the fallout from the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision and the need to create new opportunities for students of color.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Retired Gen. David Petraeus sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss retaliation for a fatal drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, as well as the latest developments in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Petraeus, co-author of Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, offers insight into the Biden administration’s deliberations on a response to the attack by an Iran-backed militia and why restoring deterrence against Iran is crucial.

The former four-star general, who led troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, reflects on the “fiendishly difficult” challenges Israel faces in its effort to destroy Hamas and the importance of planning to rebuild Gaza after the war. He comments on the controversy over UN relief workers allegedly assisting Hamas and the status of ongoing hostage negotiations.

Petraeus also addresses resistance to continued aid for Ukraine in Congress, and he explains how the conflict relates to preventing a potentially catastrophic war in China.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department’s special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the surge of hatred against Jews worldwide since October 7th and why she considers it a threat to democracy.

Lipstadt, who has studied antisemitism and Holocaust denialism for decades, details the double standard she sees in the muted response to the Hamas attack from organizations and corporations that have quickly spoken out against racism and other injustices in the past. She also questions why women’s rights groups have not been more vocal about Hamas’ use of sexual violence against women.

She reflects on the attitudes driving protests against Israel on college campuses and elsewhere, as well as the prospect that diplomatic progress in the Middle East could quell hostility toward Jews.

In addition, Lipstadt addresses China’s promotion of antisemitism, dissent within the Biden administration over the war in Gaza, and allegations that Israel is committing genocide. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu sits down with Margaret Hoover in Concord to make his case for Nikki Haley ahead of next week’s pivotal Republican presidential primary.

Sununu explains why he believes the former South Carolina governor is well-positioned to take on Donald Trump despite Trump’s decisive victory in Iowa and how his state’s independent streak and history of supporting underdogs could give her an edge.

The fourth-term governor contrasts Haley’s experience and electability with Trump, discusses their policy proposals, and reflects on what the outcome of the race could mean for the future of the GOP.

Despite his endorsement of Haley and his concerns about January 6th, Sununu defends his commitment to supporting Trump if he is the Republican nominee, and he argues a second Trump presidency would be better for the country than four more years of Joe Biden.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the record influx of migrants at the southern border and what it will take for Washington to confront the crisis.

Gonzales, whose district includes nearly half the U.S.-Mexico border, explains why the surge of migration is happening now, how it is different from previous upticks, and how its economic and social impact is increasingly being felt across the country.

He details his proposals to improve border security and protect legal immigration, as well as the challenge of convincing members of both parties to set aside politics and pursue real solutions. He also assesses the status of bipartisan immigration negotiations in the Senate.

Gonzales discusses GOP efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, his endorsement of Donald Trump for president in 2024, and his own reelection race. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Journalist Tim Alberta joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his reporting on the corruption of the evangelical movement by partisan politics and the role of the church in the ascendance of Donald Trump.

Alberta, the son of an evangelical preacher and author of “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” explains why the church has aligned behind Trump, providing one of his most loyal bases of support despite his character flaws, inflammatory rhetoric, and legal troubles. 

He also digs into the persecution complex at the root of the evangelical movement, how a sense of fear fueled by cable news has supplanted the faith-based message of the church, and what the rise of Christian nationalism could mean for a second Trump presidency.

Alberta, a staff writer for the Atlantic, assesses the state of the Republican primary race heading into the Iowa caucuses and offers his take on Nikki Haley’s campaign.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the explosion of antisemitism around the world and on college campuses since the October 7th Hamas attack.

Greenblatt responds to recent testimony by college presidents on Capitol Hill, accusing schools of hypocrisy in their handling of antisemitic incidents, and he reflects on why campuses have become hotbeds of hatred against Jews and Israel. He also details how the ADL is responding to the crisis and working to assist Jewish students.

While he says antisemitism can be more obvious on the right, Greenblatt explains how the threat manifests on the left and why it is important for Democratic leaders to speak out against progressives like Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar when they express, as he puts it, fringe views about Israel.

Greenblatt also comments on the surge of antisemitism on social media, his interactions with Elon Musk, and his disappointment with the lack of solidarity for Jews from progressive groups the ADL has aligned with in the past.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Margaret Hoover sits down with exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to discuss his efforts to advance democracy in his home country and around the world.

Lopez, who spent nearly four years in solitary confinement under Nicolas Maduro’s regime before fleeing the country in 2020, reflects on how life has changed in Venezuela under a repressive government that operates what he calls a “criminal economy” and the challenges the opposition movement faces.

He assesses the “fragile” state of democracy in the world today and explains the mission of the World Liberty Congress, which he co-founded to unite pro-democracy activists against a growing coalition of autocratic governments that includes Venezuela, Russia, and China.

Lopez also addresses the global ramifications of the war in Ukraine, China’s influence in South America, and the indictment of Sen. Robert Menendez, one of Maduro’s most vocal critics on Capitol Hill.

Speaking to Hoover in late September–before the government suspended the primary process and issued arrest warrants for Lopez and other opposition figures–Lopez expresses hope for Venezuela’s 2024 elections despite doubts that Maduro will allow a free and fair vote. He comments on shifts in U.S. policy under the Biden administration and what he believes the U.S. and its allies can do to help the Venezuelan people.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Georgia’s Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, in Atlanta to talk about his defense of the state’s 2020 election and preparations for 2024.

Raffensperger, who Donald Trump asked to “find” enough votes to overturn the election, discusses the Republican Party’s embrace of voter fraud conspiracy theories, as well as Democrats stoking fears about voter suppression. 

He touts the state’s election reforms–including voter ID requirements and risk-limiting audits–and disputes allegations that an election integrity law passed in 2021 was discriminatory.

Raffensperger also addresses investigations of Trump over his efforts to subvert Georgia’s election results, Trump’s recent rhetoric, and threats to poll workers in an increasingly polarized political environment.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides joins Margaret Hoover to discuss Israel’s response to the October 7th Hamas attack and why he believes the next 30 days may be the most important in the country’s history.

As Israel draws international scrutiny for its tactics, Nides addresses the challenges Israel faces in Gaza as it attempts to limit civilian casualties while fighting an enemy that hides in residential areas and hospitals. 

Nides, who served as President Biden’s ambassador until stepping down in July, responds to criticism of the administration’s policies toward Iran and assesses its efforts to deter Tehran and its proxies from escalating the war.

He also comments on building a post-Hamas Gaza, the prospects of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and confronting antisemitism on college campuses in the U.S.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Kimberly Kagan, founder and president of the Institute for the Study of War, talks to Margaret Hoover about the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, why they matter, and how they are connected.

The military historian who advised U.S. commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan assesses Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza and the potential challenges of waging urban warfare against Hamas. She also addresses the prospect of the conflict spiraling into a broader regional war with Iran.

Kagan reflects on Ukraine’s slow summer counteroffensive against Russia and explains the global ramifications if Western nations allow Putin’s invasion to succeed.

She also warns that the U.S. needs to “get real” about its own military preparedness, modernize its forces, and invest more in defense to confront emerging threats around the world.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Republican Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana and president of Purdue University, sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the dangers of rising federal debt, education reform, and fixing America’s broken politics.

Daniels, who worked for Ronald Reagan and served as director of President George W. Bush’s Office of Management and Budget, reflects on the nation’s failure under both Democratic and Republican administrations to rein in spending and reform programs like Social Security and Medicare–and he warns those decisions will have ‘unjust and unfair’ consequences.

After holding tuition at Purdue steady for over a decade, Daniels explains how he did it and what other schools can learn from it. He also addresses the challenges college administrators have faced responding to the October 7th Hamas attack in Israel and the inflammatory student protests that followed on some campuses.

Daniels, who resisted calls to run for president in 2012 and for Indiana’s open Senate seat in 2024, assesses a likely Trump-Biden rematch for the presidency and the prospects for a No Labels candidate to challenge them. He also offers advice for whoever wins the election to help move the country forward.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Terrorism expert Jonathan Schanzer joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the latest developments in Gaza and the next phase of Israel’s war against Hamas.

Schanzer, a senior vice president at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, explains why Israel has delayed its expected ground invasion of Gaza, how the more than 200 hostages held by Hamas complicate any military action, and why the notion of Hamas-supporting Qatar facilitating hostage negotiations strikes him as “Orwellian.” 

He assesses President Biden’s visit to Tel Aviv as the U.S. and Israel work to prevent Iran from escalating the conflict into a multi-front regional war. He also argues the Biden administration’s previous policies toward Iran emboldened Tehran and its terrorist proxies.

Schanzer, author of three books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, looks ahead to the future of Gaza and comments on the importance of the U.S. maintaining support for both Israel and Ukraine amid rising threats to the U.S.-led world order.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

New York Times columnist Bret Stephens joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the recent Hamas attack in Israel, the global response, and what it means for the future of the region.

Stephens, a former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, discusses how Israelis are processing the horror and why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be held accountable for pursuing policies that divided the country and hampered readiness.

As Israel moves to eradicate Hamas, Stephens addresses why he believes Iran played a role in the attack, how this crisis impacts Israel’s normalization of relations with Arab countries, and prospects for a future Palestinian state.

The conservative columnist applauds the moral clarity of President Biden’s response, but he expresses alarm at the rise of dangerous anti-Israel sentiments on the left and on college campuses.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Political scientist Yascha Mounk joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his latest book, “The Identity Trap,” and rising threats to democracy on the right and left.

Mounk–a professor at Johns Hopkins University and contributing writer for The Atlantic–explains how the identity-focused politics of the left have become a “trap” that he fears is likely to produce more prejudice and division, and he traces the evolution of these ideas as they increasingly take hold in mainstream institutions.

He offers examples of the harm this “identity synthesis” has caused in education and health care, details strategies for fighting back against it, and makes the case for a more universalist political philosophy.

Mounk, who has previously written about the dangers of populism, also takes on the identity politics of the right and warns that progressives’ embrace of unpopular ideas about race and gender could send Donald Trump back to the White House. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Biographer Walter Isaacson joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new bestselling biography of Elon Musk and what he learned from two years of observing the world’s richest man.

Isaacson explains how Musk’s turbulent childhood in South Africa left him with a love of science fiction and adventure that drives his innovations and aspirations, as well as a dark side that still haunts him today.

He details how SpaceX’s Starlink satellites have played a pivotal role in the war in Ukraine and why Musk ultimately ceded some control of them to the U.S. government. He also comments on Tesla’s ties to China and why the outspoken Musk seems hesitant to criticize Beijing.

Isaacson assesses Musk’s recent attacks on the Anti-Defamation League, his attitude toward hate speech and anti-Semitism on X, and his tendency to promote outlandish conspiracy theories.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Actor Liev Schreiber joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the war in Ukraine and his efforts to provide humanitarian aid through the organization he co-founded, BlueCheck Ukraine.

Schreiber discusses his Ukrainian roots and why he was inspired to help Ukraine after Russia’s invasion began. He explains how BlueCheck identifies and vets frontline relief groups to partner with and details some of the projects it has funded. 

He comments on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the United Nations and questions he raised about the effectiveness of the UN, as well as President Biden’s attempts to overcome “Ukraine fatigue” in the U.S.

Schreiber also reflects on the decline of political discourse, what he learned from his own visits to Ukraine, and how Zelensky’s training as an actor prepared him for this moment.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Writer, activist and comedian Baratunde Thurston sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the second season of “America Outdoors” on PBS and how the show attempts to “tell a better story of us” through nature.

Thurston reflects on moments in the new season that confront America’s history of racial violence, differing attitudes toward guns, and the impact of climate change, as well as how the outdoors can help bridge cultural and political divisions.

Thurston, a founding partner of digital media startup Puck, details his doubts about the evolution of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for society.

He also explains the premise and purpose of his podcast, “How to Citizen,” and his concerns about the state of American democracy heading into 2024 and a possible second Trump presidency.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum joins Margaret Hoover from Iowa, where he is campaigning for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, to discuss his strategy and his agenda. 

Burgum, a successful CEO who entered politics in 2016, explains why he is now running for president and why he thinks he can win despite frontrunner Donald Trump’s massive lead over the field.

He criticizes the Biden administration’s handling of energy, immigration, and national security and details how he would work to increase domestic energy production, secure the border, and win a cold war with China if elected.

Burgum reflects on his performance at the first GOP primary debate, voices concerns about the Republican nominating process, and says it’s time for the GOP to look forward rather than focusing on the 2020 election.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Roya Mahboob, who became Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO at 23, reflects on the U.S. withdrawal and how life has changed in the country since the Taliban returned to power.

Mahboob discusses her childhood in Afghanistan and Iran and how she became interested in technology, as well as what it was like to be a female CEO in a country where men were used to being in charge.

She explains why she formed the Afghan Dreamers, an all-girls robotics team that has competed around the world, and recalls her efforts to get the team and her own family out of Kabul to safety after the government fell.

Mahboob, who also co-founded the Digital Citizen Fund, assesses Afghanistan’s loss of freedom and democracy in the last two years and the regression of women’s rights. She also comments on continuing efforts to educate women underground and why she remains hopeful for the country’s future.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

GOP presidential candidate Will Hurd sits down with Margaret Hoover in Iowa to discuss his blunt criticism of Donald Trump, his policy agenda, and what he believes it means to be a modern Republican.

Hurd, a former congressman whose district included over 800 miles of the southern border, lays out his immigration reform plan, as well as his approach to gun violence and artificial intelligence. The former CIA officer also assesses the nation’s greatest national security threats, including China.

Hurd, who admits he is a “dark horse” candidate, outlines his strategy to appeal to primary voters frustrated by Trump and explains why he sees the GOP frontrunner as a “loser” whose renomination would guarantee Joe Biden’s victory in 2024.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Entrepreneur and GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his vision for America as he rises in the Republican primary polls, earning a spot on the August 23 debate stage. 

Ramaswamy said he thought Trump was “actually a very good president” but explained why he thinks Trump “fell short” and how he plans to go even further with an agenda that would radically reshape the U.S. government.

Joining “Firing Line” in Des Moines, Iowa just days before Trump was indicted for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election, Ramaswamy said he would pardon Trump because censorship—not the former president—was what ultimately caused the violence on Jan. 6. He has doubled down on that position since the indictment was handed down. 

The former biotech executive—who made a name for himself with his 2021 book “Woke, Inc.”—explained his critique of woke capitalism, his plan to end the war in Ukraine, and why he believes that climate change is not “an existential risk for humanity.”

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, “The People’s Justice,” and why he believes Justice Clarence Thomas is misunderstood.

Thapar explains the judicial philosophy of originalism and how he applies it in his own rulings, as well as addressing some common criticisms of the approach.

The federal judge also reflects on the Supreme Court’s recent decision to dismantle affirmative action, Justice Thomas’ support for ending affirmative action, and debates over the history and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Thapar, who was on former President Donald Trump’s short list for the Supreme Court, defends Thomas and other justices against allegations of ethics lapses and comments on his own future on the bench. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joins Margaret Hoover to discuss her state’s election reforms, how nonpartisan open primaries and ranked choice voting helped her stave off a Trump-backed challenge in 2022, and why she hopes the system can be a model for other states.

Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump at his second impeachment trial, says it would be “unfortunate” if the party renominates the former president in 2024 and weighs in on the alternatives–including a possible independent run by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.

She comments on the recent Supreme Court term and declining public trust in the nation’s highest court, which she warns could have huge consequences for democracy.

Murkowski, one of only two pro-choice Republicans in Congress, reflects on efforts to forge a compromise on abortion rights and explains why she believes women still need the Equal Rights Amendment.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Singer Jewel Kilcher sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her musical career, her mental health journey, and how she hopes to help others find happiness.

The Grammy-nominated performer reflects on her escape from an abusive childhood in Alaska, confronting her pain through her music, and why her honesty has resonated with audiences for nearly three decades. 

As a co-founder of the virtual mental health community Innerworld, Jewel explains how the immersive platform works and why she believes it can benefit people who might not have access to traditional therapy.

She also comments on the passing of Tina Turner, her work with former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh before his death, and how she aims to continue balancing her happiness with her evolution as an artist.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Historian Jill Lepore talks to Margaret Hoover about her new audiobook, Who Killed Truth?: A History of Evidence, and why she set out to uncover the truth about truth by examining times of uncertainty from the 19th century to the present.

Lepore, a professor at Harvard University and staff writer for The New Yorker, explains how advances in technology over the last century have led to instability–and why the latest period of uncertainty brought on by the internet and social media has persisted. 

Lepore also discusses how the collapse of trust has impacted politics heading into the 2024 election, reflects on the through-line from the pardon of Richard Nixon to the prosecution of Donald Trump, and explains why the Constitution has become “essentially unamendable.”

Lepore addresses the Supreme Court’s recent decision rejecting Harvard’s affirmative action policies and what the ruling means for both college admissions and public confidence in the court.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Former federal and state prosecutor Elie Honig joins Margaret Hoover to break down Donald Trump’s federal indictment over his handling of classified documents and lay out how the prosecution of a former president and current presidential candidate may proceed into 2024.

The CNN senior legal analyst discusses Trump’s potential defenses, explains why the Espionage Act was the appropriate statute to charge him under, and responds to the former president’s latest public comments on the case.

Honig, author of “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It,” addresses comparisons between Trump’s prosecution and cases involving prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton, and he responds to Republican complaints about Hunter Biden’s plea deal.

Honig also reflects on former Attorney General William Barr’s evolution from Trump enabler to critic and details his concerns about Fulton County, Georgia D.A. Fani Willis’ handling of her investigation of the former president, which he expects will result in another indictment this summer.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his strategy for taking on Donald Trump and why he believes he will succeed where he failed in 2016.

Hours before Trump’s federal indictment was announced, Christie, a former federal prosecutor, explains why the special counsel has no choice but to charge Trump if there is evidence he committed a crime, and he assesses the potential political fallout.

The former two-term New Jersey governor–who launched his campaign this week–discusses how other GOP candidates are approaching Trump and whether he can change the dynamics of the race.

Christie also details why he feels Trump is unfit for office, reflects on how his views of the former president have changed, and accuses both Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s families of profiting off their presidencies.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Former conservative radio host Charlie Sykes sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the state of the Republican Party, the 2024 election, and the future of American democracy.

Sykes, who co-founded The Bulwark in 2018 after retiring from radio, assesses the Republicans who may challenge Trump for the 2024 nomination–including Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence–and he explains why he is likely to support President Joe Biden over whoever the GOP picks.

The author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind” discusses how the conservative media ecosystem and the mindset of the audience have shifted in recent years. He also reflects on the difficulties the mainstream media faces in covering Trump.

Sykes comments on the threat of political violence in America, the prospect of a third-party candidacy, and what it might take to finally restore sanity in the GOP.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Axios chief financial correspondent Felix Salmon joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the lasting changes the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for the economy.

Salmon, author of “The Phoenix Economy: Work, Life and Money in the New Not Normal,” discusses cooling inflation, the continued strength of the labor market, and why millennials have shifted their perspective on investing.

As the U.S. faces the threat of a debt default, Salmon explains why he believes the debt ceiling should be abolished, and he reflects on the pros and cons of the proposal to mint a trillion-dollar coin to avert a global economic catastrophe.

Salmon, who co-hosts Slate’s Money podcast, also addresses how artificial intelligence could impact the economy and why Americans persistently believe the country is in a recession when it is not.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his initiative to improve civics education in America and why he fears the future of the nation is at stake.

Dreyfuss reflects on how the study of civics has changed since he was in school, explains how he believes curriculums should be reformed, and criticizes efforts to limit students’ exposure to opposing viewpoints.

The Academy Award winner addresses the decline of civility in public discourse on both sides, including his own harsh rhetoric toward former President Trump. 

Dreyfuss also voices concerns about new inclusion requirements for films to be eligible for the Best Picture Oscar and questions Hollywood’s aversion to taking creative risks.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Conservative New York Times columnist David French joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the latest developments at Fox News, ethical questions engulfing the Supreme Court, and America’s political landscape heading into 2024.

As President Joe Biden launches his reelection campaign, French, the author of “Divided We Fall,” reflects on the potential impact of a Trump-Biden rematch on an already-divided country. The political commentator also assesses the appeal of Ron DeSantis and the source of evangelical loyalty to Trump. 

French, who worked as an attorney for two decades, comments on the criminal investigations surrounding Trump and the possibility that any of the cases could land the former president behind bars. He also discusses declining public confidence in the Supreme Court.

French addresses the fallout from the Fox News settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, as well as Tucker Carlson’s sudden departure from the network. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a political newcomer and rising star in the Democratic Party, sits down with Margaret Hoover in Annapolis to discuss his first legislative session and the progress made toward his priorities.

Moore grew up on the brink of poverty after witnessing his father’s death at age three, struggled in school until he was sent to a military academy, and went on to become a Rhodes scholar, a White House fellow, and a best-selling author. Before being elected as Maryland’s first Black governor, he headed the anti-poverty Robin Hood Foundation.

He tells Hoover why he believes the state can end child poverty and explains how his budget aims to address Maryland’s rising homicide rate. He also defends his push to cut a school choice program, despite acknowledging concerns about the performance of some public schools.

Moore contrasts his approach to governing with a supermajority in the legislature to some Republican governors, and he addresses the speculation already brewing about his prospects for higher office just three months into his first political job.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Writer Thomas Chatterton Williams sits down with Margaret Hoover to explain why he decided to “unlearn” race and how he believes his approach could pave the way to equality.

Williams, the son of a white mother and Black father who grew up seeing himself as Black, recalls how the birth of his light-skinned daughter led him to rethink entrenched racial categorizations. The author of “Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race” responds to critics of his views and discusses the practicality of convincing others to fundamentally shift their perspective on race.

A contributing writer to The Atlantic, Williams also comments on America’s political debate over so-called “wokeness,” details his objections to the anti-racism movement, and explains why he believes police violence is more of an economic issue than a racial one.

Williams addresses the recent controversy surrounding “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams and the potential cultural ramifications of Donald Trump’s 2024 run, as well as the ongoing societal fallout from the summer of 2020.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

After the first indictment of a former president in U.S. history, longtime federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the 34 felony charges against Donald Trump and what may come next.

Weissmann, who served as a lead prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team investigating Trump, details the legal challenges ahead for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Trump’s defense team.

The law professor and podcast host responds to Republican criticisms of Bragg’s case and explains why he would have preferred if one of the other jurisdictions probing Trump on what he says are more serious charges had indicted him first.

Weissmann also addresses Trump’s personal attacks on the judge in his case, the impact of the 2024 campaign on legal proceedings, and whether this indictment could open up a Pandora’s box of politicized prosecutions in America.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Model Paulina Porizkova sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her career in front of the camera and her recent book, “No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.”

Born behind the Iron Curtain, Porizkova recounts her childhood in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, her path to freedom, and her rise to become one of the top models of the 1980s and 1990s.

Porizkova reflects on ageism in the modeling industry, what has and has not changed since her youth, and the challenges of presenting herself as sexy in her 50s.

She also talks about her struggles with anxiety and grief and her use of social media to share her pain. She comments on the terror of occupation and why she finds Ukraine’s fight for freedom inspiring.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his recent announcement that he will not seek the GOP nomination in 2024 and whether anyone else could successfully challenge Donald Trump in the primaries.

Hogan reflects on his two terms as the popular Republican governor of a deep blue state, how his approach to politics could work for the party at the national level, and why the GOP base does not seem interested in following his lead.

Hogan assesses fellow governors who are running or considering running in 2024 and explains why he believes the party needs a more positive message than the one offered by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He also addresses the impact a third-party candidate could have on the presidential race and whether he would consider running as an independent.

The former governor also talks about current debates over fiscal responsibility and education reform, calling out some fellow Republicans for exploiting parents’ legitimate concerns about what their children are being taught for political gain. 

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his panel’s bipartisan mission to educate Americans about the CCP’s threat.

The Wisconsin Republican argues that a new cold war with China has already begun and explains what he believes it will take to keep that war from turning hot. He reflects on his recent visit to Taiwan and the need for greater strategic clarity in the Taiwan Strait.

Gallagher talks about the potential danger posed by Chinese-owned TikTok, the challenge of selectively decoupling the U.S. economy from a top trading partner, the relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, and what he wants members of Congress to know about the activities of China’s United Front Work Department.

Gallagher also comments on the release of new surveillance video from January 6th and whether he stands by his 2021 statement that former President Donald Trump had permanently lost his support.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.