Firing Line with Margaret Hoover — Season 8

Aired 10 January 2025 • 27 min

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Olympic basketball star Katya Snytsina, and Belarus Free Theatre co-founder Natalia Kaliada discuss the fight against Lukashenko’s dictatorship and the power of art and sports in politics.

Aired 17 January 2025 • 27 min

Fox News analyst Juan Williams discusses his book “New Prize for These Eyes,” about what he sees as a second civil rights movement and the backlash against it. He reflects on the impact of right-wing media ahead of Trump’s inauguration and MLK Day.

Aired 24 January 2025 • 27 min

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich discusses his new PBS documentary “Journey to America” and makes a conservative case for legal immigration amid rising GOP skepticism. He also responds to President Trump’s executive orders and January 6th pardons.

Aired 31 January 2025 • 27 min

Two veteran campaign strategists, Democrat James Carville and Republican Mike Murphy, discuss the political fallout from the 2024 election, the chaotic early days of Donald Trump’s second term, and the challenges that lie ahead for both parties.

Aired 7 February 2025 • 27 min

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nears confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary, former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona discusses Kennedy’s controversial history, his potential impact on public health, and how to prepare for the next pandemic.

Aired 14 February 2025 • 27 min

Two government reform advocates, author and lawyer Philip K. Howard and Will Marshall of the Progressive Policy Institute, discuss Trump's deep state blitz, what DOGE is getting wrong, and their advice for Elon Musk in a forum at Hofstra University.

Aired 21 February 2025 • 27 min

Economist Jeff Ferry of the Coalition for a Prosperous America and trade expert Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute discuss the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on U.S. consumers, businesses, and the world in a forum at Hofstra University.

Aired 7 March 2025 • 27 min

Conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat assesses President Trump’s address to Congress, his latest actions on Ukraine and trade, and the future of the GOP. Douthat also discusses his new book, “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious."

Aired 14 March 2025 • 27 min

100 years after the birth of William F. Buckley Jr., “American Impresario” author Lawrence Perelman discusses their friendship, Buckley’s love of music, and his life outside politics. He reflects on Buckley’s character and the values he represented.

Aired 4 April 2025 • 27 min

Jonathan Martin of Politico, Adam Nagourney of The New York Times, and Bob Shrum of the USC Center for the Political Future discuss the challenges facing legacy media, threats to press freedom around the world, and the future of journalism.

Aired 18 April 2025 • 27 min

Conservative economist Glenn Hubbard discusses the impact of Trump’s tariffs and other ways to rebalance the economy. The former adviser to Pres. George W. Bush doubts the return of manufacturing jobs and assesses the risks of a trade war with China.

Aired 25 April 2025 • 27 min

Chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés discusses his approach to humanitarian aid, his work in Ukraine and Gaza, and his new book, “Change the Recipe.” He comments on the Trump administration, immigration, and threats to the rule of law.

Aired 2 May 2025 • 27 min

Robert Lighthizer, who served as U.S. Trade Representative in Trump’s first term, defends the president’s tariffs and makes the case for more balanced trade. He discusses the impact of tariffs on prices and the future of American manufacturing.

Aired 9 May 2025 • 27 min

Actor Kelsey Grammer discusses his new book, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” transcending tragedy after his sister’s murder, and its impact on his life and his work. He also talks about being conservative in Hollywood in the age of Trump.

Aired 16 May 2025 • 27 min

Historian Sir Niall Ferguson assesses the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term. He discusses the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and the current and future challenges posed by China.

Aired 23 May 2025 • 27 min

AI pioneer Dr. Fei-Fei Li discusses ethical development of artificial intelligence and the challenge of establishing effective regulations. She addresses government funding of research, diversity in science, and ensuring child safety as AI advances.

Aired 13 June 2025 • 27 min

Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes discusses his book, “Marketcrafters,” about policymakers on the left and right who have shaped markets to achieve social and political goals. He also comments on social media regulation and the Meta antitrust trial.

Aired 20 June 2025 • 27 min

“The Affirmative Action Myth” author Jason Riley argues race-based college admissions policies failed Black students. The Wall Street Journal columnist discusses racial disparities in education and responds to Trump’s assault on universities.

Aired 27 June 2025 • 27 min

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski discusses the U.S. strikes against Iran, the Senate debate over Trump’s tax cuts, and protecting the powers of Congress. She talks about her new book, representing Alaska, and why that sometimes means defying her own party.

Aired 11 July 2025 • 27 min

Former Vice President Mike Pence assesses President Trump’s second term so far, defends Trump’s tax cut bill and strikes against Iran, and raises concerns about his former running mate’s handling of tariffs, the TikTok ban, and the nation’s debt.

Aired 18 July 2025 • 27 min

Senator Elissa Slotkin lays out her economic “war plan” for Democrats and discusses divisions within the party. The Michigan Democrat also comments on support for Ukraine, the MAGA rift over the Epstein files, and fighting Trump’s domestic agenda.

Aired 25 July 2025 • 27 min

Conservative economist Jessica Riedl discusses the impact of Trump’s tariffs and trade deals, the cost of his tax cuts, and potential entitlement reforms. She assesses the Republican Party’s shift toward populism and the threat posed by rising debt.

Aired 1 August 2025 • 27 min

GOP New York Congressman Mike Lawler discusses the impact of Trump’s tax cut bill, his response to critics of its cost and Medicaid provisions, new developments in Gaza, and the challenge of representing a Democratic-leaning district as a Republican.

Aired 22 August 2025 • 27 min

Author Sam Tanenhaus discusses his biography of William F. Buckley Jr. and responds to critics of his portrayal of the leader of the American conservative movement. He reflects on Buckley’s views on race and faith and how he impacted modern politics.

Aired 29 August 2025 • 27 min

In part two, author Sam Tanenhaus further discusses his biography of William F. Buckley Jr., the leader of the modern American conservative movement. He defends his exploration of Buckley’s sexuality and reflects on his influence on the GOP today.

Aired 5 September 2025 • 27 min

Democratic Sen. Chris Coons discusses China’s efforts to reshape the world order and the U.S. response. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee member assesses Trump’s handling of the war in Ukraine and his National Guard deployments in the U.S.

Aired 12 September 2025 • 27 min

Cable TV titan John Malone reflects on his career as an industry pioneer and assesses the state of the media today. He discusses the need to regulate Big Tech, the danger of political dysfunction, and his views on President Trump’s second term.

Aired 19 September 2025 • 27 min

Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss assesses the shooting of Charlie Kirk, the Trump administration’s response, and the rise of political violence in America. She discusses forces that fuel radicalization, especially among young men and boys.

Aired 26 September 2025 • 27 min

World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain discusses the global hunger crisis–including famine in Sudan and Gaza–the impact of humanitarian aid cuts by the U.S. and other nations, and her message to world leaders at the UN General Assembly.

Aired 3 October 2025 • 27 min

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales comments on the indictment of James Comey, the relationship between the White House and the Justice Department, the erosion of norms under President Trump, and Congress' failure to check the executive branch.

Aired 10 October 2025 • 27 min

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s ambassador-at-large and former minister of digital affairs, discusses how technology can advance democracy, the dangers posed by social media and artificial intelligence, and why Taiwan’s independence from China matters.

Aired 17 October 2025 • 27 min

Anthony Kennedy discusses his decades on the Supreme Court and the legacy of his landmark decisions. He assesses challenges facing the court in Trump’s second term, including incivility among the justices, and warns of threats to American democracy.

Aired 24 October 2025 • 27 min

Andrew Cuomo discusses the New York City mayoral race and his pitch to voters to choose him over democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. He addresses threats the city faces from President Trump and reflects on his primary defeat and past controversies.

Aired 31 October 2025 • 27 min

Former Ambassador Michael McFaul discusses Trump’s Asia trip, the state of the war in Ukraine, and a new era of U.S. competition with Russia and China. He addresses Trump’s second term foreign policy, sanctions on Russia, and negotiating with Putin.

Aired 7 November 2025 • 27 min

Andrew Ross Sorkin, author of "1929," discusses the 1929 stock market crash, the causes of the Great Depression, and how lessons from it can be applied today. He also reassesses the impact of Presidents Coolidge, Hoover and Roosevelt on the crisis.

Aired 14 November 2025 • 27 min

Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein discuss their new PBS series “The American Revolution” that expands and updates the story of America's founding ahead of its premiere this Sunday.

Aired 21 November 2025 • 27 min

Dave Wiskus, founder and CEO of streaming service Nebula, discusses the rise of the creator economy, how the rapidly growing industry is changing the traditional media ecosystem, and what it means for entertainment, content moderation, and politics.

Aired 12 December 2025 • 27 min

Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling assesses the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy and what it means for U.S. allies and adversaries. He discusses U.S. strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, the war in Ukraine, and countering China.