Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
Season 2024
202441 episodes
Episode 1
Tim Alberta
Jan 5, 202427m
Journalist Tim Alberta discusses his new best-selling book exploring evangelical Christians' steadfast loyalty to Donald Trump. He examines the fear driving Christian nationalism and the impact of faith-based politics on the 2024 election.
Episode 2
Tony Gonzales
Jan 12, 202427m
Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who represents nearly half of the U.S.-Mexico border, discusses the influx of migrants, why they’re coming, his policy ideas addressing the crisis, and whether bipartisan agreement on the issue is possible.
Episode 3
Chris Sununu
Jan 19, 202427m
New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu explains why he supports Nikki Haley for president in the lead-up to the crucial first 2024 primary in his state. He discusses her chances against Trump, his stance on a Trump-Biden rematch, and the GOP's future.
Episode 4
Deborah Lipstadt
Jan 26, 202427m
Amb. Deborah Lipstadt—Biden’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism—discusses the spike in hatred toward Jews since Oct. 7 and the silence from many over Hamas’ atrocities. She explains why it is a threat to democracy and how to fight it.
Episode 5
David Petraeus
Feb 2, 202427m
Ret. Gen. David Petraeus discusses the U.S. response to the Iran-backed militia's drone strike that killed three American troops. He comments on Israel's campaign in Gaza, strategies to prevent Hamas' resurgence, and the necessity of aid to Ukraine.
Episode 6
Sheila Johnson
Feb 9, 202427m
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET who now owns sports teams and luxury hotels, discusses her memoir “Walk Through Fire” on how she overcame adversity to become America’s first Black female billionaire.
Episode 7
Jared Cohen
Feb 16, 202427m
Jared Cohen discusses “Life After Power,” his new book about post-presidential roles—from John Quincy Adams’ nine terms in Congress to Herbert Hoover's humanitarian work to George W. Bush's painting—and says ex-presidents are essential to democracy.
Episode 8
Firing Line forum: Conservatives on Trump 2.0
Mar 15, 202427m
At Hofstra University, Margaret Hoover leads a forum with two conservatives on the impact of a second Trump term. Amanda Carpenter warns of Trump's authoritarian impulses; Mike Gonzalez argues Trump would restore effective conservative policies.
Episode 9
Firing Line forum: Examining The Electoral College
Mar 22, 202427m
Margaret Hoover moderates a forum at Hofstra U. on whether the Electoral College should be abolished. Save our States founder Trent England argues to keep it while the New York Times’ Jesse Wegman supports replacing it with a national popular vote.
Episode 10
Jonathan Haidt
Mar 29, 202427m
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses his new book, "The Anxious Generation," which explores how social media and phone-based parenting led to Gen Z's mental health crisis. He says young brains have been rewired and calls for societal change.
Episode 11
Ari Wallach
Apr 5, 202427m
Futurist and author Ari Wallach discusses his PBS series “A Brief History of the Future,” exploring innovations and ideas, from 3-D printed homes to fusion energy, that could solve our biggest challenges and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Episode 12
Coleman Hughes
Apr 12, 202427m
Coleman Hughes, podcast host and author of “The End of Race Politics,” argues for a colorblind America. He critiques affirmative action and DEI, calls some anti-racism efforts “neoracist,” and discusses why he prefers class-based policies.
Episode 13
Melissa Murray
Apr 19, 202427m
Constitutional scholar Melissa Murray discusses Donald Trump’s first criminal trial in Manhattan, the importance of jury selection, the political implications of trying a former president, and what to expect in Trump’s three other criminal cases.
Episode 14
Stephen Richer
Apr 26, 202427m
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a Republican who has taken heat from the GOP for rejecting election lies, discusses the new indictment of Trump allies in Arizona over attempts to overturn the 2020 election and preparations for the 2024 race.
Episode 15
Frank Bruni
May 3, 202427m
NYT columnist Frank Bruni discusses his new book, The Age of Grievance, about the culture of victimhood in American politics and society, including on college campuses. He examines its effects and offers solutions for overcoming this divisive trend.
Episode 16
Fareed Zakaria
May 10, 202427m
Journalist Fareed Zakaria discusses his book, “Age of Revolutions,” and says technological, political, and cultural upheaval may make now the most revolutionary time in history. He urges Biden to change his policies on the border and on Israel.
Episode 17
Doris Kearns Goodwin
May 17, 202427m
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses “An Unfinished Love Story,” her new book examining the 1960s through the eyes of her late husband, presidential speechwriter Richard Goodwin. She reflects on how history inspires hope.
Episode 18
George Conway
May 24, 202427m
Conservative attorney George Conway defends the merits of the New York hush money case against Trump as the verdict nears. He calls the former president a narcissist who is unfit for office and says a second term would make the nation ungovernable.
Episode 19
Dan Senor
Jun 14, 202427m
Author and podcast host Dan Senor discusses the daring rescue of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, prospects for a cease-fire deal, the new U.N. report accusing both Hamas and Israel of war crimes, and the potential for a new conflict with Hezbollah.
Episode 20
Ritchie Torres
Jun 21, 202427m
Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx, an Afro-Latino Democrat, discusses his split with progressives, Trump’s rally in his district, and Biden’s struggles with voters of color. He reflects on his childhood in public housing and his support for Israel.
Episode 21
Edward O’Keefe
Jun 28, 202427m
Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, discusses his book on the 26th president and the five women who shaped him. He also reflects on Roosevelt’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary politics.
Episode 22
Matt Pottinger
Jul 12, 202427m
Former Trump Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger says China's cold war against the U.S. is intensifying. He discusses tensions over Taiwan, the importance of deterrence, how China views Trump and Biden, and where the country is headed.
Episode 23
Mike Murphy
Jul 19, 202427m
GOP strategist Mike Murphy says Democrats need to replace President Biden on the ticket to have a solid chance in the 2024 election, discusses the ascension of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and weighs in on ways to tone down heated political rhetoric.
Episode 24
James Carville
Jul 26, 202427m
Legendary political strategist James Carville discusses how President Biden's decision to step aside has reshaped the 2024 election, assesses Vice President Kamala Harris' chances in November and gives his fellow Democrats advice on how to win.
Episode 25
Jocelyn Benson, Benjamin Ginsberg and David Becker
Aug 2, 202427m
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, GOP lawyer Benjamin Ginsberg and election expert David Becker discuss the security and integrity of American elections ahead of November's contest between former President Trump and Vice President Harris.
Episode 26
Joni Ernst
Aug 9, 202427m
Iowa's Joni Ernst — one of the top Republicans in the U.S. Senate — shares her views on standing up to antisemitism and violence against women, the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, and why civility still matters in politics.
Episode 27
Neil Gorsuch
Aug 16, 202427m
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch discusses his new book "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law" and makes the case that federal agencies and unaccountable bureaucrats have far too much power over Americans' lives.
Episode 28
Alex Padilla
Aug 23, 202427m
California Sen. Alex Padilla makes his case for Vice President Kamala Harris, explains his opposition to President Biden's border crackdown and argues that Latino voters should support the Democratic ticket in November.
Episode 29
Kevin Hassett
Sep 13, 202427m
Top Trump White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett discusses this week's presidential debate, defends the former president's economic agenda — including new tariffs — and critiques Vice President Kamala Harris' economic plans.
Episode 30
Bill O’Reilly
Sep 20, 202427m
Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly sits down with Margaret Hoover, a former guest on "The O'Reilly Factor." The conversation covers his new book on America's presidents, the 2024 race, and sexual harassment allegations that led to his exit from Fox.
Episode 31
Hillary Clinton
Sep 27, 202427m
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses Vice President Kamala Harris' road to the White House, how to stand up to America's rivals abroad, the state of the two major political parties, and the role of a free press.
Episode 32
Larry Hogan
Oct 4, 202427m
Former GOP Gov. Larry Hogan talks about running for the U.S. Senate in deep-blue Maryland, his message to Democratic voters, his support for abortion rights and how he would remain an independent voice in an era of partisan polarization.
Episode 33
Condoleezza Rice
Oct 11, 202427m
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses the perils of isolationism, the need for the U.S. and its allies to stand up to authoritarian states, and her assessment of Israel's war with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Episode 34
Josh Shapiro
Oct 18, 202427m
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro makes his case for Vice President Kamala Harris, discusses how she can win the most closely-watched swing state, and outlines bipartisan efforts to ensure a safe and secure election amid baseless claims of fraud.
Episode 35
Election Panel: Jocelyn Benson, Stephen Richer, Ben Ginsberg
Oct 25, 202427m
A panel of election experts — Democrat Jocelyn Benson, Republican Stephen Richer, and GOP election lawyer Ben Ginsberg — discuss how votes will be counted this November, Elon Musk's claims about the election, and when Americans will know the results.
Episode 36
H.R. McMaster
Nov 1, 202427m
Former Trump National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster discusses global threats ahead of next week’s presidential election, evaluates the consequences of Trump’s "disruptive" style, and responds to his former boss's stated second-term agenda.
Episode 37
Jon Meacham
Nov 8, 202427m
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham reflects on former President Trump’s victory over Vice President Harris, how it impacts President Biden’s legacy, and what the outcome of the 2024 election means for the soul of America.
Episode 38
Kori Schake
Nov 15, 202427m
AEI senior fellow Kori Schake assesses Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy, his first Cabinet choices, and how his second presidency could impact America’s allies and adversaries. She also warns against politicization of the military.
Episode 39
Sebastien Lai, Jonathan Price
Nov 22, 202427m
Sebastien Lai—whose father, publisher Jimmy Lai, is on trial in Hong Kong for alleged national security crimes—and attorney Jonathan Price discuss the charges, the decline of freedom in Hong Kong, and international support for his father’s release.
Episode 40
Alsu Kurmasheva, Maria Ressa and Jonathan Munro
Dec 13, 202427m
With media freedom threatened worldwide, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva–recently released from wrongful detention in Russia–Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and the BBC’s Jonathan Munro discuss the dangers reporters face abroad.
Episode 41
Peggy Noonan
Dec 20, 202427m
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Peggy Noonan discusses Trump’s second term, his Cabinet picks, and her new book, "A Certain Idea of America." The former Reagan speechwriter reflects on her career in politics and media and how Trump changed the GOP.