Firing Line

News and Public Affairs Series / 7 Seasons

Join author, activist and commentator Margaret Hoover for a public affairs talk show that delivers a civil and engaging contest of ideas among the brightest minds and voices from across the ideological spectrum.

Watch: S2024 E46

26m 46s

Ritchie Torres

S2024 E25 / 26m 46s

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.

Dan Senor

S2024 E24 / 26m 46s

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.

Firing Line forum: Examining The Electoral College

S2024 E23 / 26m 46s

Margaret Hoover moderates a forum at Hofstra U. on whether the Electoral College should be abolished. Save our States founder Trent England argues to keep it while the New York Times’ Jesse Wegman supports replacing it with a national popular vote.

Jonathan Haidt

S2024 E22 / 26m 46s

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.

George Conway

S2024 E21 / 26m 46s

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.

Doris Kearns Goodwin

S2024 E20 / 26m 46s

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.

Fareed Zakaria

S2024 E19 / 26m 46s

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.

Frank Bruni

S2024 E18 / 26m 46s

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.

Stephen Richer

S2024 E17 / 26m 46s

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.

Melissa Murray

S2024 E16 / 26m 46s

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.

Coleman Hughes

S2024 E15 / 26m 46s

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.

Ari Wallach

S2024 E14 / 26m 46s

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.

Jonathan Haidt

S2024 E13 / 26m 46s

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.

Firing Line forum: Examining The Electoral College

S2024 E12 / 26m 46s

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.

Firing Line forum: Conservatives on Trump 2.0

S2024 E11 / 26m 46s

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.

Tim Alberta

S2024 E10 / 26m 46s

Journalist Tim Alberta discusses his new best-selling book exploring evangelical Christians' steadfast loyalty to Donald Trump. He examines the fear driving Christian nationalism and the impact of faith-based politics on the 2024 election.

Tony Gonzales

S2024 E9 / 26m 46s

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.

Liev Schreiber

S2024 E8 / 26m 46s

Actor Liev Schreiber, co-founder of BlueCheck Ukraine, discusses the need for humanitarian aid and international support to Ukraine. He weighs in on Zelensky’s leadership and explains why he thinks Russia will lose and why Americans should care.

Jared Cohen

S2024 E7 / 26m 46s

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.

Sheila Johnson

S2024 E6 / 26m 46s

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.

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