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 E50

26m 46s

Peggy Noonan

S2024 E51 / 26m 46s

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.

Alsu Kurmasheva, Maria Ressa and Jonathan Munro

S2024 E50 / 26m 46s

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.

Walter Isaacson

S2024 E49 / 26m 46s

As Elon Musk extends his influence over Trump and American politics, we revisit a conversation with bestselling author Walter Isaacson about his Musk biography, Musk’s leadership of Tesla and SpaceX, his Twitter takeover, and his controversial views.

Cornel West & Robert George

S2024 E48 / 26m 46s

Leftist Dr. Cornel West and conservative Dr. Robert George, the “ideological odd couple,” discuss the need for civil discourse in this era of polarization. They explore opposing policy views, respectfully disagreeing as well as finding common ground.

Sebastien Lai, Jonathan Price

S2024 E47 / 26m 46s

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.

Kori Schake

S2024 E46 / 26m 46s

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.

Jon Meacham

S2024 E45 / 26m 46s

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.

H.R. McMaster

S2024 E44 / 26m 46s

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.

Election Panel: Jocelyn Benson, Stephen Richer, Ben Ginsberg

S2024 E43 / 26m 46s

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.

Josh Shapiro

S2024 E42 / 26m 46s

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.

Condoleezza Rice

S2024 E41 / 26m 46s

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.

Larry Hogan

S2024 E40 / 26m 46s

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.

Hillary Clinton

S2024 E39 / 26m 46s

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.

Bill O'Reilly

S2024 E38 / 26m 46s

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.

Kevin Hassett

S2024 E37 / 26m 45s

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.

Alex Padilla

S2024 E34 / 26m 46s

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.

Neil Gorsuch

S2024 E33 / 26m 46s

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.

Joni Ernst

S2024 E32 / 26m 46s

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.

Jocelyn Benson, Benjamin Ginsberg and David Becker

S2024 E31 / 26m 46s

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.

James Carville

S2024 E30 / 26m 46s

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.

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