‘Squad’ member Rep. Cori Bush’s tale of pain and perseverance

Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her new memoir “The Forerunner: A Tale of Pain and Perseverance in America,” her activism, and her progressive agenda.

Bush recalls how she overcame difficult experiences–including sexual assaults, abortions, and evictions–to become the first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress. A member of the progressive “Squad” in the House, she is now seeking re-election for a second term.

Bush entered politics after taking a leading role in the Black Lives Matter protests over Michael Brown’s killing by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. She describes the tensions between her generation of activists and legacy civil rights organizations, and she explains why she was disappointed in President Barack Obama’s response to the demonstrations.

The congresswoman also defends policy priorities that have at times put her in conflict with fellow Democrats, including her commitment to “defund the police” and her plan to reform policing and public safety in America.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, Asness Family Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, and The Marc Haas Foundation.