ABC News Daily Sarah Ferguson on interviewing Jacinda Ardern
Dec 25, 2025
Join veteran interviewer Sarah Ferguson, host of ABC's 7.30 program, as she reveals insights from her powerful dialogues with public figures. She shares her experience in deftly questioning Mike Huckabee about U.S. support for Israel amid Gaza tensions. Ferguson also explores her moving conversation with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, touching on the significance of empathy in leadership, the pressures of sexism in politics, and Ardern's emotional intelligence as both a strength and a legacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Challenging A Combative Diplomat
- Sarah Ferguson described grilling US ambassador Mike Huckabee about US leverage and his emotional language during the interview.
- She explained his style as 'flood the zone' and the challenge of correcting factual inaccuracies in limited time.
Empathy As Political Strength
- Jacinda Ardern argued empathy can be central to leadership and still coexist with strength.
- Sarah Ferguson highlighted Ardern's emotional intelligence as a core political superpower.
Imposter Syndrome Fueled Preparation
- Ferguson relayed Ardern's experience with imposter syndrome and how it drove preparation.
- Ardern turned self-doubt into detailed preparation that helped her succeed in high office.