Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

Noa Tishby, Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, discusses the global rise in hatred and violence against Jews and explains why she believes anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic.The actress and best-selling author reflects on the recovery of the body of the last October 7th hostage, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the state of the peace process in Gaza, and the U.S. response to protests in Iran.Tishby talks about how antisemitism has evolved since the establishment of Israel and where the line is between valid criticism of the Israeli government and antisemitic vitriol that questions the country’s existence.She assesses the threat of antisemitism in the U.S., comments on the controversy on the right over Tucker Carlson’s interview with antisemite Nick Fuentes, and voices concerns about the left’s embrace of anti-Zionism exemplified by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Mayor Brandon Johnson in Chicago to talk about his clash with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and the political and fiscal challenges that cities are facing today.Johnson discusses the role of mayors in challenging the president’s policies and the limitations of a local government taking on the federal government.He offers advice for fellow progressive New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and reflects on some of the setbacks he has faced advancing his own agenda in Chicago after voters and the City Council rejected two major tax proposals.Johnson, a former public school teacher, also addresses Chicago’s rising public pension costs, his alignment with the teachers union, and whether ICE should be abolished.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Jim Clyburn, a long-serving U.S. Representative from South Carolina, discusses his book, The First Eight, which highlights the stories of the first eight Black congressmen during Reconstruction. He delves into the historical gap that followed, criticizing modern parallels between 19th-century Redeemer tactics and current MAGA strategies. Clyburn emphasizes the importance of the Voting Rights Act and warns against the erosion of civil rights. He reflects on his legacy, urging future leaders to focus on community over ambition, and shares insights on making America accessible for all.

Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. diplomat with decades of experience in Latin American policy, discusses the complexities surrounding Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy. He critiques the post-Trump alignment with remnants of Maduro’s regime, emphasizing the moral implications of seizing Venezuelan oil. Abrams highlights the importance of supporting democratic opposition and warns against hasty military actions. He also touches on the potential effects of regime change on Cuba and America's traditional values in the context of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Bari Weiss, a renowned journalist and founder of The Free Press, dives deep into the unsettling rise of antisemitism in America. She outlines three major catalysts fueling this trend: post-truth politics, a weakened political center, and the rapid spread of misinformation. Weiss shares personal reflections on the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack and critiques antisemitism on both the right, notably through conspiracy theories, and the left, often disguised as social justice. Her insights challenge perceptions of Jewish identity and discuss the implications of political rhetoric.

Rob Reiner talked to Margaret Hoover in 2019 about politics, activism, and his concerns for America’s future. Following the death of Reiner and his wife Michelle–and the arrest of their son for their murders–we look back at that interview, including material that did not previously air.The legendary filmmaker discussed working with conservatives to advance the cause of marriage equality and forging friendships with Republicans who opposed Donald Trump in his first term. He also explained why he viewed Trump as a threat to democracy and why he was supporting Joe Biden heading into 2020.Reiner, who played Mike "Meathead" Stivic on “All in the Family,” reflected on the show’s political impact. He also commented on how his progressive advocacy and frequent criticism of Trump might affect audience reactions to his films, and he assessed Hollywood’s treatment of conservative filmmakers and actors.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, and Jared Stone.

Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and expert in military strategy, discusses the nuances of Trump’s new National Security Strategy. He raises ethical concerns over military strikes on drug boats and the lack of congressional oversight. Hertling critiques the administration's values-free approach, emphasizing the need for clearer legal boundaries and accountability. He also debates the relevance of the Monroe Doctrine today and shares insights from his upcoming book, focusing on leadership lessons for future generations.

Sam Tanenhaus, a biographer known for his work on William F. Buckley Jr., dives deep into Buckley's life and influence on modern conservatism. He elaborates on Buckley’s shift in political landscape from elite conservatism to the MAGA movement. Tanenhaus discusses Buckley’s complex views on race, his debates against figures like James Baldwin, and how he managed extremism within conservatism. The conversation also touches on Buckley’s legacy, including the ideological threads connecting him to contemporary politics.

Cornel West, a progressive philosopher and activist, joins Robert George, a conservative legal scholar, for a dialogue that bridges their ideological divide. They explore the importance of free speech on campuses, revealing challenges from within their own political circles. West shares his views on healthcare as a human right, while George reflects on race and affirmative action, highlighting how their discussions shaped his understanding. Together, they advocate for humility and listening, offering practical advice on navigating political discussions, especially during family gatherings.

Dave Wiskus, founder and CEO of Nebula, is at the forefront of the creator economy. He discusses how creator-driven content could be worth $500 billion by 2027 and highlights the massive influence of creators like Mr. Beast. Wiskus points out the decline of traditional media and the importance of protecting children from harmful content online. He delves into the challenges of misinformation and the potential dangers of AI deepfakes, emphasizing the need for greater media literacy and accountability among creators in this rapidly evolving landscape.