Firing Line with Margaret Hoover

Journalist and AEI senior fellow Matthew Continetti joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the evolution of the American right over the last century and its future. He explains how opposition to the New Deal, communism, and progressivism created the foundation for an enduring conservative agenda. Continetti, author of “The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism” and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, recounts the roles prominent political figures have played in the movement, including Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump. He details how recent decades have changed the social and ideological makeup of the conservative coalition as populism and anti-elitism emerged and grassroots voters rebelled against the GOP establishment, and he looks ahead to what those forces could mean for Republicans and traditional conservatives in 2024 and beyond. Continetti also reflects on how shifts in technology and the media have affected conservatism over the years, from William F. Buckley Jr.’s original “Firing Line” to the rise of Rush Limbaugh and talk radio to the proliferation of conspiracy theories on the internet. 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.

As protests against Iran’s theocratic regime enter their second month, exiled Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the issues driving the demonstrations and her belief that this movement will succeed where past revolts against the government have failed. The protests were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the regime’s morality police for showing her hair in public, but they have come to represent a rebellion against an entire system of what Alinejad calls “gender apartheid.” After Alinejad left Iran in 2009, she became an outspoken advocate for women defying the requirement that they cover their hair with a hijab. Alinejad reveals how her activism has impacted her life, with Iranian leaders issuing threats against her and allegedly plotting to kidnap her, and explains why she is willing to risk her life to give a voice to the women of Iran. Alinejad also assesses the U.S. response to the protests and accuses the Biden administration of prioritizing the pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran over protecting human rights. She suggests Western feminists and politicians have been hypocritical in their approach to the oppression of women by Iran. 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.

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.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss Ukraine’s counter-offensive, Vladimir Putin’s latest nuclear threats, and new reports of war crimes by Russian forces. She also addresses Putin’s plan to mobilize 300,000 reservists, and she explains why her government does not support European countries opening their borders to Russian men fleeing conscription. Markarova details alleged acts of genocide in occcupied territories, denounces “sham” referendums ordered by Putin, and underscores Ukraine’s position that it will not consider ceding any land to Russia. The ambassador outlines additional steps the U.S. could take to assist Ukraine’s war efforts, and she makes the case that even Americans wary of involvement in international conflicts should work to defeat Putin now before his ambitions extend into NATO nations. 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.

Former Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his four years in office, the country’s deep ties to the United States, and the economic and political challenges that loom on the horizon for both countries. Duque, who describes himself as a “radical centrist,” discusses Latin America’s recent shift toward the left, the dangers he sees in populism and polarization, and his concerns about the policies of his successor, former Marxist guerilla Gustavo Petro. Duque explains why his administration welcomed refugees fleeing Venezuela’s Maduro regime and how he approached the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. He defends his economic policies, his strategy in the war on drugs, and his response to social unrest. The former president also addresses political trends in the U.S., including threats to democracy, the Jan. 6 riot, and the battle over immigration and border security. 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.

Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein join Margaret Hoover to discuss their new three-part documentary series, “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” which examines America’s response to Nazi atrocities, why the U.S. failed to take in more refugees, and how themes from the past echo today. They discuss how Hitler was inspired by the brutality levied on Native and Black Americans and how rampant anti-Semitism in the U.S. led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to limit the scope of the U.S. response to the humanitarian crisis. They also discuss what Americans knew of Hitler’s acts, when they knew it, and how public opinion shifted as imagery from death camps began making its way into American newspapers. Botstein and Burns reflect on how the documentary’s themes resonate with contemporary America, as genocide continues around the globe and pro-authoritarian sentiments threaten democratic institutions. The series, which Botstein says “can be a warning,” starts this Sunday, September 18th on PBS. 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.

Decorated veteran and author Elliot Ackerman joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his new book, “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan,” his role in the civilian-led evacuation of Afghan allies, and what happens next. Ackerman discusses missteps in Afghanistan that spanned four presidencies, the Biden administration’s failure to plan for the worst-case scenario when U.S. troops withdrew, and how the war might have ended differently. Twenty-one years after the 9/11 attacks, Ackerman also reflects on the successes and failures of the war on terror and the possibility that Afghanistan has again become a safe haven for terrorists. He offers his perspective on other looming threats, including foreign powers like China and Russia, America’s domestic political dysfunction, and the growing divide between civilians and the military. 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.

Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his new memoir “Still Alright,” his five decades in the music industry, and what’s next for his legendary career. Loggins details a songwriting process that has produced iconic songs since he was a teenager, including “Danny’s Song” and “House at Pooh Corner.” He also opens up about his creative and personal struggles, as well as his battle with addiction to anti-anxiety drugs. The musician discusses his work on soundtracks for hit films like “Footloose,” “Caddyshack,” and “Top Gun,” as well as the re-emergence of his song “Danger Zone” in this summer’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” Loggins also reflects on what it was like inside the studio recording “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson and some of the other biggest names in music, the changes the industry has undergone in the digital age, and the prospect of collaborating with talented upcoming artists. 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.

Sen. Mike Lee joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, “Saving Nine: The Fight Against the Left's Audacious Plan to Pack the Supreme Court and Destroy American Liberty,” as well as his role in former President Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election. The Utah Republican, who ultimately voted to certify the election results, defends his text message exchanges with then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in the weeks before January 6th and expresses his disappointment in Trump’s inaction during the violence that day. Lee, a former clerk for Justice Samuel Alito, also explains why he fears Democrats are moving toward expanding the Supreme Court, despite White House denials, and why he believes doing so could cause lasting damage to the country. Lee is up for re-election this fall in a race against independent candidate Evan McMullin, with some polls showing McMullin within striking distance for the Utah Senate seat. He pushes back against McMullin’s criticism of Republicans for refusing to consider Merrick Garland for a Supreme Court seat in 2016. He also discusses the ramifications of the leak of the Dobbs decision, fading public confidence in the Supreme Court, and whose interpretation of the Constitution was correct on January 6th: Trump or Vice President Mike Pence. 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, and The Marc Haas Foundation.

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the importance of reconsidering one’s established views, and why he believes doing so could be the key to healing America’s divisions. The Wharton professor’s most recent bestseller, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know,” explores the science of thinking and rethinking, as well as the most effective strategies for changing someone’s mind. Grant discusses how his research applies to political debates, the difference between a politician flip-flopping and evolving their views in light of new information, and why partisans are so resistant to evidence that challenges their deep-seated beliefs. Grant, host of the TED Talks WorkLife podcast, also addresses the mental and emotional fallout from COVID-19, the factors driving the Great Resignation, and whether the pandemic has permanently changed how we work. 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, and The Marc Haas Foundation.