Governor John Kasich of Ohio joins to discuss what it means to be a conservative in the age of Trump. John R. Kasich was sworn in as Ohio’s 69th governor on January 10, 2011 and overwhelmingly re-elected to a second four-year term in 2014. In his first inaugural address he called on Ohioans to come together to make the Buckeye State stronger and more prosperous for all. Kasich is the author of four New York Times best-sellers: Courage is Contagious; Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul; Every Other Monday; and most recently Two Paths: America Divided or United, which reflects on his 2016 presidential campaign and his hopes for America’s future.
“Firing Line” explores the federal government’s poverty agenda, an issue that has become a passion project for Speaker Ryan. While the results of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty” are more nuanced than any political talking point, both conservative and liberal policy makers including the Speaker point to the near constant poverty rate as proof that the war has resulted in stalemate.
In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that is a major setback for teachers unions, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the implications and what lies ahead. Randi Weingarten is an American labor leader, attorney, and educator. She is president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and a member of the AFL-CIO. She is the former president of the United Federation of Teachers.
DeRay Mckesson joins to discuss his new book, “On The Other Side of Freedom”. DeRay Mckesson is an American civil rights activist and former school administrator. He is known for his activism and involvement with the protests in Ferguson and Baltimore. Mckesson also helped launch Campaign Zero, a policy platform to end police violence. He is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Pastor and President of the Southern Baptist Convention J.D. Greear speaks on faith, racism, and evangelical’s political support for Donald Trump. J.D. Greear is the pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC and author of several books including Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches That Send. He is the 62nd President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Reihan Salam, author and Executive Editor of National Review, joins this week to discuss conservative populism and the future of the movement. Reihan Salam is Executive Editor of National Review, and the author of two books, Grand New Party and Melting Pot Or Civil War?. He lives in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised.
Christine Lagarde, Chairwoman and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, joins to discuss women and economic inclusion. Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer and politician. Since July 5th, 2011, she has served as the Managing Director and Chairwoman of the International Monetary Fund.
Lt. Col. Oliver North, President of the National Rifle Association, joins to discuss school safety programs and the NRA’s challenges. Lt. Col. Oliver North is a political commentator, television host, author, and retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. Lt. Col. North served as president of the National Rifle Association as of May 2018, before being forced out a year later after only one term.
The Federalist Society’s Executive Vice President Leonard Leo joins to discuss the recent Supreme Court confirmation process, the future of such processes, and conservative jurisprudence. Leonard Leo is a lawyer who has served as an advisor to President Trump on Supreme Court nominations and as Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society.
Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska joints to discuss his new book on loneliness and tribalism, and the current state of the Senate. Senator Ben Sasse is a politician, author, and former educational administrator from Nebraska. He was elected to the United States Senate in 2014. Sasse is a Republican. As of this airing, his most recent book is titled "Them: Why We Hate Each Other – And How To Heal".
Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President for Trade and Manufacturing Policy, joins to discuss trade wars, tariffs, and the threat from China. Peter Navarro is an American economist who, as of this airing, serves as the Assistant to the President on Trade and Manufacturing Policy. He has written over a dozen books, and directed and produced the documentary Death By China.
Jeff Weaver, Bernie Sanders’ former campaign manager, discusses the midterms, progressives, and the political future of Bernie Sanders. Jeff Weaver is an author and political staffer. He was formerly President of Our Revolution and Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign manager. He is the author of the book How Bernie Won: Inside the Revolution That’s Taking Back Our Country–and Where We Go from Here, which was published in May 2018.
Donna Brazile joins Firing Line to discuss her career in politics, working at the DNC in 2016 and the future for Democrats and Republicans. Donna Brazile is a political strategist, campaign manager, author, and former chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. As of this airing, her most recent book is titled, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics".
This week on Firing Line, Stacey Abrams discusses her narrow defeat in Georgia, why she refused to concede and her next election. Stacey Abrams American politician, lawyer and novelist who served as Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017. In 2018, she ran as the Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discusses getting fired from the Trump transition, why he thinks Jared Kushner is the one who pushed him out, and how he would have carried out President Trump’s agenda. Governor Chris Christie is the former Governor of New Jersey. He served from 2010 to 2018. His new book is titled, "Let Me Finish".
Chef José Andrés joins to discuss his philanthropic work in Puerto Rico, feeding Federal employees, and his twitter exchanges with the President. Chef José Andrés is a Spanish-American chef with restaurants all across the world. He founded World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Andrés was named the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for his efforts in Puerto Rico.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair discusses the rise of populism around the globe, Brexit, and why he is advocating a return to centrist politics this week on Firing Line. Tony Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007. He was Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1997. As of 2017, Blair is the last UK Labour Party leader to have won a general election.
Senator Angus King (I-ME) discusses the Mueller Report, why Attorney General Barr’s summary is not enough and how we can protect ourselves from the Russians in the 2020 election. Angus Stanley King Jr. is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States Senator from Maine since 2013. A political independent since 1993, he was the 72nd Governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003.
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter discusses her early support of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign due to his hardline stance on immigration, her disappointment with how the Trump administration has handled immigration and border security, and why she is now saying the crisis at the border is “worse than it would ever be under any Democrat.”
Director, actor and activist Rob Reiner explains why he is using his voice to call out President Trump on social media, reflects on the continued divisions in the country that his character on “”All in the Family”” helped to illustrate, and talks about which Democratic candidate he believes has the best shot of winning back the White House in 2020.
Rep. Liz Cheney, the highest ranking House Republican woman ever, joins Firing Line to discuss how she thinks the United States should handle Iran, North Korea and Russia. She makes the case that America is safer under the Trump administration, and says she still believe the promotion of democracy and freedom around the world should be a pillar of U.S. foreign policy.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) joins Firing Line to discuss Joe Biden’s ties to segregationist senators, and whether he plans to use his platform as an influential South Carolina Democrat to endorse ahead of his state’s key primary. Clyburn also assesses the impeachment debate within the Democratic Party, and what he says needs to happen before impeachment proceedings would begin.
Presidential candidate John Delaney discusses why he thinks Democrats running on popular progressive policies like Medicare for All would hand the 2020 election to Donald Trump. The former Maryland Congressman and entrepreneur details his own plans for healthcare and the environment, and makes the case that he is the candidate who will find bipartisan solutions.
2020 presidential candidate and former HUD secretary Julian Castro joins Firing Line to discuss immigration policy and his breakout moment in the first Democratic debate. Castro explains why he is calling for the decriminalization of border crossings, and discusses the possibility of challenging Joe Biden on this issue when they share the stage at the next debate.
Presidential candidate and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper discusses taking on Bernie Sanders in this week’s presidential debate. Hickenlooper explains why he says policies advocated by some candidates, like the elimination of private insurance and the Green New Deal, will hand the election to Trump. He also discusses the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, which he initially opposed.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, co-sponsor of the House Medicare for All Act, makes the case for a universal government-run health insurance program. She explains why she supports eliminating private insurance and what that would mean for the 150 million+ people with employer-based coverage. She also talks about the cost of Medicare for All and whether wait times for doctors’ visits would change.
Terry McAuliffe, former VA Governor and DNC chair, discusses the 2020 Democratic field, including which candidate he thinks currently has the best chance of winning. McAuliffe also addresses white nationalism during the Trump administration in the wake of the El Paso attack and two years after Charlottesville’s violent “Unite the Right” rally that became the biggest crisis of his governorship.
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis joins ​Firing Line​ eight months after resigning from the Trump administration to discuss leadership, the importance of allies, and America’s role in conflicts in the Middle East. Mattis also explains why we should never label political opponents ‘enemies of the people’, and addresses his criticism of then-Vice President Joe Biden in his new book.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joins Firing Line to discuss the breakdown of the Trump administration’s negotiations with the Taliban. Dr. Rice also reflects on how the post-Cold War order has evolved, and warns against nativism and protectionism. She additionally criticizes elected officials who make policy on Twitter.
2020 presidential candidate and entrepreneur Andrew Yang joins Firing Line to detail his signature proposal to give every American adult $1,000 each month. Yang also discusses his growing concerns about robots and artificial intelligence replacing American jobs, and explains his goal to shift the country’s economy toward a new human-centered capitalism.
Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins Firing Line to discuss House Democrats’ decision to launch an impeachment inquiry into Pres. Trump. Bloomberg talks about two of his signature issues, gun safety and climate change, and explains how he sees businesses working alongside government to address global threats. He explains why he isn’t running for president in 2020, and weighs in on the field.
Science educator Bill Nye joins Firing Line to discuss the science and impact of climate change. The former host of Bill Nye the Science Guy talks about the role of innovation, investment, policy and education in addressing the problem. Nye also explains why he debates climate change skeptics and evolution deniers.
Civil rights activist Bryan Stevenson joins Firing Line to discuss race in America, the legacy of slavery, and his work defending death row prisoners. He also discusses creating The National Memorial for Peace and Justice to honor the victims of lynching, and the upcoming Hollywood movie based on his memoir, Just Mercy.
Sen. John McCain’s widow Cindy and daughter Meghan join Firing Line to reflect on the Senator’s legacy and bipartisan accomplishments just over a year after his passing. Cindy and Meghan address President Trump’s attacks on John McCain, the deep polarization in American politics, Meghan’s role as the conservative voice on The View, and their relationship with 2020 Presidential candidate Joe Biden.
Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara says that President Trump should be impeached for abuse of power. Bharara discusses what is ahead in the impeachment proceedings and Attorney General William Barr’s criminal investigation into the origins of the counterintelligence probe. Bharara also addresses his brief tenure in the Trump administration before he was fired.
Former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin joins Firing Line to discuss his tenure in the Trump administration before the president fired him by tweet. Shulkin explains his argument against privatization of the VA, a policy dispute that he believes led to his dismissal. He also addresses Trump’s leadership style and defends his controversial travel while in office.
Sen. Intel Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) discusses Russian election interference and how other adversaries have learned from their playbook heading into 2020. Warner talks about combating threats to voting systems and disinformation campaigns. He discusses his possible role as a juror in an impeachment trial, and says Russian spies spread the false claim that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election.
House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) discusses the impeachment hearings. Hurd explains why he says President Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president was “inappropriate,” and where he stands on allegations of bribery and extortion. Hurd discusses which witnesses he wants to hear from next, and whether or not he has made up his mind on how he would vote.
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley discusses her role in President Trump’s cabinet, and assesses the Trump administration’s handling of North Korea and Iran. Haley addresses the controversy over her recent comments on the confederate flag, and explains how the GOP should appeal to new voters. She also says the UN needs to change with the times.
House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff discusses the third presidential impeachment in U.S. history. Schiff explains why he now believes that a failed impeachment is better than none at all. He also discusses the Inspector General’s findings of mistakes in the FBI surveillance application process. In addition, Schiff warns about the threat of disinformation campaigns in the 2020 elections.
Former British Foreign Secretary and Labour politician David Miliband addresses the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Miliband, now head of the International Rescue Committee, says chaos in the Middle East could impact his work on the global refugee crisis. Miliband discusses U.K. and U.S. politics ahead of the 2020 election, warning that the “hard left doesn’t provide the answer.
Filmmaker Michael Moore discusses the 2020 presidential race. Moore, who correctly predicted Trump’s win in 2016, now says the Democrat could win the popular vote by an even greater margin and still lose. Moore explains why he supports Sanders over Warren, and addresses the candidates’ recent falling out. He discusses the Senate impeachment trial and his public apology to Iran’s ayatollah.
Democratic presidential candidate and former MA Gov. Deval Patrick discusses his late entry into the 2020 race. The only African-American candidate left in the field, Patrick talks about his journey from the South Side of Chicago to law school and a career at Fortune 500 companies. He explains his views on capitalism and the wealth tax, as well as his newly released reparations platform.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discusses what he calls “zombie” economic ideas and his public feuds with President Trump. The New York Times columnist talks about partisanship and whether ideological opponents can still have good faith debates. Krugman, a self-identified progressive, envisions what would happen if a progressive Democrat prevails in the 2020 race.
Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George, the “ideological odd couple,” discuss the importance of civil discourse in this era of polarization. Leftist West and conservative George are friends who teach together and travel the country to demonstrate their commitment to free speech. They explore their opposing views on several policy areas, respectfully disagreeing as well as finding common ground.
Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon discusses his predictions for the 2020 election and the future of populism. He talks about Bloomberg’s impact on the race and suggests that a new Democratic candidate will shake up the race late in the process. Bannon issues a stark warning about the coronavirus.
Georgetown professor, prolific author and political commentator Michael Eric Dyson discusses the state of race in the US ahead of the South Carolina Democratic primary. He talks about how black voters are assessing the rest of the 2020 field—including Bloomberg and Sanders—as Biden’s support slips. Dyson responds to Trump’s economic pitch to African-American voters.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson discusses the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus. Johnson, who was DHS Secretary during the 2014 Ebola crisis, talks about communicating with the public during times of anxiety. He also discusses ongoing election interference and immigration policy.
Former independent counsel Ken Starr discusses his investigation that led to the impeachment of President Clinton, and his work over 20 years later defending President Trump during his impeachment trial. Starr says that we are living in an “age of impeachment” in which it has become all too easy to impeach a president.
CT Gov. Ned Lamont discusses his efforts to fight COVID-19 in one of the most-infected states per capita in the country. He discusses the race to find more ventilators and personal protective equipment as the state’s case count rises. Lamont also gives advice to states that have not been hit as hard yet about how to flatten the curve.
President Trump’s former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses what is next for the coronavirus. Gottlieb says he is concerned about a second wave of COVID-19 that may hit in September. Gottlieb says parts of life may be altered until there is a vaccine, which could be still two years away. Gottlieb also discusses the prospects for antiviral and antibody medicine to treat the virus.
Billionaire Mark Cuban discusses advising President Trump as a member of his new group on reopening the U.S. economy. Cuban defends the president as the cheerleader-in-chief but dismisses the idea of setting a date now to reopen. The “Shark Tank” investor discusses relief for small businesses, tackling unemployment, and how he would address income inequality.
Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, now President Trump’s personal attorney, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the hardest-hit state. Giuliani reflects on his time as mayor of NYC during the September 11 terrorist attacks and talks about messaging during a crisis. Giuliani says that he is concerned about current restrictions to civil liberties and says that it is time to start reopening.
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and International Rescue Committee president David Miliband team up to discuss how COVID-19 will affect women and girls worldwide. They say the pandemic poses a particular threat to girls’ education in the developing world and is increasing sexual violence. They also discuss combating misinformation.
Susan Rice, President Obama’s National Security Advisor and the former ambassador to the United Nations, calls President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic abysmal. She says the lack of leadership has led to the loss of American lives and jobs. Rice says that she would run as Joe Biden’s vice president if asked.
Actor Sean Penn discusses his efforts to expand coronavirus testing access through his non-profit, CORE. The organization initially offered free drive-through tests in Penn’s hometown, Los Angeles, and is now in a number of cities. Penn urges people to come together in this moment of crisis rather than focus on partisan politics.
Activist, attorney and author Bakari Sellers discusses the death of George Floyd, the nationwide protests, and whether this moment of crisis will lead to meaningful change on issues of racism. Sellers, the son of a civil rights activist who was shot and wounded by police in 1968 during a student protest, talks about police brutality and reform.
Voting rights activist and politician Stacey Abrams discusses the fight for racial justice and her views on police reform including the "defund the police" movement. Abrams talks about election reform and voter access in November. She also addresses reports that she is a potential running mate for Joe Biden.
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) discusses the explosive growth of big tech and corporate mergers. She outlines her proposed antitrust reforms to fight back against monopolies and explains why every American should be paying attention.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) discusses her recent bipartisan bill addressing anti-Asian hate crimes, how her immigrant experience informs her legislative priorities and what caused her to become a more outspoken member of Congress.
Chess grandmaster turned democracy advocate Garry Kasparov, who chairs the Human Rights Foundation, warns about the rising tide of authoritarianism worldwide. He discusses bringing chess to life in the acclaimed series “The Queen’s Gambit.”
The New York Times bestselling author Irshad Manji discusses how she thinks diversity should be defined and taught, the divisiveness of labels and why moral courage — not cancel culture — is the key to honest conversations about issues that polarize.
Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard economist Lawrence H. Summers discusses his concerns about an overheated post-pandemic economy leading to inflation and what he believes the White House and the Fed should do about it.
CNN anchor Don Lemon discusses his new book on racism in America’s past and present, his own experiences dealing with prejudice, and bringing his point of view to cable news.
Four-star Admiral William H. McRaven discusses the imminent withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the current threat level from Iran, and the heroic virtues he details in his new book, "The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived."
Dr. Michael Osterholm, a member of Biden’s COVID advisory board, says new strains of COVID-19 have darkened his prognosis for the pandemic — which he is now scared could be the "the big one" — and discusses fixing the vaccine rollout problems.
In a special edition celebrating Independence Day, four-star Admiral William H. McRaven shares stories of heroism from his 37 years of service to America, including details behind the capture of Saddam Hussein and the killing of Osama bin Laden.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discusses America’s mission to return to the moon and reach Mars, billionaires in space, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings, and NASA’s search for intelligent life in the universe.
Columbia University linguist and race commentator John McWhorter explains the origins of critical race theory, what the decades-old legal concept has become in today’s national debate and his concerns about antiracism and how it is taught.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-FL—whose family fled Fidel Castro’s communist revolution in Cuba—discusses the ongoing oppression on the island, historic protests calling for freedom and how he thinks the U.S. and our allies should respond.
With a summer COVID surge, epidemiologist Dr. Celine Gounder and Brown University Dean of Public Health Dr. Ashish Jha discuss the dangers of the Delta variant, breakthrough cases, how to vaccinate more people and whether booster shots may be needed.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, D-MI, discusses representing a district that voted for Trump, the investigation into the attack on the Capitol, and voting rights. The former CIA analyst outlines her concerns about what’s next for Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster responds to the suicide attack that killed at least 13 U.S. service members outside the Kabul airport; Gen. David Petraeus discusses the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and what Taliban rule means for American security.
As America marks the 20th anniversary of September 11, Rep. Peter Meijer, R-MI, discusses the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, his decision to fly into Kabul amid the evacuation and who should be held accountable for the botched ending of a two-decade war.
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will discusses the conservative movement from William F. Buckley Jr. to the present, why he says many modern Republican politicians are not true conservatives, and what’s next for Trumpism.
Economist Mohamed A. El-Erian outlines his concern that inflation will persist and urges the Federal Reserve not to miss the window to act. He discusses how the pandemic has altered labor markets and discusses why some changes may be here to stay.
Billionaire Frank McCourt discusses his venture to overhaul the internet and create social media alternatives. He says blockchain is the key to protecting personal data and answers questions about how to transform his mission into a movement.
Firing Line interviews three dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Miami: Hatice Cengiz, fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi; Uyghur activist Jewher Ilham; and Venezuelan political exile Leopoldo Lopez.
Actor, author and illustrator John Lithgow discusses his new collection of poems satirizing America’s “scoundrels,” his take on contemporary politics, and getting into character for his iconic roles from Winston Churchill to Roger Ailes.
Russia expert Dr. Fiona Hill, a former senior official in Trump’s National Security Council and 2019 impeachment witness, discusses the rise of populism in the U.S. and why she believes her former boss continues to be a threat to American democracy.
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, discusses his immigration reform plan and protecting Americans against floods. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair outlines how the U.S. should promote democracy in Cuba, support Taiwan and prevent a nuclear Iran.
Author and political commentator Andrew Sullivan, a self-described small-c conservative who opposes Trump, says this week’s election signals a backlash to woke culture and discusses the need for open debate among people with different perspectives.
Artist, activist and former political prisoner Ai Weiwei discusses resisting authoritarianism in China and beyond,
Rising GOP star Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, discusses growing up in poverty in South Carolina and outlines his policy vision for opportunity zones, school choice and police reform. He weighs in on the GOP in 2024.
Republican Chris Christie says the GOP needs to renounce conspiracy theories and Trump’s election fraud lies. The former New Jersey governor discusses whether he is planning a 2024 presidential run and calls it “undeniable” that Trump gave him COVID.
Dana Canedy discusses “A Journal for Jordan”—her book about the late 1st Sgt. Charles M. King and the words of wisdom he left for their son—now a major movie directed by Denzel Washington. Canedy also reflects on her work running Simon & Schuster.