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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-IL, one of two Republicans on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack, discusses what lawmakers have learned and what questions remain unanswered – as the nation marks the one-year anniversary of that deadly day.
Author and anchor Fareed Zakaria discusses the lessons of Covid-19 as the world enters the third year of the pandemic; Zakaria, who as a student brought William F. Buckley Jr. to Yale, also discusses threats to democracy at home and abroad.
Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi discusses her rise up America’s corporate ladder after emigrating from India. She also weighs in on the future of the workplace, the care economy and the role companies should play in addressing problems in society.
Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz makes the case for school choice as her network of charter schools in NYC outperforms schools across the state. She discusses the role of teachers unions, education reform proposals and the impact of the pandemic.
Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch kicks off Black History Month with a discussion on the importance of studying a complete history, the role of museums in society and his continued work to preserve America’s story for future generations.
NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, a prominent critic of his native Turkey and China, discusses the genocide of the Uyghurs, his call for a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games, and his criticisms of the NBA and Nike for business ties with China.
Michael McFaul, the U.S. ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration, discusses the rising tensions as Russian troops surround Ukraine and appear poised to invade. He assesses Putin’s motivations and the prospects for deterrence and diplomacy.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor discusses Russia's invasion of its neighbor and Ukraine's resistance, the response of the U.S. and allies economically and militarily, and where the conflict is headed.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” author Margaret Atwood discusses her dystopian classic and being a consultant on the hit Hulu series based on it. Atwood reflects on using fiction and essays to warn about authoritarianism, climate change and other dangers.
Pulitzer Prize-winning war photojournalist Lynsey Addario joins from Kyiv to discuss shooting a defining image that exposed Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, finding humanity amid horror on the ground, and her drive to document conflict zones.
Grammy Award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens discusses what her journey from opera to Black string band music taught her about her own identity, her mission to reclaim the true history of the banjo, and how her “American music” transcends genres.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) discusses the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court but says public trust in the institution is falling. He responds to Russian war crimes in Ukraine and assesses Biden’s legislative agenda to date.
Oscar-winner Matt Damon and water expert Gary White discuss their goal to end the global water crisis for 771 million people in their lifetimes. They explain how they use microfinance and impact investing to help millions gain access to clean water.
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch discusses Putin's new offensive, Ukrainian resolve, and whether Russian atrocities are genocide. The impeachment witness analyzes Trump's dealings with Ukraine and Biden's response to the war.
Legendary journalist Tina Brown discusses her new book about the royals, with reporting on Megxit, Prince Andrew, and what happens after Queen Elizabeth's reign. She weighs in on the future of magazines and billionaire Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield discusses holding Putin accountable for war crimes and tackling the global food security crisis that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has accelerated. She addresses the UN's mission and possible reforms.
Legal scholars Mary Ziegler and Ed Whelan discuss their differing views on the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the future of abortion law in America, and what this expected ruling could mean for other cases.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt discusses how artificial intelligence will change the world and impact the future of jobs, medicine and warfare. He says we need to prepare for the dark sides of AI and weighs in on other tech issues and climate change.
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D), Georgia's first Black US senator and a minister, discusses the economy, Jan. 6, and other key midterm issues. Warnock is up against ex-football star Herschel Walker, a Trump-backed candidate, in a closely watched 2022 race.
Republican election lawyer Ben Ginsberg discusses speaking out against Trump and other election deniers at the January 6 hearings. He weighs in on efforts to reform federal election laws and assesses whether Trump will be prosecuted.
Pro-choice Republican and fmr. NJ Gov. Christine Todd Whitman calls the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe judicial activism and says women will be harmed. She reflects on how the GOP became an anti-choice party and on polarization in America.
Author James Kirchick discusses his New York Times bestseller “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington,” a chronicle of gay powerbrokers from the FDR presidency through the Cold War and into the Clinton years – and the risks they faced.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-CT, discusses his first success in a decade-long fight to stop America’s gun violence epidemic and explains how the new law may have stopped the Highland Park shooter. He addresses urban gun violence and the weakening gun lobby.
Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant examines the value of rethinking deeply-held beliefs in an ever-changing world. He discusses how that approach could reshape our work, politics, and daily discourse for the better.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) discusses his support for Trump leading up to Jan. 6, whether Trump’s inaction that day violated his oath, and what it may mean for 2024. He also makes his case against what he sees as a Democratic plot to pack the Supreme Court.
Legendary singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins discusses writing enduring hits for films like “Top Gun” and "Footloose," reuniting with Jim Messina, and other highs and lows of his 50-year career as he's out with his memoir, "Still Alright."
One year after U.S. troops left Afghanistan and 21 years after 9/11, Marine veteran and author Elliot Ackerman reflects on the war’s strategic failures, his own efforts to get Afghans out, and the dangers of America’s growing civil-military divide.
Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein discuss their new 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.
Former Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez warns against the rise of left-wing populism in Colombia and across Latin America. He also discusses the war on drugs, the crisis in Venezuela, and the global impact of threats to democracy in the U.S.
Ukrainian Amb. to the U.S. Oksana Markarova discusses Russia’s nuclear threats as Putin annexes territory and mobilizes 300,000 reservists. She weighs in on Russian war crimes that she calls “genocide” and makes the case for continued U.S. support.
Progressive 'Squad' member Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) discusses surviving sexual assault and her experience with abortion as she is out with a memoir. She discusses her role in the Black Lives Matters protests, policing, and other policy priorities.
Exiled Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad calls the protests in Iran over the government's brutal treatment of women a revolution that will bring down the regime. She also says the U.S. should do much more to support the protestors.
Author and journalist Matthew Continetti discusses the evolution and future of the American conservative movement. He examines how figures like William F. Buckley Jr., Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump led, shaped and changed the right.
Independent conservative candidate Evan McMullin discusses his race against Utah's Republican Sen. Mike Lee, which could decide control of the Senate. McMullin criticizes Lee's support of Trump and his role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Pulitzer-prize winning New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman gives the inside account of interviewing Donald Trump for her new biography. She discusses the latest on the investigations he is facing and why she believes Trump will run in 2024.
Republican Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson assesses the GOP’s weak performance in the 2022 midterm elections, how key issues like abortion played into the race, how it may affect Donald Trump’s role in the party and what this means for 2024.
Former Attorney General William Barr denounces Trump's 2024 bid and says his ex-boss should step aside. Barr discusses his high-profile resignation from the Trump administration, the state of the DOJ, and the current investigations of Trump.
Vice President Mike Pence defends the work of the Trump administration while explaining his break with President Trump over January 6. He discusses the investigations of Trump, his call for civility, and his potential presidential candidacy in 2024.
Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist who faces life in prison for standing up to authoritarianism in the Philippines, discusses how the spread of false news through social media threatens democracy and the importance of a free press.
Misty Copeland discusses becoming American Ballet Theatre's first Black principal dancer and the role her mentor, trailblazing Black ballerina Raven Wilkinson, played in her rise. Copeland weighs in on diversity in ballet, motherhood and her future.
Reverend Al Sharpton discusses his evolution as a civil rights leader and the challenges and controversies he has faced. He weighs in on the progress of the movement and the power of Black voters.
Pulitzer Prize winning-author and presidential biographer Jon Meacham discusses how today’s leaders compare to their predecessors. Meacham, who has helped craft some of Biden's key speeches, weighs in on today's GOP and whether Biden will run again.
Nancy Mace discusses the challenges of being a Republican who rejects the GOP's extremes and supports bipartisan solutions on abortion, cannabis and other issues. She weighs in on the classified documents investigations and debt ceiling.
Media mogul Barry Diller discusses why he thinks Hollywood and the Oscars are irrelevant, the future of streaming, why he does not believe Alec Baldwin is responsible for the "Rust" set shooting, and what's ahead in politics.
Brown economist Glenn Loury says affirmative action and reparations will not solve inequality and defends free speech on college campuses. Loury—who at 33 became Harvard's first Black tenured economics professor—discusses how his views have evolved.
Brian O’Hara—Minneapolis’ first new police chief since George Floyd’s death—discusses policing after the death of Tyre Nichols renewed calls for reform. He weighs in on racial disparities, qualified immunity, gun violence and elevated crime rates.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI)—chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party—discusses how the US should respond to growing threats from the CCP. He discusses trade, the dangers of TikTok, and says the US should commit to defending Taiwan.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, the second Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland and a vocal Trump critic, discusses why he won't challenge Trump for the GOP nomination, economic policy proposals, and the future of the GOP.
Supermodel and 1980s cover girl Paulina Porizkova discusses aging and ageism, harassment in modeling, her journey out of Communist Czechoslovakia, struggling with mental health, and the breakdown of her marriage to the late Cars' singer Ric Ocasek.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann discusses the 34 felony count indictment of former President and 2024 candidate Donald Trump. He discusses the prosecution’s strengths and weaknesses and what to expect as Trump faces more criminal probes.
Author and cultural critic Thomas Chatterton Williams explains why he thinks Americans need to unlearn traditional racial constructs in order to achieve equality. He also discusses the impact of culture wars and wokeness on contemporary politics.
Rising Democratic star and political newcomer Gov. Wes Moore discusses overcoming tragedy to become a Rhodes Scholar, Army captain, bestselling author and Maryland's first Black governor. He details his plans for tackling poverty and crime.
Conservative New York Times columnist David French, an anti-Trump voice in the GOP, weighs in on the 2024 presidential race, turmoil at Fox News, whether Trump may go to prison, and the latest cases and ethics questions before the Supreme Court.
Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss discusses America's civics crisis and his initiative to restore civics education in public schools. He weighs in on the state of discourse in the country and speaks out against diversity inclusion standards in Hollywood.
Financial journalist Felix Salmon discusses how Covid created an economic paradigm shift affecting everything from labor markets to millennial investing. He advocates for ending the debt ceiling and says minting money would be better than a default.
Charlie Sykes, a founder and the editor-in-chief of the non-partisan news site "The Bulwark," discusses why he disassociated himself from the Republican Party, the challenges of covering Trump, the 2024 race, and whether conservatism can be redeemed.
Chris Christie discusses his newly launched 2024 presidential bid and why he’s taking direct aim at his former friend and boss Donald Trump. He says the DOJ must indict Trump if they have evidence of crimes in the classified documents investigation.
Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the federal indictment against Donald Trump and what to expect of the trials that may take place during the election season. He also weighs in on Hunter Biden’s plea deal.
Harvard historian and journalist Jill Lepore discusses how the past sheds light on present truth-related threats. Lepore critiques the Supreme Court's dismantling of affirmative action, which she says will erode public confidence in the Court.
Singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher discusses her journey from a troubled upbringing in Alaska to music megastardom, how she saved her own soul by prioritizing her mental health, and her virtual reality platform providing access to mindfulness tools.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican who defeated a Trump-backed candidate in the midterms, says Alaska’s new voting reforms could help democracy elsewhere. She discusses the 2024 race and indicates how she would vote in a Trump-Biden rematch.
Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar discusses his new book defending Clarence Thomas’s originalism, his own presence on the conservative short-list for the Supreme Court, the affirmative action ruling, and ethics questions involving justices.
Entrepreneur and GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy discusses his critique of woke capitalism, his plan to eliminate federal agencies, his opposition to U.S. military support for Ukraine and why he believes America needs a political outsider.
Moderate Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd challenges prevailing GOP sentiment by taking on Donald Trump. Hurd, a former Texas congressman and undercover CIA agent, discusses immigration, national security, and artificial intelligence.
Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO, Roya Mahboob, discusses the fall of Kabul and decimation of women's rights after two years of Taliban rule. She gives an update on the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, which she launched prior to the Taliban takeover.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican presidential candidate and former tech CEO, outlines his policy vision for energy, climate, immigration, and education reform. He says the GOP needs to move past the 2020 election and look to the future.
Writer, activist, comedian and “America Outdoors” host Baratunde Thurston discusses how nature can bridge divides and help heal the nation. He explains why he uses humor to tackle tough topics like race and politics, and weighs in on A.I. and 2024.
Actor Liev Schreiber, co-founder of BlueCheck Ukraine, discusses the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine as President Zelensky asks for international support at the UN. He explains why he thinks Russia will lose and why Americans should care.
Bestselling author Walter Isaacson discusses his biography of Elon Musk, who leads SpaceX, Tesla, and endeavors in AI and brain-machine interfaces. Isaacson comments on Musk's Twitter takeover, geopolitical influence, controversies, and aspirations.
Left-leaning author and professor Yascha Mounk discusses his new book “The Identity Trap” examining the rise of identity politics within the progressive left. Mounk addresses the risks this trend may present to schools, corporations, and democracy.
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret Stephens discusses how Israel should respond to Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack. Stephens, the former Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief, assesses the role of Iran and the geopolitical ramifications of the war.
Terrorism expert Jonathan Schanzer examines efforts to contain a wider war in the Middle East and deter Iran and its proxies. He discusses the Qatari-led hostage negotiations and the complexities of an Israeli ground fight against Hamas in Gaza.
Republican Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana and Purdue University president, discusses America's political disarray, the national debt, campus speech debates, strategies for reducing tuition, and whether he would ever return to politics.
Military historian Kimberly Kagan discusses Israel’s obstacles on the ground in Gaza, Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia, and the role Iran plays in both conflicts. She also explains her concerns over U.S. readiness for wider war.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides explains why the next 30 days will be the most important in Israel’s history. He discusses hostage rescue negotiations, Israel’s combat calculations, and diplomatic and humanitarian challenges.
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, discusses standing up to pressure from Trump to overturn the 2020 election in his state and how to restore public trust in elections. He explains why he believes Georgia is ready for 2024.
Exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez discusses threats to democracy around the world and combatting autocracy. He comments on challenging conditions in Venezuela under Maduro and the impact of Biden's policies in the region.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the spike in antisemitism since Oct. 7, the double standard on speech he sees on university campuses, and his concerns about anti-Zionism and a lack of moral clarity among progressives.