The Hard Question with BQ

As the clock keeps ticking toward the midterm elections, will the political parties change their strategy to maintain or assume control of the Congress? Do they understand the voters, or are they clueless or arrogant? Will the Durham investigation hurt or even sink the Democrats in the upcoming elections? Joining Blanquita to discuss all this and more is former Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA). Doug Collins is a “common-sense conservative” and host of “The Doug Collins Podcast” on the Salem Podcast Network. As a former congressman and ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Collins knows what it means to fight for what he believes in. His first book, The Clock and The Calendar, offers an insider perspective on the first impeachment of Donald Trump. Prior to his time in Congress, Collins served in the Georgia state legislature. He also served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain, which included a deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009. As a lieutenant colonel, Collins remains active in the Air Force Reserve. He is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

When chaos abounds, our attention is scattered. We have plenty of it! Ukraine, Title 42 about to end, our Southern borders erupting, the shocking leak of a document that could overturn Roe vs. Wade causing protests, more protests, and more protests. People are angry! Americans are turning against Americans. The issues are monumental: Parents fighting to reclaim their parental rights, freedom of speech and religion vilified -- some want them nullified and some cry that the Constitution is irrelevant. Of course, there is that pesky problem of the economy moving closer to the edge of a steep cliff. Many fear we are at the tipping point. What is in plain sight that we are missing? A solution? BQ is joined by Lt. Col. (Retired) Tony Shaeffer, President of the London Center for Policy Research to discuss. Tony Shaeffer is a New York Times bestselling author and CIA-trained intelligence operations officer with over 35 years of experience in global and national security. In his think tank work he has been adviser to senior members of the White House, the intelligence community, Pentagon and key members of Congress. He also works with National Geographic as an advising producer and co-producer of the series “Chain of Command.” In 2017 he became the Homeland Security adviser to the Stafford County Sheriff's Department in Virginia and works as its member of the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau's expanded task force. He is the author of Operation Dark Heart: Spycraft and Special Ops on the Frontlines of Afghanistan — And the Path to Victory.

Today on “The Hard Question,” Blanquita Cullum is joined by Mario H. Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, an advocacy organization that promotes liberty, opportunity, and prosperity for all in public policy. He says the federal government is working toward reinstating “fiduciary rule” that would hurt underserved communities. Hispanic and Black families typically earn less than others, and their employers are less likely to offer 401(k)s or other retirement savings plans. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Hispanic families and more than half of Black families don't have any form of retirement savings account. The federal government move to impose rules that could hurt the ability of many Americans to save for their retirement could be devastating. Visit "The Hard Question" show page: www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question

This time on "The Hard Question," Blanquita Cullum is joined by senior White House correspondent for Newsmax John Gizzi to discuss the controversial press conference President Joe Biden had Wednesday, his first press conference in months. The president was chastised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government, who rebuked Biden's comments about how the U.S. would respond to a "minor incursion" by Russia, tweeting that there "are no minor incursions." President Biden had to backtrack and assert his support for Ukraine -- a stumble and nationally a political rumble. What's ahead? Visit "The Hard Question" show page: www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question

This week on “The Hard Question” Blanquita Cullum starts the new year by interviewing the outstanding and visionary human rights filmmaker Leon Lee. Lee's new movie, “Unsilenced,” will be released January 21. It's based on the true-life story of the crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party and what a group of students risk to fight for freedom. A very powerful interview and a must-see film. ABOUT THE FILM Based on true events, “Unsilenced” follows Wang, a Chinese student and Falun Gong practitioner, and his friends as they attempt to navigate the 1999 order that banned the spiritual practice in China and remains in effect to this day. New lies and coverups appear around every turn as the Chinese Communist Party attempts to quell the rising voices of dissent, deploying every form of propaganda and suppression that it can muster. With the risk of prison, torture, and even death looming over Wang and his compatriots, they must all make sacrifices to protect the truth and expose the government's human-rights abuses. {Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/613981463} ABOUT LEON LEE Leon Lee is an award-winning filmmaker who explores intriguing stories that help shine a light on human rights issues. His debut documentary Human Harvest, which was eight years in the making, exposed China's illegal organ trade. It has been viewed by millions worldwide and received a coveted Peabody Award. Lee's documentary Avenues of Escape(2016) was the recipient of four Leo Awards including Best Feature Documentary. His recent documentary Letter from Masanjia premiered at Hot Docs 2018 and has since won awards from festivals around the world. His goal as a filmmaker is to create an impact by bringing true stories to life in unforgettable ways, sparking vital discussion on topics of international importance.

Joining Blanquita Cullum today on "The Hard Question" is attorney Jim Wholey, former chief of staff of the late Senator Bob Dole. Are Americans being encouraged to diminish the people we have traditionally honored as heroes? Also: Nina May, director of "Daily Bread," a faith-based post-apocalyptic drama. When this series first aired many said it was far-fetched. How about now? Visit "The Hard Question" show page: https://www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question

This week “The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum” welcomes the founder of Voices Against Trafficking, Andi Buerger JD. Andi Buerger is one of the world's most fearless fighters against human trafficking. Through her organizations Voices Against Trafficking and Beulah's Place she has rescued hundreds of innocents from the multibillion-dollar transnational criminal industry. Voices Against Trafficking (VAT) has published a landmark work, Voices Against Trafficking: The Strength of Many Voices Speaking As One. This searing publication tells the harrowing story of the criminal global human trafficking industry through the voices of both victims and rescuers. It is a painful story, but one that must be heard. Find more at www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question

This time "The Hard Question" focuses on the divide in America — can it be resolved? Two very important legal cases have many in the country on edge. The Supreme Court is reviewing a Mississippi law that could that could impact Roe v. Wade. The justices will craft a decision that could dramatically limit abortion rights in the United States. In the hearing Wednesday, Justice Clarence Thomas asked if a mother has a right to ingest drugs and harm a pre-viable baby. The protests against and in favor of abortion rights are loud and passionate outside the Supreme Court Building. Terry Beatley, author and journalist, was there Wednesday and she joins BQ. Later in the episode, the trial of Jussie Smollett, the former “Empire” star who allegedly staged a “hoax” hate crime attack, is underway. Will the sympathy of the media be at odds with the outcome of the decision rendered by jury? Who determines justice, the courts or the mob? Kevin McGary, president and co-founder of Every Black Life Matters, gives insight. MORE ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUESTS Terry's Mission is to educate, unify, and restore America around a culture of life ethic by fulfilling the promise made to Dr. Bernard N. Nathanson, co-founder of NARAL, who deeply regretted unleashing abortion onto America and deceiving the public with lies that he perpetrated. Terry is the president of the Hosea Initiative and author of What If We've Been Wrong. Kevin McGary is an entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. In the arena of civic engagement, he serves as president and co-founder of Every Black Life Matters and chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of California and is an executive with the Douglass Leadership Institute and the Northstar Leadership PAC. As a professional, Kevin has worked the past 35 years in information technology. He leads a collection of proactive individuals committed to developing innovative and new approaches to today's sociopolitical issues, and with the assistance of elected officials and myriad of community activists, he lectures and provides workshops about todays most perplexing issues. Kevin is the author of The War On Women From "The Root" to "The Fruit!": Which Side Are You On? and Justly Justice: Social Justice, Racial Justice, Human Rights…Done! Visit "The Hard Question" show page: https://www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question

This week on “The Hard Question,” Blanquita is joined by former chief of Border Patrol Rodney Scott, currently a distinguished senior fellow for border security at the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF). Scott calls President Biden's proposed payouts to immigrants separated at the border during the Trump administration "ludicrous," and warns that border agents are overwhelmed and demoralized. BQ goes in depth and they discuss recent comments by the president of Mexico, who has threatened Republican congressmen to support amnesty for 11 million migrants who have illegally entered the United States. What does that mean? Prior to joining TPPF, Scott served as the 24th chief of the United States Border Patrol. Since first joining the Border Patrol in 1992, his assignments included serving as chief patrol agent of the El Centro (California) Sector, assistant chief in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Anti-Terrorism, and director of the Incident Management and Operations Coordination Division at CBP Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Visit "The Hard Question" online at studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question.

"The Hard Question" returns with a new episode! This time Blanquita welcomes back former Special Agent Eric Caron, author of “Switched On: The Heart and Mind of a Special Agent.” They discuss the influence of China on previous U.S. administrations and how it has affected our security, economy, and daily life. In-depth information and very insightful! Eric J. Caron is a dynamic former U.S. diplomat and U.S. special agent (25 years) who successfully conducted and managed covert operations relating to national security, transnational crime, and money laundering. He has held senior positions within Homeland Security and INTERPOL. Eric's accomplishments have been highlighted by media outlets from around the world and he received the U.S. Attorney General's Award for his “endeavors in furthering the interest of U.S. national security.” In his book Switched On, Eric provides a glimpse of a dramatic life few have seen. His cases ranged from terrorist threats, transnational crimes, U.S. defense contractors, and the CIA going rogue, to the WMD programs of Iran, China, and Russia. He also speaks candidly about his own struggles with PTSD and how being “Switched On” is a coat of armor that saved his life. He is currently an international security consultant and often appears as a security guest on various local and national media programs sharing his experience and views on policing and national security. Eric's website is Switchedonlife.com; that's where you can purchase his book and learn how to stay Switched On in life! Visit "The Hard Question" online at studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question.

What is the greatest peril facing America? Is the American public worn out from chaos, pandemic, isolation, fear, and a serious lack of trust in government? Do our elected leaders only want short-term, perceived political victories—which send a message of weakness to our enemies and our allies? Joining Blanquita to talk about it is Bryan Griffin, distinguished fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and author of "The Encyclopedia of Militant Islam." Visit "The Hard Question" online at studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question.

“The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum” returns! Who do you trust? Allegations surround Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley who "called his Chinese counterpart twice in the waning months of Donald Trump's presidency to secretly reassure Beijing that the U.S. would not attack,” according to a Milley spokesman. How serious is this? President Biden said he has "full confidence" in General Milley. Others demand that he resign, and even the word “treason” has been mentioned in relation to his actions. We also talk about Americans and allies left in Afghanistan, North Korea launching a missile, and China making advances toward Taiwan. Joining BQ to talk about it, Eric J. Caron, a dynamic former U.S. diplomat and U.S. special agent (for 25 years) who successfully conducted and managed covert operations relating to national security, transnational crime, and money laundering. He has held senior positions within Homeland Security and INTERPOL and is the author of Switched On - The Heart and Mind of a Special Agent. Then Lt. Col. Anthony (Tony) Shaffer (retired) joins BQ. He is the president of the London Center for Policy Research, a New York Times bestselling author, and CIA-trained intelligence operations officer with 35 years of experience in global and national security. Visit "The Hard Question" online at studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question.

Will impending inflation affect the middle class? Richard Manning calls in to tell us what he knows. Also, what do you know about Father Aloysius Schwartz? Kevin Wells joins BQ to tell part of his story. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Intelligence is pointing to the possibility that the SARS-CoV-2 virus from Wuhan may have originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. What a shock! Dr. Dana Cheng joins the show to discuss. Also, BQ is joined by Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, who provides insight on the 87,000 new IRS agents Biden wants to hire. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

What did Palestine and Hamas achieve with the ceasefire? Bryan Griffin joins BQ to explain. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Gregg Roman joins BQ to talk about whether the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will hold, and who deserves the credit if it works. Later, Pastor Anthony Williams updates us on his progress to make violence treated as a public health crisis. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by David Shestokas. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Michael N. Smith is the author of "100 Worst Ideas in History," and it covers some interesting topics, which include; how a confused chauffeur helped start WWI, who turned down the greatest product placement opportunity in cinema history, "Disco Demolition," and much more. It'll be a nice little break from whatever the news is talking about today. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

How critical and serious is the threat facing the United States' three ‘Grids'? Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can be caused by a naturally occurring solar storm, a nuclear weapon, or something as simple as a manmade suitcase-sized device, and would collapse electric grids. Moreover, EMP could be the ultimate cyber-weapon in the military doctrines and plans of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. How vulnerable are we? Joining BQ today is Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, known as the “Albert Einstein of EMP." Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Some New Yorkers and Chicagoans want their respective police departments to be defunded, but crime rates are going up in both cities. What would happen if police were defunded? Thomas Ruskin joins BQ to discuss. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Dr. Eric Cole, cyber security expert and former CIA analyst, joins BQ to talk about the recent attack on the Colonial Pipeline and the ransom paid to get it back. Will things get better or worse from here? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

An "Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals" questions the integrity of the US election, Biden's mental fitness, the Iran Deal, and much more. Does this letter hurt the military and the country? Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer joins BQ to discuss. Later, Christian Whiton calls in to talk about the US equity markets, which he believes are radically overvalued and ripe for a correction. What does this mean for you? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Ken Oliver gives us an alarming update on groups crossing the Rio Grande, and Richard Manning discusses the ouster of Congresswoman Cheney. 100 "former Republicans" want to create an alternative party... will that even happen? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Bryan Griffin joins BQ to talk about everything from the Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip, to the cyber attack on the colonial pipeline. Is Russia behind the attack? What is the role of Iran and China? Is it a coordinated effort? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

The President of the IOC has cancelled his trip to Japan. Is this bad news for the Summer Games? Autry Pruitt, CEO of New Journey PAC, joins BQ to discuss. Later, Director of the Middle East Forum, Gregg Roman, gives us an update on Hamas militants firing a barrage of rockets into Israel. Why the rise in tensions? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

George Liebmann is the author of, "Vox Clamantis In Deserto," which translates to, "the voice of one crying out in the desert." He believes the last 5 presidents, including Biden, have all been failures. Do you agree? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by Richard Manning, President of Americans for Limited Government. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Todd Bensman, author of "America's Covert Border War," discusses the insight he gained from his most recent trip into Mexico. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Rudy Giuliani was raided. Nineteen Senators want John Kerry to resign. Hunter Biden is... well, who really knows? Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer, of the London Center for Policy Research, joins BQ to discuss. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

President Biden FINALLY addressed a joint session of Congress, where he proposed big spending and tax increases. Is this the government helping us, or hurting us? Were you able to stay awake for the speech, unlike Ted Cruz? Later, Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times gives us insight about the tensions between Taiwan and China. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

James Carroll a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and is considered the world's leading proponent of using Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM).  He joins BQ to discuss the amazing breakthroughs. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Nancy Reagan was the most successful and influential First Lady in history, and she was a key part in helping the President achieve his goals. Did she want the recognition, or did she just love her husband that much? Karen Tumulty is the author of "The Triumph of Nancy Reagan," and shares all the great stories she's learned through her several years of research. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

There's a 75% increase in officer resignations from the NYPD. What's making so many of the city's finest choose to leave? Is it giving up, or is it saving their livelihoods? Also, Mary Bawden calls in to talk about the degradation of children's dance culture. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Do the Academy Awards recognize the most quality films, or just the movies that have the message they like the most? Nina May joins BQ to discuss. Later, Dr. Dana Cheng gives us an update on a situation between China and the Philippines. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

HR51 has passed the House and will move to the Senate. Will it be DOA? Richard Manning calls in to talk about that and more. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Are you going to watch the Oscars on Sunday? Did you even know it's on then? Are audiences just sick of Hollywood's politics? Filmmaker Rick Eldridge joins BQ to talk about that, and his recent movies. What about all those cargo ships in the Port of LA? BQ is joined by Mike Kucharski, Co-Owner and VP of JKC Trucking, the largest refrigerated trucking company based out of Chicago. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Do Maxine Waters' comments give Chauvin an opening for appeal? What's going on in the Middle East? BQ is joined by Gregg Roman and Retired Sgt. Jeff McGreevy. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Is Biden really strong against China? Does he support Japan? Is Russia fixated on invading Ukraine and possibly starting a war? BQ is joined by Christian Whiton and Don Jensen to discuss it all. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by U.S. Major General (Ret.) Mari K. Eder to discuss the decay of trust in our institutions, information, experts, and values. Later, Pastor Anthony Williams calls in to discuss the tragic death of Adam Toledo, the bodycam footage, and what it means for all of us. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by Dan Schneider, Executive Director of the American Conservative Union. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Russian troops are massing on the border with Ukraine. Is it a prelude to war, or just an intimidation tactic? Christian Whiton joins BQ to discuss. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

While many on the Hill are discussing the move to "pack" the Supreme Court, there may be something built into the plan that will prevent it from happening. What is it? David Shestokas joins BQ with what you need to know. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Hundreds of corporate leaders are teaming up to challenge new voting legislation they consider discriminatory. Is this their right, or are they trying to manipulate the system? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Tom Ruskin, former NYPD Detective, joins BQ to discuss why so many officers are leaving the beat. Also, Dr. Ronald Hamner joins the show to talk about saving the Doctor-Patient relationship. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

President Biden is expected to sign six executive orders on gun control. What will this mean for the Second Amendment? Do you agree that gun violence has reached "public health epidemic" status? Later, Dr. Dana Cheng shares some breaking news out of China. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

Georgia has some new election laws. Some say they make the process more trustworthy, others think the GOP is just suppressing the vote. Which side makes the better case? BQ is joined by David Keene, editor-at-large for The Washington Times. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by Todd Bensman, author of "America's Covert Border War." Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by Gregg Roman to talk about some breaking news in the Middle East. Later, Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer (Ret.) gives an update on Russia warning NATO against deploying troops to Ukraine. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

According to a new Gallup survey, less than half of Americans are members of a house of worship. Why has attendance been dropping? Is the pandemic to blame? The media? Hollywood? Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is catching up on Venezuela with Alberto, and on China with Dr. Dana. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!

BQ is joined by Franklin Raff, former executive producer of G. Gordon Liddy's radio show, as they share (some of) their memories about the political and talk radio legend. Also, Pastor Anthony Williams calls-in to tell us about his success with HB158 in the Illinois state legislature. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!