Podcasts about craig newmark philanthropies

Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, “Marketcrafters,” in which he examines how American policymakers have shaped markets for social and political goals over the last century.Hughes, who is now pursuing a PhD in economics at the University of Pennsylvania, sees growing support on the left and the right for using the levers of government to cultivate markets for the common good.Hughes says that President Trump's tariffs are not marketcraft but "government by impulse,” and he envisions a marketcraft policy that could tackle the cost of living crisis that Americans face today. As a student at Harvard, Hughes helped Mark Zuckerberg launch Facebook more than 20 years ago, but he later became an outspoken critic of the social media network. With Zuckerberg's Meta in the midst of a massive antitrust trial, Hughes explains why he believes “Congress must act” and break up Meta.Hughes also discusses his assessment of Bidenomics, his support for repealing special liability protections for internet platforms, and how he reflects on his own legacy.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Dr. Fei-Fei Li, known as the godmother of AI, talks to Margaret Hoover about the ethical development of artificial intelligence and the challenge of regulating the rapidly advancing technology.Li, who recently received a lifetime achievement award at the Webbys for her AI research, explains why she focuses her work on “human-centered AI” and how she believes human dignity can be protected as AI progresses.Li discusses the role of government funding in academic research and the importance of diversity in science, and she outlines a pragmatic approach to AI governance rooted in science, rather than science fiction.Li, co-founder of Stanford's Human-Centered AI Institute, comments on the AI race between the U.S. and China, the concerns raised by potential military applications of the technology, and whether it is safe to place AI in the hands of children.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Historian Niall Ferguson sits down with Margaret Hoover to assess the first 100 days of President Trump's second term and the challenges that lie ahead for the White House.Ferguson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, contrasts Trump with FDR and considers whether his early actions will have lasting impact. He also explains why he sees Trump 2.0 as “Richard Nixon's revenge.”Ferguson criticizes Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine and his sweeping use of tariffs that have rattled the global economy. He also questions Trump's strategy on China and warns of a potential showdown over Taiwan.As a conservative and a former professor at Harvard, Ferguson reacts to the Trump administration's assault on Harvard and other universities, and he explains why the president needs to remember that he is “not a king.”Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Actor Kelsey Grammer joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his new book, his decadeslong journey of healing after tragedy, and his politics.When most people think of Grammer, they think of his charming character Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers” and “Frasier,” but there is a darker side to his story. In “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” Grammer reflects on the vicious murder of his sister Karen, who was raped and stabbed 42 times in 1975 when she was 19.“She was my North Star,” Grammer tells Hoover in an emotional interview. He also recalls how acting helped him overcome his grief and his self-destructive behavior in the wake of his sister's murder. “I had this almost miraculous outlet that made me a whole person.”Grammer was inspired to write the book after working with a medium who helped him connect with Karen and discover her wish for him to write her story. Grammer takes the reader on a long,  stream-of-consciousness style journey through his memories and emotions. After spending three years writing the book, Grammer says he is more grateful now than ever before, and he hopes that this book will help other people heal, too. Grammer is well known as a rare conservative in Hollywood and has even been seen at Mar-a-Lago. He defends President Trump as representing the “common man,” and he rejects claims that the country is moving towards oligarchy. “Oligarchy is malarkey,” he says.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Robert Lighthizer, who served as U.S. trade representative in Donald Trump's first term, sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the president's trade agenda, his use of tariffs, and their impact on the economy.Lighthizer, author of No Trade Is Free, explains why he favors “balanced trade” over free trade and makes his case that tariffs can revive American manufacturing. He tells Hoover why he doubts chaos in financial markets will unseat the dollar as a global reserve currency, but he argues a weaker dollar could have benefits.A longtime critic of NAFTA and open trade with communist China, Lighthizer credits Trump for changing the debate about trade in America and trying to solve the problems caused by globalization. He also challenges critics who say tariffs are the wrong approach to come up with a viable alternative.Lighthizer assesses the potential for tariffs to drive up consumer prices and whether they could fuel broader inflation. He admits Trump's implementation of his “Liberation Day” tariffs was not perfect, and he reflects on whether he would join the new administration if asked.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

As wars continue to rage in Ukraine and Gaza, chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés joins Margaret Hoover to discuss his approach to humanitarian aid in disasters, his reaction to losing aid workers in Gaza, and his new book, “Change the Recipe.” Andrés, whose organization has served millions of meals in Ukraine, urges the Trump administration to change course amid threats to walk away from peace negotiations. "I support his willingness to achieve peace, but he has to achieve peace on the side of Ukraine."One year after an Israeli drone strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza, Andrés says he will "forever" remember their sacrifice. "Those are people that make the decision to be next to the voiceless and next to the poor and the hungry."After watching governments respond slowly and inefficiently to disasters around the world, Andrés urges the U.S. to think about how it can be more efficient when it comes to giving. “Doing good is okay, but today in the 21st century, we must do smart good."Andrés also talks about tackling food insecurity in the U.S., President Trump's deportation efforts, and threats to the rule of law.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

As the world reels from President Trump's trade war, conservative economist Glenn Hubbard joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs, his doubts on the return of manufacturing jobs, and the difficulty of decoupling from China.While Hubbard credits President Trump with recognizing the problems of globalization, he says tariffs are not the way to fix the problem. “It means higher prices, disrupted supply chains, job losses and lost output,” he says, adding that it also creates uncertainty for businesses.Hubbard, who once served as chair of Pres. George W. Bush's Council of Economic Advisors, says it is “not at all obvious” that reviving U.S. manufacturing will solve America's economic challenges. “Even if we bring back a big manufacturing sector,” he says, “we're not going to bring back manufacturing employment.”Hubbard says China poses legitimate national security concerns for the U.S., but that tariffs are not the “most effective” way to respond. "We can never truly be decoupled from China," he adds, noting a need to cooperate in response to global crises.Hubbard also discusses the danger of lost confidence in U.S. markets, how Congress should tackle tax cuts and deficits, and why Bush didn't listen when he advised against imposing steel tariffs.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Politico politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, New York Times reporter Adam Nagourney, and USC Center for the Political Future Director Bob Shrum join Margaret Hoover to discuss challenges facing the media in Donald Trump's second term, threats to freedom of the press, and the future of journalism.In a panel recorded at the CPF's Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics in January, Nagourney says the obligation to call out Trump's lies puts the media in a difficult position. "If you don't go far enough, people say that you're carrying his water. If you go too far, you're being hostile."In an evolving and increasingly fragmented media landscape, Martin is less concerned about the survival of national papers than more regional and local ones like The Washington Post and the L.A. Times. “The benevolent billionaire model clearly isn't working now.”Shrum, a veteran Democratic strategist, says the loss of local news poses a “huge” threat to democracy and the dangers facing journalism run much deeper than just Trump.The panelists also address the impact of Trump's litigation against media outlets, the rise of podcasters and influencers, and how changes in media are affecting political messaging.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, The Susan Rasinski McCaw Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

In September 1994, an 18-year-old musician named Lawrence Perelman sent a letter to William F. Buckley Jr., offering to perform a piano recital for him as a thank you for Buckley's political work. The friendship that ensued lasted until Buckley's final moments, all of which Perelman recounts in his new book, American Impresario: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Elements of American Character.One hundred years after Buckley's birth, Perelman joins “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” to discuss his friendship with the original host of the program, which became the “centerpiece” of his life as he performed regularly at Buckley's dinner parties. Perelman says Buckley had a “superpower” for friendship, enabling him to develop relationships across the political spectrum and influence the world."If not for William F. Buckley Jr., there would be, I believe, no Ronald Reagan," says Perelman, whose parents were Soviet immigrants. "There would have not been an end to the Soviet Union, and we wouldn't have the freedoms that we had."Perelman also reflects on Buckley's character, the values he represented, and how Buckley might understand what's become of American conservatism since his death. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

As President Trump wages tariff wars around the world and upends the U.S. alliance with Ukraine, conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and Margaret Hoover discuss the president's actions, his address to Congress, and the future of the GOP.While Douthat defends the Trump administration's goal of achieving an armistice in Ukraine and convincing Europe to take on greater responsibility, he says that calling Zelensky a dictator “is not a good plan.” He also suggests a lasting peace will depend on whether Putin negotiates in good faith and whether the U.S. and Europe can provide a credible security guarantee.Douthat explains why tariffs appeal to Trump, but he says the way the administration has approached threatening and imposing them on allies like Mexico and Canada does not amount to a “coherent, long-term policy plan.”Douthat also talks about his new book on The New York Times bestseller list, “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious." He reflects on signs of growing openness to religion in society, the mystical side of UFO culture, and the stumbling blocks that deter some people from embracing faith. The devout Catholic also comments on the state of the Catholic Church as Pope Francis' health declines.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Before Kevin Hassett was named director of President Trump's National Economic Council, he sat down with Margaret Hoover last September to discuss Trump's economic record and his second-term agenda.In this new cut of that interview, Hassett assesses the impact of tariffs in Trump's first term and defends his threats to impose new ones, including reciprocal tariffs on goods from countries that tax U.S. imports.Hassett, who previously served as chairman of Trump's White House Council of Economic Advisors, pushes back against Kamala Harris' criticisms of Trump's policies and predicts federal spending cuts if he is elected.He also comments on the importance of an independent Federal Reserve and responds to fellow Republicans who called Trump a threat to democracy after January 6th.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

As President Trump ratchets up trade wars with America's adversaries and allies, two experts on the economy — Jeff Ferry, chief economist emeritus at the Coalition for a Prosperous America, and Scott Lincicome, vice president of General Economics and Stiefel Trade Policy Center at the Cato Institute — clash over whether tariffs will bolster or crush the U.S. economy and what tariffs mean for Americans.Speaking before a student audience at Hofstra University, Ferry defends President Trump's tariffs, arguing that they will strengthen its domestic manufacturing industries and benefit Americans in the long run. “We need a new economic policy in this country,” says Ferry.Lincicome, a veteran trade attorney, disagrees, arguing that tariffs are a tax on American consumers and businesses that will inhibit growth and harm manufacturing. “Open economies—free economies—grow faster, grow better,” Lincicome said. Closed economies, on the other hand, are “a recipe for poverty.”Ferry and Lincicome also discuss the history of tariffs, their global impact, and take questions from Hofstra students.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation, Annie Lamont through The Lamont Family Fund, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.

As President Trump and Elon Musk launch an assault on the federal bureaucracy, Will Marshall, the president of the Progressive Policy Institute, and Philip K. Howard, lawyer and author of “Everyday Freedom,” tell Margaret Hoover that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has the right diagnosis, but the wrong cure. Speaking before a student audience at Hofstra University, Marshall and Howard agree that the federal bureaucracy is due for an overhaul and must be streamlined. But Howard, who has written several books about improving government, argues that efficiency means being more responsive to the needs of Americans. “We need to make government work better,” he says. “Not get rid of it.”Marshall, who also supports reforming and modernizing the government, says that solutions to inefficiency in government are very different from the ones used in the private sector, and that Musk has brought the country to a constitutional crisis. The two longtime reform advocates also reflect on past efforts to reorganize the federal government, discuss the importance of trust for any successful reform initiative, and take questions from Hofstra students.Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services advances in the Senate, former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona talks to Margaret Hoover about the danger he fears Kennedy could pose to public health.Carmona criticizes Kennedy's history of spreading misinformation about vaccines and health care and falsely linking vaccination to autism, but he also acknowledges some valid concerns raised by the Make America Healthy Again movement.Carmona, who advised Arizona's governor during COVID-19, reflects on lessons learned from the pandemic about public health communication, mitigation strategies, and vaccine hesitancy.He also assesses the importance of global health security and details actions he believes are needed to restore trust in public health officials and prepare for the next pandemic. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Meadowlark Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Philip I Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.

Two veteran strategists–Democrat James Carville and Republican Mike Murphy–sit down with Margaret Hoover to assess the fallout from the 2024 election and the challenges that lie ahead for both parties. At USC's Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics, Carville and Murphy discuss the chaotic first weeks of President Trump's new administration, the muted response from his opponents, and how Democrats can reshape their message going forward. Carville, one of the leaders of Bill Clinton's successful 1992 campaign, explains why he has called for Democrats to “go populist” and take on “preachy women” in the party's campaign culture. He also details what he sees as missteps by Biden and Harris in 2024. Murphy, a former adviser to John McCain and Mitt Romney and longtime Trump critic who now serves as co-director of USC's Center for the Political Future, comments on the future of the GOP and the MAGA movement, and he reflects on the “competence crisis” Democrats face in the wake of the California wildfires. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his new PBS documentary “Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich,” his longstanding support for legal immigration, and the executive actions President Trump has taken in his first days in office. Amid rising Republican skepticism of all immigration, Gingrich draws a sharp distinction between legal and illegal immigration, and he explains how the stories of nine immigrants told in the documentary–including Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, and Hedy Lamarr–exemplify the value of legal immigration. Gingrich discusses the career of Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born immigrant who helped the Trump administration negotiate the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban, and he assesses America's responsibility to Afghan allies who were left behind. Reflecting on the life of Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian immigrant, he also comments on the prospects for peace in Ukraine as Trump places new pressure on Russia. Gingrich addresses Trump's effort to redefine birthright citizenship, his refusal to enforce the TikTok ban passed by Congress, and his pardons of January 6th rioters who assaulted police officers. He also comments on whether Trump is likely to pursue investigations of former President Biden. “Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich” is streaming now on PBS.org and the PBS app. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.

Journalist and author Juan Williams joins Margaret Hoover to talk about civil rights in America as the nation prepares to inaugurate Donald Trump as president on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Williams, who wrote the companion book to the 1987 PBS documentary series Eyes on the Prize, discusses his latest book, New Prize for These Eyes, which charts the progress of what he calls the second civil rights movement in the 21st century. Williams details how civil rights activism has changed in the Black Lives Matter era, explains why he considers Barack Obama one of the country's most misunderstood presidents, and reflects on the challenges faced by a decentralized movement that lacks prominent leaders like Dr. King. The Fox News senior political analyst assesses his role in right-wing media and comments on Trump's selection of Fox colleagues like Pete Hegseth to serve in his Cabinet. He also addresses the rollback of diversity efforts in corporate America and the prospects for a third civil rights movement in the future. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mark Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Phillip I. Kent, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. 

Margaret Hoover sits down with three Belarusian dissidents–exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, athlete-turned-activist Katya Snytsina, and theater director Natalia Kaliada–to discuss their fight against Aleksandr Lukashenko's dictatorship. Kaliada is co-founder of the Belarus Free Theatre, which recently debuted the play KS6: Small Forward in New York, starring Snytsina and telling the story of her journey from Belarusian Olympic basketball player to political activist. In 2020, Tsikhanouskaya's husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested shortly after announcing he would run against Lukashenko. He remains in custody today, but Tsikhanouskaya ran in his place, failing to unseat Lukashenko in an election widely seen as a sham. Snytsina recalls how the mass protests that followed that election inspired her to speak out and leave the national women's basketball team. Kaliada discusses the genesis of the play and explains why art can be a uniquely effective weapon against dictators. Tsikhanouskaya reflects on life in Belarus today, offers a warning for Americans about the urgency of defending democracy abroad, and looks ahead to the country's January 2025 presidential election, which she expects will be a “farce.” This interview was recorded in September after a performance of KS6: Small Forward at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York. Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Phillip I. Kent Foundation and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.

Craig Newmark is the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which works to promote investment in organizations that effectively serve their communities and drive broad civic engagement at the grassroots level. In this episode, Newmark joins host Amanda Glassner to discuss his recent $100 million pledge to boost U.S. cybersecurity. According to the Wall Street Journal, half of the money will go toward protecting infrastructure, such as power grids, from cyberattacks, and the other half will go toward educating people about how to safeguard their personal information. To learn more, visit https://craignewmarkphilanthropies.org

Edward O'Keefe, author of “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt,” joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the “extraordinary and unsung” women who shaped the life and legend of the 26th president–and why his legacy still resonates today. O'Keefe, a former journalist and North Dakota native who is now CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, details Roosevelt's relationships with his mother, his sisters, and his wives and how they contributed to his successes. He comments on Roosevelt's appeal to politicians in both parties today, his expansive use of executive power, and his support for gender equality. He also discusses the role of First Lady Edith Roosevelt in creating the modern White House. O'Keefe reflects on what Roosevelt's experience as a vice president who rose to the Oval Office after an assassination reveals about the importance of presidential running mates and whether North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum would be a good choice for Donald Trump. He also addresses Roosevelt's record on race and how the library intends to handle a controversial statue depicting the president on horseback flanked by a Native American and a Black man that was removed from outside the American Museum of Natural History in 2022. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Emmet Family Charitable Foundation, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about Israel, immigration, and other issues that impact voters of color as polls suggest support for Donald Trump is rising among traditionally Democratic voting blocs that will play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. Torres, the first openly gay Afro-Latino member of Congress, discusses how growing up in public housing with a single mother influences his perspective and his policy positions. After Trump's rally in his district, Torres assesses Trump's potential to make gains with Black and Hispanic voters and what President Biden can do to regain their support. He comments on Biden's executive orders on immigration and the failure of Congress to address the border crisis. Torres, who is one of Israel's most vocal supporters in the House, explains why he became a Zionist, defends Biden's record on Israel, and reflects on how the progressive movement has become radicalized on this and other issues over the last decade.  Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Emmet Family Charitable Foundation, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Following a U.N. report accusing Israel of war crimes, Margaret Hoover sits down with Dan Senor, a former foreign policy aide to Mitt Romney and the host of the podcast “Call Me Back,” to the daring rescue of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, prospects for a cease-fire, and the new U.N. report accusing both Hamas and Israel of war crimes. Senor defends how Israel has conducted the war, arguing that while civilian deaths are inevitable in any conflict, the Israel Defense Forces have done all they can to protect innocent lives in Gaza. He says that while individual Israeli soldiers may have done “stupid things,” Israel is “fighting war” that was inflicted upon it by Hamas. Senor also notes that Hamas hides its fighters amid Palestinian civilians in an effort to maximize the suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza — an attempt, he says, to put Israel in an “impossible position” and make the Jewish State an international pariah.  Senor is the author of “The Genius of Israel,” a book that looks at the resilience of Israeli society despite its internal conflicts and the numerous wars it has fought with neighboring states and terrorist groups. An outspoken defender of Israel, Senor discusses whether it's just a matter of time before the IDF is sent to fight Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanon-based militant group backed by Iran. He also discusses why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reluctant to discuss postwar plans for Gaza, and whether criticism of Israel's war effort is driven primarily by antisemitism.  Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

As the end of Donald Trump's first trial nears, Margaret Hoover sits down with conservative attorney and former Trump supporter George Conway to discuss the case and the prospect of another Trump presidency. Conway defends the Manhattan prosecution, talks about watching Trump in the courtroom, and explains why he disagrees with those who say the case is driven by politics. He also argues Trump has received preferential treatment from the courts, including in the classified documents case overseen by Judge Aileen Cannon, who he says is “corrupt” and “not competent.” Conway, whose ex-wife Kellyanne managed Trump's 2016 campaign, explains why he sees a second Trump term as a threat to American democracy and why he now believes Trump is a narcissistic sociopath who is unfit for public office. Conway, a longtime member of the Federalist Society, assesses whether Trump's Supreme Court nominations were worth the damage he has done and why conservative institutions have failed to respond to his abuses of power. He also addresses reports of an upside-down American flag seen at Justice Samuel Alito's home in January 2021. Conway reflects on his own political evolution from a key player in Bill Clinton's impeachment to big-dollar donor to Joe Biden's reelection campaign. He contrasts Clinton and Trump, and he explains why he teared up when he cast a vote for Biden in 2020. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss “An Unfinished Love Story,” her new book recounting the 1960s from her perspective and that of her late husband, presidential speechwriter Dick Goodwin. The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer recalls the genesis of the project and reflects on the difference between writing about her husband and long-dead presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. She details Dick Goodwin's work for John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, including writing Johnson's address to Congress after the Bloody Sunday march in Selma. Goodwin also addresses declining trust in government since Johnson's presidency, which she traces to his handling of the Vietnam War. She discusses her husband's later work on Al Gore's 2000 concession speech and how presidential candidates recognized the importance of putting patriotism before partisanship after close elections prior to 2020.  Goodwin considers parallels between the 1850s and today and the prospect that current divisions will lead to another civil war. She also explains why she sees her own love story with America as unfinished and why she believes the country has a long way to go to live up to its ideals. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Author and journalist Fareed Zakaria joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his recent book, “Age of Revolutions,” and how past periods of progress and backlash inform our present revolutionary moment. Zakaria, host of CNN's “Fareed Zakaria GPS,” reflects on a full-blown cultural backlash against decades of social and political change that has fueled the rise of Donald Trump. He also discusses the next industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence and the progress and disruption it may cause. Zakaria comments on the challenge President Biden faces addressing the crisis at the southern border. He also addresses campus protests over Israel's actions in Gaza and what he sees as the failure of Biden's efforts to influence Israeli policy. Assessing America's place in a changing world, Zakaria makes an argument for aggressive U.S. support for Ukraine and voices concern about the impact of emerging Republican isolationism in a second Trump presidency. He discusses the race between Trump and Biden, the prospect of a historic political realignment, and the parallels between 1968 and 2024. (NOTE: This interview was recorded on May 1, prior to the announcement that the U.S. has put arms shipments to Israel on hold out of concern that American weapons would be used in an assault on the city of Rafah.) Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about college protests, grievance politics, and how to restore humility in a fractured country. Bruni, author of “The Age of Grievance” and a professor at Duke University, discusses the roots of anti-Israel sentiment on campuses and the double standards behind progressive speech codes. He also addresses the rise of a culture of victimhood on the right and explains how grievances manifest differently across the political spectrum. Bruni touches on activists' response to the arrest of NBA player Brittney Griner in Russia, the “revenge tour” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and what Gen Z social justice warriors should learn from the success of the campaign for marriage equality.  He also looks ahead to a pivotal presidential election and assesses how the dueling grievances of the left and right could impact the campaign. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Marc Haas Foundation, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer – a Republican election official in Arizona's most populous county – to discuss the new indictment of allies of Donald Trump for their fake elector scheme in 2020 and how he's preparing for the 2024 election. Richer recalls the “unrelenting” pressure that Arizona officials faced to overturn the 2020 election results and praises figures like former Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bower for resisting the president's demands. He addresses how Republicans have responded to the indictment and whether Trump should also be held accountable for his actions in Arizona. Richer, who is suing Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake for defamation, talks about the harassment, threats, and conspiracy theories he has confronted and how defending the integrity of Arizona's elections has alienated him from many in his party. He also explains why he will blame Lake and Trump if anyone in his office is harmed by election deniers. Richer tells Hoover how he is working to bolster confidence in this November's election as he faces a far-right primary challenge himself, and he reflects on his place in the Republican Party and his future in public service. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

As Donald Trump's first criminal trial begins, Margaret Hoover sits down with NYU law professor Melissa Murray to discuss the historic proceedings and what prosecuting a former president means for America. Murray, co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, breaks down the charges filed by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, addresses the challenges of selecting an impartial jury, and responds to Trump's complaints that he has been mistreated by the justice system. Murray, who co-wrote a book about the Trump indictments with former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, comments on the latest developments in the former presidents' three other criminal cases and explains why they might not go to trial before the election. She also previews Supreme Court oral arguments related to January 6th and Trump's claim of absolute immunity, and she reacts to calls from the left for the retirement of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, for whom she once clerked. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Coleman Hughes, author of “The End of Race Politics,” joins Margaret Hoover to lay out his argument against race-based policies and in favor of a colorblind approach. Hughes, host of the Conversations with Coleman podcast, traces the roots of his colorblind philosophy from the Civil War through the civil rights era, making the case that leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin would have opposed the views of today's anti-racist activists. The descendant of a slave, Hughes tells Hoover why he rejects the notion of inherited trauma and why he believes class-based policies are better suited to combating inequality than race-based ones like affirmative action. He explains why he calls scholars like Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi “neoracists” and why he welcomes the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, but he distances himself from prominent figures on the right like Donald Trump. Hughes also defends his recent Free Press column arguing that Derek Chauvin should have been acquitted of killing George Floyd. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Futurist Ari Wallach joins Margaret Hoover to discuss “A Brief History of the Future,” his new PBS series exploring the ideas and technologies that could help humanity build better tomorrows. Wallach reflects on the “intertidal” moment society currently faces and explains why he believes decisions made in the years ahead will have ramifications for generations to come. He assesses the implications of emerging tools like artificial intelligence and the challenge posed by humanity's innate negativity bias. He calls for “cathedral thinking” to develop long-term solutions to the world's most pressing problems, and he weighs in on Elon Musk's vision for Mars exploration. Wallach explains why “protopias” are preferable to utopias, details what it takes to become great ancestors to our descendants, and reveals what ultimately gives him hope for the future. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover sits down with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt to discuss how social media and smartphones have rewired childhood and put the mental health of a generation of kids at risk. Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” argues a surge in anxiety and depression among Gen Z is a consequence of constant smartphone use that has crowded out traditional forms of play since 2010, and he explains how mental illness has manifested differently in girls and boys.  The NYU professor and father details his proposals for changing norms of parenting and eliminating smartphones in elementary and middle schools, and he addresses the role of Congress in creating this problem–and potentially helping to solve it. Haidt tells Hoover about his “Free the Anxious Generation” movement, rebuts critics who say he overstates the evidence of a link between phone use and mental health, and explains why he considers TikTok “possibly the worst consumer product ever invented.” Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Margaret Hoover hosts a forum at Hofstra University on whether America should abolish the Electoral College with writers Jesse Wegman and Trent England. Wegman, author of “Let the People Pick the President” and a member of The New York Times editorial board, makes the case that the current system is unfair and undemocratic, empowering a handful of swing states to decide who leads the whole country. England, who founded Save Our States and wrote “Why We Must Defend the Electoral College,” argues the Electoral College makes presidential campaigns both more national and more granular at the same time, forcing candidates to appeal to diverse factions of voters across the country who otherwise would have little influence. Wegman and England discuss the history of the Electoral College, the intent of the nation's founders, and how it all relates to slavery. They also debate the merits of a national popular vote and whether other reforms are possible, and they take questions from the student audience. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

In a special Firing Line forum recorded before a student audience at Hofstra University, Margaret Hoover talks to conservatives Amanda Carpenter and Mike Gonzalez about the potential ramifications of another Donald Trump presidency. Carpenter, a writer and editor for Protect Democracy, believes a second Trump term would be far more damaging than the first, citing the former president's threats to punish his enemies and promises to reward his allies. She warns the institutional guardrails that constrained him in the past would be weakened or eliminated in a new administration. Gonzalez, who contributed to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 guidebook for the next conservative president, downplays concerns Trump would abuse power if he returned to office. He maintains the U.S. and the world were better off during Trump's first three years in office than in President Biden's first three years. Carpenter and Gonzalez discuss Trump's plans for immigration, foreign policy, and rooting out the “deep state” in the federal bureaucracy. Responding to questions from students, they also address the future of the Republican Party and what to expect in an eventual post-Trump America.  Mike Gonzalez serves as a Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation is listed for identification purposes only; no endorsement of a candidate by the organization is implied. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Craig Newmark, internet pioneer and founder of Craigslist, joins Nikita Roy to talk about the past, present, and future of AI. Craig is a visionary whose profound contributions have shaped the landscape of digital platforms and supported the pillars of journalism. As the founder of Craigslist, he revolutionized the classified ads sector and transformed how people buy, sell, and connect within their local communities. Beyond his impact on the internet's landscape, Craig is a dedicated philanthropist, notably through the Craig Newmark Philanthropies where he has become a beacon of support for the work of journalists. His philanthropic journey is marked by significant contributions to some of the leading journalism schools, including the City University of New York's Graduate School of Journalism, aiming for a future where education in journalism is accessible to all, free of tuition​​. Craig's generosity has been instrumental in establishing the Center for Journalism Ethics and Security at Columbia University. His vision for a well-informed public has also led to supporting the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public addressing the critical issues of mis- and disinformation​​.Craig Newmark Philanthropies has contributed to Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society which supported the launch of a three-year initiative called the Institute for Rebooting Social Media.Craig has contributed to several other universities, focusing on initiatives that support journalism, cybersecurity, public service for veterans, and the digital information ecosystem. In this episode, Craig shares his thoughts on the challenges posed by large language models and how philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the integration of AI into journalism.

Margaret Hoover sits down with Jared Cohen, author of “Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House,” to discuss the unique role of the post-presidency in American democracy. Cohen's book explores how different ex-presidents have handled being out of power from Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush. He explains why examining the lives of former presidents interested him and what can be learned from their experiences. He reflects on John Quincy Adams' “second act” as an abolitionist congressman, contrasts Herbert Hoover's reputation as president with the notable accomplishments of his post-presidency, and details how Jimmy Carter redefined the position of ex-president for modern times. Cohen explains how Grover Cleveland's return to the White House could offer a cautionary tale for a second Donald Trump term, and he reflects on what it will mean to have more ex-presidents alive at the same time in the decades to come. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Entrepreneur Sheila Johnson–who co-founded BET and went on to become America's first Black female billionaire–sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her memoir and the personal and professional obstacles she has overcome to achieve success. Johnson, who recently released “Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph,” reflects on her childhood and what she describes as an abusive first marriage to Bob Johnson, with whom she launched Black Entertainment Television in the early days of cable. She explains the original vision behind BET and the role she believes it could still play in society today. Johnson used her profits from the 2001 sale of BET to open Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia, the first in a chain of luxury hotels. She also purchased a stake in the WNBA's Washington Mystics, as well as the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards. She reflects on the massive pay gap between the WNBA and the NBA and what can be done about it. Johnson, a supporter of President Joe Biden, assesses the stakes of the 2024 election and details her fears for a second Trump term. The prominent philanthropist also comments on the fallout from the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision and the need to create new opportunities for students of color. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Retired Gen. David Petraeus sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss retaliation for a fatal drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, as well as the latest developments in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Petraeus, co-author of Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, offers insight into the Biden administration's deliberations on a response to the attack by an Iran-backed militia and why restoring deterrence against Iran is crucial. The former four-star general, who led troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, reflects on the “fiendishly difficult” challenges Israel faces in its effort to destroy Hamas and the importance of planning to rebuild Gaza after the war. He comments on the controversy over UN relief workers allegedly assisting Hamas and the status of ongoing hostage negotiations. Petraeus also addresses resistance to continued aid for Ukraine in Congress, and he explains how the conflict relates to preventing a potentially catastrophic war in China. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department's special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the surge of hatred against Jews worldwide since October 7th and why she considers it a threat to democracy. Lipstadt, who has studied antisemitism and Holocaust denialism for decades, details the double standard she sees in the muted response to the Hamas attack from organizations and corporations that have quickly spoken out against racism and other injustices in the past. She also questions why women's rights groups have not been more vocal about Hamas' use of sexual violence against women. She reflects on the attitudes driving protests against Israel on college campuses and elsewhere, as well as the prospect that diplomatic progress in the Middle East could quell hostility toward Jews. In addition, Lipstadt addresses China's promotion of antisemitism, dissent within the Biden administration over the war in Gaza, and allegations that Israel is committing genocide.  Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu sits down with Margaret Hoover in Concord to make his case for Nikki Haley ahead of next week's pivotal Republican presidential primary. Sununu explains why he believes the former South Carolina governor is well-positioned to take on Donald Trump despite Trump's decisive victory in Iowa and how his state's independent streak and history of supporting underdogs could give her an edge. The fourth-term governor contrasts Haley's experience and electability with Trump, discusses their policy proposals, and reflects on what the outcome of the race could mean for the future of the GOP. Despite his endorsement of Haley and his concerns about January 6th, Sununu defends his commitment to supporting Trump if he is the Republican nominee, and he argues a second Trump presidency would be better for the country than four more years of Joe Biden. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the record influx of migrants at the southern border and what it will take for Washington to confront the crisis. Gonzales, whose district includes nearly half the U.S.-Mexico border, explains why the surge of migration is happening now, how it is different from previous upticks, and how its economic and social impact is increasingly being felt across the country. He details his proposals to improve border security and protect legal immigration, as well as the challenge of convincing members of both parties to set aside politics and pursue real solutions. He also assesses the status of bipartisan immigration negotiations in the Senate. Gonzales discusses GOP efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, his endorsement of Donald Trump for president in 2024, and his own reelection race.  Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Asness Family Foundation, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Roger and Susan Hertog, Cheryl Cohen Effron and Blair Effron, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

Former federal and state prosecutor Elie Honig joins Margaret Hoover to break down Donald Trump's federal indictment over his handling of classified documents and lay out how the prosecution of a former president and current presidential candidate may proceed into 2024. The CNN senior legal analyst discusses Trump's potential defenses, explains why the Espionage Act was the appropriate statute to charge him under, and responds to the former president's latest public comments on the case. Honig, author of “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It,” addresses comparisons between Trump's prosecution and cases involving prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton, and he responds to Republican complaints about Hunter Biden's plea deal. Honig also reflects on former Attorney General William Barr's evolution from Trump enabler to critic and details his concerns about Fulton County, Georgia D.A. Fani Willis' handling of her investigation of the former president, which he expects will result in another indictment this summer. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his strategy for taking on Donald Trump and why he believes he will succeed where he failed in 2016. Hours before Trump's federal indictment was announced, Christie, a former federal prosecutor, explains why the special counsel has no choice but to charge Trump if there is evidence he committed a crime, and he assesses the potential political fallout. The former two-term New Jersey governor–who launched his campaign this week–discusses how other GOP candidates are approaching Trump and whether he can change the dynamics of the race. Christie also details why he feels Trump is unfit for office, reflects on how his views of the former president have changed, and accuses both Donald Trump and Joe Biden's families of profiting off their presidencies. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Former conservative radio host Charlie Sykes sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the state of the Republican Party, the 2024 election, and the future of American democracy. Sykes, who co-founded The Bulwark in 2018 after retiring from radio, assesses the Republicans who may challenge Trump for the 2024 nomination–including Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence–and he explains why he is likely to support President Joe Biden over whoever the GOP picks. The author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind” discusses how the conservative media ecosystem and the mindset of the audience have shifted in recent years. He also reflects on the difficulties the mainstream media faces in covering Trump. Sykes comments on the threat of political violence in America, the prospect of a third-party candidacy, and what it might take to finally restore sanity in the GOP. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Axios chief financial correspondent Felix Salmon joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the lasting changes the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for the economy. Salmon, author of “The Phoenix Economy: Work, Life and Money in the New Not Normal,” discusses cooling inflation, the continued strength of the labor market, and why millennials have shifted their perspective on investing. As the U.S. faces the threat of a debt default, Salmon explains why he believes the debt ceiling should be abolished, and he reflects on the pros and cons of the proposal to mint a trillion-dollar coin to avert a global economic catastrophe. Salmon, who co-hosts Slate's Money podcast, also addresses how artificial intelligence could impact the economy and why Americans persistently believe the country is in a recession when it is not. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his initiative to improve civics education in America and why he fears the future of the nation is at stake. Dreyfuss reflects on how the study of civics has changed since he was in school, explains how he believes curriculums should be reformed, and criticizes efforts to limit students' exposure to opposing viewpoints. The Academy Award winner addresses the decline of civility in public discourse on both sides, including his own harsh rhetoric toward former President Trump.  Dreyfuss also voices concerns about new inclusion requirements for films to be eligible for the Best Picture Oscar and questions Hollywood's aversion to taking creative risks. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Conservative New York Times columnist David French joins Margaret Hoover to talk about the latest developments at Fox News, ethical questions engulfing the Supreme Court, and America's political landscape heading into 2024. As President Joe Biden launches his reelection campaign, French, the author of “Divided We Fall,” reflects on the potential impact of a Trump-Biden rematch on an already-divided country. The political commentator also assesses the appeal of Ron DeSantis and the source of evangelical loyalty to Trump.  French, who worked as an attorney for two decades, comments on the criminal investigations surrounding Trump and the possibility that any of the cases could land the former president behind bars. He also discusses declining public confidence in the Supreme Court. French addresses the fallout from the Fox News settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, as well as Tucker Carlson's sudden departure from the network.  Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a political newcomer and rising star in the Democratic Party, sits down with Margaret Hoover in Annapolis to discuss his first legislative session and the progress made toward his priorities. Moore grew up on the brink of poverty after witnessing his father's death at age three, struggled in school until he was sent to a military academy, and went on to become a Rhodes scholar, a White House fellow, and a best-selling author. Before being elected as Maryland's first Black governor, he headed the anti-poverty Robin Hood Foundation. He tells Hoover why he believes the state can end child poverty and explains how his budget aims to address Maryland's rising homicide rate. He also defends his push to cut a school choice program, despite acknowledging concerns about the performance of some public schools. Moore contrasts his approach to governing with a supermajority in the legislature to some Republican governors, and he addresses the speculation already brewing about his prospects for higher office just three months into his first political job. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Writer Thomas Chatterton Williams sits down with Margaret Hoover to explain why he decided to “unlearn” race and how he believes his approach could pave the way to equality. Williams, the son of a white mother and Black father who grew up seeing himself as Black, recalls how the birth of his light-skinned daughter led him to rethink entrenched racial categorizations. The author of “Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race” responds to critics of his views and discusses the practicality of convincing others to fundamentally shift their perspective on race. A contributing writer to The Atlantic, Williams also comments on America's political debate over so-called “wokeness,” details his objections to the anti-racism movement, and explains why he believes police violence is more of an economic issue than a racial one. Williams addresses the recent controversy surrounding “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams and the potential cultural ramifications of Donald Trump's 2024 run, as well as the ongoing societal fallout from the summer of 2020. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

After the first indictment of a former president in U.S. history, longtime federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the 34 felony charges against Donald Trump and what may come next. Weissmann, who served as a lead prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller's team investigating Trump, details the legal challenges ahead for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Trump's defense team. The law professor and podcast host responds to Republican criticisms of Bragg's case and explains why he would have preferred if one of the other jurisdictions probing Trump on what he says are more serious charges had indicted him first. Weissmann also addresses Trump's personal attacks on the judge in his case, the impact of the 2024 campaign on legal proceedings, and whether this indictment could open up a Pandora's box of politicized prosecutions in America. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.

Model Paulina Porizkova sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her career in front of the camera and her recent book, “No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.” Born behind the Iron Curtain, Porizkova recounts her childhood in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, her path to freedom, and her rise to become one of the top models of the 1980s and 1990s. Porizkova reflects on ageism in the modeling industry, what has and has not changed since her youth, and the challenges of presenting herself as sexy in her 50s. She also talks about her struggles with anxiety and grief and her use of social media to share her pain. She comments on the terror of occupation and why she finds Ukraine's fight for freedom inspiring. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.