Podcasts about Firing Line

One hundred years after William F. Buckley Jr.'s birth, Margaret Hoover sits down with biographer Sam Tanenhaus to reflect on the original “Firing Line” host's life and legacy. In his long-awaited book, “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,” Tanenhaus details Buckley's childhood, his leadership of the American conservative movement, and his later years.This is an abridged version of a conversation with Tanenhaus that lasted nearly 90 minutes. In it, Tanenhaus defends his handling of Buckley's Catholicism and his views on racial issues, as well as his contention that Buckley was an arguer, not a thinker. He also comments on Buckley's lasting impact on journalism and politics, including the extent to which he might have laid the groundwork for President Trump's MAGA movement. Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Lindsay and George Billingsley, and Jared Stone.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello is back in the firing line over Big Tobacco's influence, with heated debate during a health select committee today on Government plans to roll out oral tobacco and nicotine products. Last year Cabinet agreed in principal to allow the sale of smokeless products, such as Swedish snus and nicotine pouches, subject to the products meeting safety requirements and regulatory controls to prevent youth access. Ruth Hill reports from the special hearing for Parliament's Scrutiny Week.

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Conservative Robert George and progressive Cornel West talk to Margaret Hoover about their long-standing friendship that bridges their ideological differences in an interview recorded in 2020.George–who recently resigned from the board of the Heritage Foundation over its defense of Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes–explains what he learned from West about race in America. West, who ran for president as an independent candidate in 2024, comments on defending free speech as many fellow progressives favor restrictions and why he believes health care is a human right.West and George, authors of the recent book “Truth Matters,” delve into their differences on the merits of capitalism and socialism, and they offer advice on how to navigate political divisions at Thanksgiving dinner.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Lindsay and George Billingsley, and Jared Stone.

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Dave Wiskus, founder and CEO of the streaming service Nebula, sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about the rise of the creator economy, the decline of traditional media, and what comes next.Wiskus explains how creator-driven content has become a global industry that could be worth $500 billion by 2027 and how a new generation of creators like Mr. Beast interact with the gatekeepers of traditional media.He also comments on the challenges of protecting children from harmful content in this new media ecosystem–and the potential dangers of exposing adults to some of it too.Wiskus discusses the growing role of the creator economy in politics, the concerns that arise from the spread of misinformation, and the emerging risks posed by artificial intelligence.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Lindsay and George Billingsley, and Jared Stone.

Few people exerted as profound an influence on the postwar conservative movement and the “fusionist” project of attempting to align libertarians with traditional conservatives on issues of shared interest as William F. Buckley Jr. The founder and longtime editor of National Review, Buckley hosted the weekly PBS program Firing Line, wrote a syndicated column, and authored roughly 50 books. He also found time to run for mayor of New York City in 1965. He had no real intention of winning but rather hoped to influence the terms of the debate over how the city was governed.Buckley commissioned Sam Tanenhaus to write his biography. The result is the comprehensive Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America. Please join us on Monday, November 17, a week before what would have been Buckley's 100th birthday, for an online discussion of the book and a man who helped shape public discussion for more than five decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein sit down with Margaret Hoover to discuss their latest project, “The American Revolution,” ahead of its premiere on PBS.The 12-hour documentary series revisits America's founding, aiming to tell the complete story rather than the "sanitized" version many have come to know. Burns and Botstein explain why the revolution was also a bloody civil war–and ultimately a world war.They talk about the impact of leaders like George Washington and lesser-known elements like the roles of women and Native Americans in the war. They also detail how they built the narrative with maps, written records, and commentary from modern historians.Burns and Botstein respond to President Trump's efforts to downplay negative aspects of the nation's history, and Burns–who endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024–comments on maintaining neutrality in his work despite his personal politics.They also talk about how the founders' warnings against tyranny and executive overreach remain relevant today.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

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Financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about his new book, “1929,” and what the lessons of the Great Depression mean for the economy today.Sorkin, a CNBC anchor and New York Times columnist, discusses the bankers and policymakers at the center of the crash and the recovery, including Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He explains how Democrats worked to undermine Hoover's reputation even before the crash and how a negative propaganda campaign–and Hoover's refusal to engage with it–helped a false narrative about his response to the crisis take hold.Sorkin, who also wrote “Too Big to Fail” about the 2008 financial crisis, reflects on similarities between the two events and what the next economic crash might look like. Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Does a rifle scope need to be totally level on the receiver to make the gun work well at long range? Actually... no. We'll talk about this. Also, will Sierra's new Matchking-X bullet be a "do everything" winner? We'll have to see, but it's interesting, for sure. And... what's up with Erika Kirk? Very strange behavior to say the least. And's what's her connection to J.D. Vance? :o 

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Former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul joins Margaret Hoover to discuss President Trump's trip to Asia, the state of the war in Ukraine, and the new era of great power competition with Russia and China.McFaul, author of the new book “Autocrats vs. Democrats,” assesses Trump's handling of foreign policy so far in his second term, acknowledging the president has not been the isolationist many expected but also criticizing him for abandoning America's soft power institutions.McFaul, who first met Vladimir Putin in the 1990s, explains how Putin's worldview differs from Xi Jinping and why he believes that makes Putin a more aggressive threat to democracy. He also lays out what he thinks it will take to bring Putin to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine.And McFaul reflects on the 2024 death of his friend, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and what it means for Russia's post-Putin future.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

The Sun Devils took a tough loss to Houston, but the biggest challenges came on Monday morning. On today's episode of The Valley Verdict, we dive into the fallout, breaking down the difficult questions Head Coach Kenny Dillingham had to face from Doug Franz, and what it means for the program's foundation.In this episode:The Ragle Riddle: We break down the resignation of Special Teams Coordinator Charlie Ragle due to "health reasons" and analyze Doug Franz's brutal question on whether a high-performing unit would have seen the same result.The Coaching Carousel: We discuss the inevitable rumor mill, including The Athletic's article linking Dillingham to future openings, and the coach's direct response to Franz about his role with future opportunities.Tough Questions and Empathy: We analyze Dillingham's response to the personal question about checking in on former Sun Devil Cam Skattebo after his season-ending injury.Postgame and Monday Pressers: We cover the key takeaways from Kenny Dillingham's Saturday postgame comments and his full Monday press conference as the team tries to regroup after the loss.Don't miss our final analysis on the future of the Sun Devils program! Subscribe to The Valley Verdict and follow us on Facebook [@thevalleyverdict], Instagram [@thevalleyverdictpodcast], and YouTube [@thevalleyverdict] for more analysis.

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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses the New York City mayoral race, his policy proposals, and the danger he sees in electing his opponent, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.With Election Day approaching, Cuomo lays out his potential path to victory and challenges Mamdani's plans to address affordability concerns. He also comments on broader divisions in the Democratic Party.Running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, Cuomo argues his experience as governor has prepared him to defend against threats from President Trump, and he warns Trump would use Mamdani's election as an excuse to take over the city.Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, explains why he now regrets stepping down and responds to questions about how he has changed and what he has learned.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

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Justice Anthony Kennedy talks to Margaret Hoover about his three decades on the Supreme Court and the threats he sees to American democracy today.As the court begins a new term, Kennedy, who took senior status in 2018, discusses the relationship between the Supreme Court and the executive branch and the prospect of a president defying the court's orders.Kennedy, author of the new memoir Life, Law, and Liberty, reflects on his Citizens United opinion and its impact on political spending. He also explains why he believes it would be “unfortunate” if the court overturns his opinion affirming the right to same-sex marriage.Amid declining public confidence in the Supreme Court, Kennedy expresses concern about the growing incivility between the current justices and comments on the challenges of enforcing an ethics code on the court.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

This week In The Current, some of the crew is on site at a small gun range.  They were dialing in some hunting rifles, but really, they were all excited to shoot this fancy new gun that Esteban won.  Check it out!!  Instagram: @rutandriverpursuits For more In The Currents go to https://rutandriverpursuits.com/ 

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's cyber ambassador, sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about technology, democracy, and the fate of Taiwan amid new threats from China.Tang, who served as Taiwan's first minister of digital affairs, reflects on her work integrating technology into the government and the lessons learned from its successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic.She explains why she believes technological advances like social media can be used to bring people together instead of dividing them, and she discusses projects in California and Kentucky that have attempted to do that.Tang also addresses how Taiwan is preparing for potential attacks by China and why Taiwan's freedom is important to other democracies around the world.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

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Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales lays out his concerns about the indictment of James Comey and the Trump administration defying the norms of Justice Department independence.Gonzales–a Republican who supported Kamala Harris in 2024 due to concerns about Trump and the rule of law–says Trump's effort to direct the department to prosecute his enemies threatens to undermine public confidence in the justice system. Gonzales, who also served as White House counsel under President George W. Bush, also addresses Trump's use of the same emergency powers Bush exercised after 9/11 to confront issues like immigration and questions the legality of recent strikes against alleged drug boats in international waters.He comments on declining trust in the Supreme Court, the implications of its presidential immunity ruling for Trump's second term, and the failure of Congress to act as a check on the executive branch.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

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World Food Programme Director Cindy McCain joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the global food crisis and the need for more resources to fight it.In a conversation on the sidelines of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, McCain details the impact of humanitarian aid cuts by the U.S. and other countries, which she believes have already cost lives around the world. She also addresses the danger humanitarian workers face in conflict zones and urges governments to stop targeting them.McCain talks about the challenges WFP faces in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Gaza as hunger mounts and conditions limit access. She comments on the effectiveness of the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and explains why she believes WFP is better suited to deliver aid in Gaza.As President Trump questions the purpose of the UN at this week's General Assembly, McCain also defends its mission and outlines steps WFP has taken to make its own operations more efficient.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

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Political violence expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the rising threat of political violence in America.Miller-Idriss, author of the new book “Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism,” details some of the factors fueling radicalization, including online gaming and social media. She also explains why young men have proven particularly susceptible to extremist influences amid a crisis of masculinity in society.As conservatives cast blame on the left and demand vengeance for Kirk's death, Miller-Idriss warns of vigilanteism and suppression of free speech. She says there is “unquestionably” a danger of further violence if rhetoric is not toned down.Miller-Idriss, the founding director of the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab at American University, also talks about potential solutions to radicalization and what she has learned from talking to students about these issues.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Cable TV titan John Malone joins Margaret Hoover to talk about his new memoir, “Born to Be Wired,” and current challenges in media and politics.Malone, who played a key role in the development of the cable industry at Tele-Communications Inc. and Liberty Media Corp., explains why he opposed efforts to regulate his industry like net neutrality–and why he now believes more aggressive regulation is necessary for Big Tech today. Still, he also defends the CEOs of major tech companies like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk as “heroes of a capitalistic society.”Malone–the chairman emeritus of CNN's parent company Warner Bros. Discovery–reflects on the state of the news media today, the need for objective reporting, and the consequences of a fractured media landscape.He also discusses the dysfunction of Congress and expansion of executive power and comments on President Trump's second term, saying “I like his policies, but his style is so disruptive and divisive that I'm not sure at the end of the day the country can survive it.”Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Krista Modlin from the California National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) joins Rick to talk turkey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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As China asserts itself as a global power, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) sits down with Margaret Hoover in D.C. to discuss the threat posed by Beijing and its authoritarian allies and the Trump administration's response.The Senate Foreign Relations Committee member recounts his recent visit to the Indo-Pacific with a bipartisan congressional delegation and reacts to China's massive military parade this week. He explains why he fears Trump is undermining alliances and placing the world order at risk.Coons also addresses Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine, the plight of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia, and where he feels the Biden administration's response to Putin's aggression went wrong.Coons comments on Democratic Party's divisions over Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also addresses Trump's National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. and the limits of the judiciary's ability to rein in the president's use of executive power—and explains why he wants HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Kevin Small and Kurt Williams join Rick to talk about fighting for freedom in CaliforniaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute and Chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation joins Rick to talk about help for people with suicidal thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Tanenhaus, author of a long-awaited biography of William F. Buckley Jr., sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the original “Firing Line” host's life and legacy a century after his birth.In “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,” Tanenhaus details Buckley's childhood, his rise to lead the American conservative movement, and his later years. He explains why he believes Buckley chose him to tell this story and responds to some of the book's conservative critics.Tanenhaus defends his handling of Buckley's Catholicism and his evolution on racial issues throughout his life, as well as his assertion that Buckley was more of an arguer than a thinker. He also pushes back against those who question his decision to address suspicions about Buckley's sexuality in the book.Tanenhaus discusses Buckley's lasting impact on journalism and politics, including the extent to which he might have laid the groundwork for President Trump's MAGA movement. After spending nearly three decades writing the book, he also reflects on his own relationship with Buckley.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Paul Trouette, President, Mendocino County Black Tail Deer Association and David Casady, Wildlife Biologist for the Mendocino County Black Tail Deer Association join Rick to talk about deer in California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Hoon, Manager, government Affairs, Delta Waterfowl, joins Rick to talk Duck management in California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick has a very interesting discussion with Kent Brown, President of CCW Safe about what happens when you use your firearm in self-defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a heated segment of "Bald-Faced Lie, Bald-Faced Truth," Sal and Hoff squared off over the futures of Aaron Boone and Brian Daboll. Sal passionately declared it a "Bald-Faced Lie" that Boone would outlast Daboll, arguing that while he believes Daboll is a good coach who will be given more time, Boone is a symptom of a larger organizational problem. Sal stated that the Yankees' issues are rooted in a flawed culture and poor roster construction, and that while firing Boone would be a misguided scapegoat move, it is the more likely outcome, leaving him with a shorter leash than Daboll.

New York Congressman Mike Lawler sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his approach to legislating as one of only three Republicans in the House representing a district Kamala Harris won in 2024 and why he believes his Democratic-leaning constituents should reelect him next year.Lawler, who recently ruled out a run for governor, talks about defending his record at often rowdy town halls and highlights instances where he has stood up to the Trump administration. He also explains how he has succeeded in advancing his district's priorities, like raising the cap on the state and local tax deduction in Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill.Lawler, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and Africa Subcommittee, responds to Trump's criticism of Israel over starvation in Gaza and lays out his view of the conflict. He also comments on declining support for Israel in the U.S., particularly among younger Americans.Lawler defends the OBBBA's Medicaid provisions and disputes projections of the bill's costs. He also reacts to controversy over Texas Republicans trying to redraw congressional maps mid-decade–which has led Democrats in his state to threaten to do the same–and makes the case for banning partisan redistricting nationwide.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Kurt Williams, Coordinator for Elections and Legislative Activities, CRPA joins Rick to discuss the importance of electing pro Second Amendment candidates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California's unconstitutional 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition is devastating gun stores across the state and pricing out law-abiding citizens from their Second Amendment rights. Jake from The Firing Line in Clovis reveals how his business saw an immediate 50-60% drop in sales when the tax took effect, and why this is really a poll tax on constitutional rights. This isn't just about "gun guys and their toys" - it's about fundamental freedoms and equal access to self-defense for all Californians, regardless of income level. Also Discussed: Gun Truth: Firearms accidents are extremely rare (0.3% of deaths) MAJOR WIN: 9th Circuit strikes down CA ammo background checks Jason Martin on firearms training and hunting in San Diego SIG Sauer P320 safety crisis after tragic Air Force incident New online CCW training expanding across California FPC victory as Biden pistol brace rule gets dismissed Defensive gun use: Woman saves husband in hostage situation SEAL1's Stump My Nephew: Which rifle did the WWI Pedersen Device convert to semi-auto?   The right to self-defense is a basic human right. Gun ownership is an integral part of that right. If you want to keep your Second Amendment rights, defend them by joining San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), Orange County Gun Owners (OCGO), or Inland Empire Gun Owners (IEGO). https://www.sandiegocountygunowners.com https://orangecountygunowners.com http://inlandempiregunowners.com Support the cause by listening to Gun Owners Radio live on Sunday afternoon or on any podcast app at your leisure. Together we will win. SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT YOUR SELF DEFENSE RIGHTS! Get expert legal advice on any firearm-related issues: https://dillonlawgp.com Smarter web development and digital marketing help: https://www.sagetree.com Clean your guns easier, faster, and safer! https://seal1.com Get your cases & outdoor gear at C.A.R.G.O in El Cajon or visit them at https://cargostores.com

Conservative economist Jessica Riedl joins Margaret Hoover to talk about tariffs, tax cuts, and the threat of the growing national debt. She explains why President Trump's tariffs have not yet upended the economy and why she believes American consumers will ultimately bear the costs of Trump's policies.Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, assesses the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and argues it is unlikely to produce the rapid economic growth the White House has predicted. She discusses a potential debt crisis and the reforms to Medicare and Social Security that could help avert it, as well as the political obstacles standing in the way.Riedl has spent more than 20 years in Republican economic policy circles–including advising Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio's presidential campaigns–and she reflects on how the party's embrace of populism under Trump has left traditional conservatives like her politically “homeless.”Riedl emphasizes the importance of the Federal Reserve's independence, envisions how GOP economic policy may evolve after Trump leaves office, and expresses some hope for the country's fiscal future.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Kevin Small, Director of Grass Roots & Advocacy, CRPA and Kurt Williams, Coordinator of Elections & Politics, CRPA join in with Rick to discuss Gavin Newsom and importance of voter IDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss her economic “war plan” for Democrats and her approach to bridging the ideological divisions within the party.Slotkin–who won her seat even as Donald Trump won her state–calls for Democrats to stop being so sensitive, responds to the rise of progressive populists like Zohran Mamdani, and addresses the challenges of confronting the national debt. She also comments on Mamdani's refusal to condemn the use of the phrase “globalize the intifada” by anti-Israel protesters.The former CIA analyst talks about the impact of the rescission package Republicans passed this week and explains why she believes some GOP lawmakers are afraid to defy the president. She also discusses Trump's agreement to provide weapons to Ukraine through NATO and the possibility of restoring deterrence against America's adversaries. Slotkin reacts to the rift among Republicans over the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and defends her bill that would require immigration officers to clearly identify themselves when making arrests.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD 8) was the House manager of the second Trump impeachment in the Senate; is an outstanding constitutional scholar; a long-time law professor; a renowned author; a driving force behind the January 6th committee; and the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.  For the great privilege of interviewing him, we need all the tools a great interviewer would have.  It is therefore appropriate that we also interview Sam Tanenhaus, the biographer, in a new and magisterial work, of William F. Buckley, perhaps the best known and most fearlessly non-partisan in his selection of interview subjects.  Sam Tanenhaus has written the definitive work on Buckley, whose Firing Line project was in some ways an inspiration for our own podcast.  CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.

Former Vice President Mike Pence sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the first six months of Donald Trump's second term and his advocacy for adhering to the conservative principles that he feels led to success in the first Trump administration.Pence assesses President Trump's apparent shift toward a more aggressive posture against Vladimir Putin and makes the case for continued U.S. aid to Ukraine. He also praises Trump's support for Israel and suggests the debate over striking Iran's nuclear facilities dampened the influence of GOP isolationists on the president.But Pence raises concerns about Trump's tariffs–which he says the president has no authority to impose–and his refusal to enforce the ban on TikTok that was passed by Congress. He defends Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill for extending the Trump-Pence tax cuts and reforming Medicaid, but he calls for more leadership from Republicans on reducing deficits going forward.Pence also explains why he sent a letter to a January 6th rioter who refused a pardon from President Trump, and he offers his take on whether Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, whether Afghans who aided the U.S. should face deportation, and whether the Trump family should be profiting off the presidency.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.