Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
@firinglineshow.bsky.social
A rigorous contest of ideas in the Firing Line tradition, every week on PBS with Margaret Hoover.
Listings: http://to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
Youtube: http://bit.ly/FLMYT4
Podcast: http://bit.ly/FLMH4
App: http://to.pbs.org/3C32LZ8
Listings: http://to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
Youtube: http://bit.ly/FLMYT4
Podcast: http://bit.ly/FLMH4
App: http://to.pbs.org/3C32LZ8
"Everything that's happened over the last year and a half is a reflection of the fact that our political system... isn't functioning," says @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu as the midterms approach.
"Having a different kind of Congress will help, but it doesn't end or solve the problem."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
"Having a different kind of Congress will help, but it doesn't end or solve the problem."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
September 26, 2026 at 6:59 PM
"Everything that's happened over the last year and a half is a reflection of the fact that our political system... isn't functioning," says @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu as the midterms approach.
"Having a different kind of Congress will help, but it doesn't end or solve the problem."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
"Having a different kind of Congress will help, but it doesn't end or solve the problem."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
“American foreign policy should be about benefiting all Americans,” says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu.
“When it’s designed to enrich a few people who have some kind of contact to the administration... it’s not good for America.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4dYciVj
“When it’s designed to enrich a few people who have some kind of contact to the administration... it’s not good for America.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4dYciVj
September 26, 2026 at 12:33 PM
“American foreign policy should be about benefiting all Americans,” says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu.
“When it’s designed to enrich a few people who have some kind of contact to the administration... it’s not good for America.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4dYciVj
“When it’s designed to enrich a few people who have some kind of contact to the administration... it’s not good for America.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4dYciVj
"The ideas that are powering this revolution and the companies who are taking advantage of it... are not going away," says @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu.
"So assuming that all this stuff will somehow disappear and we go back to some previous world, I think, would be a mistake."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
"So assuming that all this stuff will somehow disappear and we go back to some previous world, I think, would be a mistake."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
September 26, 2026 at 1:36 AM
"The ideas that are powering this revolution and the companies who are taking advantage of it... are not going away," says @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu.
"So assuming that all this stuff will somehow disappear and we go back to some previous world, I think, would be a mistake."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
"So assuming that all this stuff will somehow disappear and we go back to some previous world, I think, would be a mistake."
bit.ly/3TTNy9Y
Is the Trump administration full of “revolutionaries?"
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues that members of the administration want to remake not only America, but the international order.
“They want to smash and destroy America’s relations.”
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues that members of the administration want to remake not only America, but the international order.
“They want to smash and destroy America’s relations.”
September 25, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Is the Trump administration full of “revolutionaries?"
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues that members of the administration want to remake not only America, but the international order.
“They want to smash and destroy America’s relations.”
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues that members of the administration want to remake not only America, but the international order.
“They want to smash and destroy America’s relations.”
Is U.S. foreign policy for sale?
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—and reshaping conflicts from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
TONIGHT 8:30 pm ET
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—and reshaping conflicts from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
TONIGHT 8:30 pm ET
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
September 25, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Is U.S. foreign policy for sale?
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—and reshaping conflicts from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
TONIGHT 8:30 pm ET
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—and reshaping conflicts from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
TONIGHT 8:30 pm ET
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran helps the regime because "it makes people inside Iran feel they need protection."
And while she defines “real victory” as a change of government or a more humane regime, the U.S. “doesn't have a strategy to achieve that.”
And while she defines “real victory” as a change of government or a more humane regime, the U.S. “doesn't have a strategy to achieve that.”
September 25, 2026 at 3:58 PM
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu argues Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran helps the regime because "it makes people inside Iran feel they need protection."
And while she defines “real victory” as a change of government or a more humane regime, the U.S. “doesn't have a strategy to achieve that.”
And while she defines “real victory” as a change of government or a more humane regime, the U.S. “doesn't have a strategy to achieve that.”
In 1990, Ronald Reagan told William F. Buckley Jr. how the U.S. and Soviet Union negotiated limits on nuclear weapons.
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu says the framework could apply to adversaries like the U.S. and China today—but worries President Trump “wants to dismiss the dangers of AI and move on.”
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu says the framework could apply to adversaries like the U.S. and China today—but worries President Trump “wants to dismiss the dangers of AI and move on.”
September 25, 2026 at 1:25 PM
In 1990, Ronald Reagan told William F. Buckley Jr. how the U.S. and Soviet Union negotiated limits on nuclear weapons.
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu says the framework could apply to adversaries like the U.S. and China today—but worries President Trump “wants to dismiss the dangers of AI and move on.”
@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu says the framework could apply to adversaries like the U.S. and China today—but worries President Trump “wants to dismiss the dangers of AI and move on.”
As President Trump addresses the UN and hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping, @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu explains how an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Local listings: to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Local listings: to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
September 24, 2026 at 10:28 PM
As President Trump addresses the UN and hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping, @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu explains how an alliance of ideologues and grifters is remaking American foreign policy—from Iran and Ukraine to Venezuela and Cuba.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Local listings: to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Local listings: to.pbs.org/39hI6Tf
How strong is the American economy, really?
“There’s massive debt. There’s a huge deficit. There’s a lot of social friction in society,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
But with the U.S. still growing and an AI-fueled wave of innovation ahead: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
“There’s massive debt. There’s a huge deficit. There’s a lot of social friction in society,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
But with the U.S. still growing and an AI-fueled wave of innovation ahead: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
September 22, 2026 at 12:33 PM
How strong is the American economy, really?
“There’s massive debt. There’s a huge deficit. There’s a lot of social friction in society,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
But with the U.S. still growing and an AI-fueled wave of innovation ahead: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
“There’s massive debt. There’s a huge deficit. There’s a lot of social friction in society,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
But with the U.S. still growing and an AI-fueled wave of innovation ahead: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
Is the world losing faith in America?
“Absolutely,” says economist Dambisa Moyo, as America’s debt tops $40 trillion and concerns about de-dollarization grow.
But from AI to America’s culture of innovation, Moyo remains “fundamentally optimistic” about the country’s economic future.
“Absolutely,” says economist Dambisa Moyo, as America’s debt tops $40 trillion and concerns about de-dollarization grow.
But from AI to America’s culture of innovation, Moyo remains “fundamentally optimistic” about the country’s economic future.
September 21, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Is the world losing faith in America?
“Absolutely,” says economist Dambisa Moyo, as America’s debt tops $40 trillion and concerns about de-dollarization grow.
But from AI to America’s culture of innovation, Moyo remains “fundamentally optimistic” about the country’s economic future.
“Absolutely,” says economist Dambisa Moyo, as America’s debt tops $40 trillion and concerns about de-dollarization grow.
But from AI to America’s culture of innovation, Moyo remains “fundamentally optimistic” about the country’s economic future.
"Where's the good in the United States running hard to slow it down if in China, they're speeding up?"
Amid dire warnings from American AI execs, Dambisa Moyo explains why the technology needs some sort of global governance framework to ensure safety.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
Amid dire warnings from American AI execs, Dambisa Moyo explains why the technology needs some sort of global governance framework to ensure safety.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
September 21, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"Where's the good in the United States running hard to slow it down if in China, they're speeding up?"
Amid dire warnings from American AI execs, Dambisa Moyo explains why the technology needs some sort of global governance framework to ensure safety.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
Amid dire warnings from American AI execs, Dambisa Moyo explains why the technology needs some sort of global governance framework to ensure safety.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
Can an AI boom help the U.S. grow out of its debt?
"The short answer is, yes, I'm optimistic," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"I don't want to sound naive," she adds. "Of course, there are risks."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
"The short answer is, yes, I'm optimistic," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"I don't want to sound naive," she adds. "Of course, there are risks."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
September 20, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Can an AI boom help the U.S. grow out of its debt?
"The short answer is, yes, I'm optimistic," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"I don't want to sound naive," she adds. "Of course, there are risks."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
"The short answer is, yes, I'm optimistic," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"I don't want to sound naive," she adds. "Of course, there are risks."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
"Every single day, every single moment the bond market is moving around means that it is impacting our lives."
As bond yields rise, economist Dambisa Moyo explains how the effects of higher rates trickle through the rest of the economy.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
As bond yields rise, economist Dambisa Moyo explains how the effects of higher rates trickle through the rest of the economy.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
September 20, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"Every single day, every single moment the bond market is moving around means that it is impacting our lives."
As bond yields rise, economist Dambisa Moyo explains how the effects of higher rates trickle through the rest of the economy.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
As bond yields rise, economist Dambisa Moyo explains how the effects of higher rates trickle through the rest of the economy.
Follow on Apple: bit.ly/3TaLz0O
Was the Fed right to raise interest rates despite President Trump’s demands for lower rates?
“Clearly the market was of the view that there was going to be a rate hike and a rate hike was delivered,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
“On balance, it was the right move.”
“Clearly the market was of the view that there was going to be a rate hike and a rate hike was delivered,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
“On balance, it was the right move.”
September 19, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Was the Fed right to raise interest rates despite President Trump’s demands for lower rates?
“Clearly the market was of the view that there was going to be a rate hike and a rate hike was delivered,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
“On balance, it was the right move.”
“Clearly the market was of the view that there was going to be a rate hike and a rate hike was delivered,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
“On balance, it was the right move.”
Can AI grow America out of $40 trillion in debt—before it kills us?
New York Economic Club Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down the forces reshaping the U.S. economy—and why, despite it all, she says: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4hkbqLH
New York Economic Club Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down the forces reshaping the U.S. economy—and why, despite it all, she says: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4hkbqLH
September 19, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Can AI grow America out of $40 trillion in debt—before it kills us?
New York Economic Club Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down the forces reshaping the U.S. economy—and why, despite it all, she says: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4hkbqLH
New York Economic Club Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down the forces reshaping the U.S. economy—and why, despite it all, she says: “You don’t want to bet against the United States.”
FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4hkbqLH
"The fundamental problem that the United States has right now is that it has a massive deficit," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"If your economy is not growing...then you end up with a situation where the debt becomes quite problematic."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
"If your economy is not growing...then you end up with a situation where the debt becomes quite problematic."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
September 19, 2026 at 1:05 AM
"The fundamental problem that the United States has right now is that it has a massive deficit," says economist Dambisa Moyo.
"If your economy is not growing...then you end up with a situation where the debt becomes quite problematic."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
"If your economy is not growing...then you end up with a situation where the debt becomes quite problematic."
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4y8Nd28
This week, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh led a unanimous vote of the Federal Open Market Committee to raise interest rates for the first time since 2023—defying President Trump.
Does this settle the question of the Fed’s independence?
“I would imagine so,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
Does this settle the question of the Fed’s independence?
“I would imagine so,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
September 18, 2026 at 10:53 PM
This week, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh led a unanimous vote of the Federal Open Market Committee to raise interest rates for the first time since 2023—defying President Trump.
Does this settle the question of the Fed’s independence?
“I would imagine so,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
Does this settle the question of the Fed’s independence?
“I would imagine so,” says economist Dambisa Moyo.
As AI leaders warn of an existential threat—and skeptics question the timing of their calls for regulation—economist Dambisa Moyo says debating motives misses the point.
Even a remote risk of human extinction, she argues, demands serious consideration of extraordinary safeguards.
Even a remote risk of human extinction, she argues, demands serious consideration of extraordinary safeguards.
September 18, 2026 at 9:06 PM
As AI leaders warn of an existential threat—and skeptics question the timing of their calls for regulation—economist Dambisa Moyo says debating motives misses the point.
Even a remote risk of human extinction, she argues, demands serious consideration of extraordinary safeguards.
Even a remote risk of human extinction, she argues, demands serious consideration of extraordinary safeguards.
Can AI save the economy—without destroying humanity?
As the Fed raises interest rates, bond markets roil, and AI leaders sound the alarm, Economic Club of New York Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down what it all means for the economy.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
As the Fed raises interest rates, bond markets roil, and AI leaders sound the alarm, Economic Club of New York Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down what it all means for the economy.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
September 18, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Can AI save the economy—without destroying humanity?
As the Fed raises interest rates, bond markets roil, and AI leaders sound the alarm, Economic Club of New York Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down what it all means for the economy.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
As the Fed raises interest rates, bond markets roil, and AI leaders sound the alarm, Economic Club of New York Chair Dambisa Moyo breaks down what it all means for the economy.
FRIDAY @pbs.org
Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4gKe6lw
Can Americans disagree without hating each other?
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says “disagree better” doesn’t mean compromising your values:
“Be passionate about what you believe, but…do so in a way that’s respectful and, again, not shoot each other.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says “disagree better” doesn’t mean compromising your values:
“Be passionate about what you believe, but…do so in a way that’s respectful and, again, not shoot each other.”
September 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Can Americans disagree without hating each other?
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says “disagree better” doesn’t mean compromising your values:
“Be passionate about what you believe, but…do so in a way that’s respectful and, again, not shoot each other.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says “disagree better” doesn’t mean compromising your values:
“Be passionate about what you believe, but…do so in a way that’s respectful and, again, not shoot each other.”
What’s driving America’s political violence—polarization or alienation?
“The crisis of polarization stems from the crisis of alienation,” says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
For young people especially, he says rebuilding “purpose and belonging” is critical.
“The crisis of polarization stems from the crisis of alienation,” says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
For young people especially, he says rebuilding “purpose and belonging” is critical.
September 15, 2026 at 12:33 PM
What’s driving America’s political violence—polarization or alienation?
“The crisis of polarization stems from the crisis of alienation,” says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
For young people especially, he says rebuilding “purpose and belonging” is critical.
“The crisis of polarization stems from the crisis of alienation,” says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
For young people especially, he says rebuilding “purpose and belonging” is critical.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox once asked President Biden to pardon Trump, and believes President Ford was right to pardon President Nixon. Should presidents be held accountable to the law?
“The founders did not want the presidency to be the most important position,” says Cox.
“The founders did not want the presidency to be the most important position,” says Cox.
September 14, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox once asked President Biden to pardon Trump, and believes President Ford was right to pardon President Nixon. Should presidents be held accountable to the law?
“The founders did not want the presidency to be the most important position,” says Cox.
“The founders did not want the presidency to be the most important position,” says Cox.
"You can actually win elections with a positive message without just constantly tearing down your opponent, making up lies about them, or trying to just destroy them."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox assesses the lessons learned from his "Disagree Better" initiative.
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4yBQGWU
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox assesses the lessons learned from his "Disagree Better" initiative.
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4yBQGWU
September 14, 2026 at 6:59 PM
"You can actually win elections with a positive message without just constantly tearing down your opponent, making up lies about them, or trying to just destroy them."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox assesses the lessons learned from his "Disagree Better" initiative.
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4yBQGWU
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox assesses the lessons learned from his "Disagree Better" initiative.
Follow on Spotify: bit.ly/4yBQGWU
"The vast majority of Americans are desperate for something different," says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
"They want something different and they're trying to be better in this space, post less hate, get off their screens, looking for opportunities to connect in their communities.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
"They want something different and they're trying to be better in this space, post less hate, get off their screens, looking for opportunities to connect in their communities.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
Where is the off-ramp? Spencer Cox on defusing America’s crisis of polarization
Podcast Episode · Firing Line with Margaret Hoover · September 12 · 44m
bit.ly
September 14, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"The vast majority of Americans are desperate for something different," says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
"They want something different and they're trying to be better in this space, post less hate, get off their screens, looking for opportunities to connect in their communities.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
"They want something different and they're trying to be better in this space, post less hate, get off their screens, looking for opportunities to connect in their communities.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
"We as a nation have to decide that we're going to care about young men again, that we're going to start providing them opportunities, places where they can find belonging."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on the relationship between male alienation and political violence.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on the relationship between male alienation and political violence.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
September 13, 2026 at 6:59 PM
"We as a nation have to decide that we're going to care about young men again, that we're going to start providing them opportunities, places where they can find belonging."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on the relationship between male alienation and political violence.
bit.ly/4cHrcip
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on the relationship between male alienation and political violence.
bit.ly/4cHrcip