Joni Ernst | Full Episode 8.9.24 | Firing Line with Margaret Hoover | PBS

Iowa's Joni Ernst — one of the top Republicans in the U.S. Senate — shares her views on standing up to antisemitism and violence against women, the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, and why civility still matters in politics.

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FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER airs on PBS. Launched in June 2018, Firing Line maintains the character of the original series by William F. Buckley Jr., providing a platform that is diligent in its commitment to a balanced exchange of opinion. In weekly 30-minute episodes, host Margaret Hoover engages in a rigorous exchange of ideas with political leaders, cultural luminaries, thought leaders and activists who represent a wide range of ideas and perspectives. New episodes are available Fridays here on YouTube at 8:30 pm ET.

[lisalivingston]

As a life-long Democrat, Joni Ernst is the type of Republican I have voted for in the past. I always used to think that our government ran more effectively with a mix of moderate Democrats as well as Republicans. Since the era of former President Trump and the MAGA movement, I have not voted for one Republican, except in my hometown, because I personally know them and their traditional conservative values, as well as their ability to work effectively with their Democrat colleagues. It is just too dangerous at this point to take a chance on voting for a Republican I do not know, because even if they are moderate and pragmatic, they are often forced to adhere to extremist views and policies to stay afloat in this current Republican Party. I hope when the Republicans eventually tire of losing elections, they will return to their more traditionally conservative policies that were synonymous with the GOP of the past.

[senior_ranger]

Her tragic mistake is believing (if she actually does) that Trump cares about ANYTHING except Trump.

[joeb]

She hasn't done one thing for Iowa except spend our tax dollars. It would be appreciated if you would ask her some hard questions instead of softball ones. Thanks.

[leslieross]

I thought Tammy Duckworth was the first female combat veteran elected to Congress and then the Senate. Also, I’ve often wondered how the shift to more market driven agriculture programs affected the shift towards more support of the Republican Party in the Midwest.

[charlesunderwood]

Mrs Hoover missed the question. Are there good people on both sides?

[jps]

Ernst seems like a person who has spent zero time in urban America, where half of Americans live, and where the majority of GDP, innovation, and tax dollars are generated. "The Republicans are the party of hard-working Americans"? Give me a break. And, Martha, Walz is pronounced "walls". KAM-a-la/Walls.

[pamlewis]

My Grandmother was born in Odessa Ukraine. She came to America with her parents and siblings when she was five.

[chinmaiification]

She went along with all of Trump's nonsense. I don't believe a word.

[pamlewis]

Foreign Policy, good policy! I confess, I agree totally with the Senator about this.

[pamelawessel]

Ms. Hoover delivers another softball interview. No follow up questions, no pushback on inferences of antisemitism in the Democratic Party. I’m offended. Ernsts’ presidential candidate supports white nationalists and promotes the great replacement. Charlottesville? It’s no wonder our country is so divided when journalists don’t probe blanket statements. It seems Ms Hoover doesn’t want to risk offending her guests; it might diminish her potential guest pool. Sad.

[rexcandy]

When you do these interviews you need to get into the nitty gritty of the West bank and the creeping invasion of illegal settlements and the apartheid that exists these are the issues that never get talked about

[sah]

I am from Iowa and Joni Ernst represents the worst of Iowa. She speaks soooo earnestly (pun intended) but she never really says anything. Just listen I mean really listen. There is nothing there.

[vinkoivomilicdiaz]

With this UK accent Buckley is a legend. #FiringLineShow

[lho]

No really hard questions from Ms Hoover. Regarding Sen. Ernst's military service and her oath to protect our US Constitution, how can she support Trump who clearly has no qualifications to be Commander in Chief and sees our men & women in uniform as suckers? Disappointing interview.

[MrRano]

Softball after Softball.. Ask her about Project 2025.

[MrMikesee]

Republican politics is not being guided by its Joni Ernsts. It is being directed by unelected off-stage interests who believe in the practical effectiveness of corruption in opposition to the nuancing deliberations of consensus arbitration, i.e., the democratic process.

[OliverdeClisson]

there were so many UNNCECESSARY victims from the first hamas attack on oct 7 because netanjahu hold back the army and police several hours from attacking the first wave of terrorists AND he ignored egyptian intelligence warnings that told him that hamas is planning smth.