The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum
News & Politics Podcasts
"The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum" is an unbiased and impartial interview-based program, illuminating key issues pertaining to Washington politics, national defense, homeland security, energy, the environment, the economy, and much more. Cullum says that what “The Hard Question” is all about is “trying to help the audience to be empowered, to be able to hear a deeper level of a conversation on an issue that may impact them and change their life.” With decades of experience in broadcasting and government service, Cullum knows the decision makers, and her guest list routinely includes the names you hear in the headlines: governors, senators, ambassadors, foreign heads of state state, as well as regular citizens. “When someone listens to my show,” BQ says, “I’m going to have people that you’re not normally going to hear in other places. For example, if something’s breaking anywhere in the world, there is going to be a good chance, because of my connections with those journalists, I’m able to get our audience plugged in faster than anyone. From the right and left they trust me because they know that I’m not reckless. I’m not irresponsible. I’ve proven to all sides that I just want to be a good presenter of the truth, and the truth stands more than any political point of view.” Cullum, who worked in both the George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush administrations, concedes that she leans “more to the right. ‘The Hard Question, on the other hand, is not my opinion,” she says. “It’s my ability to ask tough questions to people who are knowledgeable, make a difference, decision makers who have information that the public needs to have good, tough questions asked. “And the thing of it is, I’ve lived like a lot of people: I was a Democrat. I’ve been a Republican. But I’ve also been, like a lot of people right now, an Independent. I learned that politics is not a spectator sport. I like to empower my audience to know how to be able to communicate with the people that are making decisions about their lives. And sometimes people are not going to agree with me, but the fact of the matter is, that doesn’t matter. It’s not about me. It’s about getting to the core of the topic.”
Location:
United States
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
"The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum" is an unbiased and impartial interview-based program, illuminating key issues pertaining to Washington politics, national defense, homeland security, energy, the environment, the economy, and much more. Cullum says that what “The Hard Question” is all about is “trying to help the audience to be empowered, to be able to hear a deeper level of a conversation on an issue that may impact them and change their life.” With decades of experience in broadcasting and government service, Cullum knows the decision makers, and her guest list routinely includes the names you hear in the headlines: governors, senators, ambassadors, foreign heads of state state, as well as regular citizens. “When someone listens to my show,” BQ says, “I’m going to have people that you’re not normally going to hear in other places. For example, if something’s breaking anywhere in the world, there is going to be a good chance, because of my connections with those journalists, I’m able to get our audience plugged in faster than anyone. From the right and left they trust me because they know that I’m not reckless. I’m not irresponsible. I’ve proven to all sides that I just want to be a good presenter of the truth, and the truth stands more than any political point of view.” Cullum, who worked in both the George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush administrations, concedes that she leans “more to the right. ‘The Hard Question, on the other hand, is not my opinion,” she says. “It’s my ability to ask tough questions to people who are knowledgeable, make a difference, decision makers who have information that the public needs to have good, tough questions asked. “And the thing of it is, I’ve lived like a lot of people: I was a Democrat. I’ve been a Republican. But I’ve also been, like a lot of people right now, an Independent. I learned that politics is not a spectator sport. I like to empower my audience to know how to be able to communicate with the people that are making decisions about their lives. And sometimes people are not going to agree with me, but the fact of the matter is, that doesn’t matter. It’s not about me. It’s about getting to the core of the topic.”
Language:
English
Episodes
Insanity or Strategy? Are political parties determined to use the same old tactics to win?
5/18/2022
As the clock keeps ticking toward the midterm elections, will the political parties change their strategy to maintain or assume control of the Congress? Do they understand the voters, or are they clueless or arrogant? Will the Durham investigation hurt or even sink the Democrats in the upcoming elections? Joining Blanquita to discuss all this and more is former Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA). Doug Collins is a “common-sense conservative” and host of “The Doug Collins Podcast” on the Salem Podcast Network. As a former congressman and ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Collins knows what it means to fight for what he believes in. His first book, The Clock and The Calendar, offers an insider perspective on the first impeachment of Donald Trump. Prior to his time in Congress, Collins served in the Georgia state legislature. He also served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain, which included a deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009. As a lieutenant colonel, Collins remains active in the Air Force Reserve. He is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Duration:00:43:42
Are our leaders manipulating chaos to gain power? | Tony Shaeffer
5/12/2022
When chaos abounds, our attention is scattered. We have plenty of it! Ukraine, Title 42 about to end, our Southern borders erupting, the shocking leak of a document that could overturn Roe vs. Wade causing protests, more protests, and more protests. People are angry! Americans are turning against Americans. The issues are monumental: Parents fighting to reclaim their parental rights, freedom of speech and religion vilified -- some want them nullified and some cry that the Constitution is irrelevant. Of course, there is that pesky problem of the economy moving closer to the edge of a steep cliff. Many fear we are at the tipping point. What is in plain sight that we are missing? A solution? BQ is joined by Lt. Col. (Retired) Tony Shaeffer, President of the London Center for Policy Research to discuss. Tony Shaeffer is a New York Times bestselling author and CIA-trained intelligence operations officer with over 35 years of experience in global and national security. In his think tank work he has been adviser to senior members of the White House, the intelligence community, Pentagon and key members of Congress. He also works with National Geographic as an advising producer and co-producer of the series “Chain of Command.” In 2017 he became the Homeland Security adviser to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department in Virginia and works as its member of the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau’s expanded task force. He is the author of Operation Dark Heart: Spycraft and Special Ops on the Frontlines of Afghanistan — And the Path to Victory.
Duration:00:43:40
Will the federal government's plan to reinstate ‘fiduciary rule’ hurt underserved communities?
1/31/2022
Today on “The Hard Question,” Blanquita Cullum is joined by Mario H. Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, an advocacy organization that promotes liberty, opportunity, and prosperity for all in public policy. He says the federal government is working toward reinstating “fiduciary rule” that would hurt underserved communities. Hispanic and Black families typically earn less than others, and their employers are less likely to offer 401(k)s or other retirement savings plans. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Hispanic families and more than half of Black families don’t have any form of retirement savings account. The federal government move to impose rules that could hurt the ability of many Americans to save for their retirement could be devastating. Visit "The Hard Question" show page: www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question
Duration:00:43:46
Did President Biden’s Press Conference answer questions or raise more doubts?| John Gizzi (1-20-22)
1/20/2022
This time on "The Hard Question," Blanquita Cullum is joined by senior White House correspondent for Newsmax John Gizzi to discuss the controversial press conference President Joe Biden had Wednesday, his first press conference in months. The president was chastised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government, who rebuked Biden's comments about how the U.S. would respond to a "minor incursion" by Russia, tweeting that there "are no minor incursions." President Biden had to backtrack and assert his support for Ukraine -- a stumble and nationally a political rumble. What's ahead? Visit "The Hard Question" show page: www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question
Duration:00:43:48
A true story of what students in China were willing to risk (1-4-22)
1/4/2022
This week on “The Hard Question” Blanquita Cullum starts the new year by interviewing the outstanding and visionary human rights filmmaker Leon Lee. Lee’s new movie, “Unsilenced,” will be released January 21. It’s based on the true-life story of the crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party and what a group of students risk to fight for freedom. A very powerful interview and a must-see film. ABOUT THE FILM Based on true events, “Unsilenced” follows Wang, a Chinese student and Falun Gong...
Duration:00:43:57
Can Congress work together in the style of the late Senator Bob Dole? | Jim Wholey | Nina May
12/16/2021
Joining Blanquita Cullum today on "The Hard Question" is attorney Jim Wholey, former chief of staff of the late Senator Bob Dole. Are Americans being encouraged to diminish the people we have traditionally honored as heroes? Also: Nina May, director of "Daily Bread," a faith-based post-apocalyptic drama. When this series first aired many said it was far-fetched. How about now? Visit "The Hard Question" show page: https://www.studiocchicago.com/the-hard-question
Duration:00:43:41
The Power of Many Voices Speaking as One: Fighting Human Trafficking | Andi Buerger (12-10-21)
12/10/2021
This week “The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum” welcomes the founder of Voices Against Trafficking, Andi Buerger JD. Andi Buerger is one of the world's most fearless fighters against human trafficking. Through her organizations Voices Against Trafficking and Beulah's Place she has rescued hundreds of innocents from the multibillion-dollar transnational criminal industry. Voices Against Trafficking (VAT) has published a landmark work, Voices Against Trafficking: The Strength of Many...
Duration:00:41:39
Can the great divide in our country be resolved? | Terry Beatley | Kevin McGary
12/2/2021
This time "The Hard Question" focuses on the divide in America — can it be resolved? Two very important legal cases have many in the country on edge. The Supreme Court is reviewing a Mississippi law that could that could impact Roe v. Wade. The justices will craft a decision that could dramatically limit abortion rights in the United States. In the hearing Wednesday, Justice Clarence Thomas asked if a mother has a right to ingest drugs and harm a pre-viable baby. The protests against and in...
Duration:00:42:44
Is the situation at the Southern border at the breaking point? | Rodney Scott (11-19-21)
11/19/2021
This week on “The Hard Question,” Blanquita is joined by former chief of Border Patrol Rodney Scott, currently a distinguished senior fellow for border security at the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF). Scott calls President Biden's proposed payouts to immigrants separated at the border during the Trump administration "ludicrous," and warns that border agents are overwhelmed and demoralized. BQ goes in depth and they discuss recent comments by the president of Mexico, who has threatened...
Duration:00:42:35
How have past and present presidential administrations made China a danger to our way of life?
11/12/2021
"The Hard Question" returns with a new episode! This time Blanquita welcomes back former Special Agent Eric Caron, author of “Switched On: The Heart and Mind of a Special Agent.” They discuss the influence of China on previous U.S. administrations and how it has affected our security, economy, and daily life. In-depth information and very insightful! Eric J. Caron is a dynamic former U.S. diplomat and U.S. special agent (25 years) who successfully conducted and managed covert operations...
Duration:00:44:26
What is the greatest peril facing America? | Bryan Griffin (9-27-21)
9/27/2021
What is the greatest peril facing America? Is the American public worn out from chaos, pandemic, isolation, fear, and a serious lack of trust in government? Do our elected leaders only want short-term, perceived political victories—which send a message of weakness to our enemies and our allies? Joining Blanquita to talk about it is Bryan Griffin, distinguished fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and author of "The Encyclopedia of Militant Islam." Visit "The Hard Question" online...
Duration:00:41:49
Who Do You Trust? | Eric Caron | Tony Shaffer (9-16-21)
9/16/2021
“The Hard Question with Blanquita Cullum” returns! Who do you trust? Allegations surround Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley who "called his Chinese counterpart twice in the waning months of Donald Trump’s presidency to secretly reassure Beijing that the U.S. would not attack,” according to a Milley spokesman. How serious is this? President Biden said he has "full confidence" in General Milley. Others demand that he resign, and even the word “treason” has been mentioned in...
Duration:00:40:50
210528 - Is the Middle Class in Trouble? | KEVIN WELLS | RICHARD MANNING
5/28/2021
Will impending inflation affect the middle class? Richard Manning calls in to tell us what he knows. Also, what do you know about Father Aloysius Schwartz? Kevin Wells joins BQ to tell part of his story. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210527 - Is the Origin of Covid Too Obvious? | DR. DANA CHENG | GROVER NORQUIST
5/27/2021
Intelligence is pointing to the possibility that the SARS-CoV-2 virus from Wuhan may have originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. What a shock! Dr. Dana Cheng joins the show to discuss. Also, BQ is joined by Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, who provides insight on the 87,000 new IRS agents Biden wants to hire. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210526 - Why the Rise in Anti-Semitism? | BRYAN GRIFFIN
5/26/2021
What did Palestine and Hamas achieve with the ceasefire? Bryan Griffin joins BQ to explain. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210521 - Does Biden Deserve Credit? | GREGG ROMAN | PASTOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS
5/21/2021
Gregg Roman joins BQ to talk about whether the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will hold, and who deserves the credit if it works. Later, Pastor Anthony Williams updates us on his progress to make violence treated as a public health crisis. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210520 - Parts of Oregon Want to Join Idaho... Is It Possible? | DAVID SHESTOKAS
5/20/2021
BQ is joined by David Shestokas. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210519 - What Were They Thinking? | MICHAEL N. SMITH
5/19/2021
Michael N. Smith is the author of "100 Worst Ideas in History," and it covers some interesting topics, which include; how a confused chauffeur helped start WWI, who turned down the greatest product placement opportunity in cinema history, "Disco Demolition," and much more. It'll be a nice little break from whatever the news is talking about today. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15
210518 - What Do You Know About EMP? | DR. PETER VINCENT PRY
5/18/2021
How critical and serious is the threat facing the United States' three ‘Grids’? Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can be caused by a naturally occurring solar storm, a nuclear weapon, or something as simple as a manmade suitcase-sized device, and would collapse electric grids. Moreover, EMP could be the ultimate cyber-weapon in the military doctrines and plans of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. How vulnerable are we? Joining BQ today is Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, known as the “Albert Einstein of...
Duration:00:40:15
210517 - Does Having Fewer Cops Equal More Crime? | THOMAS RUSKIN
5/17/2021
Some New Yorkers and Chicagoans want their respective police departments to be defunded, but crime rates are going up in both cities. What would happen if police were defunded? Thomas Ruskin joins BQ to discuss. Thank you to John Lester of LesterInsureOne.com for sponsoring!
Duration:00:40:15