What does authentic leadership look like in a world that's more divided than ever? How do you have meaningful conversations with people who see the world completely differently? And what happens when democracy itself is being tested?

In the final guest episode of Season 2 of Ask for an Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with foreign policy expert, political analyst, and University of Pennsylvania executive director Marie Harf for a candid conversation about leadership, civic responsibility, and why engaging across differences matters now more than ever.

Drawing on her experience at the CIA, the U.S. State Department, and nearly a decade as a Democratic political analyst on Fox News, Marie shares what she's learned about communicating across political divides, America's changing role on the global stage, and why thoughtful disagreement is essential to a healthy democracy.

Together, Jim and Marie explore the challenges facing the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election, the qualities the next generation of leaders will need, and why hope, curiosity, and community remain powerful forces during uncertain times.

Whether you're passionate about politics, interested in leadership, or simply looking for a thoughtful conversation about where we go from here, this episode offers perspective without sacrificing nuance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why America's role in the world is changing and what it means for the future
• How to have productive conversations with people you fundamentally disagree with
• The leadership qualities the next generation of political leaders will need
• Why democracy depends on participation, not perfection
• How radical kindness, curiosity, and community can bridge even our deepest divides

00:00 Why Democracy Depends on Better Conversations

03:15 Marie Harf's Journey from the CIA to Fox News

08:05 America's Changing Role in the World

18:20 Inside Fox News: Finding Common Ground Across Political Divides

31:00 What Democrats Need to Learn Before the Next Election

42:15 The Leaders to Watch for 2028

50:00 Why Democracy Requires More Than Winning Elections

54:30 Hope, Civic Responsibility, and Building a Better Future Together

Meet Marie Harf

Marie Harf is a former CIA analyst and State Department Deputy Spokesperson who has spent her career at the intersection of foreign policy, national security, and public communication. She is the Executive Director of Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania and has been a Democratic political analyst on Fox News for nearly a decade, where she brings thoughtful perspective to some of the country's most important conversations about democracy, leadership, and America's role in the world.

Instagram: @marieharf

LinkedIn: Marie Harf

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Website: hijimfielding.com

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