Margaret Hoover

Margaret Hoover is a conservative political commentator, political strategist, media personality, author, and the great-granddaughter of Herbert Hoover, the 31st U.S. President. Hoover is the author of the book "American Individualism: How A New Generation of Conservatives Can Save the Republican Party," a work that Crown Forum published in July 2011. Alongside her writing, she hosts PBS's reboot of the longest-running public affairs show in television history, "Firing Line," and serves as a political contributor for CNN.

Hoover's experience in political strategy extends to serving as the White House Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs under President George W. Bush and as the deputy finance director for Rudy Giuliani’s Presidential exploratory committee. Her academic background includes graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in Spanish literature and a minor in political science. Her commitment to education extends to her position on the board of overseers at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Hoover's advocacy for gay rights is a significant part of her public presence. She testified before the Maryland Senate on behalf of gay marriage in 2011, actively participating in the battle to win gay marriage in New York the following year. She has served on the Advisory Board for the American Foundation for Equal Rights, co-chairs and founded the group Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry, and is on the board of GOProud. Her commitments saw her as a signatory to an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court in support of same-sex marriage in Hollingsworth v. Perry. Moreover, Hoover's advocacy work has been recognized with honors, such as the Nancy Nye Priest Award from the Alumni Association of Graland Country Day School and being celebrated at the Algemeiner Summer Benefit.

On a personal note, Hoover is married to fellow CNN contributor John Avlon, and they are parents to two children, Jack and Toula Lou.