Dana Perino : Purple State and Virginia

In this episode of The Brian Kilmeade Show, host Brian Kilmeade welcomes Dana Perino, Fox News co-anchor and author of her new fiction novel *Purple State*, a romantic political drama set in Wisconsin that explores themes of identity, relationships, and national polarization. Perino discusses how the book—though fictional—draws from her real-life experiences in politics, mentoring young professionals, and her deep affection for the Midwest. The story follows three young women from Manhattan who move to Wisconsin to work on a Democratic campaign, only to find themselves emotionally and ideologically transformed by the experience. Perino emphasizes the book’s bipartisan tone, its celebration of American resilience, and its subtle commentary on the dangers of political extremism and foreign interference in agriculture. She also reflects on her own journey as a writer, her love for fiction, and the surprising success of her book in the 'clean and wholesome romance' category. The conversation touches on broader political dynamics, including the Iraq War, the role of social media in deepening division, and the Democratic Party’s direction ahead of 2028.